The Instruction And Guidance Of The Holy Spirit

In our four-part series on the providence of God, we will now examine God’s provision of instruction and guidance. From dreams to talking donkeys, God has historically used a huge variety of means to guide people. Just as God is intimately involved in orchestrating every detail of every life on earth, He is also intimately involved in guiding your every move, whether you are aware of it or not.

1. The written Word is our first guide.

The words of Scripture are unique in that they are God’s infallible, inerrant Word (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). This is the Lord’s most important means of communication with us today.

2. The Holy Spirit guides in ways of which we are not aware.

a. Sometimes He directs our lives even contrary to our plans (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; 20:24).

b. Those who live by faith can be confident that God is guiding their paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

3. The Holy Spirit also infallibly instructs and guides us in other ways.

a. Through direct impressions—a strong sense of urging or restraint—on our minds.

b. Through precise words planted in our minds—the “inaudible voice” of the Holy Spirit.

Note: Dr. Bridges acknowledges that these methods of communication cannot be proven from Scripture, but he affirms from his experience that God’s Holy Spirit does sometimes use them. However, we must pay careful attention to the following caveats...

4. Test the message.

a. We are fallible receptors of God’s communication and guidance (Jeremiah 17:9).

b. Therefore, any perceived instruction or guidance of the Holy Spirit is always subject to and must be tested by the infallible authority of Scripture (Acts 17:11).