When we consider what Jesus speaks or desires to speak into our lives, two essential themes emerge: inspiration and utterance. Both are foundational to understanding how God communicates His truth and empowers us to share that truth with others. If we are not inspired by God, we lack the divine authority and selection to speak on His behalf. If we do not receive utterance from the Holy Spirit, our words lack the power and purpose that only He can provide. Let’s explore these two concepts, rooted in Scripture, and how they apply to our calling as followers of Christ.
1. Inspiration: God’s Light and Truth
Psalm 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” This verse emphasizes that God is the source of all true inspiration. In His light, we gain understanding, purpose, and direction. Without God’s inspiration, we cannot rightly perceive His truth, nor can we reflect that truth in our lives or words. Just as natural light illuminates the physical world, God’s light illuminates our hearts and minds, allowing us to see and speak with divine clarity.
Jesus, as the embodiment of God's light (John 8:12), inspires us to live and speak in alignment with God’s will. When we are inspired by God, we are given the wisdom and discernment needed to speak His truth accurately. Without this inspiration, our words are empty, and our message lacks the authority of heaven.
Paul echoes this idea of divine inspiration in 1 Corinthians 11:23, where he says, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you...” Paul did not share his own thoughts or opinions but passed on what he had received from the Lord. This divine inspiration is critical for anyone speaking on God’s behalf. If we have not been inspired by God—if we have not received His message—we are not selected to speak for Him.
If God Has Not Inspired You, You Are Not Selected to Speak for Him
Inspiration from God is a mark of being chosen by Him to deliver His message. Jesus Himself only spoke what He received from the Father. In John 12:49, Jesus says, “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” This is the model for all believers. We must first receive from God before we can speak for Him.
If we lack divine inspiration, it is a sign that we are not yet prepared or selected to be His spokesperson. This inspiration comes through deep relationship with God, immersion in His Word, and sensitivity to His Spirit. Before we speak for God, we must be sure that we have been inspired by Him—His light must illuminate our understanding and words.
2. Utterance: Spirit-Energized Communication
The second key element Jesus wants to speak is utterance—the Spirit-energized communication that empowers believers to declare God’s truth with boldness and effectiveness. Utterance goes beyond ordinary speech; it is communication that is infused with the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Ephesians 6:19, Paul asks for prayer, “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Paul recognized that effective communication of the gospel was not possible through his own ability; he needed the Holy Spirit to give him the words—utterance—to speak.
Utterance Comes from the Spirit’s Power
The word utterance in Scripture often refers to the ability to speak God’s truth with clarity and power that comes from the Holy Spirit. This was especially evident on the day of Pentecost when the apostles “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Their words were not their own; they were energized and directed by the Spirit.
When we speak under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we are given the boldness and wisdom to proclaim God’s message with precision and power. The words we speak are not simply our own thoughts or efforts, but they are energized by the Spirit to impact hearts and minds.
Ephesians 1:9-10 ties this utterance to God's eternal purpose: “He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” The purpose of utterance is to reveal God’s eternal plan, to declare the mystery of His will—bringing all things under the lordship of Christ. Our communication, when energized by the Spirit, serves to fulfill this grand and eternal purpose.
Eternal Purpose: The Foundation of Spirit-Led Utterance
God’s eternal purpose is to unite all things under Christ (Ephesians 1:10), and every utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit aligns with this purpose. Whether we are speaking words of encouragement, sharing the gospel, or teaching biblical truths, our words should reflect the ultimate goal of advancing God's kingdom and bringing people into unity with Christ.
Spirit-led utterance begins with a deep understanding of God’s eternal purpose, and this understanding is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said in John 16:13, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth... and He will tell you what is yet to come.” The Spirit guides us into the truth of God’s plan and gives us the words we need to proclaim that truth effectively.
Conclusion: Are You Called to Speak for God?
Both inspiration and utterance are essential for anyone called to speak on behalf of God. Without inspiration—God’s light guiding our hearts and minds—we are not selected to be His spokesmen. And without utterance—Spirit-energized communication—our words will lack the power to transform lives or fulfill God’s eternal purpose.
Jesus wants to speak inspiration into your life, filling you with His light and truth. He also wants to give you the utterance—the Spirit-empowered words—that will boldly declare His message to a world in need. If you desire to be used by God in this way, seek His inspiration through prayer, immerse yourself in His Word, and rely on the Holy Spirit to give you utterance when the time comes to speak.
Closing Prayer:
Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for Your divine inspiration and the utterance of Your Holy Spirit. Illuminate our hearts with Your truth so that we may be selected and equipped to speak on Your behalf. Fill us with boldness, wisdom, and clarity to proclaim Your eternal purpose. May our words be energized by Your Spirit to bring unity, healing, and salvation through Christ. Help us always to seek Your inspiration before we speak, so that we may honor You with every word.
In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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