How can we remain open to God's new revelations as described in Isaiah 48:7? Key Verse “They are created now, and not long ago; before today you did not hear of them, lest you should say, ‘Yes, I knew them.’” (Isaiah 48:7) Historical Setting • Judah had grown dull to God’s voice, trusting idols and old memories of His works • Through Isaiah, the LORD announced brand–new acts of deliverance so the nation could not credit anyone else • The verse reminds believers that God continually brings forth fresh works that affirm His sovereignty Defining Openness to New Revelations • Not adding to the closed canon of Scripture • Actively receiving fresh insight, conviction, or direction that the Holy Spirit draws from His already–revealed Word • Welcoming unexpected ways God applies timeless truth to current situations Essential Attitudes of the Heart • Humility: acknowledging we never outgrow our need to learn (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Softness: refusing to harden the heart when the Spirit speaks (Hebrews 3:7–8) • Dependence: leaning on the Spirit, who “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13) • Gratitude: celebrating God’s “mercies … new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23) Daily Practices That Keep Us Receptive • Consistent Scripture Intake – Read, study, and memorize so the Spirit has material to illuminate (2 Timothy 3:16) • Prayerful Listening – Pause after reading, asking the Spirit to highlight specific application • Immediate Obedience – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22) • Regular Self-Examination – Invite God to expose blind spots the moment He brings them to light (Psalm 139:23-24) • Fellowship and Accountability – Share insights with mature believers for confirmation and encouragement (Proverbs 27:17) Guardrails for Discernment • Agreement with Scripture – God never contradicts Himself; compare every impression with the written Word (Acts 17:11) • Exaltation of Christ – Genuine revelation magnifies the Lord Jesus, not human ego (John 16:14) • Fruit of Righteousness – True guidance produces holiness, peace, and love (Galatians 5:22-23) • Witness of the Body – Tested and affirmed within the gathered church (1 Corinthians 14:29) Living Out God’s Fresh Work • Celebrate the gospel’s ongoing power: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Stay alert to divine appointments, ready to speak or serve as the Spirit prompts • Record answered prayers and fulfilled promises to build memory of God’s present activity • Refuse nostalgia that idolizes past revivals; anticipate the next display of His glory Final Encouragement The Lord who once parted seas and raised the dead is still speaking through His infallible Word and still shaping His people for current moments. By cultivating humble hearts, daily Scripture habits, and Spirit-led discernment, believers remain poised to recognize and embrace every new work He unveils. |
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