PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE GUIDANCE

#865 (w 781d)                    PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE GUIDANCE                                                   

Scripture  I John 5:15, NIV                                                                                 Orig. Date 5-21-1980

                                                                                                                          Rewr. Dates 1-6-1991

Passage: 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Purpose: Share a Sunday night with my people to encourage them in understanding some of the ways by which God leads His children.

 Keywords: Will of God                  Guidance                     Series: Prayer

Cross reference: #781d

Introduction

            Charles Hadden Spurgeon was a man of rare gift in relation to following the guidance of God in his life.  Not only was he the outstanding evangelist preacher of his day, several other notable ministries were performed through the church he served.

            After touring a series of Baptist churches, preaching in most of them, he collected funds from many of these churches to use in an orphanage run by his own church.  On the way back to London, he perceived the Lord had spoken to him about these very funds.  Instead of using them in London, he was to give them to his friend, George Muller who ran an orphanage in Bristol.  He said that he resisted these instructions, but finally, relented and did what he thought he was to do.

            When he delivered the funds to Muller, his friend explained to him a pressing need of the very amount now in his possession.  Even though he was surrendering needed capital, Spurgeon rejoiced with his friend over this met need.  Arrived back in London, he found an envelope on his desk containing a sum greater than he had given away that was to be used in his own work.  Spurgeon felt that God had honored  his obedience.  Had he not been faithful in what he had been called upon to do, these larger funds would not have come to him at all.

            How do we develop the attributes in our own lives that enable us to know what God expects of us?

I.          First, a Word about Seeking Guidance.  I John 5:15, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.”

            The appropriate beginning place is prayer,  E.W. Kenyon: “Prayer is simply talking it over with Him, getting His views, His will, His plan, and our carrying out these plans, with His grace, ability, and wisdom.”

            Prayer is not intended to be a one-sided conversation.  Call someone on the telephone, the receiver is lifted, yet no one talks.  Attempt to talk with someone who has lost their voice box.  Dad struggled with that time when the doctor wanted to remove voice box.

            God is not interested in being a voiceless co-respondent. He intends to hear us.  It is His will for us to hear Him.

            We are to pursue the will of God through the following means.  The will of God is made known in the Word of God.  Deuteronomy 7:11, “Thou shalt keep the commandments which I command thee this day.”  They were given

***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***