How can we discern God’s will from our own?
Dr. Ron Rhodes says that while God might not speak to us in an audible voice, He does speak to us through the Scripture. By getting in the Word, several things happen.
“What you want to do is spend as much time in the Word of God as you can.”
“First of all, you build up a reservoir of verses in your mind that the Holy Spirit can use in your life.”
The Holy Spirit taps into this reservoir to help us recall verses when we need them the most.
“Have you ever had an experience where you’re facing a crisis and a Bible verse comes to your mind out of nowhere? That’s the Holy Spirit working in your mind. He brings up a verse you’ve already been exposed to.”
This is all well and good, but if we don’t expose our mind to Scripture, the Holy Spirit doesn’t have a reservoir to draw from.
“The more you learn Scripture the more ammo the Holy Spirit has in applying those verses to our minds in certain circumstances we face.”
Not only does the Holy Spirit remind us of things we’ve read, He also teaches us.
“The Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding. The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He moved in the lives of the ancient writers in such a way that they recorded, without error, God’s Word to man. So the same One who inspired Scripture helps us to understand Scripture.”
In order to discern if we’re actually hearing God’s voice, Ron shares several key principles.
Test everything against Scripture.
“If there’s something that comes to my mind that goes against Scripture, I automatically know that it’s not in line with God’s will.
Seek wisdom from many counselors.
“There is great wisdom in seeking understanding from many counselors, men of God and women of God that you really respect.”
God works circumstantially.
“He opens doors that no one can shut. He shuts doors that no one can open. When you do all that together I think you’ll find that the Lord can guide you.”
Dr. Ron Rhodes received his Th.M. and Th.D. degrees in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating with honors. He is currently the president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, an apologetics organization located in Texas.
Key Scripture:Hebrews 4:14-15
Featured Songs: Oh, My Soul – Casting Crowns; Jesus, We Love You – Bethel Music; Desert Song – Hillsong; Magnify – We Are Messengers; Unfinished – Mandisa; No Longer Slaves – Bethel Music
Bible answers - part 1
