Contributor: Adewale Abiona
INTRODUCTION
The Bible in Psalm 27:4 says, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple”.
The word enquire means to ask for information from someone. In todays’ study, and its series, we will be examining how to know the mind of God through various means. Whenever we seek God’s face in prayer or when meditating on His Word, God generally will respond to us. Now, God’s response comes in diverse ways. It could be as an audible voice, in dreams, visions, words of knowledge, and other means of His choice. His response to us are ways by which He guides us into His plans for our lives, and our walk with Him. May the Lord open our eyes and heart tonight in Jesus’ name.
To whom will God reveal His mind to?
1 Samuel 2:35a Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. We often hear people saying “Thus says the Lord” or “My Daddy said I should tell someone…” or even when men of God declare certain things and say it’s from the Lord. Truthfully, God does give man intel, however, there are those that also hear themselves or the devil. Jeremiah 28:15-17.
Many often wonder how this could be possible, some will even say: “Surely not me because I don’t think people like me are those God will be looking to reveal His mind to. That stuff is for the special people, only few selected people have this privilege from God.”
This is not true. God is the Father of all, He speaks to anyone who cares to listen and pay attention to Him. Isaiah 42:16.
• John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
• Amos 3:7 - Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
• Revelation 1:6 - And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
• John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
To answer the question: “Who can know the mind of God?”
They are those who:
1. Humble themselves before Him – The meek shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5
2. Keep His covenant (observe His Word) Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 6:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, John 10:27
3. Fear Him (Revere Him) – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) -Those who honour me will I honour (1 Samuel 2:30) Psalm 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him
4. Seek Him in prayer and supplications Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly
Various ways by which God speaks or guides us.
There are many ways by which God guides His children, according to His Divine choice. It could be either by the audible voice, dreams, signs, revelations, visions, etc. For example, Isaiah - Visions (Isaiah 6:1-9), Jeremiah - Prophecy (Jeremiah 1:4-7), Joseph - Dreams (Gen. 37:5-11).
The key point is for each one of us to be conversant with how God speaks to us and not to become familiar with Him. Instead, we should continue to honour God and give Him the praise that He alone deserve, so that we can sustain the flow and keep the channel open.
How do I know that a particular word is from God and not from myself or the devil?
• His Words produce life (John 6:63, John 1:1-3)
• It will surely come to pass (Isaiah 55:11, Numbers 23:19)
• It will not go against the written Word (Matthew 5:17-18 (ERV))
• It will glorify Him alone (John 16:12-14)
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, God is willing to reveal Himself to us and to guide us into His plan and purpose for our life. In Genesis 28 from verse 10-15, after Jacob had an encounter with the Lord in a dream, in verse 16-17 after he woke up, he said “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
This can also be your experience, if you are ready, willing to humble yourself, pray and seek His face and turn away from your old ways, surely, He will hear you from heaven and reveal His mind to you, He will guide you and keep you in perfect peace. 2 Chronicles 7:14
