Sorry it has taken so long to continue this series-- As I mentioned before, this post is part of a recap of a sermon given to us at River of Life by Emily Vallar a few weeks ago. She talked about how God talks to you. I am back again with the third "voice" that speaks to us, the Voice of God, the Holy Spirit.
The voice of the Holy Spirit is many things--
He is the voice of Comfort: Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.
Joh 15:26 And when the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me.
The word for "comforter" here means--"an intercessor, consoler:--advocate, comforter."
Notice the Holy Spirit is teaching us all things, and bringing what we know to mind while He brings peace and comfort. He is "testifying" of Jesus--putting our focus back on the Lord and off ourselves.
The Voice of God, the Spirit can bring conviction and correction along with that same comfort:
Joh 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you.
Joh 16:8 And when that One comes, He will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment.
The word for "convict" means--to confute, admonish:--convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.
Just as a loving Father would train and correct His children for their own growth and safety, the Holy Spirit will point out things that we need to change. No loving parent would let their child run wild without any discipline or training.
Here are some other quick aspects of the Voice of the Lord:
He can speak in stillness and quiet: Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
He instructs us, doing so in the context of a relationship: Ps 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
He teaches us in His ways, that often don't make sense to our natural reasoning: 1Co 2:13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The Holy Spirit reveals things to us that we could not know: 1Co 4:5 For this reason let there be no judging before the time, till the Lord comes, who will make clear the secret things of the dark, and the designs of the heart; and then will every man have his praise from God.
The voice of the Holy Spirit is usually gentle, quiet, bringing peace and order, not confusion and anxiety. The Voice of the Holy Spirit reveals the true issues in our heart and the truth we need to change. He brings comfort and rest, conviction and revelation.
I will share more next time on ways we hear the Voice of the Lord. See you soon!
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