Como ser dirigido por el Espíritu Santo 2- Kenneth Hagin

Understanding the Spirit, Soul, and Body in Christian Theology

The Role of the Spirit in Guidance

• The discussion begins with references to Romans 8:14 and Proverbs 20:27, emphasizing that being led by the Spirit of God identifies one as a child of God.

• Proverbs highlights that the spirit of man acts as God's lamp, guiding individuals through their inner selves rather than external means.

Distinction Between Spirit and Soul

• The speaker stresses the importance of understanding the difference between spirit and soul, noting that guidance is not mentioned as coming from the soul in scripture.

• It is clarified that while our spirits are born again, our souls (intellect and emotions) require ongoing renewal.

Biblical References on Human Composition

• Citing Hebrews 4:12, it is noted that God's Word can divide between spirit and soul, reinforcing their distinct roles within human nature.

• Paul’s writings indicate humans consist of spirit, soul, and body; when a body dies, the spirit continues to exist.

Salvation of Spirit vs. Soul

• James addresses believers about receiving God's Word to save their souls despite them already being born again spiritually.

• This distinction highlights a common misunderstanding among Christians regarding spiritual rebirth versus emotional or intellectual salvation.

Transformation Through Renewal

• Paul urges believers in Romans 12:1–2 to present their bodies as living sacrifices since physical bodies are not inherently saved or transformed at rebirth.

• Emphasis is placed on renewing one's mind to discern God’s will—good, acceptable, and perfect—as part of spiritual growth.

Spiritual Birth Explained

• Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus illustrates that being "born again" refers specifically to spiritual rebirth rather than physical or soulish transformation.

• The speaker reiterates that we engage with different realms (spiritual vs. mental vs. physical) through our respective faculties (spirit vs. intellect vs. body).

New Creation in Christ

• Reference to 2 Corinthians 5:17 indicates that becoming a new creature pertains to one's inward self rather than outward appearance or condition.

• Clarification on theological terms suggests confusion arises from traditional teachings; true transformation involves crucifying fleshly desires rather than dying out to self.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific points discussed.

Understanding the Inward Witness

Presenting Our Bodies to God

• The act of presenting our bodies to God is a personal responsibility, emphasizing that it is not something God does for us but rather an action we must take ourselves.

• Upon being born again, individuals become a new creation in Christ, embodying the nature and life of God within them.

The Role of the Inward Man

• The inward man, or spirit man, should be the dominant aspect of our identity; it is through this inner self that God guides us.

• Being led by the Spirit of God is essential for those who are considered children of God.

How Does God Guide Us?

• The primary way that God leads His children is through the inward witness, which serves as a direct connection to divine guidance.

• A personal experience from 1959 highlights how Jesus emphasized being led by the Spirit over relying on prophetic ministry.

Prophetic Ministry vs. Personal Guidance

• Unlike in the Old Covenant where laypeople sought direction from prophets, under the New Covenant everyone has access to God's Spirit for guidance.

• An example from Acts illustrates that while prophets can provide insights, they do not dictate actions or decisions; true guidance comes from within.

Importance of Listening to God's Voice

• Emotional responses may arise when seeking direction (e.g., crying and pleading), but ultimately one must follow their own conviction and understanding.

• Jesus communicated that He would not lead through prophetic ministry alone; instead, every believer has equal access to divine direction.

Learning to Follow the Inward Witness

• Many misunderstandings exist regarding prophetic roles; true authority lies in teaching and guiding others rather than merely delivering spectacular revelations.

• Jesus reassured that following one's inward witness can lead to prosperity without fostering covetousness—emphasizing spiritual wealth over materialism.

Conclusion: Riches Through Spiritual Guidance

• Following this inward witness has proven fruitful; spiritual richness equates to having a full supply in life’s needs.

The Role of Inward Witness in Guidance

Understanding Abundant Provision

• The term "rich" signifies abundant provision, which applies to both billionaires and the speaker, emphasizing a shared experience of abundance.

• The speaker expresses gratitude and encourages the audience to affirm this understanding with an "Amen."

Divine Guidance Through Inward Witness

• The speaker reflects on how many individuals miss divine guidance by waiting for spectacular signs instead of recognizing the supernatural through inward witness.

• Key decisions in the speaker's life, such as moving to Tulsa and starting Rhema Bible Training Centers, were guided by this inward witness.

Early Experiences in Ministry

• The speaker recounts their initial visit to Tulsa in October 1963 for a Full Gospel businessmen banquet, which unexpectedly led to a revival lasting eight weeks.

• Despite offers from businessmen to relocate, the speaker and their wife felt no divine direction to move away from Tulsa.

Financial Growth and Reflection

• Reflecting on early financial struggles, the speaker recalls that their gross income was only $35,000 per year at one point but felt prosperous at that time.

• Comparatively, they note that current financial needs have significantly increased over time.

Decision-Making Process

• During a visit with friends who offered office space in Tulsa, the speaker initially resisted moving despite feeling an internal prompting upon visiting a potential office building.

• A struggle between head (logical reasoning) and heart (spiritual guidance) ensued when considering whether to follow this inward witness or stick with prior plans.

Distinguishing Between Voices

• The speaker explains that God leads through two primary ways: inward witness and inner voice.

• They clarify that while every Christian has access to their own spirit's voice, God's authoritative voice is distinct from personal thoughts.

Inward Witness and the New Covenant

The Role of the Inward Man

• The speaker discusses a promise made regarding a building, emphasizing the importance of belief and observation in witnessing fulfillment.

• The concept of following the "inward witness" is introduced as a guiding principle for spiritual journeys, particularly in relation to the Rhema Bible Training Center.

Understanding the Inward Voice

• The inward man possesses a voice akin to that of the outward man; however, it often speaks from deeper truths rather than surface-level thoughts.

• This inner voice is identified as conscience or intuition, which serves as guidance when aligned with one's spirit. It reflects one's spiritual state and moral compass.

New Creation in Christ

• A transformation occurs within one’s spirit upon becoming a new creation in Christ; all old things pass away, signifying complete renewal.

• Those who are born again have an awakened conscience that guides them according to God's nature within them, contrasting with unregenerate spirits.

Communication with the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit resides within the born-again spirit rather than communicating through intellect; this emphasizes reliance on spiritual discernment over mental reasoning.

Biblical Foundations of Inward Guidance

• Reference to Jeremiah 31:33 highlights God’s promise to write His law on human hearts, indicating an internalized relationship with divine principles.

• Paul’s teachings affirm that true understanding begins from within—starting with one’s spirit before extending outwardly to soul and body.

Living Waters and Spiritual Fulfillment

• Jesus’ invitation in John 7:37–39 illustrates how living waters flow from within believers, symbolizing spiritual abundance sourced from their innermost being.

New Covenant Insights

• Hebrews 8:10 reiterates God’s commitment to writing His laws internally rather than externally on stone tablets, marking a shift towards personal spirituality.

• The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that sins will be remembered no more under this new covenant, highlighting grace's transformative power.

Understanding the New Covenant and Love as the Fulfillment of the Law

The Shift from Commandments to Love

• The New Covenant signifies a departure from laws inscribed on stone; instead, God's law is now written in believers' hearts.

• Jesus introduces a new commandment in John 13:34-35, emphasizing love as the defining characteristic of His disciples.

Romans and the True Meaning of Debt

• In Romans 13:8, Paul instructs not to owe anyone anything except love, which is often misinterpreted when taken out of context.

• The original Greek text clarifies that believers are only indebted to love one another, not necessarily prohibiting financial debts.

Misinterpretations and Their Consequences

• Misunderstandings about debt can lead to harmful doctrines; God’s blessings include financial prosperity without being in debt.

• Many immature Christians have caused damage by misinterpreting biblical texts regarding debt and obligations.

Love as the Fulfillment of the Law

• Fulfilling God's law comes through love; if one acts in love, they naturally adhere to moral commandments like not stealing or lying.

• Love does no harm to others; thus, it encapsulates all commandments. Walking in love negates the need for explicit rules against wrongdoing.

The Role of God's Love in Believers' Hearts

• Romans 5:5 states that God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His law through love.

• Believers should consider how their actions affect others, reinforcing community and relational harmony based on love.

Personal Experience with Church Dynamics

• A personal anecdote illustrates challenges faced when dealing with church members who create discord within congregations.

• Despite difficulties with certain individuals causing problems, there is an emphasis on compassion and seeking restoration rather than punishment.

Love as the Fulfillment of the Law

The Power of Love in Community

• The speaker emphasizes that love is essential, stating it works no ill to one's neighbor and should be prioritized over negative influences.

• A personal anecdote illustrates that even when one does not vote for a leader, it doesn't equate to a lack of love or support from the community.

• A pastor acknowledges his previous mistakes and expresses gratitude for the church's growth, highlighting how love can mend relationships and foster unity.

Understanding God's Love

• The speaker reflects on their journey after leaving a church, expressing concern about leaving behind challenges for another pastor, showcasing a heart aligned with love.

• Emphasizing that love fulfills all commandments, the speaker encourages listeners to consider how their actions affect others.

Biblical Foundations of Love

• The speaker references Matthew 22:34-40, where Jesus identifies loving God and loving one's neighbor as the greatest commandments.

• It is noted that these two commandments are fundamentally intertwined; true love encompasses both aspects.

Practical Application of Love

• The idea is reinforced that if one embodies God's love in their heart, they do not need additional laws or commandments to guide them.

• Galatians 5:14 states that all law is fulfilled in loving one's neighbor as oneself, emphasizing simplicity in living out this commandment.

Characteristics of True Love

• In discussing 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (Amplified Translation), various attributes of love are outlined: patience, kindness, humility—contrasting with prideful behaviors.

• The speaker warns against allowing one's mind or flesh to dominate actions; instead, they advocate for letting God's love guide behavior.

Renewing the Mind and Understanding God's Love

The Nature of God's Love

• Emphasizes the importance of renewing one's mind with the Word of God to allow the spirit to dominate over fleshly desires.

• Highlights that God's love does not insist on its own rights, encouraging a seminar discussion on this topic.

• Describes love as selfless, not touchy or resentful, and encourages individuals to let God's love guide their actions.

Characteristics of True Love

• True love bears all things, believes in the best of others, hopes under all circumstances, and endures without weakening; it never fails or becomes obsolete.

• Affirms that this kind of divine love resides within believers through the Holy Spirit, serving as a safe guide for conscience.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Discusses how the Holy Spirit dwells within believers' spirits rather than their minds, facilitating communication from spirit to mind.

• References Jesus’ words about loving Him by keeping His commandments and how God will dwell with those who do so.

Understanding Conviction and Conscience

• Clarifies that it is not the Holy Spirit that condemns Christians for wrongdoing but rather their own spirits recognizing sin.

• Points out that only one sin—the rejection of Jesus—is what the Holy Spirit convicts non-believers about.

Personal Reflection on Listening to One's Heart

• Shares a personal anecdote about learning to listen to his heart after being born again and recognizing wrong speech patterns.

• Encourages individuals to heed their hearts instead of succumbing to societal norms regarding language and behavior.

The Importance of Spiritual Awareness

• Stresses that many ignore their spiritual instincts in favor of fleshly or mental responses despite being filled with the Holy Spirit.

• Urges listeners to recognize early signs from their spirits as crucial for spiritual growth and awareness.

Witnessing Through Our Spirits

• Reiterates Romans 8:16 about how the Spirit bears witness with our spirits regarding our identity as children of God.

• Distinguishes between physical evidence versus spiritual witness; feelings are often misleading indicators tied to bodily responses.

Understanding Guidance Through Feelings and the Spirit

The Role of Feelings in Spiritual Life

• The speaker discusses the conflict between feelings and spiritual truth, emphasizing that relying solely on feelings can lead to a sense of insecurity and distance from God.

• It is highlighted that feelings are linked to the body, while reason pertains to the soul. The conscience represents the voice of the spirit, indicating a hierarchy in how we perceive guidance.

• The speaker asserts that regardless of personal feelings about God's presence or actions, one must trust in God's Word as absolute truth.

Trusting God's Word Over Personal Experience

• Emphasizes Romans 8:16, which states that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit rather than our physical senses; this distinction is crucial for understanding divine guidance.

• Reference to John 16:13-14 illustrates that the Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and reveals future events, reinforcing reliance on spiritual insight over emotional responses.

Inward Witness vs. External Signs

• Jesus' promise in John 14:26 indicates that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind believers of His words, suggesting an internal source of guidance.

• The speaker notes that being led by the inward witness is fundamental for all believers, including preachers and prophets.

Misconceptions About Divine Guidance

• Many people expect extraordinary signs (like visions or angels), but these occurrences are rare compared to everyday guidance through inner conviction.

• Caution against seeking signs like "putting out a fleece," as it often leads to misinterpretation of God's will; such practices are not supported by New Testament teachings.

Historical Context of Guidance Practices

• Discussion on Gideon’s use of fleeces highlights differences between Old Testament experiences without the Holy Spirit's indwelling versus New Testament believers who have direct access to divine guidance.

• Acknowledges past denominational beliefs regarding divine direction; emphasizes a shift towards understanding better covenantal promises available today.

Personal Testimony on Seeking Guidance

• Shares a personal anecdote about attempting to discern God’s will through congregational voting as a form of fleece but ultimately realizing it was misguided.

• Reflecting on his journey from Baptist roots into Pentecostalism illustrates evolving understandings about faith practices and reliance on spiritual leading rather than external validation.

The Journey of Preaching and Understanding God's Will

The Experience of Preaching

• The speaker describes a moment of anxiety upon entering the church, likening it to being doused with cold water, indicating a sudden realization or awakening.

• Despite feeling unprepared, the speaker acknowledges that they managed to deliver talks without divine anointing, emphasizing the importance of spiritual connection in preaching.

• Reflecting on their past experiences, the speaker notes that true preaching requires alignment with God's will; otherwise, efforts feel ineffective and misaligned.

Lessons Learned from Past Experiences

• The speaker discusses how God cannot fully bless plans that are not aligned with His will, using metaphors like "washing your feet with your socks on" to illustrate confusion in spiritual matters.

• A humorous anecdote is shared about a man who lost his mind over a failed engagement to someone named Mary, highlighting the absurdity of seeking signs rather than understanding God's direction.

Seeking God's Will

• Emphasizing personal responsibility in discerning God’s will, the speaker encourages listeners to spend time in prayer and reflection despite distractions from physical and mental states.

• The process of quieting one's body and mind is essential for hearing God’s voice clearly; this may require patience and discipline.

Walking in Love as a Spiritual Principle

• Two key lessons learned early on include walking in love regardless of others' actions and maintaining integrity even when wronged by others.

• An example is given where the speaker chose to act generously towards someone who had wronged them, demonstrating love through actions rather than feelings.

Listening for God's Voice

• The speaker asserts that if one is not listening to love, they are not truly hearing God. This reinforces the idea that love is integral to understanding divine guidance.

• By developing one's spirit through acts of love, individuals can better attune themselves to hear God's voice more clearly.

How to Develop and Train Your Spirit

The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Development

• Some individuals believe that hearing a divine voice would enhance their spiritual connection; however, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praying in tongues as a method for developing one's spirit.

• Referencing 1 Corinthians 14:14, the speaker notes that praying in an unknown tongue allows the spirit to pray while keeping the mind quiet, which can be challenging initially but becomes easier with practice.

• A quiet mind enhances awareness of one's spirit and facilitates direct contact with God, who is described as the "father of spirits," emphasizing a supernatural connection beyond mental activity.

Training Your Spirit Effectively

• The speaker outlines three key methods for training your spirit:

• Feeding on God's Word

• Walking in love

• Praying in other tongues

• Developing one’s spirit leads to an internal sense of guidance (yes or no), even regarding minor life decisions, highlighting God's interest in all aspects of life.

The Challenge of Mental Dominance

• Many people live predominantly in the mental and physical realms, often neglecting their spiritual development. This imbalance can lead to intellect overshadowing spiritual guidance.

• The inward witness—an intuitive sense within—is often ignored due to over-reliance on intellectual reasoning rather than spiritual insight.

Personal Testimony on Listening to Inward Guidance

• A personal story illustrates how ignoring this inward witness can lead to significant financial loss; a businessman reflects on missed opportunities had he listened to his inner guidance.

• Despite being a successful Christian leader, he recounts making poor investment choices based on external pressures rather than internal conviction.

Importance of Spiritual Awareness

• The businessman shares his experience with investing based on peer pressure instead of seeking divine direction through prayer and introspection.

• He emphasizes that many Christians are unaware they should listen for this inward witness when making decisions, suggesting a gap in teaching about spiritual discernment.

Understanding the Inward Witness

The Role of Prayer and Inner Guidance

• Emphasizes the importance of prayer not just for guidance but also for discernment. If there is a "check" in your spirit, it is advised to refrain from proceeding with that action.

• Discusses distinguishing between one's own desires and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The "spirit of man" serves as a divine indicator, helping individuals navigate their decisions.

Nature of the Inward Man

• Describes the inward man as a new creation filled with God's life, nature, love, and presence of the Holy Spirit. This inner being is crucial for understanding spiritual truths.

• References 1 John 3:9 to clarify that those born of God do not practice sin; this distinction highlights spiritual integrity versus human failure.

Spiritual Discernment

• Explains that true believers should maintain a tender conscience and be aware when they stray from righteousness. Acknowledging mistakes promptly is essential for spiritual health.

• Contrasts physical birth from human parents with spiritual rebirth through God, emphasizing our shared divine nature as believers.

Partaking in Divine Nature

• Cites 2 Peter 1:4 about receiving great promises that allow believers to partake in God's divine nature through faith and scripture engagement.

Biblical Illustration: Paul's Voyage

• Introduces an example from Acts where Paul perceives danger on his voyage to Rome without direct revelation from God; he relies on his inner witness instead.

• Highlights that Paul's perception was rooted in his spirit rather than mental or physical awareness, showcasing how Christians can develop similar discernment.

Personal Experience with Spiritual Perception

• Shares a personal anecdote about recognizing something amiss during another evangelist's meeting based on an inward perception rather than explicit revelation.

• Concludes by stressing the importance of being attuned to one's spirit to discern truth amidst external influences within church settings.

Insights on Spiritual Perception and Obedience

The Importance of Inward Perception

• The speaker discusses a meeting involving young ministers where inappropriate behavior occurred, highlighting the gullibility of some Pentecostals who mistake performance for genuine spiritual activity.

• A personal anecdote is shared about a minister's family dining experience, emphasizing the need to heed inward perceptions that may signal danger or urgency.

Heeding Inner Urges

• The minister felt an unexplainable urge to leave a restaurant before ordering, which later proved crucial when their water heater exploded upon returning home.

• This incident illustrates the importance of obeying inner urges; failure to do so could have resulted in significant damage or danger.

Understanding God's Guidance

• A story is recounted about another minister who faced severe consequences after an automobile accident, raising questions about divine protection and understanding God’s will in difficult situations.

• The speaker emphasizes that even faithful individuals can struggle with understanding why misfortunes occur despite their prayers and confessions of faith.

Faith vs. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

• The narrative continues with a reflection on how faith practitioners often overlook the guidance of the Holy Spirit while relying solely on their confessions and beliefs.

• It is stressed that being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings is essential for true guidance and safety in life decisions.

Building Relationship with the Holy Spirit

• The speaker encourages listeners to develop a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit, suggesting many are unaware of His presence within them.

• Emphasizing that God resides within believers, he advocates for learning to listen and communicate with Him as vital for spiritual growth and direction.