How can we discern God's voice today, as in Numbers 12:6? God Still Speaks: Revisiting Numbers 12:6 “Listen to My words: ‘If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.’” — Numbers 12:6 Why This Matters Today • In Moses’ day the LORD spoke audibly and through dreams and visions. • Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” His character has not changed, and He still communicates. • Our task is to discern His voice amid many competing voices. Primary Channel: The Written Word • 2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God-breathed.” • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Practical step: Make daily, prayerful reading of the Bible the non-negotiable standard. God never contradicts what He has already spoken in Scripture. The Holy Spirit’s Inner Witness • 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.” • Sensitivity grows through: – Regular confession of sin (1 John 1:9) – Moments of stillness and attentive listening (Psalm 46:10) – Obedience to promptings that align with Scripture (James 1:22) Christ-Centered Discernment Tests • Test of Lordship: Does what I sense exalt Jesus as Lord? (1 Corinthians 12:3) • Test of Character: Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23) • Test of Clarity: Is it free from confusion and contradiction? “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33) Confirming Through Godly Counsel • Proverbs 11:14 — “With many counselors there is deliverance.” • Seek believers who are mature, Word-saturated, and prayerful. • Agreement among Spirit-filled counselors often affirms genuine leading. Providential Circumstances • Revelation 3:7 — The One “who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens.” • Watch for doors God opens or closes in harmony with Scriptural principles. Circumstances alone are not definitive, but they can corroborate His voice. Safeguards Against Deception • 1 John 4:1 — “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Stay humble; pride deafens spiritual ears (James 4:6). • Maintain accountability; isolation invites error (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Practicing Discernment Daily 1. Begin each morning with Scripture, inviting the Spirit to illuminate truth. 2. Throughout the day, measure impressions against the Bible’s clear teaching. 3. Seek confirmation through prayer and wise counsel. 4. Act in faith when alignment is evident; wait patiently when it is not (Psalm 27:14). Encouragement to Persevere • Isaiah 30:21 — “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • God delights to guide His children; as we cultivate familiarity with His voice in Scripture, His whispers become distinct and dependable. |
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