Discerning the Holy Spirit: Balance and Caution
Summary
In today's exploration of the doctrine of the baptism with the Holy Ghost, we delved into the gifts of the Spirit, focusing on the visible and objective manifestations that can be seen and appreciated by others. We are reminded of the importance of testing and proving the spirits, as the scriptures exhort us to do. This involves using our reason and understanding, guided by the Holy Scriptures, to discern the truth. It is crucial to avoid the extremes of quenching the Spirit or falling into uncritical credulity, which can lead to disaster.
We discussed the dangers of attributing every spiritual experience to the Holy Spirit without discernment. The New Testament warns us to be cautious, as we are in a spiritual realm with principalities and powers that can deceive. The prophesying of future events, for instance, should be approached with caution. While the Holy Spirit can enable prophecy, it is a rare phenomenon, and the ultimate test of a prophet is whether their prophecy comes to pass.
Personal leadings and guidance from the Holy Spirit are possible and can be a glorious experience. However, even the greatest of God's servants, like the Apostle Paul, did not live under constant direct guidance. They used their reason and understanding, enlightened by the Holy Spirit. We must be wary of those who claim special guidance over everything they do, as this can lead to fanaticism.
The physical element in spiritual experiences, such as sensations of heat or visions, should also be approached with caution. The New Testament does not emphasize these physical sensations, and an overemphasis on them can be indicative of something other than the Holy Spirit. The power of suggestion is another area where caution is needed, as it can lead to false conversions or experiences that are not genuinely of the Spirit.
Ultimately, we are called to balance and wisdom, holding to the simplicity that is in Christ. We must be open to the possibilities of the Spirit but also discerning, testing the spirits to see if they are of God.
Key Takeaways:
- Testing the Spirits: We are called to test and prove the spirits, using our reason and understanding guided by the Holy Scriptures. This discernment helps us avoid the extremes of quenching the Spirit or falling into uncritical credulity, which can lead to spiritual disaster. [01:23]
- Caution with Prophecy: While the Holy Spirit can enable prophecy, it is a rare phenomenon. The ultimate test of a prophet is whether their prophecy comes to pass. We must be cautious of those who frequently prophesy future events without hesitation. [08:21]
- Personal Leadings: Personal guidance from the Holy Spirit is possible and can be a glorious experience. However, even the greatest of God's servants used their reason and understanding, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on direct guidance. [13:44]
- Physical Sensations: An overemphasis on physical sensations in spiritual experiences can be indicative of something other than the Holy Spirit. The New Testament does not emphasize these sensations, and we should be cautious of experiences that focus heavily on them. [31:04]
- Power of Suggestion: The power of suggestion can lead to false conversions or experiences that are not genuinely of the Spirit. We must be aware of this danger and ensure that our spiritual experiences are grounded in the truth of the Scriptures. [34:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Baptism with the Holy Ghost
- [00:36] - Gifts of the Spirit
- [01:07] - Testing the Spirits
- [02:30] - Spirit and Word
- [03:02] - Fresh Revelations
- [04:39] - Caution in Spiritual Matters
- [05:40] - Prophesying Future Events
- [07:15] - Foretelling the Future
- [10:15] - Personal Leadings
- [13:44] - Apostle Paul's Example
- [15:21] - Using Reason and Understanding
- [18:54] - Historical Examples
- [22:15] - Spurgeon's Principle
- [24:00] - Normal Guidance
- [25:10] - Self-Prominence
- [28:25] - Physical Element in Experiences
- [33:01] - Power of Suggestion
- [37:00] - Speaking in Tongues
- [43:32] - Next Steps and Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:26-33
2. 1 John 4:1 - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
3. Acts 16:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 1:26-33, what does John the Baptist say about the one who will baptize with the Holy Ghost? How does this relate to the theme of the sermon on the baptism with the Holy Ghost?
2. According to 1 John 4:1, why is it important to test the spirits? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on discernment? [01:23]
3. In Acts 16:6-7, how did the Holy Spirit guide Paul and his companions? What does this passage suggest about the nature of divine guidance? [14:29]
4. What are some of the visible and objective manifestations of the baptism with the Holy Ghost mentioned in the sermon? [00:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest we balance the use of reason and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual lives? What might be the consequences of neglecting either? [02:13]
2. The sermon warns against attributing every spiritual experience to the Holy Spirit. What criteria does it suggest for discerning true spiritual experiences? [05:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of personal leadings by the Holy Spirit? What examples from scripture or history are used to illustrate this? [10:15]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between physical sensations and spiritual experiences? How should believers approach such experiences? [28:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt led by the Holy Spirit. How did you discern that it was truly the Spirit’s guidance and not your own desires? [12:44]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of testing the spirits. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are discerning spiritual experiences correctly? [01:23]
3. How can you apply the principle of using both reason and scripture in your daily decision-making process? Can you think of a recent decision where this approach could have been beneficial? [02:13]
4. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a spiritual phenomenon that seemed to emphasize physical sensations? How did you interpret that experience, and what did you learn from it? [28:39]
5. The sermon warns against the power of suggestion in spiritual experiences. How can you guard against being influenced by suggestion in your faith journey? [33:01]
6. Consider the sermon’s caution about prophecy. How can you approach prophetic claims with a healthy balance of openness and skepticism? [05:40]
7. The sermon calls for balance and wisdom in spiritual matters. What are some areas in your spiritual life where you feel you need more balance? How can you work towards achieving it? [45:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Discernment in Spiritual Experiences
In the realm of spiritual experiences, discernment is crucial. The scriptures urge believers to test and prove the spirits, using reason and understanding guided by the Holy Scriptures. This discernment helps avoid the extremes of quenching the Spirit or falling into uncritical credulity, which can lead to spiritual disaster. It is important to recognize that not every spiritual experience is from the Holy Spirit, and believers must be vigilant in discerning the truth. The spiritual realm is complex, with principalities and powers that can deceive, making it essential to rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Scriptures. [01:23]
1 John 4:1-2 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
Reflection: Think of a recent spiritual experience you had. How can you apply the principles of discernment to ensure it aligns with the truth of the Scriptures?
Day 2: The Rarity of True Prophecy
While the Holy Spirit can enable prophecy, it is a rare phenomenon. The ultimate test of a prophet is whether their prophecy comes to pass. Believers are cautioned to be wary of those who frequently prophesy future events without hesitation. The New Testament warns of the dangers of attributing every spiritual experience to the Holy Spirit without discernment. It is important to approach prophecy with caution and to test its validity against the truth of the Scriptures. [08:21]
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (ESV): "And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him."
Reflection: Consider a prophecy you have heard recently. How can you test its validity according to the biblical standard of prophecy?
Day 3: Balancing Personal Guidance and Reason
Personal guidance from the Holy Spirit is possible and can be a glorious experience. However, even the greatest of God's servants, like the Apostle Paul, used their reason and understanding, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on direct guidance. It is important to balance personal leadings with the wisdom and understanding provided by the Scriptures. Believers must be cautious of those who claim special guidance over everything they do, as this can lead to fanaticism. [13:44]
Acts 16:6-7 (ESV): "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them."
Reflection: Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance while also using your reason and understanding?
Day 4: Caution with Physical Sensations
An overemphasis on physical sensations in spiritual experiences can be indicative of something other than the Holy Spirit. The New Testament does not emphasize these sensations, and believers should be cautious of experiences that focus heavily on them. Physical sensations, such as sensations of heat or visions, should be approached with caution, as they can be misleading. It is important to ensure that spiritual experiences are grounded in the truth of the Scriptures and not solely based on physical sensations. [31:04]
Colossians 2:18-19 (ESV): "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God."
Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced physical sensations during a spiritual moment. How can you ensure that your focus remains on the truth of the Scriptures rather than the sensations themselves?
Day 5: The Power of Suggestion in Spiritual Experiences
The power of suggestion can lead to false conversions or experiences that are not genuinely of the Spirit. Believers must be aware of this danger and ensure that their spiritual experiences are grounded in the truth of the Scriptures. It is important to be cautious of experiences that may be influenced by suggestion rather than the genuine work of the Holy Spirit. By holding to the simplicity that is in Christ, believers can remain open to the possibilities of the Spirit while also being discerning. [34:07]
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV): "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a spiritual experience you have had that may have been influenced by suggestion. How can you ensure that your future experiences are genuinely grounded in the truth of the Scriptures?
Quotes
We are called to test and prove the spirits, using our reason and understanding guided by the Holy Scriptures. This discernment helps us avoid the extremes of quenching the Spirit or falling into uncritical credulity, which can lead to spiritual disaster. [00:01:23]
The New Testament exhorts us to be cautious, to be careful, to prove and to test, not to believe everything that we hear or see. Nothing is so vital as that we should realize that we are in a spiritual realm and that there are principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness even in heavenly places with which we have to contend. [00:04:39]
Foretelling of the future is possible. The Holy Spirit can enable a man to do this. I think I've already told you how in the annals of some of the great Scots Worthies you will find this very thing. John Welsh and others were able to predict accurately certain events which subsequently took place. We mustn't rule this out. It is always possible as God gave the gift of prophecy to the prophets in the Old Testament. [00:07:18]
Personal leadings do happen. They can happen. I'm sure anybody in this congregation this morning who's ever had a specific leading in this respect will not only always thank God for it but look back with a sense of awe upon it as one of the most wonderful and amazing things that have ever happened to them. [00:13:44]
Even the greatest of God have not habitually lived in a kind of direct, constant leading of the Spirit. Now I'm going to give you one example which seems to me to put this matter quite clear, and that is in the case of the Apostle Paul himself. Here is one of the most spiritual men the church has ever known. [00:15:21]
The Apostle obviously didn't live perpetually under immediate and direct leadings and guidance of the Spirit. He used his mind and his reason and the powers that God had given him, now enlightened and quickened by the Holy Spirit. [00:18:54]
An overemphasis on physical sensations in spiritual experiences can be indicative of something other than the Holy Spirit. The New Testament does not emphasize these sensations, and we should be cautious of experiences that focus heavily on them. [00:31:04]
The power of suggestion can lead to false conversions or experiences that are not genuinely of the Spirit. We must be aware of this danger and ensure that our spiritual experiences are grounded in the truth of the Scriptures. [00:34:07]
Normally, guidance is given to us through the general teaching of the Scriptures and through our own faculties and powers. If we are Christians, the Holy Spirit is in us, and he affects and influences and heightens all our faculties. That, plus the teaching of the Scripture, is the normal way of guidance. [00:24:00]
Anything which makes self prominent or great should always be regarded with the greatest possible suspicion. You see, it's not surprising, is it? And yet how difficult it is. A man in the Spirit, anxious for the glory of God and of our Lord, the devil comes to him and he tells him, now you're going to do this for God. [00:25:10]
The thing is obvious, but it's tragic to notice how slow people are to see this. When you're the victim especially, it's extremely difficult, but there are such extraordinary cases in history that the thing should be quite clear to us. [00:28:25]
We must follow the Scripture. These things are possible, and we must always be open, but we must believe every Spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God. Let us thank God for the Scripture. Let us thank God for the illustrations in the Scripture. [00:43:32]
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