3 Steps to CONFIRM That a WORD is Really from God | Dr Dharius Daniels | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

3 Steps to CONFIRM That a WORD is Really from God

Dr Dharius Daniels

Feb 8, 2024 • 14 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

When we feel a prompting or nudge from God, jumping straight from hearing to taking action can lead to foolish decisions. Dr. Dharius Daniels outlines three essential steps every believer must take before acting on a perceived word from God: Revelation, Interpretation, and Application. By seeking godly counsel, walking in epistemological humility, and choosing the wisest path forward, we can ensure we are truly following God's leading rather than stepping into mistake in the name of faith.

Themes

Hearing God's VoiceSpiritual DiscernmentEpistemological HumilityWise Counsel and CommunityPractical Wisdom

Pastor's Points

1.

Step 1: Revelation (What did He say?)

2.

Step 2: Interpretation (What did He mean?)

3.

Step 3: Application (What is the wisest way to do this?)

Key Points

1.
Step 1 is Revelation, which answers the question 'What did He say?' and refers to becoming aware of God's prompting, nudge, or leading.
2.
Step 2 is Interpretation, which asks 'What did He mean?' because hearing what God said does not automatically mean we understand His intent.
3.
Step 3 is Application, which asks 'What is the wisest way to do this?' to avoid taking foolish or destructive actions in the name of faith.
4.
Believers should have high confidence in God's ability to speak, but healthy humility regarding their own ability to hear accurately.
5.
Epistemological humility means recognizing that the more you know, the more you realize what you do not know, preventing arrogant decisions.
6.
Accurate interpretation of a word requires spiritual community and counsel because safety is found in a multitude of counselors.
7.
Misinterpreting a call to 'pastor' or 'lead' can lead to frustration if you assume it means starting a church rather than shepherding a neighborhood, team, or small group.

Sermon Moments

“I have way more confidence in His ability to speak than I do in my ability to always hear.”

“Revelation asks 'What did He say?' Interpretation asks 'What did He mean?'”

“The more you actually know, the more humble you should be because you discover what you don't know.”

“Spiritual life is not the only important part of your life; it is the most important part because it affects every other part.”

“Accurate interpretation requires community, a tribe, and counsel—in the multitude of counsel there is safety.”

“When you have a word, the word is wisdom; but when you don't have a word, use wisdom.”

“Stay in your lake until your stream becomes a lake.”

This Week

Pause before acting on any perceived promptings to evaluate if you have completed all three steps: Revelation, Interpretation, and Application.

Ask yourself 'What did God mean?' rather than assuming your immediate mental picture of His word is the only meaning.

Seek wisdom from trusted Christian community and spiritual mentors to confirm and vet any major word or calling.

Practice epistemological humility by acknowledging where your understanding might be incomplete or inaccurate.

Evaluate the practical timing and method of your decisions so you do not burn bridges or compromise your Christian witness.

Maintain high effort in growing your spiritual life through intentional Bible study, recognizing Sunday service alone is not enough.

Use wisdom in managing work transitions, building streams of income or service alongside existing responsibilities instead of making hasty exits.

Remember This

Before stepping out in faith on what you believe God said, confirm the word through accurate interpretation, wise counsel, and practical application.

A Challenge for You

Before taking any step of faith in the name of a word from God, walk through Revelation, Interpretation, and Application so you step into wisdom rather than foolishness.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.