Q: How would you define the role of “intuition,” from a biblical perspective? How can a coach enhance its development in a mentee’s life? How might intuition be more fully developed in your life? 

A: I would define intuition from a biblical perspective as “being led by Holy Spirit.” Being led by the Spirit is only available to those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ as sons and daughters of God (Rom 8:14). The closer we become to God in intimacy, the more we understand his love and his character allowing us to have more intuition for life’s circumstances.  It is more than merely a gift of the Spirit, but knowing God and what his will is for a situation.
Many times Christians well have a perception that something is right or wrong because of a “gut feeling.”  For example, Jesus “knew” or “perceived” the hearts and intentions of others (Matt 22:18). Another word that could be used for intuition is having discernment (Phil 1:9). Discernment is often used with deliverance because discerning of spirits is listed as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians 12:10.  An example is Paul discerned a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16.  However, the word demonic is not used before the word: spirits. There are many types of spirits besides demons. There are angelic spirits, human spirits and even the spirits of God (i.e. 7 Spirits of God). I believe that Christians have the ability to be intuitive or discern the hearts of others especially to hear from the Spirit of God if someone is being genuine or not.
How does one grow in developing their intuition? Below are some progressive steps I believe can help someone grow in developing this revelatory side of their spirit:

1. Developing a relationship with all of the Trinity. Many Christians understand Jesus and connect with him as a Savior and friend. But God is also a Father and we must know how to be valued as sons and daughters (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6). We also must understand how to connect with the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us. He leads us into all truth (John 16:13) and can reveal the deepest parts of God’s nature (1 Cor 2:10).

2. Since intimacy is the key to knowing God, one must spend time with him. This can have many forms as there are many spiritual disciplines. But one I would like to highlight that is not a traditional discipline is something called soaking. Soaking is being still before the Lord and allowing his love to come and penetrate your being. Soaking in his presence brings the focus on receiving from God, instead of doing. Joshua would “soak” in the presence of God outside the tent even after Moses was done (see Exodus 33:11).

3. Get some training, equipping and activation in releasing the presence of God to others through the gifts of the Spirit (i.e. healing, words of knowledge, speaking in tongues, prophecy). Sitting under seasoned leaders and receiving prayer can release an impartation of the Spirit of God that allows you to an increase in your gifting (see 2 Tim 1:6; 1 Tim 4:14; Deut 34:9).

4.  As we grow closer to God in intimacy, a requirement of having more is to give away. Jesus taught, “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). If you want more of God then you need to give him away to others! Practice gifts of the Spirit, specifically prophecy because it helps you get your spirit tuned to God’s voice. You can start out safely doing this in home groups or in a local church, but ultimately use his gifts outside the four walls of the church. Walking with God propels us to love others as he loves us. Love is the motivation of being led by his spirit and being intuitive to his purposes and plans.