Bible College Directory UK



Finding God's will



Helps in guidance


Discovering God's will is not always easy, particularly when there are several options and so much need everywhere. However, the Bible has some basic principles for us to follow.

Read Acts 16:5-10


Paul and Silas were seeking guidance. In verse 6 we read they "were forbidden of the Holy Ghost" (A.V) or "having been kept by the Holy Ghost from preaching" - it was not the right time to go into Asia.
In verse 7 they tried to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them".




One preacher said, "The steps and the stops of a good man are ordered by the Lord". (c.f. Psalm 37:23).





How does the Spirit not permit us to go?



Lack of peace

"And let the peace of God RULE in your hearts" Col.3:15.

Lack of opportunity

The Apostle Paul often referred to doors opening for him.
Read 1 Cor. 15:8-9, Col.4:3, Rev 3:8.
However, in 2 Cor.2:12, even though a door had opened for Paul in Troas, He had no peace (1st point).


As one preacher put it, "The need does not constitute a call".



Just because there is a need, it does not mean that you are the one to fill the gap. (But, you may be!).




'Jesus never lost sight of where He came from and where He was heading and neither must we'





Lack of a Word

"And your ear shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left" Isaiah 30:21. C.F. Psalm 119:105.

In Acts 16:9, Paul received his guidance through a vision. He saw a man from Macedonia. God opened Paul's eyes to a man from the area where Paul was to go. *The Lord may burden your heart, or open your eyes to the needs of a certain people group. Paul saw that the man was in need because he was saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us".


??Are you receiving a Macedonian call? "Come over here and help us?" ??



Remember


God has promised to guide the believer.

Psalm 25:9. "The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way .

Psalm 32:8. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go, I will guide you with mine eyes. God can see ahead! Also, read Isaiah 42:6 and John 16:13.




?? Is guidance automatic, or do we have to do something? ??





We have a responsibility - how we live etc.

1. Fear God

Psalm 25:12, "Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses".

2. Move with God

Psalm 32:9, "Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee".

  • A horse - dashes ahead.
  • A mule - stubborn, lags behind.

    Galatians 5:25, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit".

  • Walk - original means to march in (military) rank, keep step. Keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

    3. Trust God


    Read Psalm 37:5-7,22, Proverbs 3:5-6. . "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."



    4. Yield all to God

    Romans 12:1-2. "That you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.

    5. Obey God

    When God makes His will plain to us.

    What did Paul do after he had seen the vision? Acts 16:10. "Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them


    The Conclusion



    Do you need guidance? - Pray.


    Psalm 25:44-5. "Show me they ways, O Lord; teach me they paths. Lead me in they truths and teach me."



    Psalm 31:3. "For thy names sake lead me and guide me.

    Psalm 143:8 & 10. "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust. Cause me to know thy way wherein I should walk , for I lift up my soul unto thee. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God, thy Spirit is good, lead me into the Lord of uprightness.


    Mr. S. Wright. Baptist Pastor.