(Section 3) Elements That Contribute To Guidance

(Section 3 His Will)

III. ELEMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO GUIDANCE

A. THE INSPIRED WORD

God does not want to guide us magically, He wants us to know His mind. He

wants us to grasp His very heart. We need to be soaked in the content of Scripture, so

imbued with biblical outlooks and principles, so sensitive to the Spirit's prompting, that

we will know instinctively the upright step to take in any circumstances small or great.

Through the study of Scriptures, we may become acquainted with the ways and thoughts

of God. --John White (pg 65)

1. The Impregnable Rock of Scripture

If God Himself is the chief factor and actor in guidance--and He is--then

His holy Word comes second in order of importance. It must be given

precedence over every other element in the guidance process.

a. There have been many who tried to destroy the Bible. However, the Word is everlasting, "though the heavens and earth pass away, my Word shall

not pass away."

b. Our Basic Guide

The teachings of Scripture form our basic guide, and in them most of

God's will for daily living is already revealed.

[Departure from this guide by our society has produced many social, economic, and moral dilemmas.]

c. Foundation of Church Principles

II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in

righteousness:”

2. Interpret Scripture in Context

a. In our interpretation we must take account of the context, the problem

discussed, the historical and cultural setting. pg 67

Ex: "Greet the brethren with a holy kiss." Not now!!!

A hand shake will do.

Clean and unclean eating in the O. T. Now everything is acceptable

when we give thanks. I Timothy 4:3 “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

Words such as corn (grain), and communication (supporting by

tangible means).

b. There is a wrong use of Scripture

(1) It is not to be used as a sort of horoscope or crystal ball.

(2) It can be used as a conversation topic effectively, but we

should study to show ourselves approved, and to win souls,

not for the sake of winning an argument.

B. THE INSPIRING SPIRIT

1. Involved in Guidance

Romans 8:26-27 “ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (v. 27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

There are times when things are so bad and mixed up in our lives that we don’t know how to pray. He does, and He prays for us in accordance with God’s will for us. He also at times leads us to pray for certain things at certain times. He directs our prayer life to those things that are needed at the time.

(DERICKSON’S NOTES ON THEOLOGY Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.)

John 16:13 “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.”

In His office as Christ's Vice-regent on earth, the Holy Spirit is necessarily deeply

involved in the guidance process. Because He is both inspirer and illuminator of the

Word of God, we can count on His help in understanding the guidelines laid down that

lead to insight into the will of God.

Every part of your life will be better if the Spirit is able to control your life. You may find trials and problems, yet you will know that God is in control and doing what He wants to in your life. (Stanley L. Derickson)

2. Helps us understand Ephesians 5:15-18

5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

understanding = to put together (mentally), to comprehend, consider,

understand, be wise.

5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Three things are emphasized in these verses:

a. Knowing the will of God is not so much a matter of the emotions as of

the understanding, the mind.

b. Understanding what God's will is makes one wise.

c. Being filled with the Spirit enables one to know the will of God.

3. "Led by the Spirit"

Galalations 5:18 “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are