The Believer’s Guide

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide all believers saying: “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Repeating this promise two more times, Jesus said that the Spirit would “bear witness about me” (John 15:26) and “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). This explains how the apostles were able to recall all that Jesus had taught and done. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they accurately recorded Christ’s words and deeds for us in the Gospels.

How then does the Holy Spirit guide Christians today? Whom should I marry? Should I devote myself to ministry or what is my vocation in life? This list of areas where we desire guidance goes on and on. Finding God’s will is a complex issue without a simple formula. God does not normally speak in an audible voice, nor does he present a written directive. The Holy Spirit guides believers who prayerfully, humbly, and patiently seek the Lord’s will through various means.

The Spirit and the Word are inseparable. Not only is Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit, but spiritual understanding is only possible through the insight given by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches us through the Word of God. The Spirit uses many other means to guide us but they must be grounded on the clear teaching of Scripture.

God can indicate his will through circumstances (like open and closed doors in Revelation 3:7-9), dreams and visions (like Joseph, Samuel, or Daniel), and people’s advice (like the consensus in Acts 15:22). But believers need more than these alone to guide them. We need spiritual discernment, an inner speaking of the Spirit, and the clear principles found in the Word.

We take one step at a time, trusting the Lord and doing what is appropriate according to his revealed will in Scripture. Christians are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper, and we learn through experience to be sensitive to his leading.

Reflection

What is an area in which you are seeking God’s will? Are there circumstances or advice from others that speak to this? Prayerfully ask the Spirit to show you if there are biblical principles that apply to this decision. Ask the Spirit to guide you as you consider the next step.