ProverbsGuidance System Active

How God Guides Us2 Extremes:

Fatalist Controlist

How God Guides Us

We are absolutely free.

God plans will absolutely prevail.Proverbs 21:5a

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage…Psalm 33:11

But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

How God Guides Us

Guidance is often subtle.

1. Got to be moving.

2. Got to take the long view.Philippians 3:13–14

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

How God Guides Us

Guidance is often subtle.

1. Got to be moving.

2. Got to take the long view.

3. God’s guidance is more like a WAY than a script.

Proverbs 4:11

I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.

How God Gives Guidance

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established. Psalm 37:4–5

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

How God Gives Guidance

Why doesn’t God give us a script?

1. Created as free-will agents.

2. The Christian life is a relationship with God.

Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them hearts that recognize me as the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.

1 Corinthians 1:30

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

How to seek guidance practically

1. Become a wrestler.

Philippians 4:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Proverbs 3:5–6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

How to seek guidance practically

1. Become a wrestler.

2. Listen to Wisdom.

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. (Proverbs 2:1–4)

Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. (Proverbs 4:13)

Joyful are those who listen to me [wisdom], watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! (Proverbs 8:34)

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. (Proverbs 22:17)

How to seek guidance practically

1. Become a wrestler.

2. Listen to Wisdom.

3. Listen to Counsel.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (Proverbs 12:15)

Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. (Proverbs 20:18)

So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.(Proverbs 24:6)

To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. (Proverbs 25:12)

How to seek guidance practically

1. Become a wrestler.

2. Listen to Wisdom.

3. Listen to Counsel.

4. Make godly plans.

Acts 16:6–9

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

1

2

3

Conclusion

Questions and Comments