GUIDANCE AND THE VOICE OF GOD
Adapted from the Alpha talk: How does God guide us?
Introduction
“we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“I came that you might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).
1. THE BIBLE
(i) COME.
…”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ” (Matthew 11:28)
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9).
“I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn.14:6).
(ii) GO?
(a) UPWARDS. All Christians are called to get to know God better.
“…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph.3:18-19)
(b) GO DOWNWARDS: We’re all called share Jesus with non-Christians.
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-19).
(c) GO LEFT: We’re called to be people who care for our fellow Christians (brothers).
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1Jn.3:16-17)
(d) GO RIGHT: We’re called to care about justice
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress …” (James 1:27)
What will help me know God better?
What will help me share Jesus better?
What will help me love my brother in Christ or my neighbour better?
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I’m going to Jerusalem…” (Acts 20:22)
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9)
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1John 4:1)
3. COMMON SENSE
(i) Where should I live?
(ii) How am I meant to serve in church?
” We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6)
Giftfinder survey online here: www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests
4. OTHER CHRISTIANS
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Prov.12:15)
5. SIGNS
Be cautious!
“Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26)
Conclusion
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28,)
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I want to know more:
- Listen: Mark Driscoll, I am gifted
- Read: Kevin deYoung, Just Do Something (nice and short)
- To read: Tony Payne and Peter Jensen, Guidance and the Voice of God
- To listen: John Piper, The Goodness of God and the guidance of sinners: www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/the-goodness-of-god-and-the-guidance-of-sinners
- To read online: The Assurance of God’s Guidance, http://bible.org/seriespage/assurance-god%E2%80%99s-guidance
- The Guidance Maze, article, Christianity Magazine, June 2012
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