In Christian theology, especially within Charismatic and Pentecostal traditions, Rhema is understood as a specific, Spirit-given word for an individual or situation, while Logos is the general, written Word of God (Scripture). Integrating both is essential for:
Spiritual maturity.
Discernment and doctrinal soundness.
2. Biblical Foundations for Seeking God’s Word
2.1 God Speaks Through Scripture (Logos)
Verse
Principle
2 Timothy 3:16–17
All Scripture is inspired and sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
Psalm 119:105
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2.2 God Also Gives Specific Guidance (Rhema)
Verse
Principle
Acts 13:2
The Holy Spirit spoke, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…” – specific guidance for mission.
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes by hearing… the word (Rhema) of Christ,” referring to the preached message, but showing Rhema builds faith.
3. Seeking Rhema While Rooted in Logos
3.1 Prioritise Scripture as Final Authority
3.1.1 Theological Principle
Scripture is the normative revelation of God, complete and authoritative (Hebrews 1:1–2).
3.1.2 Application
Believers should saturate themselves in Scripture, ensuring all impressions or Rhema words are tested against it.
3.2 Pray for Spirit-Led Illumination
Verse
Explanation
Ephesians 1:17–18
Paul prays for believers to receive “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation… to know Him better.”
John 16:13
The Spirit guides into all truth and glorifies Christ.
Practice
Pray daily: “Lord, illuminate your Logos and grant Rhema insight for today’s situations.”
3.3 Discernment Through Testing
3.3.1 Biblical Commands
1 Thessalonians 5:19–21: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
3.3.2 Tests for Rhema Words
Test
Application
Scriptural Consistency
Does it align with the teachings and character of God revealed in Scripture?
Christ-Centredness
Does it glorify Christ or self? (John 16:14).
Inner Witness of Peace
Does the Spirit confirm it with inner peace and conviction? (Colossians 3:15).
Wise Counsel and Community Confirmation
Mature believers help discern prophetic impressions (Proverbs 11:14; Acts 15:28).
Fruit Test
Will it produce godly fruit? (Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 7:15–20).
3.4 Balance Between Logos and Rhema
3.4.1 Avoid Extremes
Extreme
Problem
Neglecting Rhema
Leads to dry intellectualism, ignoring God’s dynamic guidance.
Neglecting Logos
Leads to subjectivism, error, and spiritual deception.
3.4.2 Integrated Practice
Immerse in Scripture daily, building theological and moral foundations.
Remain open to the Spirit’s specific guidance, confirmed by Scripture, reason, and community.
4. Spiritual Growth Implications
4.1 Maturity in Hearing God
Principle
Outcome
Hebrews 5:14
“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Spiritual maturity requires practising discernment over time.
4.2 Humility and Teachability
Recognise that discernment grows best in humble submission to God’s Word, the Spirit’s leading, and wise counsel.
4.3 Fruitful Ministry
Verse
Principle
John 15:7–8
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” Remaining in Logos and following Rhema leads to effective discipleship and ministry fruitfulness.
5. Summary Table
Aspect
Healthy Practice
Scripture (Logos)
Daily study, meditation, and obedience as the foundation for all faith and guidance.
Rhema
Specific, Spirit-given words for situations, always tested by Scripture.
Discernment
Testing impressions for scriptural alignment, Christ-centredness, wise counsel, peace, and fruit.
Outcome
Mature, balanced believers who hear God clearly and live faithfully in His will.
6. Conclusion
Believers should seek Rhema words from God with openness and humility while remaining rooted in the Logos, the written Word. This ensures that:
Their experiences are anchored in revealed truth.
Spiritual growth is balanced, mature, and fruitful.
They avoid subjectivism, manipulation, and doctrinal error, walking instead in Spirit-empowered wisdom and love.
7. References
Grudem, W. (2000). The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today. Leicester: IVP.
Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne.
