How can we seek God's guidance today, as Israel sought prophets? Setting the Scene: 1 Samuel 9:9 “Formerly in Israel, if someone went to inquire of God, he would say, ‘Come, let us go to the seer,’ for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer.” (1 Samuel 9:9) What Has Changed—and What Hasn’t • Israel once walked to the seer’s house; we walk into the presence of Christ, our risen Prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2). • God still speaks, but He now does so through a completed Scripture, an indwelling Spirit, and a gathered Church. The Primary Channel: God’s Written Word • 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… so that the man of God may be complete.” Practical takeaways: – Read widely, but study deeply. – Note commands first; impressions later. – Let clear passages explain unclear ones. The Indwelling Guide: The Holy Spirit • John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Romans 8:14 — “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Look for: – Conviction that aligns with Scripture, never contradicts it. – Growing Christ-likeness rather than mere emotional excitement. The Gifted Community: Godly Counsel • Proverbs 11:14 — “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Ephesians 4:11-12 — Pastors, teachers, and others equip the saints. Guidelines: – Seek counsel from believers who know both the Word and your walk. – Weigh every opinion against the text of Scripture. The Attentive Heart: Prayerful Listening • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given.” Prayer isn’t a monologue; pause for Spirit-prompted remembrance of Scripture and sanctified reasoning. The Confirming Witness: Providence and Peace • Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” • Open and closed doors (Revelation 3:7) often affirm or redirect decisions already filtered through Word, Spirit, and counsel. Keeping Discernment Sharp • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 — “Do not quench the Spirit… but test all things; hold fast to what is good.” Checklist: – Biblical? – Christ-exalting? – Spirit-confirmed? – Church-affirmed? – Circumstantially supported? Putting It All Together When Israel wanted guidance, they said, “Let’s go to the seer.” Today we open the Bible, yield to the Spirit, listen to tested voices in the Body, pray earnestly, and watch God arrange circumstances. The same God who spoke through Samuel now speaks through His Son, His Scriptures, His Spirit, and His saints—clear, faithful, and sufficient for every step. |
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