The Rhema Word - Rhema refers to spoken words or a saying. It is often translated as "word," same as Logos. Many Christians use the rhema word as a way to express God speaking to them. A person may claim to have heard the "rhema word of God" when he feels God has led him to do something in service to Him. Rhema as used in the Greek language could be used of any saying by any person. It was not limited to Jesus or to an inward spiritual message. If a person claims to have a "rhema word" from God, the right step is to verify if this is true is to compare this claim with the teachings of Scripture

The rhema word – What is it?

The New Testament includes two Greek words often translated "word" in English. 

Logos often refers to the actual writings of Scripture or to Christ Himself. 

It is the Greek word used in John 1:1, Luke 8:11, Hebrews 4:12, and many other passages. 

Rhema is also often translated as "word" and refers to spoken words or a saying. 

This is the word used in Luke 5:5 when Simon Peter answered Jesus, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word [rhema] I will let down the nets."

In modern times, many charismatic Christians have used the idea of the rhema word of God as a way to express God speaking to them through the Holy Spirit.

A person may claim to have heard the "rhema word of God" when he or she feels God has led them to do something in service to Him.

Though God certainly speaks to believers through His Spirit, the use of the word rhema to validate or explain these leadings of God is both unnecessary and grammatically inaccurate. 

First, it is unnecessary to use the word rhema to explain the Spirit's leading in a person's life because the idea can easily be explained without using the term. 

In fact, using the word rhema to explain something God has led a person to do is actually often more confusing since most people do not know what the "rhema word" means.

Second, to claim that the Holy Spirit's leading in one's life is the "rhema word" is not grammatically accurate.

The word rhema as used in the Greek language could be used of any saying by any person. 

It was not limited to Jesus or to an inward spiritual message. 

Using the word rhema in this way is technically not an accurate use of the word when used only in reference to the Spirit's leading in a person's life.

Theologically, a more balanced understanding of God's "word" would include testing what a person believes he or she has been led to do by God's Spirit by the teachings of God's Word. 

God's Spirit will not lead a person to do something that would be in contradiction with His teachings in Scripture. 

For example, a person will not be "led" by God to cheat on his or her spouse since this is a teaching that violates biblical principles. 

However, in other areas, such as where to move or which job to take, a combination of prayer, Bible study, research, and consulting with other believers can all be utilized to help make a God-honoring decision.

If a person claims to have a "rhema word" from God, the first step to verify whether this is true is to compare this claim with the teachings of Scripture.

This practice can help discern whether a person is truly hearing from God's Spirit and protect against unwise choices.

CompellingTruth.org

CompellingTruth.org is a network site of Got Questions Ministries.

The purpose statement of CompellingTruth.org is: "Presenting the truth of the Christian faith in a compelling, relevant, and practical way."

Our mission is to take the questions, issues, struggles, and disagreements that exist within the Christian faith and shine the truth of God's Word on them. We believe the truth of God's Word is compelling. God's Word does not directly address every situation we face in life, but it does contain truth that can apply to anything and everything we deal with.

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Experiencing the Holy Spirit’s Presence - the Holy Spirit already knows you perfectly and lives inside you. He is right there with you to teach, guide, and comfort you. He wants you not only to have our questions answered, but also to know Him. Listen until you hear His still small voice. God completely understands everything about you. He knows what you’re going to say even before you say it. He also knows exactly how many hairs are on your head

Expect to Hear His Voice - hearing the voice of the Spirit is a privilege that belongs to every believer. Jesus said His sheep will know His voice and a stranger's voice they will not follow. That is a promise of God to you today. All we have to do to exercise that privilege is to receive it by faith and put ourselves in a position to hear. Act on what you find in the Word, not just when it's easy, but every time. Be obedient even in the slightest things. Get familiar with God's voice by meditating and studying the Word of God