How can Christians discern God's guidance instead of following "those who practice divination"? Scripture Focus “Though these nations you will dispossess listen to conjurers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.” (Deuteronomy 18:14) Context Matters • Deuteronomy 18:9-22 sits in Moses’ farewell instructions. • Verses 10-12 list forbidden occult practices—divination, sorcery, witchcraft, consulting the dead. • Verses 15-22 immediately promise a coming “Prophet like Moses” and outline how God will speak through His prophets. The contrast is intentional: God’s people are to reject every counterfeit voice and wait for His authentic word. Why Divination Is Off-Limits • It substitutes created powers for the Creator (Isaiah 8:19-20). • It opens hearts to deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). • It insults God’s sufficiency; He has already revealed all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God’s Approved Channels for Guidance • Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • The indwelling Holy Spirit – “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Prayer – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). • Wise, Spirit-filled counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Providence – God opens and shuts doors (Revelation 3:7-8). Practical Steps to Discern God’s Guidance 1. Immerse in the Word daily; God never guides contrary to Scripture. 2. Ask the Spirit for illumination; expect Him to highlight and apply truth (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). 3. Check motives: am I seeking His glory or my convenience? (1 Corinthians 10:31). 4. Compare impressions with confirmed biblical principles. 5. Seek mature believers’ confirmation; isolation breeds error (Proverbs 11:14). 6. Wait patiently; rushing often points to fleshly impulse (Psalm 27:14). 7. Move forward in faith when Scripture, Spirit, counsel, and circumstances align (Proverbs 3:5-6). Recognizing Counterfeits Today • Horoscopes, tarot, crystals, and psychic hotlines recycle ancient divination. • “Christianized” fortune-telling—random verse “readings,” numerology, or dream-interpretation services—still violate Deuteronomy 18. • Sensational prophecies that contradict or add to Scripture must be rejected (Galatians 1:8). • Test every spirit: “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:1-3). Key Takeaways • God forbids divination because He loves us and offers a far better way: His living Word, His indwelling Spirit, and His faithful providence. • Discernment grows where Scripture is honored, prayer is practiced, and community is embraced. • When we cling to God’s ordained means of guidance, we walk in the light and avoid the bondage of counterfeit voices. |
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