Lesson 3: How God Leads Through Good Counsel

Lesson 3: How God Leads Through Good Counsel

A. INTRODUCTION

Thesis: Good counseling can help us find God’s leading in our life. “In the multitude of counselors there is wisdom” (Prov. 11:14). “Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Prov. 15:22).

1. More than one gives you confidence.

2. They may disagree; you may see an issue from two sides.

3. One may know what another counselor doesn’t.

4. One may better determine God’s will; some counselors are closer to God than others.

5. Some counselors may know what will/will not work.

B. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH US ABOUT COUNSELORS?

1. Some listened to good counseling and prepared.

a. Moses listened to Jethro (Ex. 18:1-27).

b. Ruth gleaned where her mother-in-law directed (Ruth 2:19).

c. Apollos listened to Aquilla and Priscilla (Acts 18:26).

2. Some didn’t listen to godly counseling and regretted it.

a. Samson married an idol worshipper (Judges 14:1 ff).

b. Rehoboam didn’t listen to older counselors (I Kings 12:1 ff).

3. Some refused to listen to bad counsel.

a. Ruth didn’t go back to the idols of Moab (Ruth 1:16-17).

b. Paul didn’t listen to negative counsel (Acts 21:10-13).

c. Elisha didn’t listen to Elijah (II Kings 2:2).

C. HOW GOD LEADS US THROUGH COUNSELORS

1. Counselors help us make decisions about God’s will.

2. Counselors help us solve problems.

3. Counselors give us practical advice about finding God’s will.

4. Counselors give us a vision to reinforce life’s goals.

5. Counselors turn us around when we are straying.

6. A counselor may help us find our life’s purpose.

7. A counselor may just reinforce what we are doing.

D. QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR COUNSELOR

1. A spiritual believer. Is your counselor controlled by the Holy Spirit?

2. Mature believer. Does your counselor know and apply the Bible to his/her life?

3. Hidden agenda. Does your counselor have an ulterior motive in giving counsel?

4. Committed to you. Will your counselor seek your best interest?

5. Common Sense. Is your counselor practical?

6. Background. Is your counselor knowledgeable about the things for which you need direction?

7. Skilled. Does your counselor have some of the following skills?

a. Listening skills.

b. Asks good questions.

c. Summarizes the issue for you.

d. Sees and points out consequences.

e. Helps you make decisions.

8. Faithful to obvious discipleship. Does your counselor faithfully attend church?

a. Tithe

b. Pray

c. Witness

9. Example. Don’t look for counseling theory, look for those who live for Christ and are growing in Christ.

10. Relationship. Are you and your counselor compatible? “You must love all Christians, but you don’t want to go on a vacation with some.” - Dr. Jerry Falwell

E. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

1. Pray together. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:19).

2. Study scripture together.

3. Share coffee or a meal together. Coffee is not just a liquid drink, it’s fellowship.

4. Moratorium. Decide not to jump to conclusions, but wait and look at everything together.

5. Learn to listen to each other.

6. Tell each other how the Holy Spirit speaks to your inner person.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.