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.