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NASB | James 1:5 ¶ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 1:5 ¶ If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. |
Subject: How will I hear God's answer? |
Bible Note: Dear Sister Azure, You make a good point. Neither of the Testaments teach us that there is some kind of inner voice that quietly whispers instruction to our spiritual ears. Such notions are often taught in American churches, but they arise because people think they can build doctrine on narrative. But the instructions of Scripture are to accurately handle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). The Scriptures tell us what is true, correcting our false ideas and improper behaviors, training us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Spirit enlightens the minds of the regenerate (Ephesians 1:16-18) in careful study of the Scriptures, not a kind of divine, mystical communication. The primary means by which the Holy Spirit -- the third Person of the Trinity -- speaks to believers is through the Scriptures (John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12). The carnal heart of men seek mystical experiences, believing that God will honor their worthiness as though they are one of the prophets. The hard intellectual work of diligent, daily study of the Bible and the teachings of the Church is too arduous and mundane. In Him, Doc |