“God Told Me” – A Modern Misuse of Divine Authority (Summary)

Objective:

• Understand how God speaks today.
• Recognise that the Bible is sufficient for guidance.
• Embrace the direct access we have to God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, without the need for middlemen.

Introduction

The phrase “God told me” or “God told me to tell you” is commonly used in religious settings. While it sounds spiritual, it often lacks Biblical support. This study will explore how God speaks today and why these phrases may be misleading.

I. How Did God Speak in the Past?

• Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV):
• “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
  • In the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets, visions, and dreams.
  • Now, God speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ.

II. God Speaks Through the Scriptures

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV):
• “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”
  • The Scriptures are sufficient to teach, correct, and guide believers.
  • God no longer requires new revelation, as everything necessary is written down.

III. No Middlemen or Mediators Except Christ

• 1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV):
• – “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
  • Jesus is the only mediator.
  • No pastor, prophet, or person has exclusive access to God.
• Romans 8:26-27 (ESV):
• “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
  • The Holy Spirit guides and intercedes for us, directly connecting believers to God.

IV. The Danger of “God Told Me” Claims

• Spiritual Manipulation: People can be coerced into actions or giving based on unverifiable “messages.”
• Creates a Hierarchy: Some may view certain people as more “spiritually advanced” because they claim direct communication with God.
• Contradicts Scripture: “Revelations” may contradict God’s written Word, leading to confusion or error.
• Galatians 1:8 (ESV):
  – “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
  • If any message contradicts the Word of God, it should be rejected.

V. What Should Believers Do Instead?

1. Test Every Spirit
   • 1 John 4:1 (ESV): – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…”
   • Always compare any message or prophecy with the Bible.
2. Be Like the Bereans
   • Acts 17:11 (ESV): – “…they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
   • Regularly read and study the Scriptures to verify truth.
3. Trust in Scripture Alone
   • Psalm 119:105 (ESV): – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
   • Scripture is the only guide we need in our spiritual journey.

Closing Thoughts:

• God no longer speaks through personal revelations.
• His Word, the Bible, is sufficient for teaching and guidance.
• Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are our only mediators between us and God.
• Beware of claims that contradict God’s Word or elevate certain individuals as exclusive channels of revelation.

Closing Verse:

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Let Scripture guide your steps in life and your relationship with God.

Obeten Okoi Oka, PhD