Hearing God’s Voice 101 PMN 346 Personal Spiritual Formation Dr. Ron Walborn

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? “But one who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation and consolation.” 1 Cor. 14:3

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. John 16:14 “…the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:10

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:15-16

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” Deut. 18:22

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. 1 Thes. 5:19-21 (NIV)

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? 6.Are people turned toward God or away from Him? “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.” Deut. 13:1-3

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? 6.Are people turned toward God or away from Him? 7.Does it produce liberty or bondage? “Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.” Romans 8:14-16

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? 6.Are people turned toward God or away from Him? 7.Does it produce liberty or bondage? 8.Does it produce life or death? “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Cor. 3:6

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? 6.Are people turned toward God or away from Him? 7.Does it produce liberty or bondage? 8.Does it produce life or death? 9.Does the Holy Spirit bear witness that it is true? “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

9 Scriptural Tests for God’s Voice 1.Does it edify, exhort or console? 2.Is it in agreement with God’s Word? 3.Does it exalt Jesus Christ? 4.Does it have good fruit? 5.If it predicts a future event, does it come to pass? 6.Are people turned toward God or away from Him? 7.Does it produce liberty or bondage? 8.Does it produce life or death? 9.Does the Holy Spirit bear witness that it is true?