Our part in “Seeing (John 5:19) and Hearing” (IV) Putting safeguards in place

There are many things that can distort what we see and hear, and what we think we see and hear from God. And in his teaching Mark Virkler insists on certain safeguards. We are told that unless we are born again we cannot see the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3), and that the mysteries of the Kingdom are given to disciples (Mark 4:11,12). So in other words firstly we need to have surrendered our lives to Christ. Secondly, since His Word is truth (John 17:17), we need a very high value for the Scriptures. I like the Intervarsity statement on this, it is that the Bible is the unique divine inspiration of God, it is entirely trustworthy and is the primary authority for faith and practice. The third safeguard is that we need to be feeding our spirits on this Word of Truth, on a daily basis.

But it is not enough to simply read. Peter warns us that the one who is not diligent, obedient and growing in Grace and maturity is “nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Finally, in this brief review, we must be in humble mutual submission to each other (Ephesians 5:21), and in submission and obedience to our leaders, those who watch out for our souls (Hebrews 13:17). This last point (submission) is just as important as the others, since truth is suppressed by unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), because our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), because our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), and because iron sharpens iron so we sharpen each other (Proverbs 27:17).

To say more on this last point, it is really important to bounce what we hear, and what we think we hear, off mature believers and/or our oversight. Even leaders need to be in relationships of mutual accountability. Submitting what we think we hear is especially important when what we hear is at some level radical. It is helpful to be in a mentoring relationship with someone who (a) knows the Shepherd, (b) who has a good Bible orientation, (c) can hear the voice of of the Shepherd, (d) is someone who is willing to give you time, (e) is also willing to receives council (witness Jim jones) and finally when necessary (f) is ahead in a particular area of the (key 4) journaling entry (finances, health etc.).

Father, as I write this morning my heart is grieved for those who, rejecting the above advice, are making shipwreck of their faith (1 Timothy 1:19). In light of this, is it little wonder that many in the church have shied away from hearing Your voice and prophecy? But in doing this, they (we) have allowed the Evil One to rob us of one of the precious tools You have given to facilitate intimacy, healing, strengthening, encouraging and comforting us. And I pray for anyone reading this, this morning who may be having doubts about this, that they would not dismiss it out of fear, but rather be among those who test all things. As for me, I want to thank You for Your daily rhema word to me. I cannot live without You Lord. In Jesus Name Amen