“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the 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. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” John 16:13-14
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
We began to learn about inner witness yesterday, realising that God’s guidance often comes through subtle inner promptings rather than overt, external messages. These promptings, or “quiet knowings,” come from the Holy Spirit interacting with our spirit, which may initially be indistinguishable from our own thoughts. The inward witness of the Holy Spirit is a crucial aspect of discerning God’s will in specific situations not directly addressed in Scripture (Rom 8:14). Tuning into the inward witness requires spiritual sensitivity and practice in distinguishing God’s voice from other influences. By recognising and responding to the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate life’s uncertainties with divine assurance and clarity. This involves regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
God’s written Word (the Bible) provides general principles and truths (2 Tim 3:16-17). However, the inward witness offers specific guidance in situations where the Bible may not give explicit instructions, such as making decisions about life changes like relocating to a different city (John 16:13). Just as God expected Israel to obey His written commands and His voice (Jer 7:23), believers are to heed both the Scriptures and the inward witness (Heb 3:7-8). For those of us who are born again, our spirit, being influenced by God’s Spirit, becomes a trustworthy guide because we are born of the Word and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit resides within to teach, lead, and provide direction, ensuring that the guidance received aligns with God’s nature and will.
A renewed mind is essential for discerning the inner witness. Just as a car needs properly aligned wheels to travel safely, our minds need to be aligned with God’s will. This alignment comes through immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Our discussion during the service highlighted an important aspect of the fellowship of the Spirit, which involves practical steps: spending time in prayer and Scripture to align your thoughts with God’s Word; being still and listening for the Holy Spirit’s gentle promptings; trusting the inner sense of peace that comes from the Spirit’s guidance, even if it sounds like your own thoughts; and acting in faith on the inward witness, when it does not contradict the written Word of God.
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Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk