As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God, and seeking counsel is an essential part of our decision-making process. However, it is crucial to seek counsel from godly individuals who fear God and are right with Him. Seeking ungodly counsel can lead to disastrous consequences, and in this sermon, we will explore why Christians should avoid seeking advice from those who do not fear God.
Biblical Warning Against Ungodly Counsel
The Bible warns us against seeking counsel from ungodly individuals. In Psalm 1:1, we are cautioned not to "walk in the counsel of the wicked" or "stand in the way of sinners." This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly influences and seeking counsel from those who fear God.
Consequences of Seeking Ungodly Counsel
When a godly person seeks counsel from someone who does not fear God, they can expect the following consequences:
Misguided Decisions: Ungodly counsel can lead to decisions that are contrary to God's will. In 1 Kings 12:8-11, King Rehoboam sought counsel from his peers, who advised him to increase the burden on his people. This decision led to the division of the kingdom.
Spiritual Compromise: Seeking ungodly counsel can lead to spiritual compromise. In 2 Chronicles 18:1-27, King Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with King Ahab, who did not fear God. This alliance led to Jehoshaphat's involvement in Ahab's wicked plans.
Loss of Spiritual Ground: Ungodly counsel can cause a Christian to lose spiritual ground. In Galatians 2:11-14, Peter compromised his faith by seeking to please the Jewish Christians who did not accept Gentile believers. This compromise led to Paul's public rebuke of Peter.
Examples of Godly Counsel in the Bible
The Bible provides numerous examples of godly counsel. Here are a few:
Nathan's Counsel to David: In 2 Samuel 12:1-15, Nathan, a prophet of God, counseled David regarding his sin with Bathsheba. Nathan's counsel led to David's repentance and restoration.
Paul's Counsel to the Corinthians: In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul counseled the Corinthian church regarding their tolerance of sin. Paul's counsel led to the church's repentance and restoration.
Jesus' Counsel to the Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22, Jesus counseled the rich young ruler regarding his desire for eternal life. Jesus' counsel led to the young ruler's realization of his need for salvation.
Seeking counsel from someone who is truly born of God and walking in the Spirit can provide guidance that is rooted in spiritual wisdom and discernment.
As you mentioned, it's essential to distinguish between someone who appears to be a "nice person" but is still walking in their sinful flesh, versus someone who has been transformed by the Spirit of God.
The Bible warns us against seeking counsel from those who are spiritually dead or blind, as they may lead us astray (Proverbs 14:12, Matthew 15:14).
Instead, we should seek out spiritual guidance from those who:
Have a deep understanding of God's Word
Are walking in obedience to the Spirit
Demonstrate spiritual fruit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23)
Can offer wisdom and discernment rooted in their relationship with God
By seeking counsel from someone who is truly born of God and walking in the Spirit, we can gain valuable insights and guidance that will help us to explore life's challenges in a way that honors God.
Conclusion
As Christians, we must be careful about who we seek counsel from. Seeking ungodly counsel can lead to disastrous consequences, including misguided decisions, spiritual compromise, and loss of spiritual ground. Instead, we should seek counsel from godly individuals who fear God and are right with Him. By doing so, we can ensure that our decisions align with God's will and that we maintain a strong spiritual foundation.
