How should believers respond when the Holy Spirit warns them through others? Setting the Scene: Acts 21 : 4 “We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.” Paul’s friends loved him, sensed danger, and passed on the Spirit’s warning. What follows shows how we, too, should respond when the Holy Spirit speaks through others. Why God Uses Fellow Believers • The Body principle—1 Cor 12 : 21: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” • Mutual protection—Pro 11 : 14: “In an abundance of counselors there is victory.” • Confirmation—Matt 18 : 16: “Every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” First Response: Listen Carefully • Give the messenger full attention; do not brush aside the warning. • Avoid defensiveness; remember James 1 : 19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” • Recognize that the Spirit, not merely a human voice, may be speaking. Second Response: Test the Message • 1 Thessalonians 5 : 19-21: “Do not extinguish the Spirit… but test all things; hold fast to what is good.” • 1 John 4 : 1: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” Practical tests: – Does it align with clear Scripture? – Is Christ exalted (John 16 : 13-14)? – Is there inner witness of peace (Colossians 3 : 15)? – Do mature believers affirm it independently? Balancing Warning and Personal Calling Paul had earlier testified, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” (Acts 20 : 22-24) Principles from Paul’s example: • A Spirit-given calling may involve suffering; warnings are not always prohibitions. • God can reveal upcoming hardship to prepare, not deter (Acts 21 : 10-14; cf. 9 : 16). • Obedience may mean pressing forward once confirmation is clear, even when others fear for us. Guarding the Heart While Deciding • Pray for discernment—Phil 1 : 9-10. • Fast if needed—Acts 13 : 2-3. • Keep motives pure—Gal 1 : 10: seeking God’s approval, not man’s. • Remain humble; God may still redirect (Proverbs 3 : 5-6). Practical Steps for Today 1. Receive the warning graciously. 2. Record it so details stay clear. 3. Compare it with Scripture; reject anything contradictory. 4. Seek additional confirmation through prayer, peace, circumstances, and trusted counsel. 5. Obey promptly once God’s direction is settled. Delayed obedience is disobedience. 6. Thank those God used; their courage strengthens the church. 7. Move forward in faith, whether that means altering course or, like Paul, walking knowingly into trial. Fruit of Heeding the Spirit’s Warnings • Protection from avoidable harm (Acts 27 : 9-11 vs. 27 : 21-24). • Greater unity as believers share burdens (Galatians 6 : 2). • Deeper trust in God’s sovereignty, whatever the outcome (Romans 8 : 28). |
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