Session 12

How to know if what someone says about God is true

From The Way, the Truth, and the Life: A 12-Day Devotional

Everyone has an opinion about what our life should look like and the choices we should make. With so much noise around us, others' voices can drown out God's voice.

Sometime around 70-95 A.D., John addressed a group of Christians who were yielding to the influence of false teachers. This group of people said they believed in God, but they were denying Jesus as the only way to God. They were allowing others to shape their beliefs into something that might have been more popular but was no longer true. 

In response, John reminded people to listen to what they were taught in the beginning and to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to walk in complete obedience.

The Holy Spirit comforts and leads us.

The people had forgotten how to listen to God. When we ask Jesus into our lives, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to live within us. The Holy Spirit is God's Spirit in us. He comforts and leads us. He is a good teacher and protects us from those who would lead us astray (1 John 26-27).

Jesus said, “when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative — and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit — he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you” (John 14:26).  Lots of people will give us tips and strategies to live our best lives. But the only voice that won't lead us astray is God's. He is speaking to us and guiding through the Holy Spirit every day.   

Reflect:

• Are you having a hard time listening to the Holy Spirit in your life? Set aside some time to be still and quiet. Lay your burdens before Him and ask for His presence to sustain you and guide you.
• Do you have a hard time understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in your life? Why or why not?

Read more about the Holy Spirit here and ask Him to reveal Himself to you as you learn.