Spiritual Discernment

Spiritual Discernment: A Practical Christian Application:
What does it mean when Jesus says "My sheep hear my voice but follow not the voice of strangers?" Is it literal or is there a spiritual context that can also be applied? I believe some Christian's think that to accept God through Christ Jesus means that he only has access to them spiritually. However, to give this passage a closer look we should compare this scripture with other scriptures that may infer additional insight into his statement. This said, the Bible also tells us "beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God. " meaning Christian's are not only spiritually converted as new creatures reconciled to God, but also spiritually aware, granted the capacity to hear more than just God's spirit.

 That's why the Bible says beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God. .. In context we can observe through another passage that Jesus encourages believers saying " My sheep hear my voice and follow not the voice of a stranger. " This suggests that a believer can hear but does not follow spirits that speak to them. Therefore we as Christians are to try the spirits whether they are of God. This indeed is a profound insight I think....that we should be spiritually discerning of the messages we hear, even in prayer, weighing them against the context of God's word and Godly counsel. This effectively empowers us to cast down imaginations without being influenced by emotions such as fear or anger without aligning ourselves with the context of God's word. James 4:7-8King James Version (KJV)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Just a few additional thoughts to ponder...The sensitivity of the Christian to the spiritual world, and how to successfully apply their ability to hear spiritually to discerning the voice of God. Be blessed. ☆C.

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