The Leadership of the Spirit

Acts 16:6-10; Rom. 8:14 

To whom do you turn for daily guidance in how to live your life, what to do, where to go, whom to see, how to make decisions and choices? The Scriptures tell us of the most effective Guide. He is the only One who knows our past completely from the moment we were conceived to this present day, knows our future completely, from this day extending into eternity, and knows God’s plan and purpose for us today and each day of our lives. The Holy Spirit offers us excellent leadership for living.

Why Do We Need the Spirit’s Guidance when making decisions?  

Jeremiah 10:23, O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  

God is committed to guiding His people into His will.

Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Proverbs 16:1, The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.

The Holy Spirit guides Christians by putting it in our hearts and minds to do His will and by providentially governing our circumstances. Discovering God’s will is not meant to be mysterious and elusive, a “guessing game,” nor does it require hearing an audible voice. The Spirit is able to lead us by different means (Pr. 20:24).

After the Lord Jesus went back to Heaven, He communicated His will to believers in several ways, through Scripture, visions, prophets, counselors, and circumstances. Since the Bible is complete, God will not use all of these various means today, but He still leads His people into all His will. God will also show you if you should marry Jane or George, go to this college or that university, take that job or this position, relocate to this state or another country, buy that kind of car, move to this home in that neighborhood, and so on.

The Spirit leads submissive believers through the use of the Bible, fasting and prayer, godly counsel, and our circumstances.

Message:

I. Look to the Primary Methods the Spirit Uses to Help Us Make Decisions.

A. Consult the Wisdom of God’s Word (Acts 16:9-10).

1.  GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD.

The easiest way He leads is through Scripture. The Holy Spirit may make a passage of the Bible known to us, and that may lead us or guide us.

            A. Expect God to lead you to the Word and through the Word.

John 16:13-14, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

B. Trust the Spirit to teach the Word and make much of Christ.  A Spirit-taught believer will make much of Jesus Christ as a normal course of life; they will hold Him high in their estimations, trust Him implicitly, preach Him enthusiastically, and adore Him absolutely.

C. Ask Him for a Scriptural Basis or a Specific Passage For Your Needs. Look for New Testament commands especially (1Thess. 5:12-22; Eph. 4:20-32; Rom. 12:9-21). Work on sensing God’s commands.

2. GOD’S WORD OFTEN PRESENTS PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY.

A principle is a general guideline that helps us live God’s will.  There may not be a direct commandment nor and explicit statement on the matter of consideration. But there is always a principle we can apply to make right decisions. Consider the following verses as they apply to decision-making regarding (Tattoos, nose rings, marriage, weekend trips, the purchase of a boat, a vacation to Hawaii, home remodeling project, ect).

           A.  Does It Bring Glory to God?  

1 Cor. 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

           B. Can We Thank God For it in Jesus Name? 

Ephes. 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

           C.  Can We Do It in Jesus Name With His Blessings?   

Col. 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

           D.  Does It Engender Anxiety or Do I Have God’s Special Peace?

Philip. 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1. Feelings should be considered last. They are important, but they also can be deceptive. Negative emotions may represent purely psychological struggles. Any difficult decision creates anxious, if not painful, feelings. Imagine what would have happened if Jesus had paid attention to His feelings when He was praying in the Garden? Crucifixion is deadly painful! But in spite of His strong negative emotions, He did the will of God.

           2. On the other hand, positive emotions may simply mean this is something we want to do! This is why feelings must always be tested and evaluated by what God says in His Word.

           3. If you can answer yes to these questions about a decision or choice you are about to make, you are making your decision within the principles of God’s Word: Will God be glorified in this? Can I give thanks to God for this? Can I do this in the name of Jesus, fully expecting His blessing, His provision, and His stamp of approval? When I pray about this, do I sense God's peace in my heart?

We must not simply expect life to just happen. No, live responsibly executing the will of God. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we should not even hint at living independent of God.  He has a way of reminding us that He is essential to life. It is far better to submissively yield, and pursue His plan for us.

B.  Allow the Spirit to Work in Your Heart, Desires, and Motives (Acts 16:6-7).

We don’t know how the Holy Spirit told Paul that he and his companions should not go into Asia (Acts 16:6). It may have been through a prophet, a vision, an inner conviction, or some other circumstance. But, we can be sure the Spirit of God led him and did indeed work in their hearts (Prov. 16:1).

1. GOD’S SPIRIT IS AT WORK IN YOU.

Philip. 2:13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

   A.  God Helps Us to Know His Will.   Phil.2:13 (Col. 1:9-12)

1.      How to know the will of God can be one of the great challenges of the Christian life, and often one of the

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1.      great frustrations of the young Christian.

a.       God does want us to seek Him even about the details of our lives and even the smaller decisions we make.  

b.      But, God may not give specific and pinpoint guidance from His Word in every little nit picky consideration especially when He has addressed it indirectly by general Bible guidelines.  

2.      We can, however, frequently, prayerfully, and sincerely ask the Lord for a wise and understanding heart regarding specific decisions and responsibilities (1Kg. 3:7-12).

3.      1 Kings 3:8-10, And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. [9] Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? [10] And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

   B.  God's Will Is Always Transformation (Rom. 12:1-2).

He wants us to “be” the right kind of people. If we are the right kind of people, God will find it easy to lead us to do whatever He wants us to do. Typically, however, we are preoccupied with what God wants us to do, uncomfortable just being the kind of person God wants us to be, and resting in His sovereignty to determine what we should do.

   C.  God Provides Guidance By His Spirit!

Nevertheless, the Bible does indicate that God will lead us and guide us, even though we may not feel led or guided. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Galatians 5:16, 18 reads, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  Then we read, But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” So we see that we are led by the Spirit, or can be, but how? What does that mean?

2. GOD’S SPIRIT WANTS TO MAKE DEEP IMPRESSIONS IN US.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

A.     Frequently, Trust God to Plant Inclinations, Thoughts, and Desires In Our Mind To Guide Us.

a.       This is the most subjective and the most dangerous, because it is often difficult to know whether something in our head is our own personal desire, or perhaps even a deception by the evil one. (You will know them by their fruit, Matt 7:16, 20; 12:33; Jn 10:10; 1Jn 4:1)

b.      In such a case, it is helpful simply to retrace the above principles. Also remember by the integrity and righteousness of the upright we will secure God’s guidance (Prov. 11:3, 5).  Sometimes we make decisions based on the godly character God has developed in us.

B.     Frequently Appeal to the Spirit for Guidance Throughout the Day.

1.      As we walk in the Spirit daily, surrendered to His power, we have the right and privilege to expect anything we need to hear from God. The Holy Spirit living within us and speaking to us ought to be the natural lifestyle of believers. We claim His presence, direction, and guidance by faith.

2.      One of the lines of the Lord's Prayer points toward our daily reliance on the Holy Spirit: “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Lk. 11:4).  I believe that is how the Holy Spirit guides us in an ongoing way each day. He speaks in our hearts a no to everything that would bring us harm, and thus, He delivers us from evil and away from temptation. He also speaks in our hearts a yes to everything that will bring us blessing.

C.  Devote Yourself To Prayer And Fasting for Direction.

Psalm 5:8, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.   

Psalm 25:4, Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.  (See also Daniel 2:22; Acts 13:1-3) 

  

            1. The Purpose and the Benefits of Fasting is Spiritual Guidance and Power. Matt. 6:16-18

Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days in the wilderness, and the end result was that He was perfected for ministry (Matt. 4:1–2, 11). Queen Esther fasted and prayed for three days, and the end result was that she was stripped of the fear that kept her from telling the king about the evil plot against her life and the lives of her people (See Est. 4:15–16).

           2.   The Proper Use of Prayer and Fasting.  Matt. 6:16-18

a.       Fasting enables us to bring the body and soul into subjection so that in prayer, a person is focused solely on God and His plans and purposes for that person’s life.

b.      There are times, when God asks us to set aside our natural desires and appetites and concentrate solely on the spiritual dimension of our being. True fasting goes beyond skipping a meal or denying ourselves food for a period of time. It is a turning away from and a willful denying of all natural human desires and appetites so we might concentrate solely on the Lord and what He wants to say to us or accomplish in our lives.

c.       When we are in this spiritual state—completely yielded and submitted, totally humble before Him and reliant upon Him—God can guide us like arrows to accomplish His will. He then can do the real transforming work in our inner spirit that causes us to speak and act more like Jesus Christ.

II. Trust the Spirit to Use Counselors and Work in Your Circumstances.

A.  He Gives Guidance Through Spiritual Counselors.

Proverbs teaches that there is safety in the multitude of counselors. It takes a brave or foolish person to go counter to an abundance of solid, wise counsel.

Proverbs 11:14, Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.   

Proverbs 24:6, For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

     1.  Does the Potential Counselor Qualify to Give Spiritual Guidance?  

The option to turn to other Believers for Advice is one more advantage we have in decision-making!  

Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A. Note Some Preparations: Identify your counselors before you need their advice.  Like the president, select your cabinet members in advance and ensure they are fit counselors.  You don’t need 20, perhaps five capable individuals will be enough. 

B. Note Some Considerations: We have Christians around us who love us and desire the best for us.  Christians who have a fear of God and respect for the Scriptures, people of conviction and not convenience.  Folks who obviously love God, and have an outstanding testimony are your primary considerations. People of prayer, who sacrifice for the Lord and His church, who love the Lord, other Christians, the Bible, Preaching, and sound teaching are good options.  (Col. 3:16; Heb. 10:24; 3:13)

C. Note Some Cautions: Moms and Dads may not fit this description; your best friends may not fit this description, and people you are fascinated with may not fit this description. A Psychiatrist or Counselor may not fit this description. If they do not fit this description of a spiritually healthy believer, then the advice you receive could be spiritually unhealthy for you.

     

     2.  Beware of Christians Who Care More about How You Feel Toward Them Then They Do the Truth.  When we turn to people for advice, we must be aware that in many cases, they will tell us only what they think we want to hear. They likely desire to make us feel good so we will like them more, which in turn makes them feel good. If you seek advice from another person, get advice that is honest, true to God's Word, and without ulterior motive.

                              

     3.  Consider Christians Who Are Successful In the Areas You Require Insight.  Certainly Godly Christians will be honest and able to share pros and cons with you. 

        A.  Finances.  Consult with people who manage their financial life well, whom God is obviously number one in their lives (Matt. 6:24, 33; 1Tim. 6:6-11). 

        B.  Parenting. Turn to good parents who understand their responsibility to God (Eph. 6:1-4; Ps. 127).  Consult with parents who recognize the importance of Instruction, Training, Correction, and Discipline (Deut. 6:4-7; Prov. 20:7; 22:6; Eph. 6:1-4; 2Tim 3:16-17).

        C.  Marriage. Consult with Christian Couples who understand that marriages must be based on Gen. 2:18-25; Eph. 5:21-33 and good Christian Character (Col. 3:18-19).

        D.  Separation. For Christian Living matters consult with Believers who understand the difference between moral and amoral issues (1Cor. 6:9-20; 2Cor. 6:14-18).

        E.  Devotion. For insight on your devotional life, talk with Believers who enjoy the Bible consistently and love the Word of God.  Avoid those who only bring their Bibles to church, but never read it any other time (Hab. 2:1; Matt. 7:24-27; 2Tim. 2:15).  Be sure to avoid those who have great knowledge, but no discipline to live the truth— false teachers (2 Pet. 2:12-19).

B. He Gives Guidance In Our Circumstances.

Of course, another way God leads is by providentially governed circumstances. If circumstances prohibit you from doing something, you know it is not the will of God. He is not leading you into someplace where He makes it impossible to go. Consideration of circumstances is not primary, but it is still a means God uses to show us His way in a given decision.

      1. A Biblical Illustration.

Acts 16:6, Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Romans 1:13, Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. (See also Rom. 1:10; 15:20-29; 1 Thes. 2:15-18; 1 Cor. 4:17-21)

      2.  A Biblical Declaration.

The leaders of the early church relied on the Holy Spirit to give them this kind of specific, personal guidance, and we are wise to do likewise. Both Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5:18 refer to our being “led by the Spirit.” This is considered to be the norm of the Christian life.

      3.  A Practical Examination.

We must ask ourselves the following Questions: “Does it make good sense?” “Is it logical and rational?”  “How will this decision affect my family?”  How will it affect us spiritually?  Will we continue to Mature in the Lord?”  “What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

Circumstances should not be the sole basis for your decision, but they are important in determining God’s will. Circumstances can sometimes offer the information we need to better understand God’s will.  Sometimes God wants us to maneuver around our circumstances, and yet other times he wants us to stand still and see what He will do for us. He always wants us to consult with Him. God can even lead us on issues where the scriptures are silent.

Be very careful when looking at the circumstances when making decisions. We still walk by faith and not by sight. This is what the Lord requires and it is pleasing to Him (Heb. 11:6). Just because it seems bigger, better, faster, more prestigious, more beneficial financially, or even illogical does not necessarily or automatically mean that it is God’s will.

When we knew that God wanted us to go back to Germany as missionaries we sought out counsel from missionaries and pastors in Germany to better understand the need for Military churches. Germany had experienced a great draw down and we knew that the need was not as great as before. It didn’t make complete sense to us to pursue a ministry to Germany. We needed counsel.  We talk to former missionaries to Germany, and we even planned a survey trip and talked to the preachers there in country, and God basically confirmed his calling upon our lives through good sound counselors in spite of apparent conflicting circumstances.

Conclusion:

God does guide—sometimes through an inner conviction, sometimes through circumstances, sometimes through Scripture or godly counsel. But sometimes we don't have any sense of being led or guided. That does not mean we aren't. It means we are free to make a choice in the Lord. 

When seeking God's will, (1) make sure your plan is in harmony with God’s Word; (2) ask mature Christians for their advice; (3) check your own motives -- are you seeking to do what you want, or what you think God wants? -- and (4) pray for God to open and close the doors as He desires.

Praying Boldly and Powerfully

1 KINGS 18:17-22, 26-30, 36–40 

                                                                                                                       

Regularly engaging in Prayer with the Lord becomes more inviting when we view our God-given privileges, authority, and power in the light of our Lord’s Cross and Priesthood. Beloved, in doing so we begin to appreciate the power we have with God, and we explore, with confidence, a satisfying relationship with Him.

Many believers experience some difficulty developing intimacy with God because they really aren’t sure they belong in His presence. They are uncomfortable talking with and approaching God, they wonder and even doubt if He really accepts them. Not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in approaching the throne of grace.  We must understand that we are not merely tolerated in His presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ and have a right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice. Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ. It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! Now consider the following thoughts and example of Elijah who knew the secret to praying boldly and powerfully for God's glory and our good. 

Choose to Pray With Incredible Boldness and Awesome Power....

Hebrews 10:19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  

These verses present our incredible privileges predicated on the Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Approaching God Almighty confidently and forthrighly because of faith in the "Blood of Jesus!" This is Authority in prayer! The grand privilege of access into the very throne room of Jehovah--as astonishing as this is, it is every true believers opportunity to draw nearer to God. Then the promise that prayer that is effectual and fervent will yield fascinating results is laid before us to claim. These truths tell us that God cherishes relationship and communication with us! He invites us into His throne room.... The truth of bold praying with great power and results is wonderfully illustrated in the events on Mt. Carmel during the lifetime of the prophet Elijah.  Certainly Elijah was accomplishing much through prayer!

The prophet Elijah and King Ahab had been in conflict for some time over idolatry and false worship in Israel before Elijah declared a showdown. Elijah commanded the king to call the Israelites to Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah who were supported strongly by Queen Jezebel. When all parties were assembled, Elijah said to the people, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21). The people didn't respond, so Elijah challenged the prophets to a duel of sorts.

Consider an Example of Praying with Confidence and Power....

Meanwhile, Elijah took twelve stones to make an altar to the Lord, surrounded the altar with a trench, and then cut wood and soaked both it and the sacrificial bull with water until the trench was also filled with water—in fact, he soaked the wood and sacrifice with water three times. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed according to 1 Kings 18:36-37.

Elijah’s Preparation For Prayer.   1 Kings 18:29-35

POWERFUL or effective prayer is not an accident; it is the result of proper preparation and attitudes.

      A.  The Preparation Involved A Time of Realization.

The time had come! The prophets of Baal had failed miserably. This was the moment Elijah had been waiting for. All eyes were on him. You see, God's plan was right on schedule.

           1.  Powerless Prayer is Worthless.

The prophets of Baal did not accomplish anything through their prayer antic and gymnastics.  Had Elijah gone first, the battle would have been over before it was started. There would have been no backdrop against which to demonstrate God's mighty power---a backdrop of  total and utter failure on the part of these pagan prophets. But now, the stage was finally set! What a teachable moment!

           2.  Powerful Prayer is Worship.  1 Kings 18:30

Elijah saw this as a great opportunity. He took his time and asked the people to gather around and watch what he was doing. First, "he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.  (v. 30). Later, we discover why. Israel no longer worshiped God.  They had destroyed the altars that were once used to praise and honor the God of heaven (1Kings 19:10,14). 

We sincerely need to reestablish prayer as a means of worship, submission, and honor for God and His excellent will.  Matthew 6:13,  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine [God’s] is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  It has degenerated to be something that primarily focuses on human benefit instead of divine pleasure and goals.  MUCH of our emphasis in modern Christianity is people oriented and it fails to be God centered.  Truly it is a Christian brand of idolatry in which we worship ourselves, seek our wills, and glorify ourselves!  Therefore, when we don’t see our desires being fulfilled our way we tend to abandon the Lord’s altar for something else!  If God doesn’t satisfy our desires we look for a modern day Baal, like a “Lucky Rabbit’s Foot,” “Palm Readers,” “Horoscopes,” and “Wicca.”  May we realize once more that prayer is focused on God’s glory, His will, His pleasure, and His timing primarily and not ours! Keep in mind the so-called "Lord's Prayer" of Matt. 6:9-13 is given to help us grasp this very truth.  It puts God's name, God's kingdom, and God's will before the earthly needs of people. It cautions us against selfish praying.  If we are going to pray with real power and influence with God then we must get back to this central concept of prayer!

      B.  The Preparation Involved A Time of Reflection.   

1 Kings 18:30,  And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.

1 Kings 18:31,   And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

         1.  Reflections on the History of the Nation.   1 Kings 18:31

Elijah rebuilt the altar with "twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob," (18:31). He was reminding the watching multitudes of their sacred history. Reflecting on what God had done in the past!

         2.  Reflections on the Word of the Lord.   1 Kings 18:31, “unto whom the word of the Lord came, ”

We're not told that Elijah said anything while he was rebuilding the altar, but it's difficult to imagine that he worked in silence. As he put each stone in place, he must have recounted God's marvelous grace in calling Israel out of Egypt and giving them an inheritance in Canaan.  Certainly his mind was dwelling on God’s great plan for the nation as revealed in the Scriptures and promises.

         3.  Reflections on the Prayer Life of Jacob.   1 Kings 18:31, “unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:  ”

And it is also clear that he reflected on Israel’s triumphant battle all night in prayer according to Gen. 32:24-32.  God clearly stated that Jacob had power with God and changed his name that night to Israel. 

Genesis 32:28,  And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Taking note of what God has promised and accomplished in the past is worthy of our sincerest reflection in preparation for prayer.  Maybe the review of a few verses on prayer or reflection on answers to prayer from your personal records.  Perhaps a study on the grace of God illustrated throughout the Scriptures will place some spark in your prayer life.  Certainly the goodness of God down through the years will encourage us to come to Him frequently, boldly, and confidently.   Even reading books or biographies about the outstanding prayer lives of Biblical, historical and contemporary personalities will encourage you in your own. This is a wonderful insight to enjoying power in our prayer lives.

      C.  The Preparation Involved A Time of Reinforcement. 1 Kings 18:32-35

Elijah next move was very dramatic! He used water, the opposite if fire, to drench his altar and sacrifice. 

           1.  Reinforce the Fact That Prayer is Supernatural by Your Bold Attitude and Actions.

To make sure that Israel knew what was about to happen was no trick.  Elijah sprung into action to demonstrate the power of God.

                 A. 12 Barrels Filled With Water.

 Elijah "made a trench" around the altar (1 Kings 18:32). He then prepared the sacrifice, but he asked the people themselves to pour water on the altar. He had them fill "four barrels with water" three times and then pour the water all over the offering and on the wood (see vs. 33). In fact, they poured so much water on the sacrifice that it actually filled the trench at the base of the altar (see vs. 35).  His bold attitude and actions clearly demonstrated his strong conviction that prayer was a supernatural appeal to the one true almighty God! (Getz)

                 B.  Real Faith Motivates to Action!  (Js. 2:14-20).

This entire scene on Mt. Carmel, this showdown with 450 prophets in the view of the entire nation of Israel is a vivid illustration of how much confidence Elijah had in His God!  Either he was filled with faith or foolishness, I believe it was pure faith!  He could not sit idly by and watch his people walk blindly into deeper idolatry.  He didn’t excuse himself from taking action because he had prayed!  No, his prayers promoted bold action.  This sounds a bit like the disciples in the Book of Acts (Acts. 4:18-33).

Does your prayer life promote bold activity or does it encourage you to do nothing at all? Remember faith without works is dead being alone.  One of the greatest coup outs that believer use today is that they are praying about a matter, but it never moves them to actions!  We must have misrepresented powerful prayer somewhere along the way!

          2.   Review the Important Elements of the Model Prayer to Reinforce Your Prayer Life.   Matt 6:5-15, encourage us in the right and wrong way to give, pray, and fast, and are dealt with quite pointedly in Matt. 6:1-18 by the Lord Jesus. Doing good deeds by giving (6:1-4), praying (6:5-15), and fasting (6:16-18) are best done in secret, to avoid the kind of pride associated with spiritual activities.

Matt.  6:9-13, commonly called the Lord's Prayer, is really the disciples' prayer, a guide for believers' prayers. It is not to be repeated over and over (Matt. 6:7-8). Instead, it gives principles for communicating with God. Its words demonstrate

*  faith in God (Matt. 6:9)

*  worship of God (Matt. 6:9)

*  expectation from God (Matt. 6:10)

*  submission to God (Matt. 6:10)

*  petition for ourselves (Matt. 6:11)

*  confession of sins (Matt. 6:12)

*  dependence on God's grace (Matt. 6:12)

*  compassion for others (Matt. 6:12)

*  dependence on God's power (Matt. 6:13)

*  acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (Matt. 6:13)

(Willmington's Bible Handbook by Harold Willmington)    

Elijah wanted the people to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what was about to happen was a miracle-not a trick. There was no way there could have been a "secret" fire burning under the altar. No one could accuse Elijah of using sleight of hand to start the fire himself.  The wood was soaked and so was the meat. There was no way it could suddenly ignite. The people were about to see God's majesty!

Elijah’s Participation in Prayer.  1 Kings 18:36-37

      A.  It’s Simplicity. 1 Kings 18:36-37

Elijah's plan coincided with the "time of the offering of the evening sacrifice," At that moment he "came near, and said,” (prayed).  He didn't shout! He didn't dance! And he didn't cut himself!   And as far as we know, he repeated the prayer only once. All in all, it took only a few seconds to say what he had to say.  What a contrast with the all day long fruitless repetition of the prophets of Baal.

      B.  It’s Superiority.

         1.  The Important Elements of Elijah’s Prayer.

Note four important elements in Elijah's prayer:

             A.  "thou art the Lord God"

Elijah made it crystal clear in his prayer that the purpose behind what was about to happen was to demonstrate that the Lord was God.

             B.  "I Am Thy Servant"

Elijah also wanted everyone to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was merely a human agent serving God.

             C.  'at thy word"

Furthermore, Elijah wanted Israel to know that what he was doing was not of his own making. It was not to demonstrate his power, but God's power. The Lord had spoken to him and the dramatic things that he had said and that they were about to see were a result of God's command.                         

             D.  "turned their heart back again"

Most importantly, Elijah wanted Israel to know that the major reason God was about to demonstrate His power was to turn their hearts back to Him. He was reaching out to them. He was demonstrating mercy as He had done so many times before. He was faithfully keeping  His promises to His faithless people. (Getz)

          2.  Is It Wrong to Practice Public Prayer?   Matt 6:5-6

No!  These verses do not forbid all public prayers, since Jesus and his disciples prayed publicly (Matt. 11:25; Luke 3:21; John 17:1).   

PUBLIC PRAYER

Do Jesus' words question the appropriateness of all public prayer? Can public prayer draw attention to God without drawing attention to the one praying? Did Jesus himself practice "closet praying" exclusively? No, the Gospels record Jesus at prayer both privately (Matt. 14:23) and publicly (Matt. 14:18-19). Later, his disciples carried on a tradition of corporate prayer from the earliest days of the church (Acts 1:14). As he did with giving, Jesus drew attention to the motives behind actions. The point really wasn't a choice between public and private prayer but between heartfelt and hypocritical prayer. We must learn to pray in private so that we might eventually lead others in effective prayer in public. When asked to pray in public, focus on addressing God, not on how you're coming across to others.     (from The Life Application Commentary Series)

     C.  It’s Successfulness.  1 Kings 18:38

Elijah had not been in touch with the Lord, but the Lord answered Him within seconds of his prayer.  This is praying with great power.

          1.  Irrefutable Proof of Its Effectiveness.

There is one thing that is clear in Scripture. When God wants people to know that He is speaking directly from heaven, He is far from subtle. His message is always clear. And so it was on Mount Carmel. He indeed offered irrefutable proof.

                A.  The Human Preparation.

Though the human stage had been set with twelve stones, the wood, a sacrifice-all drenched with water-God was now to add the divine dimension.

                B.  The Divine Demonstration. 

In an instance, the "the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, " But the fire of God burned up not only the water-soaked logs, but "the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench." (v.38). The children of Israel were witnessing the awesome power of God!  Fire is a symbol associated with divinity and awesome power (Deut. 4:36; Lev. 9:24; Ex. 19:18; Gen. 3:24; Heb. 10:31: 12:29).

          2.  Unmistakable Proofs of Its Effectiveness.

1 Kings 18:38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.  

Imagine the horror that must have been reflected in the faces of every observer. Fire that hot would have driven them back and away from the altar that no longer existed. Further-more, there was a powerful message in this display of power-one they could not miss. In destroying the twelve stones, symbolic of the twelve tribes, God was saying that He was capable of destroying all Israel! Once again, God was warning His people of what would eventually happen if they continued to reject His love and mercy. But, more importantly, at this moment His message of judgment was also his message of love. He was giving them another opportunity to turn from their idolatry and sin and once again follow Him. (Getz)

          3.  Duplicable Proofs of Its Effectiveness.    1 Kings 18:39-40

              A.  The Acts of a Fervent Heart for God.   

1 Kings 18:37,  Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

Thank God Elijah was not only a man of Prayer He was also a man of action.  His actions at Carmel certainly influenced the nation to repent and turn back to the Lord!

                     1.  We Must Pray Intimately.   (Matthew 6:5-6).

Elijah prayed with a heart for God and His will and he requested that the Nation of Israel would return to Jehovah wholeheartedly.  His heart's desire was realized in a moment!  Power in prayer is deeply rooted in having a sincere heart for the Lord.  I am reminded of the Words of our Lord Jesus: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”  (Matthew 6:5-6).

                     2.  We Must Pray Sincerely ((Matthew 6:7-8).

The fact that a request is repeated does not make it a "vain repetition"; for both Jesus and Paul repeated their petitions (Matt 26:36-46; 2 Cor 12:7-8). A request becomes a "vain repetition" if it is only a babbling of words without a sincere heart desire to seek and do God's will. The mere recitation of memorized prayers can be vain repetition. The Gentiles had such prayers in their pagan ceremonies (1 Kings 18:26).

Dr. Robert A. Cook has often said, "All of us have one routine prayer in our system; and once we get rid of it, then we can really start to pray!" I have noticed this, not only in my own praying, but often when I have conducted prayer meetings. With some people, praying is like putting the needle on a phonograph record and then forgetting about it. But God does not answer insincere prayers. 

Always bear in mind that fervency in prayer can still accomplishes great things for God's glory and our good! James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

              B.  The Acts of Fervent Repentance.

1 Kings 18:39-40,  And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. [40] And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

God's message was loud and clear to Israel. They fell prostrate on the ground and cried, "The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God" (1 Kings 18:39). Those closest probably began the chant and those farther out joined them in the ever-widening circle of people shouting, "The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God" How long they repeated this proclamation, we're not told.

What a sight this must have been! And what a verbal message! It must have reverberated through the valley for miles. (Getz)

The prophets of Baal shouted for hours asking Baal for proof that he was a god. The children of Israel were shouting a proclamation that the Lord was God! They had their proof!

Beloved, when Elijah had finished his prayer, the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the sacrifice, as well as the wood, the stones, the dust, and all the water in the trench. When the people saw what had happened, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, He is the God; The Lord, He is the God!” (v. 39).

What a wonderful example of praying with boldness and authority! Elijah didn't pray in secret, off in some corner where nobody could see or hear him. He prayed openly and publicly. There was nothing tricky or shady about what he did; there was no doubt about what he said.

God has filled the Scriptures with promises. Oh, how few of them we claim as our own! A man once said to me, “I feel that when I come into the throne room of God, I just tiptoe around. I'm afraid of what God may say or do.” I believe his behavior is that of many Christians.

God, however, tells us to come boldly into His presence. He grants us the privilege to come before Him with authority because of our position in Christ Jesus. We are to be bold in believing with our faith that God is going to do what He desires to do and what He says He will do in our lives.

Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:22, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  

Can We Justify Our Anger?

Ephesians 4:26-27

SUBJECT: ANGER

THEME: Recognize anger in its various forms and root it and its destructive power out of your life.

INTRODUCTION:  The Scriptures admonish us clearly, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephes. 4:26-27). Wrath is linked closely with the work of Satan in our lives.  Accordingly, we should speak truthfully, but free of wrath. Our anger should be restrained, short-lived, and used for righteous ends.

Distinguish Between Righteous Indignation and Ungodly Anger

Some people attempt to justify their anger under the banner of righteous indignation. They often point to the behavior of Jesus when He drove the money changers from the temple. They conclude, “I can be angry because Jesus was angry.”

A.  LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE EXAMPLES OF CHRIST.

  1.  It is True That Christ Expressed Anger on Occasions.

       A.  Christ’s Expressions of Anger Consistently Rejected Sinful Behavior in Others.

             — QUOTE:  “Jesus became angry with his disciples when they forbade children to be brought to him (Mark 10:14) and with the hardhearted member of the Capernaum synagogue (Mark 3:5). Similar expressions of anger were directed at the Saducees (Mark 12:24-27), the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-36), and Peter (Matt 16:23) and on each occasion represented his rejection of unrighteousness.”   — Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

       B.  Our Lord’s Actions in the Cleansing of the Temple on Two Different Occasions Were Expressions of Anger.  Let's look at that incident more closely.

             1.  Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them (Matt. 21:12–14; see also Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46). 

             2.  Mark added in his account that Jesus would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple (Mark 11:16). Immediately upon the removal of those who were buying and selling, Jesus engaged in a healing service.

             3.  His righteous indignation was completely without sin and without any diminishing of His spiritual anointing.

   2.  It is True That Christ Used a Whip to Drive People Out of the Temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

Jesus was in the Temple with a whip whirling and eyes blazing as He cleanses the temple. Jesus is obviously angry. But is it justified?

John 2:13-17,  And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

       A.  Jesus did use a whip and his actions did overturn the tables of the money changers.

       B.  Throughout the incident, Jesus' actions were calculated and measured. No riot resulted. Nobody was out of control.

   3.  It is Not True that Jesus Actions Were Sinful.

Throughout the scene, Jesus' behavior was

      A.  Without Real Violence. We have no record of any person being hurt, but the Savior was forceful and assertive.

      B.  Without Resentment. For example, Jesus did not call upon His disciples to continue the behavior. Nor did He cite any past wrong done to Him as a reason for what He was doing.

      C.  Without Bitterness. Jesus had no heldover feelings against those who were cast from the temple. He never mentioned them again.

Jesus' action was vented not against the individuals themselves but against their actions, and against the system that allowed buying and selling in God's house of prayer. In every way, Jesus acted in accordance with righteous indignation–holy rejection of sin.  (See Eph. 4:26.)

   4.  Jesus Was Indignant or Angry in a Righteous Way.

He did not sin in what He did or the way He did it.

       A.  Righteous Indignation Is a Healthy Response to Evil.

It is an agitation in the spirit against something that is wrong in God's eyes, without any partiality toward or against the perpetrators of the wrong. The behavior or circumstance is wrong, apart from the personality of any person.

       B.  Righteous Indignation Is Expressed in a Measured and Calculated Way. It does not bring physical or emotional harm to another human being. It is thought through in a rational way, and it is behavior that has been pre-approved by God through prayer.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are admonished to speak God's truth boldly and to do so in love. I believe that is what Jesus was doing in the temple those occasions. His words bore great conviction because they were a statement of truth. When we speak the truth boldly, we can expect results, too.

       C.  When You Take an Action or Speak the Truth with Righteous Indignation, you must be prepared to reap the consequences that may be associated with the act. Jesus certainly did. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people sought to destroy Jesus after He took this action in the temple. (See Luke 19:47–48.) God stayed their hand until Jesus' ministry among the people was complete, but very soon after, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus was prepared to die for the good that He had done, including this act of cleansing the temple.

If you truly act in righteous indignation against evil, then you must be prepared to put your life on the line for what you believe and do. The angry person doesn't do this. To the contrary, an angry person tends to act in hopes of destroying the enemy and then to live with a sense of smugness at the victory. The angry person isn't at all interested in suffering or dying for the very person who has done wrong in his eyes.

B.  THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN BE ANGRY WITHOUT SINNING.

Ephes. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

   1.  Anger Can Be a Holy Response to Sin.

Mark 3:5, And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 

         A.  Jesus was angry about the Pharisees' uncaring attitudes. Anger itself is not wrong. It depends on what makes us angry and what we do with our anger. Too often we express our anger in selfish and harmful ways.

         B.  By contrast, Jesus expressed his anger by correcting a problem -- healing the man's hand. Use your anger to find constructive solutions rather than tear people down.

         C.  We may react to sin in the way that Christ did-in holiness and without desire for personal vengeance (Rom 12:19-21).

   2.  Anger Does Not Have to Lead to Sin.

Mark 11:17, And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.  

        A.  Jesus became angry, but he did not sin. There is a place for righteous indignation.

        B.  Christians are right to be upset about sin and injustice and should take a stand against them.

        C.  Unfortunately, believers are often passive about these important issues and instead get angry over personal insults and petty irritations. Make sure your anger is directed toward the right issues.

   3.  Anger Is a Danger Signal Though.

Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

        A.  Moses said, "Thou shalt not kill [murder]" (Ex 20:13), Jesus taught us to avoid anger because it is committing murder in your heart. The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves.

        B.  Killing Is a Terrible Sin, but Anger Is a Great Sin Too Because it Also Violates God's Command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.

        C.  Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God. Have you ever been glad that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Trust the Lord to Overcome Sinful Anger

Unchecked anger acts as acid on the soul—eating away at your spirit and eventually destroying all feelings of love toward others. You must neutralize anger as soon as you are aware that you are experiencing it. (Stanley)

A.  TURN TO YOUR PASTOR OR A GODLY FRIEND FOR HELP.

If you don't, you may very well

   1.  Restrain or repress it, which is dangerous to you internally, both physically and emotionally.

   2.  Restrict or suppress it, which is like burying anger alive. It will erupt eventually.

   3.  Reveal or express it, generally in a way that is hurtful to others.

The Lord has capable servants available to you who understand how to help you overcome the anger and learn to love again. It is vital for you to understand that you are not alone. Victory over anger is more than possible in Christ.

B.  TRUST GOD TO HELP YOU CHANGE.

The alternative to repeating failures is God; He provides grace, strength, power, and the very real hope of positive changes. First there are some things you need to do. 

   1.  Confess Your Anger.
We turn to God immediately upon learning we have failed Him in some way. 

      A.  Admit to God that you are angry. Ask for His forgiveness, help, power, and healing. Denying your anger will only make things worst! 

      B.  If you have manifested your anger to another person, go to that person and confess that you have acted in a way contrary to God's plan and desire for your life. Ask the person's forgiveness. Realize they have been hurt deeply by your actions. 

      C.  Make certain that your confession to the other person does not turn into another bout of confrontation. The potential for further conflict is very high because hurting people tend to hurt others--they will lash out because they feel disrespected and violated. They may have become defensive or self protective in the wake of you angry actions. They may have difficulty trusting you for quite some time. Do not permit these developments to anger you further.          
      D.  The point of your confession is not self-justification. Do not make excuses or minimize what you said or did. Once you have confessed your sin to the person, walk away. Thank God for His forgiveness!

  
  2.  Choose to Trust God Fully.

Anger is one evidence that you aren't trusting God fully.

       A.  Many people who are angry with others are really angry with God for something they think God has done to them or has failed to do for them. If you are angry with God, you cannot trust God. The cycle is deadly, and the consequences may be eternal; deep anger at God can keep a person out of heaven.

       B.  Don't let that happen! Confess your anger to God, and ask Him to forgive you for it. Make a new commitment in your heart and mind to trust God with your entire life, and in following through on that commitment, ask the Holy Spirit daily to lead you, guide you, and protect you from all evil.

       C.  Also, go to God's Word and read every verse you can find that promises God's sure and ready help to His children.

Deut. 32:35-36, To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. [36] For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Romans 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 22:8-9, He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. [9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

No, we cannot use the Lord Jesus' example of righteous indignation as an excuse for our ungodly anger! Yes, there is a great difference between holy anger and unholy wrath. Jesus was burning hot with a high regard for the honor of His Father God. He moved intentionally and forcefully without losing control. He was entirely free of malice, resentment, and hatred.

Too often we get upset for entirely selfish or self-focused reasons. Our anger has nothing to do with righteousness, holy honor, or the injustices of  the helpless, weak, or oppressed. Many times we simply want to intimidate others or hide our insecurities. We have used our anger to manipulate and control people to get what we want. The alternative to trusting your ability to manipulate and control people is to trust God! Fully and deeply trust the Lord with your fears and anxieties. Trust Him with those issues that are really beyond your control. God says this is sinful behavior and we need to repent.

There is no excuse we can offer or reason we can present to justify ungodly wrath. No, God's solution is confession, repentance and making it right with those we have hurt. Get in the Word and allow the Spirit of God to change the way you think and behave. God will empower you to overcome wicked anger! Trust Him for victory.