How does the Spirit lead us? | Holy Spirit - a podcast by Bend Int. Church of Christ

1) Is it consistent with God's word? Not only actual verses but the underlying principles of the word and of God's character (2 Timothy 3:16)?
2) Does it bring life? Does it heal? God's word is more life giving than our words (John
10:10)?
3) Do we experience His thoughts Higher than our thoughts? Does it bring different and better insight and quality, deeper clarity, understanding and revelation (Isaiah 55:8)?
4) Does it pass the peace/shalom test of Col 3:15? Do you feel greater peace?
5) Does it bear other fruit? (Galatians 5:22)
• Immediate: resolution, peace, love, excitement, awe, clarity
• Long-term: Attitudes and expectations are more God-centered
6) God's confrontations are gentle and caring (Matthew 11:29-30; Romans 8:1)?
• Jesus' admonitions to those who want to follow are gentle and caring
• Harsh condemnations are from our own background or the accuser
7) Check with your community (assuming it is healthy for confirmation. Do other
Christians recognize is as coming from God and in line with God's word and character?
Check it out with 2-3 trusted advisors (disciples of Jesus), before you act on something you've heard that impacts your life or your relationships in any significant way, such as moving to another location, changing jobs, leaving a relationship (Prov. 27:17, Matthew
18:19, Col 3:15). If another Christian senses it's not from God, ask them why. Pray for discernment on both your parts, as this could be an area of growth for both. Check things out with your leaders especially when that decision may affect others in the church community.
8) Does it draw us nearer to God and glorify God (Hebrews 10:22; James 4:8; I Corinthians
10:31)?
9) Is it supported by circumstances and reality? Does it come true over time (Ephesians 5:15;
Romans 8:28)?
10) Does it ring true in your heart when you interact with God and the Holy Spirit in prayer (Romans 8:1, 26; John 14:26)?
11) Does it line up with our past experience of hearing God? As we become more familiar with God's heart through our own experience and through the ways His heart is revealed in Scripture, we recognize it better. (I John 2:5).

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