Living the Christian Life – Chapter 9: The Bible Is the Standard

The best way to discern between the voice of God and the voice of the devil is to become thoroughly familiar with God’s Word—the Old and New Testaments.

When the government trains agents to find counterfeit money they don’t use a forgery, they use a real bill. When the agents become familiar with the real currency, they immediately recognize a counterfeit. It is the same with the things of the Spirit. When you know God’s Word and His principles, then it is very easy to detect a lie from the devil.

Every possible leading, every prophetic word, every voice that we hear or sermon from the pulpit must line up with God’s Word. It is the standard for all that we do in life. First and foremost, any guidance that we receive must be tested against the principles of the Bible. Paul writes this admonition to his disciple, Timothy:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).

God will never go against His Word—this is a great assurance to us as we seek His guidance for our lives.

The Still Small Voice

People in the secular world might scoff and belittle the fact that you can hear from God—but that doesn’t make it any less true. Rest assured, if you are truly seeking almighty God—the God of the Bible—and are humble in your heart, He will direct your steps. Jesus said:

“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them
also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one
flock with one shepherd” (John 10:16 NASB).

Hearing the voice of our Father is a precious part of our inheritance as His children.

The Peace of God

One of the most important ways to test whether a voice we are hearing is from God or not is through the barometer of peace. Paul writes:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NASB).

The word “rule” in this passage literally means “to be an umpire.” The peace of God in our life acts as an umpire of our hearts—it tells us whether we are “safe” (in God’s will), or “out” (on our own).

It is often said in church circles, “When God appoints, He anoints. When He calls, He equips. And what He orders, He pays for.” As followers of Christ, we should want to know that it is God appointing, calling, and ordering the steps of your life. Without God’s appointment, there is no anointing. Apart from the call of God, there is no equipping. And finally, if He doesn’t order it, guess who pays for it? One way to avoid being out of His will is by checking our peace-ometer (like an odometer or barometer) when we are considering a decision.