How can we ensure our guidance comes from God, not forbidden sources? A Disturbing Scene (1 Samuel 28:13) “Do not be afraid,” the king said to her. “What do you see?” The woman replied, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” Why Saul’s Choice Was Deadly - God had already spoken to Saul through prophets, dreams, and the Urim, yet Saul refused to obey (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 28:6). - Consulting a medium violated God’s clear law (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). - Turning from the Lord’s voice opened Saul to deception, despair, and ultimately his downfall (1 Chronicles 10:13-14). God’s Standing Warning Against Forbidden Sources - Mediums, spiritists, divination, astrology, séances, charms, and any occult practice are condemned (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). - Seeking “other voices” rejects the sufficiency of God’s Word (Isaiah 8:19-20). - Evil spirits masquerade as light and truth (2 Corinthians 11:14), but end in bondage (John 8:44). How to Recognize Guidance that Truly Comes from God - Scripture Alignment: The message never contradicts the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105). - Christ-Exalting Focus: Genuine guidance magnifies Jesus, not self or hidden powers (John 16:13-14). - Holy Spirit Confirmation: An inner witness of peace and conviction, not confusion or fear (Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33). - Godly Counsel: Mature believers affirm the direction (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). - Fruit Test: Outcomes foster obedience, humility, and love (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 7:16-20). Practical Steps to Seek God’s Voice Safely - Stay Saturated in the Bible: Daily reading trains the ear to recognize truth (Hebrews 4:12). - Pray for Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). - Obey the Light You Have: God expands guidance when we walk in current obedience (John 7:17). - Remain in Fellowship: Worship, teaching, and accountability guard against deception (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Test Everything: “Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Consequences of Ignoring the Boundaries - Spiritual Confusion and Fear (1 Samuel 28:5, 20). - Loss of God’s Favor and Protection (1 Samuel 28:16-18). - Eventual Judgment and Ruin (1 Chronicles 10:13). Our Secure Alternative: Christ the Only Mediator - Jesus is “the one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). - Through Him we have direct access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). - The Holy Spirit guides into all truth, never outside it (John 16:13). - Trusting Christ’s finished work frees us from every counterfeit voice (Colossians 2:15). Living It Out - Reject every occult shortcut; cling to the Lord’s voice alone. - Filter impressions, dreams, and advice through Scripture. - Walk in daily fellowship with the Shepherd; “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). |
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