Hosted by Ellen Krause
Hearing God’s Voice in Scripture
How can the Holy Spirit guide our study of the Bible?
In this episode, New Testament scholar Dr. Holly Beers joins Ellen to discuss what it means to invite His presence into our time in Scripture.
Using Colossians and Philemon as an example, Holly shows how scholarly tools and spiritual sensitivity go hand in hand when studying God’s word.
Subscribe & Listen on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Show Notes:
Scriptures referenced:
- Luke 8
- 1 Corinthians 12-14
- Colossians 1:7
- Colossians 3:11
- Acts 14:22
- 1 Peter 3:17-18
Colossians and Philemon: A Transformative Bible Study for Spirit-Filled Christians
About Dr. Holly Beers:
Faculty Page | Messages
Favorite Bible: NLT | NRSV
Favorite Journaling Supplies: Colored Markers | Colored Pens
Favorite Apps: Accordance | Bible Gateway
Topics Discussed in This Episode
Hearing God’s Voice in Scripture through Luke, Acts, Colossians, and Philemon [5:14]
Dr. Holly Beers shares how her study of Luke, Acts, Colossians, and Philemon has helped her learn to hear God’s voice in Scripture. She reflects on how these books have deepened her discipleship and shaped her understanding of the Spirit-filled life.
Dr. Beers explains how imagining herself alongside the women in Luke 8 helps her hear God’s voice more clearly. Acts, she says, reveals how the Holy Spirit speaks and moves through everyday communities following Jesus together.
Drawing from her work on Philemon, Dr. Beers discusses how Paul’s writings help us recognize God’s voice even when it comes through challenge or correction—essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
Inviting the Holy Spirit to Speak through Scripture [7:49]
In this powerful segment, Dr. Beers outlines practical ways to invite the Holy Spirit into Bible study. From praying before reading to expecting the Spirit to speak, she models how believers can actively hear God’s voice in Scripture.
But how can we hear God’s voice in Scripture while honoring its original context? Dr. Beers explains how she integrates historical-cultural study with spiritual discernment to faithfully interpret God’s Word.
Colossians vs. Philemon: Paul’s Spirit-led Wisdom [15:07]
Understanding that Paul didn’t plant the Colossian church reveals how his tone and approach reflect relational wisdom. Dr. Beers shows how this helps us hear God’s voice through Paul’s more invitational style.
Dr. Beers highlights how Paul’s relationship with his audience shapes how boldly he speaks—and how we can listen for God’s voice in both gentle encouragement and firm challenge.
The themes of brotherhood and equality in Colossians and Philemon challenge us to hear God’s voice calling us to live as one family in Christ, even across cultural and social divides.
Hearing God’s Voice in Seasons of Suffering [23:00]
Suffering doesn’t silence God—it often clarifies His voice. Dr. Beers reflects on Acts, 1 Peter, and James to encourage listeners that God speaks powerfully through trials and calls us to faithful endurance.
Leave a Reply