How does God guide us?

Speaker: Simon Matthews

Notes

We all want to do God's will. The question is what is his will.

God promises to direct our paths (Prov 3:6) and that we'll know his voice (John 10:5).

Guidance can be a bit like a jigsaw puzzle:

• The Word Ps 119:105

• The prophetic Acts 2:17

• Led by the Holy Spirit Rom 8:14-17

• Common sense Luke 1:3

• Circumstances Need to discern whether to go along with them or resist them

• Wise counsel Eph 5:17-21

• Searching and asking Prov 8:17

What can you do to find the will of God? Have a surrendered heart; pray personally and with others; keep it in proportion; ask question and listen; be decisive; take responsibility for your own actions.

Application

If God has a good and perfect plan for your life, how much does it depend on your commitment to staying in it? Do you think God has one clearly defined plan and purpose for your life or does he have a "Plan B"? Can you think of times when you have stepped out of God's plan and yet found yourself still in it? Or of God bringing about good despite your lack of cooperation?

Someone said God is less interested in what we actually do in life than in the lessons we learn along the way. Discuss.

Posted: 24 Feb 2008