Guidance and God’s Will
Bible Text: Acts 12:25-13:4, Proverbs 3:1-18 | Preacher: Andrew Love | Series: Acts | Introduction
The Book of Acts is a wonderful book – about the progress of the gospel
Burden re the lack of fruit
Encouraging to see God pour out His Holy Spirit
The Book of Acts is about the Church
No fine details – examples
All the vital principles for healthy strong churches – examples:
Prayer
Inter-cooperation of Fellowship
Doctrine
The Breaking of Bed
The Centrality of the word of God
We must concentrate on these things
Concentrating on Guidance and God’s will
No one-stop answer
The Holy Spirit guiding God’s people
A group of God’s people making decisions
God’s providence – example of John Mark
Opening and closing doors – examples
Overview:
Somethings are Clear
Somethings are Sensible
Somethings are Not Expected
All things are for God’s glory
Somethings are Clear
So obvious – there may be prayer backing but we do not need to pray for guidance
Example of bringing a love gift
There was a great famine prophesied by Agabus
The church was in need
Antioch was a rich place with many resources
Example – someone in need in Church
Somethings are Sensible
God does not bypass the human mind
Example – for Barnabas to bring Saul to Antioch
Barnabas knew Saul was accepted by the apostles
Barnabas was overwhelmed
Example – training up men for ministry
Example – John Mark (12:25)
Was this sensible as he later deserted
He needed faith to leave Jerusalem and to trust Barnabas
Paul specifically asked for John Mark
Somethings are Not Expected
God sometimes works in ways that are not expected
13:1
Some are prophets, teachers
13:2
God speaks suddenly
We don’t know how? – prophecy, an audible voice
A clear message from the Holy Spirit
It must have been unexpected
It happened when they were ministering to the Lord
Praying and fasting
Preaching
An exceptional situation as this is vital for the progression of the gospel
God had called them to a work
They are not given details but are called
Should we seek such exceptional guidance today?
No – they weren’t seeking guidance
They were ministering to the Lord
Big decisions should be made in the context of the church
We should be certain God is in it
We should trust God
2 Cor 5:9
1 Thess 2:4
We must still think things through and plan
Personal example
All things are for God’s glory
Some implications:
Do we ask for the wisdom of others?
Do we consult and pray?
Examples
Do we have ownership of the church?
Are we unified in prayer
Do we recognise the purpose?
What is the work that God has called us to do?