Previously, prayer was highlighted as the means by which we communicate with God, but now the question is, does God also speak to us? How?
WHAT MANY EXPECT FROM GOD
Many people think that communication with God is only one way. In reality, God has communicated with us and continues to do so. The scripture says "[God] is not far off from each one of us," and "draw close to God and he will draw close to you." —Acts 17:27; James 4:8
Others expect dream revelations from God, based on the words: "Young men will see visions and your all's old men will dream dreams" (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17) That prophesy was already fulfilled in the first century. The apostle Paul, one who was foremost in visions, even seeing with his own eyes the end of the system of things, tells us: "But whether there are [gifts of] prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we have partial knowledge and we prophesy partially; but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with." So prophetic visions is not how we should expect God to speak to us, because we are already in the last days.
In fact, such dreams and visions may even come from the wicked one. The Scripture warns: "But the lawless one's presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing ... that they may get to believing the lie." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) Indeed, Jesus said: "Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?' And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you all! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness." —Matthew 7:22-23
Still others see God speaking to us in everything and every one. After praying, those seeking guidance might find answers to their prayers when someone says "let's go get drunk", because they were lonely. Or when a leaf falls in front of them right after prayer in autumn. Others may pray and then start talking to anyone and everyone about the thing they prayed for to see who might provide the answer, and whoever provides the first or best answer to tickle their ears is the one whose advice they will follow. (2 Timothy 4:3-4) But is God really speaking to them? Jesus warned: "A wicked and adulterous generation keeps on seeking for a sign." (Matthew 12:39) But again as was written in Thessalonians, Satan has the power to produce powerful signs and portents. As the Scripture says: "Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) So if not in these ways, how does God speak to us?
THE MESSAGE IN GOD'S WORD
To us it is written: "God, who long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to our forefathers by means of the prophets, has at the end of these days spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things." (Hebrews 1:1) But if no one speaks to Jesus directly, how does he also speak to us? We have Jesus' words recorded for us in the Scriptures. Yes, the Scriptures are what bring the word of God to us. There we read: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Also, the Scripture says: "The Word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts to the dividing of soul and spirit and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Why can the Scriptures impart this knowledge to us? Because, as it says, "For prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." —2 Peter 1:21
So God speaks to us by means of the prophets and by Jesus Christ, through his Word, the Bible. We are told under inspiration:"For 'who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, that he may instruct him?' But we do have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16) Yes, by having a mind harmoniously aligned with the mind of Christ, we can come to share God's thoughts.
GOD CALLS HIS WORD TO OUR MINDS
But how is it God speaks to us through so many words? Is it as simple as opening the Bible and randomly choosing a verse? Well, no, not typically. God's word promises us: "Happy is the man ... [whose] delight is in the law of Jehovah, And in his law he reads in an undertone day and night. And he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, That gives its own fruit in its season And the foliage of which does not wither, And everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:1-3) So by reading the Scriptures daily, we become familiar with God's word so that "the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in [Jesus'] name, that one will teach all you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you all." (John 14:26) Yes, when we pray for the guidance of the holy spirit, it will bring to mind the Scriptures that will help us deal with any given situation. So our own minds become the well-trained tool by which God speaks to us, because we draw up the truth from within ourselves or from a counselor who is likewise well-trained in the Scriptures. —James 5:13-15
God may speak to us by means of one who is not well-trained, but who is being honest, and when we hear the words, we can call to mind Scriptures which match to those words, and as long as the expression is compatible with the message in the Scriptures, then we may know that it is from Jehovah God. If it contradicts the word of God as your Bible-trained conscience can testify, then you know that it is from the wicked spirit forces. So "Stand firm, therefore, with your all's loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with your all's feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which you all will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles. Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word, while with every form of prayer and supplication you all carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit."—Ephesians 6:10-18
If you do not have this training and would like to hear the whisper of God's word in your mind with a Bible-trained conscience, contact Jehovah's Witnesses for a no-obligation Bible study or if you would like further information, please fill in the request form or write to Jehovah's Witnesses at the appropriate address.
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2 comments:
I enjoyed looking over your blog
God bless you
Good articles on prayer. Thanks for sharing them.
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