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Theme: Discerning the Voice of the Spirit
In every generation, Christians have needed to discern the true voice of God. With countless voices claiming spiritual authority, believers must be rooted in the truth and guided by Scripture. In a world filled with spiritual confusion, we must continually ask:
“How can we be sure that the voice we hear is truly the Spirit of God?”
Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who guides believers into all truth
(John 16:13). The Spirit never leads us contrary to the Word of God, and He does not promote confusion or spiritual novelty. Discernment is essential for every Christian who desires to walk faithfully with Christ.
The Spirit Always Points to Christ
The first mark of the Spirit’s voice is that He always exalts Jesus. Christ said, “He will testify about Me”
(John 15:26). Any message that shifts our focus away from Christ and His finished work is not from the Spirit. Many emphasize personal experience or emotional encounters, yet the Spirit directs us toward worship, obedience, and growing trust in Christ as revealed in Scripture not the elevation of our feelings.
The Spirit Speaks Through the Word
The Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the Christian and in the world is inseparable from Scripture. He inspired the Word and works through it to convict, teach, and sanctify. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for training in righteousness. The Spirit never contradicts Scripture and never leads us into beliefs or practices that depart from it.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12)
The Spirit Leads Believers Toward Obedience
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14). To be led by the Spirit means to submit to the Word. If someone claims spiritual guidance while rejecting biblical truth, the voice they are following is not the Holy Spirit. True leading from the Spirit produces obedience, humility, and a love for God’s commands.
The Spirit Produces Spiritual Fruit
The Spirit’s work results in godliness and Christlike character. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). A voice that encourages sin, pride, fear, disorder, or self-indulgence does not come from God. Spiritual authenticity is revealed by spiritual fruit, which is to be rooted in and tested by Scripture.
Quiet Your Heart and Test Every Voice
We live in a noisy world. Our hearts and minds are easily overwhelmed by media, emotions, and spiritual claims. Scripture calls us to slow down, seek the Lord in prayer, and immerse ourselves in His Word. Ask yourself,
“Am I truly listening to the voice of the Spirit, or am I being led by my own desires, emotions, or external influences?”
Stand Firm, The Spirit Never Contradicts the Word
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
(John 17:17)
The Holy Spirit never leads us away from Christ or away from Scripture. May we test carefully and walk faithfully, confident that the Spirit of Truth will guide us by the sure and sufficient Word of God.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
