How do you recognize God's Voice?

[mdvaden]

Hey...I wish I had 2 hours to write on this one...I've studied it for years.

His voice, like his "eyes" is a figure of speech called condescensio, attributing human characteristics to God, who has no ears, no form, no mouth.

But for simplicity, yes I believe He "speaks".

There are 3 different forms in the Word.

a. Word of Knowledge. God shows us something or tells us something to know.
b. Word of Wisdom. God shows or tells us what to do about it, or what not to do.
c. Discerning of Spirits. The presence or non-presence of spirits.

Revelation (He's revealing his "voice") is one of those three.

When God showed a prophet that lying spirits were put in false prophets mouths (figure of speech for in their minds and controlling their mouths), that was discerning of spirits.

Jesus knowing that evil spirits were in the man at the tombs was discerning of spirits - likewise with Paul and the woman with the spirit of divination.

The account of God telling and SHOWING Ezekiel the creeping creatures in the hole in the wall indicates a SHOWING and TELLING of unclean spirits affecting the minds of other leadership.

It's actually God energizing to our spirit within / our mind, because it's no neccessarily like sound waves coming in from outside our physical body and entering our organ - the ear. Nor light coming in to our eyeballs.

That's why the spirit was "upon" people in the word. And believers are given spirit.

Revelation or God speaking is LEARNED - see the account of Samuel and Eli. God had to speak to Samuel 3 times in a row because Samuel did not realize what he was hearing yet. He finally got it.

So, God's speaking is a broad term or concept referring to seeing, hearing - possibly even feeling - a message from him, spiritually.

It's so real that it can seem as if it's occuring by the 5 senses at times.

All 3 means of Revelation have profit or are profitable. 1 Corinthians 12: to 14: indicate that "these all" are given to EVERY MAN to PROFIT WITHAL.

That happens to be where all 3 forms are listed together and detailed almost like a verbal blueprint.

Every time in the Bible when God said to do something, gave information, showed a problem, a solution, indicated an evil spirit - those all will fall into one of the 3: a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom or discerning of spirits.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Hey...I wish I had 2 hours to write on this one...I've studied it for years.

His voice, like his "eyes" is a figure of speech called condescensio, attributing human characteristics to God, who has no ears, no form, no mouth.

But for simplicity, yes I believe He "speaks".

There are 3 different forms in the Word.

a. Word of Knowledge. God shows us something or tells us something to know.
b. Word of Wisdom. God shows or tells us what to do about it, or what not to do.
c. Discerning of Spirits. The presence or non-presence of spirits.

Revelation (He's revealing his "voice") is one of those three.

When God showed a prophet that lying spirits were put in false prophets mouths (figure of speech for in their minds and controlling their mouths), that was discerning of spirits.

Jesus knowing that evil spirits were in the man at the tombs was discerning of spirits - likewise with Paul and the woman with the spirit of divination.

The account of God telling and SHOWING Ezekiel the creeping creatures in the hole in the wall indicates a SHOWING and TELLING of unclean spirits affecting the minds of other leadership.

It's actually God energizing to our spirit within / our mind, because it's no neccessarily like sound waves coming in from outside our physical body and entering our organ - the ear. Nor light coming in to our eyeballs.

That's why the spirit was "upon" people in the word. And believers are given spirit.

Revelation or God speaking is LEARNED - see the account of Samuel and Eli. God had to speak to Samuel 3 times in a row because Samuel did not realize what he was hearing yet. He finally got it.

So, God's speaking is a broad term or concept referring to seeing, hearing - possibly even feeling - a message from him, spiritually.

It's so real that it can seem as if it's occuring by the 5 senses at times.

All 3 means of Revelation have profit or are profitable. 1 Corinthians 12: to 14: indicate that "these all" are given to EVERY MAN to PROFIT WITHAL.

That happens to be where all 3 forms are listed together and detailed almost like a verbal blueprint.

Every time in the Bible when God said to do something, gave information, showed a problem, a solution, indicated an evil spirit - those all will fall into one of the 3: a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom or discerning of spirits.

Thank You for this explaination!
You said you have been studying this for years...do you happen to have any reference books you could recommend to us?

 

[mdvaden]

Thank You for this explaination!
You said you have been studying this for years...do you happen to have any reference books you could recommend to us?

Let me put it this way, I had one book, and have a class syllabus which together would be from churches that are considered a cult and a non-cult: depending on point of view.

I think, that with a few of the right verses, the bible may be the best reference book, because everything I've read or been taught was from the Word.

If you really want to know this, I think it's an area that you may want to re-invent the wheel so to speak as far as accumulating the principles yourself one step at a time - within reason.

The verses in I Corinthians give the only 3 catergories of revelation or "God speaking" that's known.

Start reading the bible, and ask yourself what's occuring too. Read all scripture IN-LIGHT-OF revelation. What I'm saying, is that God spoke to people in the OT whether you are told about it or not.

Look at Moses mother. That would be an insane action - by 5 senses alone - to float your child down a river. But if God told her to do it, because he knows when it should be done so everyone is lined-up in the right chain of events, then there would be no danger.

So some sections of the Word "connote" that there was revelation.

Then, other sections specify it or say it outright - "God said", "I saw".

Whenever God spoke or somebody saw something, it is a revelation or communication and falls into the 3 categories. It may be comforting or encouraging or instructive - either way, it's knowledge or wisdom.

Some people quote the verse about the "still small voice" indicating it's quiet. That's private interpretation of the Word or lack of instruction on their part. Another voice - Ezekiel I think, check a concordance - says that the Lord spoke with a "loud voice".

There are no limits. It's God's choice how he wants to present it.

It can occur in "layers" so to speak. For example, Peter in Acts, still held on to mental habits about Gentiles. God had to keep repeating a revelation about the beasts in the sheet, almost in mentally bombarding fashion to crack through to Peter so he's get it.

I understand that the number 2 or "twice" in the Bible denotes "established". Either that or division, depending on context. In the good usual sense, it's established. I've been taught that if God repeats the same revelation twice, it will not reverse and will occur as he revealed it. The only scripture I know off the top of my head is where Joseph told Pharoah that his 2 dreams were really the same message and that is was established because it was repeated twice.

That one is a good example to show that people outside of God's typical group of believers can recieve revelation. But from all the other verses, it implies that God may have temporarily put "spirit" upon him at that time.

In the OT, spirit could be lost. Note that Saul had it, then it was taken away. David prayed "take not thine holy spirit" from me. There is no evidence it was ever taken away.

Apparently, all Christians as sons of God, have spirit unconditionally and can't loose it. Although they can become "deaf" spiritually so to speak - like ignoring God talking to him.

God can give revelation even if we won't obey. Look at Jonah. He went the opposite direction.

The discerning of spirits part may require more effort. The Word teaches much ahead of time that we can know by our senses by reading the Word or hearing it with our eyes and ears.

There are several classes of bad spirits - lying spirit, seducing spirit, spirit of fear. These are not mental actions. They are actual "unclean spirits" that have long-suits and control people. For example, some people will just be afraid, whereas others have an out of control fear due to the spirit of fear.

Spirits can be cast out. I believe God would have to let you know. I just see no verses promoting an attempt to kick spirits out willy-nilly. But there are several verses where spirits got "the boot".

There is spiritual "seed" in the Word. Believers are born of uncorruptible "seed". We are sons of God. The bible shows that there are son's of the Devil. Paul said so to one in Acts - called him that exactly. Jesus called SOME Pharisees "of your father the devil". In some way, that is spiritual. It is said to be "seed" and I believe it's literal, not figurative. It appears that the manifestation of discerning of spirits can weed these guys or gals out if needed. Meaning God can tell you if they are the wicked hierarchy of the world.

They are called several different names in the bible - SONS OF BELIAL, OF THE DEVIL, ETC., ETC. Cain was said to be "OF" the wicked one. That was his problem. God refuse his offering; not because it was a grain thing, but because he was of the wicked one.

A great verse to compare with that is about Hophni and Phinias - I think that's their names - the sons of Eli in the book of Samuel. After a few chapters, God told Samuel that there was no prayer nor sacrifice that could be made for them. And that's because they were said to be "sons of belial" meaning they are of the devil; are of his seed. It can't be reversed.

That's also the unforgivable sin that the NT verse says not to pray for him - because it's irreversable.

Just enjoy reading the Word. When you see a term of elite-ness, but with wickedness, take note if it's referring to a group of that kind of person tearing at the Word in culture of moving stife amongst believers.

Also, when you see the word "demons" or "devils", use a concordance to see which it is if available. Sometimes it takes an interlinear that comes with Bible programs. But let me explain this tip:

Jesus talked to a spirit in the man who was at the tombs - the account where all the swine went wild off the cliff. Jesus talked to a "daimon" and gave leave to a group of "daimonion". I was taught that the use of words there is not just a matter of singular and plural. But that there is also a hierarchy.

People are not spirits, but the highest on a family totem pole are children. First is the Devil, then his children (sons of the Devil or sons of Belial). These children are usually in positions of power, or around people of power. Those children open avenues and physical objects; whether things, people, books, teachings, etc., which enable the spirits a "ride" into culture or minds of people. There are supposed to be ruling spirits with subordinates. It's a truth that there are many, and that one person or one group of people may harbor several. The tombs guy had a bunch.

The context specifically shows they can possess animals, but people are their first target. The whole Word shows that. The primary verses about them deal with people and attacking God's people and drawing worship away from God. Animals can't worship God, so animals offer the Devil no power-trip.

What's unique - as heavy duty as this stuff may seem; God put it in his Word. But it's frequently avoided.

It is important to learn about Jesus, and love, and kindness, but it has to be balanced with all the verses in the bible. And many people either don't believe the other verses, or they find it a bit uncomfortable.

Ignoring verses about spiritual matters enables Satan to hide in culture. Or it prevents people from understanding how God talks. It was not Paul's will to write 1 Corinthians 12 - 14. That was God's will. Paul even wrote there that if anyone consider themselves spiritual, that they'd acknowledge that what Paul wrote are commandments of God (or the Lord - forgot which).

Just keep reading and make notes. Keep a log of all verses that seem to pertain to a facet and review them. As time progresses, the Word will help you understand.

Whether you have a book or not, you can only go at it one verse by one verse anyway. Even the verses I put here - you need to reread those to make sure I'm not giving an opinion that's not written in the Word.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Let me put it this way, I had one book, and have a class syllabus which together would be from churches that are considered a cult and a non-cult: depending on point of view.

I think, that with a few of the right verses, the bible may be the best reference book, because everything I've read or been taught was from the Word.

If you really want to know this, I think it's an area that you may want to re-invent the wheel so to speak as far as accumulating the principles yourself one step at a time - within reason.

The verses in I Corinthians give the only 3 catergories of revelation or "God speaking" that's known.

Start reading the bible, and ask yourself what's occuring too. Read all scripture IN-LIGHT-OF revelation. What I'm saying, is that God spoke to people in the OT whether you are told about it or not.

Look at Moses mother. That would be an insane action - by 5 senses alone - to float your child down a river. But if God told her to do it, because he knows when it should be done so everyone is lined-up in the right chain of events, then there would be no danger.

So some sections of the Word "connote" that there was revelation.

Then, other sections specify it or say it outright - "God said", "I saw".

Whenever God spoke or somebody saw something, it is a revelation or communication and falls into the 3 categories. It may be comforting or encouraging or instructive - either way, it's knowledge or wisdom.

Some people quote the verse about the "still small voice" indicating it's quiet. That's private interpretation of the Word or lack of instruction on their part. Another voice - Ezekiel I think, check a concordance - says that the Lord spoke with a "loud voice".

There are no limits. It's God's choice how he wants to present it.

It can occur in "layers" so to speak. For example, Peter in Acts, still held on to mental habits about Gentiles. God had to keep repeating a revelation about the beasts in the sheet, almost in mentally bombarding fashion to crack through to Peter so he's get it.

I understand that the number 2 or "twice" in the Bible denotes "established". Either that or division, depending on context. In the good usual sense, it's established. I've been taught that if God repeats the same revelation twice, it will not reverse and will occur as he revealed it. The only scripture I know off the top of my head is where Joseph told Pharoah that his 2 dreams were really the same message and that is was established because it was repeated twice.

That one is a good example to show that people outside of God's typical group of believers can recieve revelation. But from all the other verses, it implies that God may have temporarily put "spirit" upon him at that time.

In the OT, spirit could be lost. Note that Saul had it, then it was taken away. David prayed "take not thine holy spirit" from me. There is no evidence it was ever taken away.

Apparently, all Christians as sons of God, have spirit unconditionally and can't loose it. Although they can become "deaf" spiritually so to speak - like ignoring God talking to him.

God can give revelation even if we won't obey. Look at Jonah. He went the opposite direction.

The discerning of spirits part may require more effort. The Word teaches much ahead of time that we can know by our senses by reading the Word or hearing it with our eyes and ears.

There are several classes of bad spirits - lying spirit, seducing spirit, spirit of fear. These are not mental actions. They are actual "unclean spirits" that have long-suits and control people. For example, some people will just be afraid, whereas others have an out of control fear due to the spirit of fear.

Spirits can be cast out. I believe God would have to let you know. I just see no verses promoting an attempt to kick spirits out willy-nilly. But there are several verses where spirits got "the boot".

There is spiritual "seed" in the Word. Believers are born of uncorruptible "seed". We are sons of God. The bible shows that there are son's of the Devil. Paul said so to one in Acts - called him that exactly. Jesus called SOME Pharisees "of your father the devil". In some way, that is spiritual. It is said to be "seed" and I believe it's literal, not figurative. It appears that the manifestation of discerning of spirits can weed these guys or gals out if needed. Meaning God can tell you if they are the wicked hierarchy of the world.

They are called several different names in the bible - SONS OF BELIAL, OF THE DEVIL, ETC., ETC. Cain was said to be "OF" the wicked one. That was his problem. God refuse his offering; not because it was a grain thing, but because he was of the wicked one.

A great verse to compare with that is about Hophni and Phinias - I think that's their names - the sons of Eli in the book of Samuel. After a few chapters, God told Samuel that there was no prayer nor sacrifice that could be made for them. And that's because they were said to be "sons of belial" meaning they are of the devil; are of his seed. It can't be reversed.

That's also the unforgivable sin that the NT verse says not to pray for him - because it's irreversable.

Just enjoy reading the Word. When you see a term of elite-ness, but with wickedness, take note if it's referring to a group of that kind of person tearing at the Word in culture of moving stife amongst believers.

Also, when you see the word "demons" or "devils", use a concordance to see which it is if available. Sometimes it takes an interlinear that comes with Bible programs. But let me explain this tip:

Jesus talked to a spirit in the man who was at the tombs - the account where all the swine went wild off the cliff. Jesus talked to a "daimon" and gave leave to a group of "daimonion". I was taught that the use of words there is not just a matter of singular and plural. But that there is also a hierarchy.

People are not spirits, but the highest on a family totem pole are children. First is the Devil, then his children (sons of the Devil or sons of Belial). These children are usually in positions of power, or around people of power. Those children open avenues and physical objects; whether things, people, books, teachings, etc., which enable the spirits a "ride" into culture or minds of people. There are supposed to be ruling spirits with subordinates. It's a truth that there are many, and that one person or one group of people may harbor several. The tombs guy had a bunch.

The context specifically shows they can possess animals, but people are their first target. The whole Word shows that. The primary verses about them deal with people and attacking God's people and drawing worship away from God. Animals can't worship God, so animals offer the Devil no power-trip.

What's unique - as heavy duty as this stuff may seem; God put it in his Word. But it's frequently avoided.

It is important to learn about Jesus, and love, and kindness, but it has to be balanced with all the verses in the bible. And many people either don't believe the other verses, or they find it a bit uncomfortable.

Ignoring verses about spiritual matters enables Satan to hide in culture. Or it prevents people from understanding how God talks. It was not Paul's will to write 1 Corinthians 12 - 14. That was God's will. Paul even wrote there that if anyone consider themselves spiritual, that they'd acknowledge that what Paul wrote are commandments of God (or the Lord - forgot which).

Just keep reading and make notes. Keep a log of all verses that seem to pertain to a facet and review them. As time progresses, the Word will help you understand.

Whether you have a book or not, you can only go at it one verse by one verse anyway. Even the verses I put here - you need to reread those to make sure I'm not giving an opinion that's not written in the Word.

Thanks!