Dreams: God's Voice, Spiritual Warfare, and Discernment

Good morning, everyone!

Today, we're going to explore something that many of us have likely experienced at one point or another: dreams. Whether it’s a vivid dream that stays with us throughout the day or a fleeting vision that leaves us wondering, “What does that mean?”, dreams are a fascinating aspect of our spiritual lives. But the question arises—how does God use dreams to communicate with us, and how do we discern whether a dream is from God, or if it’s an attack from the enemy?

In the Bible, we see numerous examples of God communicating through dreams, from Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams to the famous dreams of Daniel. We also see warnings about false dreams, which can come from demons, tempting us away from God’s truth. So, how do we navigate this realm of dreams, visions, and spiritual messages?

Let’s dive into the topic, and I believe by the end of this sermon, we will have a clearer understanding of God's use of dreams and how we can discern when a dream is from Him or from the enemy.

Dreams as a Channel for God’s Communication

God has always communicated with His people in various ways, and dreams are one of those methods. Throughout the Bible, we see that God used dreams to reveal His will, warn people, and guide them.

For example, in the Old Testament, Joseph had dreams that foretold of his future prominence (Genesis 37). Pharaoh had a dream interpreted by Joseph that predicted a seven-year famine in Egypt (Genesis 41). God also spoke to Daniel in dreams, revealing mysteries about the future of nations and the world (Daniel 7-8). Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 both mention that in the last days, God will pour out His Spirit on all people, and that "your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." This promise highlights that dreams and visions will continue to be part of the believer's life as we approach the return of Christ.

This shows us that dreams are not something to be dismissed lightly. They can be a way in which God warns, guides, and directs His people. Just as God spoke through dreams in ancient times, He still uses them today for His purposes.

But there are some key things we need to remember:

1. Dreams from God will never contradict Scripture. God’s Word, the Bible, holds ultimate authority. If you receive a dream that goes against Scripture, you can be certain it’s not from God. God does not speak in ways that would lead us away from His truth.

2. Dreams from God often have clarity. While not all dreams are immediately clear, the message is usually one of peace, warning, or guidance. If a dream leaves you feeling unsettled or confused, it’s important to seek God’s clarity and understanding through prayer.

   
   

Demonic Attacks in Dreams: The Enemy's Tactics

Just as God uses dreams to speak to us, we need to be aware that the enemy can also use dreams to deceive, distract, and attack. Demons and evil spirits can use dreams as a way to confuse, discourage, and even lead us into sin. These demonic dreams are often filled with fear, confusion, and temptation.

In Matthew 13:25, Jesus told a parable about a man who planted good seed in his field, but while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. This is a good analogy for how the enemy can plant seeds of doubt, fear, and sin through dreams, especially when we are spiritually vulnerable—such as when we’re asleep.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Demons can use our subconscious mind and emotions to craft dreams that promote fear, lust, anxiety, or confusion. Sometimes, they can even mimic dreams from God to trick us.

How do we recognize if a dream is from the enemy? Here are a few signs:

• Fear and Anxiety: Dreams that leave us feeling fearful or anxious may be an attack from the enemy. God does not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

• Temptation: If a dream tempts you to sin or compromises your Christian beliefs, it is a clear sign that this is not from God.

• Confusion or Chaos: Dreams that create confusion, chaos, or lead you away from the truth of God’s Word are likely not from the Lord.

• Unresolved or Repeated Dreams: Sometimes, dreams that repeatedly bring up unresolved issues or are full of negativity can be demonic in nature, trying to drag you back into past hurts, bitterness, or fear.

  
  

The Discernment Test: How to Test a Dream

If you’ve had a dream that you feel might be from God, or you’re unsure about, here are a few ways to test it:

1. Compare it to Scripture: As I said earlier, God’s messages will never contradict Scripture. If the dream encourages you to act in a way that goes against the Bible, it’s not from God.

2. Pray for Interpretation: Sometimes, God gives us dreams that require prayer and patience for interpretation. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Ask God for clarity and interpretation.

3. Seek Counsel: If you are uncertain, ask a trusted pastor or a spiritual leader to pray with you and offer insight. The body of Christ is a great resource for spiritual guidance.

4. Reflect on the Dream's Fruit: Does the dream encourage peace, righteousness, or faith? Or does it stir up fear, doubt, or negativity? The fruit of a godly dream will lead to peace, comfort, and spiritual growth, not confusion or fear.

   
   

Dreams Should Not Usurp Scripture

While dreams can be a means by which God communicates with His people, they must never take the place of Scripture. In fact, any dream, no matter how vivid or powerful, must always be subject to the authority of God’s Word. Dreams can serve as confirmation or as a warning, but they should never replace the timeless truth of Scripture.

Isaiah 8:20 reminds us, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” This is a clear warning that any dream or message must align with the truth of Scripture. If it doesn’t, we reject it.

A Call to Discernment and Action

Friends, as we navigate the realm of dreams, we must stay alert. We live in a time when God is pouring out His Spirit, and dreams can be a powerful way that He speaks to us. But we must also be aware that the enemy is trying to distract and deceive us.

So, stay close to God through prayer, Scripture, and discernment. If you receive a dream, test it, pray over it, and always check it against God’s Word. Don’t allow the enemy to take advantage of you while you sleep. Guard your heart and mind, and always remain grounded in God’s Word.

Conclusion: Trust God’s Voice

In conclusion, dreams can be a beautiful and powerful way for God to communicate with His people, but we must test every dream, comparing it to the authority of Scripture, and be aware of the tactics of the enemy. God speaks to us in many ways, but His Word always remains the final authority.

So, I encourage you to be discerning, seek God’s guidance, and remember: no dream, vision, or revelation will ever be greater than the Word of God. Let us stay firm in the truth of Scripture, and we can trust that God will continue to guide us—whether through His Word, dreams, or other means—toward His perfect will for our lives.

Let’s pray together now for discernment and wisdom as we walk in the fullness of God’s truth.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We ask that You would give us discernment in every area of our lives, including the dreams You send our way. Help us to recognize Your voice and Your messages, and protect us from any deception of the enemy.

Lord, if we experience dreams that are from You, help us to understand their meaning and purpose. If they are not from You, we pray for Your wisdom and clarity to guide us in rejecting anything that does not align with Your truth.

We trust in Your perfect plan for our lives, and we pray for the strength to always seek Your will, to be rooted in Your Word, and to walk in Your Spirit.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.