John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.KJV
Acts 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,(KJV)
Acts 21:10-And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.(KJV)
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.(KJV)
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
The pursuit of Kingdom Truth is available through numerous avenues of practical discovery. Regrettably, many Christians have become trapped by an age-old intellectual bias that limits the full possibilities of the Truths of God to what they read in the Bible and biblical resource materials. Now, don’t misunderstand me! I believe we need to diligently study the Word because Jesus clearly stated in John 17:17: Thy word is truth! Nonetheless, truth is poorly defined by many believers and seldom recognized for its vast Kingdom perspectives. My previous articles have therefore been deliberate in defining Kingdom Truth, along with categorizing the types of truth originating and belonging to God. We’ve also considered how that many believers read their Bible with individualized, and often corrupting, filters that result in twisted interpretations of what they read and conclusively producing wrong applications of biblical principles. It would be very helpful for you to review those previous articles so this posting makes sense to you. Let me also remind you that we've learned that the truths of the Kingdom of God are expressed and exhibited in many ways. I’ve re-posted that list below for your reflection.
Truth in the Kingdom of God
(ALMOST ALWAYS PRECEDED BY MERCY)
Truth of God in His Character- Ex. 34:6; Jer 10:10
Truth of God in His Word- John 17:17; Ps 119:160; 1 Thess. 2:13
Truth of God in His Spirit- John 16:13; 1 John 4:6
Truth of God in His Law- Ps 119:142
Truth of God in our Lives and His Ways- Way of Truth- Ps. 119:130; 2 Pet. 2:2
Truth of God in His works- Dan 4:37
Spiritual truths in doctrines-Gal. 5:7; 3:1
Jesus is- John 14:6
The message of the gospel- Col 1:5
The anointing- 1 John 2:27
Character Truth- Way of righteousness
We've spent quite a bit of time looking at how Truth is prospected in the Bible. We’ll also look at that further in future posts. But our focus now is on how the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth, functions and brings truth to the believer. I have mentioned this before, but it bears saying again. Not every believer on the earth owns a Bible. Many wonderful Christians have never even seen the printed page of the Word. Does this mean that they cannot be partakers of truth? I dare say, sometimes I think they are very blessed in the intimate communicative exchange with God, that more “heady” knowledgeable believers lack even though they own and read a Bible. Dear God!!! Wake us up! Our faith and walk in Kingdom truth exceeds our intellectual know-it-all attitudes. We need to understand how the Spirit of Truth communicates to us!!!
In recent decades an odd sort of war has been waged against those believers who claim to hear from God. They’re scornfully labeled as lunatics and schizos by the people who don’t believe God talks! Now in saying this, I know I should qualify my statements because I'm very aware that mental illness does exist and should be “accurately” diagnosed. But if we claim to say we believe, and then out of the other side of our mouths deny that God is alive and well, and still speaking as He did in biblical times, we should simply pack up what we consider to be our faith and travel down the road to spiritual darkness. If there was ever a time when humankind needed to hear clearly from God, it’s now! In fact, I have felt for a number of years now, that as the desperation for truth builds, so will a welcome mat be laid out for those who can accurately speak the things that God what He wants to say to a needy world. Yes, there will no doubt be scoffers. But there is a growing openness to the things of a spiritual nature increasing in a variety of society's circles. I would not even be surprised if kings, presidents, and leaders of nations begin to be more open to hear from spiritually-minded individuals Nonetheless, until that happens, we need to understand how the Spirit of Truth operates. Therefore, to the best my ability, I will attempt to build a case for the Spirit of God’s speaking, and show you through His own written word, that He wants to speak truth to you on a daily basis.
It should be said: It’s not, IF He wants to speak? It’s: What does He want to say?” Think about it. What parents in their right minds would remain silent, never speaking to their children, never telling them how they feel about them, never teaching them how to live? That’s ridiculous. A caring loving parent speaks. So it is with God our Father.
At the beginning of this posting I selected and listed numerous biblical references citing that the Holy Spirit of truth speaks! These verses are just a few of the many! But let's take a closer look at some of the biblical examples that irrevocably prove that the Spirit of God is a speaker of truth!
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the Qarden.9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.(KJV)
In the beginning, after the creation of humankind, God did not cease speaking, nor did He desert His created ones. They, in fact, were familiar with His voice and heard Him from the onset of their existence, through the time of the Fall and even after. Genesis 3:8 states that they heard the voice of the Lord God. The Hebrew word “shama’”, translated as heard, refers to an intelligent form of hearing with the implications of attention for the purpose of obedience. It implies that they recognized His voice, even after having eaten of the forbidden fruit! Their reactions to His voice after the Fall were, however, very different from before the Fall. Nonetheless, He spoke and still speaks.
It’s hard to say for sure, but from what I’ve concluded, after having discussed this matter with many Christians, in many places of the world, it seems like very few believers understand and realize the deafening affects of the Fall. What’s more, even fewer realize that the New Birth transformation reinstated the ability of the believing heart to hear Him clearly once again. Even so, this must be taught, exercised and developed.
Exod 20:18-And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off, 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.(KJV)
Dent 5:27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our Gad shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do h.28 And the LORD heard the voice of your wards, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.(KJV)
In the Old Testament only a few persons could actually hear God and experienced manifestations of the Holy Spirit, those being prophets, some priests and kings. Regrettably, because of this deficit, people desperate for answers would seek out prophets who would then either speak them the truth or lies, depending on what they were listening to. There is also indication that the people were afraid to hear God speak to them so they wanted their leaders, like Moses to tell them what God was saying.
THE NEW BIRTH REINSTATES THE INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO HEAR GOD FOR THEMSELVES WITHOUT HAVING TO HAVE A PROPHET HEAR FOR THEM
John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a mbber.2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he gceth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.(KJV)
John 10:25-Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.(KJV)
MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE!
Eph 1:15-Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,KJV
You have been given a promise. If you’ve believed on Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can hear from God! It’s a guarantee and part of the package of salvation. Furthermore, Jesus stated that the Spirit would speak to us! (John 14:26; 16:13) The problem is, many Christians don’t believe it. So they repeatedly confess that they can’t hear God, essentially stopping their heart’s ears with their unbelief and reaping silence, or what’s worse, confusion. You need to realize this. God wants to speak to you and give you revelation! Paul beautifully wrote about this explaining that the Father of Glory will give you the spirit of wisdom (another aspect and name for the Holy Spirit) so that you might have revelation of who He is and that you would understand your spiritual inheritance and calling. You don’t have to remain ignorant.
John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a mbber.2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he gceth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.(KJV)
The greatest challenge a vast majority of saints face is that they aren’t familiar with His voice. So they walk a spiritual road of hit and miss, without realizing they could enjoy the Spirit’s speaking to them on a daily basis. John 10:4 states specifically that His sheep know His voice! Perhaps we need to be taught the truth about this? The new birth has cleaned out your ears! You were re-created to hear the Spirit and recognize His voice. But it does take faith to realize this truth or any truth afforded the believer. Therefore, if you’re constantly saying that you can’t hear God, you probably won’t be able to discern or recognize when He speaks and reveals anything to you. Consequently, you will need to change what you're saying. What you speak is inevitably what you get! Furthermore, it is no coincidence that the words you say affect what you believe and obtain. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. So change how you talk about how you hear from God.
Prov 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.(KJV)
Additionally, when you constantly doubt whether you have heard Him or not, for fear of being wrong, you also won’t hear Him clearly. Hearing God is not just about being right or wrong, it’s about relationship and obedience. Doubt and fear are often the cloaks for religious perfectionism or a lack of trusting God, and His Spirit in you. In the end, however, He leaves the choice to hear, up to you, but it is your responsibility to develop your hearing.
This knowing of His voice is also not a casual or accidental practice. The Greek word translated as “know” is defined in a very broad application. Therefore to know His voice involves numerous possibilities of how the Spirit of God expresses Himself. This is accomplished through a variety of means. Knowing His voice can mean you “see” something the Spirit is revealing. This might be with your spiritual eyes, or your natural eyes and other senses. It also could refer to noticing Him. A lot of the times God’s Spirit may be speaking to us, but we don’t take notice because we aren’t in the constant frame of mind of inspecting, examining or discerning the things around us as coming from the Lord. Hearing the Spirit speak is not just referring to actual hearing a noise or sound. It’s much deeper than that.
THE LIFE OF NORMAL CHRISTIANITY IS ONE IN WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH
If you aren’t enjoying the communication of the Holy Spirit, and expecting it to happen, you can start any time. Why be abnormal?
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
A few of the practical descriptions for how the Spirit speaks are defined by the Greek words used when various passages indicate the Spirit is talking.
- Sometimes the Spirit speaks in a manner that comes forth in the sound of a voice, as in uttering articulate sounds. Consider this reference.
Rev 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. KJV
2. On other occasions, however, the Spirit uses a declarative manner of speaking without sound, but with inward impressions that other people may speak in the Spirit’s behalf.
Consequently, this means we have to listen to what the Spirit speaks through other people, especially if we’re facing confrontational situations. It must also be noted that not everything the believer says as being the Word of Lord, comes from the Holy Spirit. Discern the truth with wisdom. There is a spirit of error. But if you remember what Jesus said in John 16:13, the Spirit speaks what is in accordance with what Jesus said and is consistent with Scripture. God is not double minded.
3. The Spirit also may speak, or say something, by spoken word and also through writing, that is authoritative, and bidding someone to do something. An example of this occurred when several early Church leaders had prayed and fasted. The Holy Spirit said, or better understood, commanded them to separate Barnabas and Saul to a specific work.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (KJV)
4. Probably one of the most intensive aspects of the Spirit speaking is when a human being is used prophetically and the Spirit relates in detail, in a systematic fashion, the plans and thoughts of God concerning a specific matter. This example of the Spirit speaking is very commonly exhibited when the beloved apostle John wrote “the Spirit saith to the churches” in the book of Revelation.
Acts 21:10-And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.(KJV)
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.(KJV) 2:11, 17,29; 3:6,13,22
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.(KJV)
On one occasion, in the letter to Timothy from Paul, the apostle stated the Spirit spoke expressly about end time conditions. The Greek word translated as this can be further defined as the Spirit is outspoken, or distinct. Honestly, I deeply appreciate this aspect of how the Spirit speaks. We desperately need this today.
1 Tim 4:1-Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Obviously, much could be written about each of these manners of speaking. I would, however, like to develop this train of thought and teaching a bit further by mentioning how God is revealed in truth and through what different ways the Spirit will speak so that you won’t be left without practical ways to discern His communication. Let me please list the following ways that God is revealed in truth and how the ways the Spirit of God speaks to us today. He is always consistent and unchanging. We can trust Him to communicate to us faithfully if we will simply be responsible and pay attention.
GOD IS REVEALED AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNERS
I will expound on MOST of these points in future blogs.
But consider the basic concepts in this list of how God is revealed and how the Spirit speaks truth!
NATURE AND CREATION
The Heavens declare the glory of God. This is one of the elements of creation that speaks of Him. Yes, creation has a voice! There are over 6000 biblical references that reinforce this. For example, the trees clap their hands. Yes it’s metaphorical, but what better way to demonstrate praise. The problem is that you must not be seduced by these voices. People love nature, sometimes so much so, that they ignore the other ways God is revealed in truth. I’m not a tree hugger. But I do know that God is revealed through the marvelous witness of the created things. Animism, however, is another thing entirely. We are not to worship the creation. The truths that the stars, trees, mountains and heavens declare should only stir us to worship Him more!
Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. KJV
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH HIS WORD. Thy word is a lamp!
Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. KJV
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH WHAT IS IDENTIFIED IN SCRIPTURE AS THE INWARD WITNESS, THE CONSCIENCE AND PERCEPTION.
1. INWARD WITNESS- Rom. 8:16
2. CONSCIENCE- Rom. 2:15; 9:1; John 8:9
3. PERCEPTION- Mark 2:8; Lk. 5:22
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH WHAT IS IDENTIFIED IN SCRIPTURE AS THE INWARD VOICE. Isa. 50:4-5
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH WHAT’S IDENTIFIED IN SCRIPTURE AS THE AUDIBLE VOICE OF GOD. 1 Sam. 3:1-10
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH PEACE, ESPECIALLY IN RELATIONSHIPS. Heb. 12:14
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH DREAMS. Job 33:15; Deut. 13; Joel 2:28
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH VISIONS.
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH REVELATIONS. (Pictures, Mental Images) 1 Cor. 14:26
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH ANGELS. Luke 1-2
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 1 Cor. 12
1. Prophecy
2. Tongues/ Interpretation
3. Word of knowledge
4. Word of Wisdom
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH AUTHORITY FIGURES, SUCH AS TEACHERS AND PARENTS.
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH ANIMALS. Balaam’s donkey- Numbers 22:28
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH EXTERNAL INFLUENCES.
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH FRUITFULNESS. Matt. 7:16-17
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES, THOUGH RARELY IS THIS DEPENDABLE.
GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH HISTORY.
Deut 32:7- Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. 8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. (KJV)
In conclusion, you can hear the Spirit speak! You just need to learn how He communicates and the things to be aware of when He does so. This is an adventure every Christian was created for. What a wonderful opportunity to know that we can link up with heaven? We'll look at more about how the Spirit speaks in the articles to come. I trust this is helpful to you!
