Friday, 17 November 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 48

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John 16:12-13 "I still have much more to tell you, but you cannot handle it just now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you. And He will declare to you the things that are to come.

Yeshua tells the Apostles to be listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit. Was that message only for those original Apostles or for us as well, Yeshua's disciples, who are their spiritual descendants?

Rabbi Trail: We must understand our responsibilities as "disciples" of Yeshua. Yeshua is our teacher. The disciple/student must learn the ways of the Master. Our assignment is to do what Yeshua did. (WWYD?) 1 Peter 2:21 For you were called to this, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His footsteps. End RT.

Yeshua has previously told us that it is to our benefit for Him to go away. John 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away! For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. Now, 6 verses later, He is returning to that thought.

Let's go ahead and answer the original question. Are we supposed to be listening to the Holy Spirit today? Let me tell you why I believe the answer is, "Yes!" Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Ruach Elohim, these are sons of God. How can we be led if we cannot hear the instructions? "Shema" is foundational to our faith.

When we come to faith in Yeshua, we enter into the kingdom of God. To those in the hyper-grace movement (the idea that all we need is grace, and excluding the need to change our ways), I address this verse. Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Yeshua promises His Spirit that will "guide you into all truth." Through His Spirit, Yeshua takes on the task of reordering every area of our lives according to His purposes. Ephesians 5:8-10 For once you were darkness, but now in union with the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light ... trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

One last thought for today. The Holy Spirit will never tell you to violate Scripture. The glory of God is His "oneness." That means, Father, Son and Holy Spirit all declare the same truth. Let's open our ears to His leading. May we receive courage from on high to walk in it.