The In-Season Rhema Word of God

Over the past few days, we have been reflecting on how to be more receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in our lives. He is our Helper or advocate, the One called alongside us to assist us as we navigate through enemy-infested territory—the world we live in.

As well as being our Helper, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and provide us with a "Rhema" word of God in difficult situations. This kind of revelatory word is sometimes called a “word in season" (Proverbs 15:23) or an appropriate word delivered right when it is needed. What is meant by a Rhema word? Two Greek words are translated into English as Word: Rhema and Logos. The Greek word Rhema means an utterance, a revelatory picture, a vision, or a timely word. It can be a portion of Scripture that "speaks" to the heart of a believer, something highly relevant to a current situation in a believer's life, or a clear revelatory thought guiding a specific action. It often carries a “know-so" deep within a person’s core. The other word, Logos, refers to Scripture read and meditated upon in the Bible. We need both.

Unless one can verify the Greek translation, we can’t fully understand the writer’s distinction between the two words. For example, Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). In another instance, Christ stated, "The words [rhema] that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The idea is that certain times and situations call for God to breathe life into a passage from Scripture to meet a specific need. It might also be the Spirit's guidance in taking a particular course of action. For example, when Paul was prevented from preaching the word of God in Asia, he had a vision of a man from Macedonia inviting him to cross into Europe and preach there (Acts 16:6-10). In Paul's case, it was a revelatory vision.

The Spirit of God may speak to you during prayer, perhaps with a simple phrase that enters your mind. It could also be words from the Scriptures or a song, among other things. God can use many methods to give a Rhema word to His people, just as He used a variety of illustrations and parables to communicate with His disciples. A genuine revelation from God, a "Rhema" word, will never contradict, override, or oppose the Scriptures. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit will always agree, as they come from the same source. If a message comes from God, it will often be accompanied by His peace.

In my opinion, we should be cautious about using directional words with young Christians, especially avoiding the phrase, “This is what the Lord says,” because it can lead to misinterpreting the Spirit's guidance. Even the prophet Samuel was mistaken when he thought Eliab was the chosen one of Jesse's sons (1 Samuel 16:6). New believers look up to those with more experience walking with the Lord, so older Christians need to be careful with their words and actions. We should not act as junior Holy Spirit to others. Paul the apostle helps us here: “But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When sharing words with others, it's wise to ask the Lord beforehand. Ask God if the word you intend to share will edify, encourage, or comfort, and focus on those three aspects.

Yes, Paul states that all may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31), but not everyone is a prophet. We can be mistaken, which is why Paul told the Corinthian church to judge prophetic words (1 Corinthians 14:29). I mention this because I once knew a sister in the Lord who received a prophetic word that she would become pregnant. She placed a lot of hope and confidence in that word, but now, forty years later, it has not happened. Don’t upset someone’s faith by giving them what they want to hear; instead, be cautious with such things, because every word that comes from our mouths will be judged. Here’s what Jesus said about the things that come from our mouths: “I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). Keith Thomas.

This study is from the series On Fire With the Spirit and is called The Promised Holy Spirit.