God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Guidance (continued)

we cannot expect others to make our choices for us, not if we want to accept adult responsibility for our lives. Indeed the capacity to discern well and make wise decisions is a critical sign of spiritual maturity. And further, it is something that we learn as we mature in faith and grow in wisdom. ~ Gordon T. Smith. The Voice of Jesus: Discernment, Prayer, and the Witness of the Spirit . pp 130-132.

III. How Do We Hear God’s Voice?

A. Know what God the Spirit has already spoken: God’s Written Word

1. The Scriptures are the record of the Spirit’s guidance. The Scriptures are not only the infallible judge of guidance or prophecy, they are also our training in the recognition of God’s voice.

2. John 5.46-47 (ESV) - If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. [47] But if you do not believe his writings, howwill you believe my words?

B. Set your heart to obey

1. Usually, the problem is NOT with our hearing!

a. Ps. 119.10 (ESV) - With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

b. The fundamental question relating to guidance is not whether I will be able to hear God speak but whether I intend to obey what he says.