HEARING FROM GOD

 

John 10:25-27 (NRSV)

25   Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe.  The works that I do   in my Father's name testify to me;

26   but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.

27   My sheep hear my voice.  I know them, and they follow me.

 

 

          I was listening to News Radio the other day.  I heard a report from the Scientific American (May 2009) about a study that showed “Americans are offended by body odor.”  I spent the next several minutes wandering why someone, probably us, spent money on a question that has such an obvious answer.  Then, I wandered who was the one leading such a study.  Where did they find subjects to study to discover this amazing fact?  Then it dawned on me.  If they had not done this study, Americans would not know “Americans are offended by body odor.

          Pastors are constantly being asked questions such as, “How do I know God’s will for my life,” “How do I hear from God” or “How do I know if it is God?”  There can be several answers to these questions.  Let us look at a few.

 

YOU MUST STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

 

Hebrews 13:8-9 (NRSV)

8   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9   Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings;

 

          As people study, they learn God has already said all there is to be said on many topics.  No stealing means just that.  Thou shalt not steal property, money, spouses, children, innocence . . . nothing.  If it does not belong to you, leave it alone.

 

          Sex outside of marriage is always wrong.  Everybody is to honor his or her father and his or her mother.  We are to love God and love others as we love ourselves.  We are not to repay offense for offense.  We are to forgive, as Jesus forgives us. 

 

          Many pastors are surprised the largest numbers of pastoral counseling opportunities are about questions to which they already know the answer.  “God told both of us we have married the wrong person.  He wants us to divorce our spouses and marry each other.”  The answer has been the same since Moses brought the law down the mountain.  Those that want the pastor’s approval for their sin will say, “Well, that was a long time ago.  Things are different now.  We have really prayed about it and God wants us kill the doctor because he is pro-choice.”  

 

          Finally, if the Bible has already answered it, do not ask for clarification and do not argue.  If you want to walk a different road, go ahead.  Do not try to convince other people, or God, that you are right.  Be like Adam and Eve.  Look Jesus in the eye and tell Him, “I do not care what you say.  I am going to do what I want to do.”  Unlike Adam and Eve who blamed everybody else, have the class to admit your mistake and accept your consequences.

 

THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TO OUR SPIRIT

 

John 14:26-27 (NRSV)

26  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

 

          Have you ever done something that you knew was wrong?  I have.  I tossed and turned, but sleep would not come.  I was miserable.  I hope you were, too.  Many call this “Conscience” and speak of our conscience being “guilty.”  Many Christians believe, however, what some call conscience is really the Holy Spirit that comes to live with us when we accept Christ.

 

          Christ promised He would give us PEACE.  After he experienced this promised peace, St. Paul called it, “The peace that passes understanding.”  He, also, listed peace as one of the nine Fruits of the Spirit.  While writing the peace that passes understanding, Paul was in prison in Rome.  He was waiting for the order to behead him.  Yet he was peaceful. 

 

          Do you believe you have received word from the Lord?  Are you at peace with the decision you have made, or are you conflicted?   Jesus gives us the peace that passes understanding.  If He is leading, we will be at peace.  One way you can know, lack of peace never comes from God.  Sometimes I argue with myself, do you?  If you argue with yourself, it is a good indication that you are considering the wrong path.

 

          While we are discussing the conscience, we need to understand that our conscience, or the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit, can be seared over or scarred.  If you keep trying, you will be able to do what your heart says you should not.  At the strongest point, St. Paul would say of this, Romans 1:28 (NRSV)

28  And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done.  I hope you never reach that end.  However, remember that having to fight hard to obtain peace might lead you to the false peace of a seared conscience.

 

CHRISTIAN AUTHORITY

 

          Sometimes other Christians believe God has given someone a message through them.  This may be called prophecy or a word of knowledge.  God will do this on occasion.  Along this same line, the Bible states the word will be established through two or three witnesses.  There is one hard and fast rule that must be followed in these situations.  The word must follow the scriptures and the Holy Spirit.  Even if the word is presented through religious leaders, pastors, priests, prophets, apostles, prayer warriors, etc., the word from the Lord cannot go against the scriptures.  If it does, it cannot be from God.

 

AND, FINALLY

 

          Psalm 119:103-105 (NRSV)

103  How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104  Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.       

 

          The words of God are sweet like honey.  I study the Word of God through which I receive understanding.  Since I understand God’s Word, I hate everything that is not His word.  Can it be any clearer? 

 

          I will leave you with one last thought.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”  Many times the answer we receive from God is only the next step.  This is where we get the saying, “Step out in faith.”  Abram was told to, “ . . . pack everything and go where I will show you.”  (Genesis Chapter 12)  He did as directed.  This may be all you receive at first.  You may have simply a light for your path, not a destination.

 

          However, that being said, there is another possibility.  God gave Joseph two dreams.  (Genesis Chapter 37)  The dreams told of the destination.  They told that Joseph would be a great leader and his entire family would bow down to him.  God did not tell Joseph about the beating and the pit.  He did not tell of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery.  He said nothing of the false charges and years of prison.  You may receive a destination with no path.  As Joseph did, trust God.  Praise Him and learn patience.

 

Dr. O. K. Neal, M.Div., Th.D

D.A.A.E.T.S., B.C.E.T.S