How can we discern God's voice today, as Rehoboam did in 2 Chronicles 11:2? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 11:2–4: “But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God: ‘Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, “This is what the LORD says: Do not go up or fight against your brothers. Return each of you to his home, for this matter is from Me.”’ So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back from going against Jeroboam.” What Rehoboam Modeled - He received a clear word from the LORD through an accredited prophet. - He tested no further because the command aligned with God’s revealed will—unity among His covenant people. - He obeyed immediately, even when military momentum and national pride pushed him the other way. Timeless Principles for Discerning God’s Voice 1. The Written Word Comes First - Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” - 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is God-breathed…” - Anything claiming to be God’s voice must match the plain sense of Scripture. God will never contradict Himself. 2. The Inner Witness of the Spirit - John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” - Romans 8:16 “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” - The Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, and prompts obedience. 3. Godly Counsel - Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - In the New Covenant, pastors, elders, and mature believers help confirm what we believe God is saying. 4. Providential Circumstances - Revelation 3:8 “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” - God arranges opportunities or closes paths to steer His people. Circumstances never override Scripture but can confirm its application. 5. The Peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” - Genuine guidance produces settled peace, not panic, when we are walking in obedience. Guardrails Against Counterfeits - Test every impression against the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). - Examine the fruit. God’s voice leads to love, joy, peace, patience (Galatians 5:22–23). - Reject any “new revelation” that adds to or subtracts from Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19). Practical Daily Habits - Schedule unhurried Bible reading, letting Scripture speak before opinions form. - Pray aloud through passages, asking the Spirit to personalize truth (Ephesians 6:18). - Keep a journal of verses, impressions, and confirmed answers for future discernment. - Stay planted in a local church, submitting insights to trusted leaders (Hebrews 13:17). - Act promptly on clear commands; obedience fine-tunes spiritual hearing (John 14:21). Living What We Hear James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Rehoboam’s obedience spared Judah from needless bloodshed. Today, believers who listen, test, and obey God’s voice experience His protection, direction, and blessing—proof that the Lord still speaks through His unchanging Word. |
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