In previous posts I addressed What Jesus Said About Hearing God and How a Message from God can Change the Momentum of Your Life. One of the most common ways God speaks to us is through His Word. Perhaps that’s why the Apostle Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…” (Colossians 3:16a).

The word “dwell” means to be at home in us. In other words, God’s Word should be like a welcome member of our family. Family members carry on conversations as they sit around the dinner table. In the same way, God’s Word should be allowed to speak freely into our lives.

Unfortunately, some people are afraid to let Scripture speak to them. They argue, “What if I misinterpret what it says?” If that’s your fear, then consider what Jesus said in John 16. After predicting his death, Jesus promises to send the Advocate—that is, the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus describes what the Holy Spirit will do.

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ (John 16:12-16, NLT)

From this passage, I want you to notice three insights that are crucial to hearing God speak to you through His Word and His Spirit:

• Being Truth Defines the Name and Nature of the Holy Spirit – Verse 13 begins, “When the Spirit of truth comes…” Jesus defines the Holy Spirit’s very name and nature. He’s not just any spirit…He’s the Spirit of Truth.

• Speaking Truth Defines the Role and Responsibility of the Holy Spirit – Verse 13 continues, “…he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” Jesus tells us what the Spirit of Truth will do…he will guide us into truth. The Truth he speaks to us comes from Jesus himself. And who is Jesus? John said Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

• When the Spirit Speaks Truth to You, the Spirit Brings Glory to Jesus – I had never noticed this before. Verse 14 says, “He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.” In other words, the act of the Holy Spirit speaking truth to you is also an act of worship to Jesus. You know what that tells us? The Holy Spirit wants to talk to you because when he does, he brings glory to the Son of God.

So if you’ve ever convinced yourself that God doesn’t want to speak to you, then remember the words of John 16. According to Jesus, every time the Holy Spirit speaks to you, he’s bringing glory to the Son. When you sit down to read the truth of Scripture, invite the Spirit of Truth to speak to you and to guide you.