GLEANINGS - GenesisSample

Does God speak through dreams?

Researchers tell us that dreams are made up of fragments of our lives that creep from our conscious to our unconsciousness in an effort to arrange a paradigm or grid to resolve the input and stimulation we encounter throughout our lives.

Remember, though, that not all dreams are “God” dreams. Some are just dreams and some nightmares can be the result of a spicy meal!

Since there is no indication in the Bible that God has stopped using dreams, the simple answer to whether God still speaks through dreams and visions is “Yes.”. But He speaks much more often, through His Word, His Spirit, and the wise counsel of those mature in the faith.

We should not look for or expect new revelations from dreams that expand our knowledge of God, doctrine, and the Bible. New information from any source, including dreams and visions, must agree with Scripture.

If God chooses to speak to a person in a dream, the message of that dream will be consistent with, and not contradict the teachings of the Bible. Remember, the Bible is inspired by God and is sufficient for instruction (2 Timothy 3:16).

We must be discerning and test everything against the word of God. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns of “dreamers” who lead Israel astray with false teaching. We do not want to be like them, but rather test everything with Scripture, and pray to God for direction (James 1:5). Additionally, we shouldn’t expect God to lead us in every decision by giving us a dream – He may or may not. The normal way that God leads and guides us today is through His Word, the Bible.

God implores us to rely exclusively on the Scriptures that were “once for all delivered to the saints” and not to rely on dreams as do the ungodly (Jude 3-16).

The Bible must be the most important source of authority in a person's spiritual life because it is the ONLY source that can be trusted when making spiritual decisions. Asking God to show a sign through a dream, prophetic word, supernatural manifestation, or personal experience is an act of spiritual immaturity, rejection, and unbelief. Seeking after signs proves there is no active trust in God.

God’s will for every Christian is found in His written Word alone. Dreams must not be relied upon to hear from God because His written Word is the highest mode of revelation (Eccl 5:7). No other outside source is needed – EVER!

APPLICATION QUESTION:

Are you discerning, and testing everything against the word of God, or do you heavily depend on dreams and prophetic visions to know God's will for your life?

QUOTE:

We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency, and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior. John Stott

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to acknowledge the Bible as the final authority in my life. Amen