Part 6 of 15 – Outer Voices versus the Inner Voice of the Spirit of Christ

This Article is part of a multi-part Study Series called Two Kinds Of Knowledge.

Most Christians listen to many outer voices, ignoring Christ within and thus have only confusion. The outer voices most-often are NOT of Christ and often are speaking contrary to Christ within. Peter faced this situation and said “…We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.

The OUTER voices  may be that of our husband or wife, our friends and acquaintances, our parents words from long ago, our pastor’s words, our denomination’s doctrines, the Laws of the Bible, Bible verses taken out of context, etc. For the Christian, these voices often are contrary to Christ’s voice within our spirit. These many outer voices listed are often versus” the inner voice of Christ, which we know by that intuitive innermost sense knowing that we have by His indwelling Spirit. However, we should note that Christ within may speak to us through the outer voices. We will know that if it is of the Lord only as what is spoken confirms what is sensed within our own spirit.

Three Cautions to Observe:

  1. This doesn’t mean we should do whatever we want to do. If we go against His inner voice we are NOT obeying His inner speaking. Consequently, we’ll bear the consequences of our earthly actions.
  2. The innermost voice will never violate the righteous character of God, so there is no basis for fear of becoming sinful due to misinterpreting the innermost sense we have by Christ in us.
  3. The innermost voice will never violate the revealed written word of God (Bible Truth) that is written for our “dispensation of the grace of God” as given by the Apostle to the Gentiles – Paul.

In any case, the innermost sense of the spirit must be our FINAL arbiter in our walk! This is what it is to be a “son of God.” Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. James 4:17 … to him that knoweth (eido) to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

That sense of inner peace we have by the Lord in us is to be our guide. This peace can only be of the Lord.

Colossians 3:15 (AMP) And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Knowing Him inwardly is far superior to knowing the external “acts of God” and “the ways (Biblical Principles) of God.”  Most Christians today think to goal of their walk is to walk in accord with God’s principals as though they are remote from God. Psalm 103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. Now God, in Christ, as the Spirit of life, is present in the believer’s spirit. He is not afar off and He is not most interested in what we do. He only asks that we trust Him, desiring for Him alone. In this way we will learn Christ in us. Jesus said believers have but one genuine work that is ordained of God for us to pursue. John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Believe” in Greek is "pisteou," meaning, trust in, cling to, and rely upon. We are to trust in the Christ who now indwells us, enlivening us, leading us, and guiding us from within.

Many churches announce and proclaim “We preach godly principles.” Many prefer God’s principals and laws, i.e., about family, giving as sowing, etc. These are arms length relationship with God. They cling to what the Old Testament and Jesus of Nazareth “did” or “said.” But that instruction is not for the body of Christ - Jesus clearly tells us He came only to the lost sheep of Israel. Matthew 15:24 (KJV) But he (Jesus) answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew, Mark, Luke’s gospels speak of what “Jesus of Nazareth” did, John’s gospel speaks of … who Jesus is, – and He is LIFE (light, bread, and water of LIFE. Paul writes of who Jesus the Christ is to usChrist is OUR Innermost LIFE. 2Cor.3:17a Now the Lord is that Spirit: 1Cor. 15:45 … The first man Adam was made (became) a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) spirit, 2Tim. 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. … Col. 3:4 Christ, who is our lifeCol. 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: