W3 | Divine Inspiration

10 Jul W3 | Divine Inspiration

Posted at 04:26h in August, Topics 2024 by FUSE Jakarta

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Proverbs 2:6-8 ESV | “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”

OBJECTIVE

To understand that God can speak to us directly and give us divine inspiration through the Holy Spirit.

CONTENT

GOD’S INSPIRATION

The desire for direction and divine guidance is universal, and men tend to look for the wise and the learned for wisdom, and others seek supernatural deities such as the worldly spirits or the kuamia/fengshui. However, God promises that those who seek His counsel with all their hearts will find it (Jeremiah 29:13).
The Bible is full of examples of divine direction/inspiration. God spoke to Moses in the burning bush. He explained about Himself and His plan on bringing the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3). God also gave detailed instructions to Noah on how to build the ark (Genesis 6:13-21). He even gave John a vision of the final days, which was then written for us in the book of Revelation. These are definitely not of human knowledge and ability.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples that He would send an advocate, the Holy Spirit, who would teach and guide all who believe in Him (John 14:16-17,26). The Holy Spirit inside us is the One who inspires and guides us, leading us in the way we should go. However, sometimes we do not recognize His guidance because He does not speak with audible words, but rather through our own consciences (Romans 9:1) and other quiet, subtle ways.
Since relationships are a two-way street, we couldn’t just expect the Holy Spirit to keep speaking to us, if we do not have a continual fellowship with Him. As we seek Him more in prayer and in the Word, His words become clearer for our lives; as we give Him more control over every area of our lives, He can speak more through the Holy Spirit, convicting us of sin, guiding toward wisdom and inspiring us to walk in His will. Thus, the Holy Spirit will never lead us to do anything contrary to God’s Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.

OUR RESPONSE: BE HUMBLE, ASK, AND OBEY HIS GUIDANCE

The inspiration that we receive, whether for creative endeavors, daily challenges or spiritual growth, originates from God Himself. Let us never boast in our own abilities and achievements, because every talent, accomplishment and blessing is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). Therefore, boasting in our own strength is futile and misplaced. Instead, let us humbly acknowledge God's sovereignty and grace in our lives.
To receive His guidance, we must first ask God (James 4:2). That night when Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar at Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern His people and to distinguish between right and wrong. When we come with a righteous heart to God, He assures us that He will give His wisdom generously (James 1:5). We can do it through constant prayer and fasting (Psalm 25:4-5). When we align our heart with God’s will, He will equip us according to His plan (John 16:13).
We must also be willing to obey when He gives us divine inspiration / guidance. Sometimes when people say they want to know God’s will, what they really mean is: I want to know God’s will - and then I’ll decide whether or not I’m going to do it. But God already knows the deep things of our hearts, and many times He will not reveal His plan to a stubborn heart who will not obey. Thus, we must have a heart of surrender, although the situation can be impossible, we still obey His guidance, knowing that we walk in the confidence that He is directing our paths.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

REFERENCES