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He Who Belongs to God Hears What God Says

Authentic ministers of God’s word are not taught it by man; we receive it by revelation from God, learning it directly by His Spirit, which is one with ours by faith in Christ (see Gal. 1:11-12; John 16:12-15; 1 Cor. 2:10-16, 6:17; 1 John 2:20, 27). God brings revelation and teaches us most often as we meditate on His word. Jesus of Nazareth heard from God this way also (see Luke 4:16-21, perhaps in a new light). Recall that He told the Jews My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. (John 7:16). He described himself as … a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. He then told them, He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear from God is that you do not belong to God. (8:40, 47).

Mere “head knowledge” of God and His word is insufficient to save or sanctify us, regardless of what our deceived natural self asserts: behold the religious Jews whose self-righteousness prevented them from seeing that they were persecuting the Messiah. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. (John 6:63). Effectual ministers of God’s word must not only hear the Spirit, but listen to what He says and act in accordance with Him (see Rev. 2, 3; Mt. 7:24-27; James 1:22-25; 2:17; Ro. 8:5, 13).

photo: Henrik Lundh III
photo: Henrik Lundh III

Now, please pay careful attention to what follows. Like Jesus and Saul of Tarsus before us, we who receive and respond to God’s unique call on our lives must beware consulting with flesh/tradition about such matters, lest the natural realm deter us from obeying the heavenly vision. Fellowship and receiving what the Lord tells us through others is essential, but we must carefully discern what is the Lord and what is not, and move only as He moves us.

Men of God, apostles even, can unintentionally misdirect others by what remains of their flesh. Recall these words: But when God… was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus (Gal. 1:15-17). God’s call on Saul’s life to preach Christ to the Gentiles was drastically different from what the other apostles had heard from Him at that time; in all likelihood, they might have considered Saul to be deceived and dissuade him. Let us thank God for His gracious gift of discernment and use it!

I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

Acts 26:19b-20

Receiving and ministering God’s word as He leads, your sister deanna

written April 21, 2015

Published by

deanna reynolds

On fire for our Lord Jesus Christ, I have been called out of practicing medicine to give my attention to prayer and the ministry of the word (see Acts 6:4; Col. 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-13,15)

18 thoughts on “He Who Belongs to God Hears What God Says”

  7. This is so good and TRUE!
    Hum, interesting comment above about some Christians (Baptists?) not believing we can hear from God. Oh my, that is scary as God speaks clearly to us through His Holy Scriptures! I’ve been fortunate to never run into these Pharisees. I’ve taken it for granted the Pastors and teachers I have sat under teach this, and my Bible study and prayer life confirm it.
    Prayer for those who claim to be “Christians” will have the scales dropped from their eyes…..
    Well, now I have a confession, I guess I was one once! As I write this, I see myself there. Then God showed me my faults and the games I played….and gave me a hunger and thirst for Him and His righteousness!

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    1. Hello dear sister! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this and being honest. So we press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus; we trample the lion and the great serpent, and apprehend the inheritance our Father has for us in Christ. May the Lord continue blessing you and your family in leaps and bounds. ❤️

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    1. I am so humbled by you, sister. So glad He has introduced us to each other, that we are growing TOGETHER in the knowledge of Christ and who our Father has made us IN HIM!! May He continue accomplishing His purposes through you!

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