May 4, 2024
Read Deuteronomy 18, Psalm 149, Acts 27
There are a lot of voices in our culture that are claiming that God told me… _________ (fill in the blank).
God (supposedly) told Joseph Smith to start another church, because all the others were corrupt and wrong. God (supposedly) told Charles Taze Russel and the Watch Tower Tract and Bible Society that the world was going to end in 1874, 1914, 1975, etc. God (supposedly) tells many progressive Christians today that living a life in line with the LGBTQ lifestyles is okay with Him. God (supposedly) tells some preachers that certain political leaders are going to win the presidency. Many people claim that God speaks to them today through the Holy Spirit, a dream or vision. So how do we know when God speaks to us and when He doesn’t? There are things we can do to help us determine when God speaks to us and when it’s just bad case of Mexican food.
- Does it agree with God’s Word? The Holy Spirit, the author of all Scripture (1 Peter 3:xx) is not going to tell you something contrary to what He has already said. God does not change, nor does his nature and moral law.
- Does it bring peace? This is not a full proof test. Some people can find peace in their own sins, but if a person is truly a believer and seeking to follow Jesus the decision, they make will either bring peace (Philippians 4:7) from the Holy Spirit or a sense of unrest.
- Does it test well with the Fruits of the Holy Spirit? Does it foster the nine fruits of the Spirit in your life and the life of others? (Love, peace, Joy, faithfulness, gentleness, patience, etc. Galatians 5:22-23).
- Does it come with confirmation? Do other mature believers agree with you? (Proverbs 15:22) Does God tell the same thing to others or at the same time?
There are a few other things we can examine when we are questioning if God has spoken or not. We find one of them right here in Deuteronomy 18. God warned Israel not to listen to or follow false prophets that came into their cities claiming to speak for God. He gives them a two question test they can use to determine whether or not God has spoken.
“You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him” vv. 21-22.
First, has the prophet called to speak in the name of the Lord? Second, does what he said come true? This will tell us everything. When God truly speaks, He does not lie or make mistakes. We must be careful to not use the phrase “God told me…” to flippantly. If God didn’t tell you and then it comes back to you, you could lose your trust with others but most importantly, cause someone to doubt God’s Word He has already spoken.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 