Hearing His Voice - Knowing His Will, Part 2

David Uth - June 8, 2008

Ephesians 5:15-17

The crisis of faith is when God reveals his will and you have to choose to do it.

How do we know God's will? He shows us in different ways.

Charles Stanley talked about a island that had a really narrow entry point for docking. In order for ships to navigate the passage without damaging the ship or getting stuck in a shallow place they used tall poles planted along the route to align the ship. If they aligned the ship with the poles they would have no problem arriving at the port. We can use God's poles to help navigate His will.

God's Poles for helping us understand His will:

1. God's Word
This is the most critical pole. He won't tell us to do something that is not in his book. The things in his book:
a) precepts/commandments/laws - "Speed Limit is 35mph"
b) principles - general commands, "drive carefully"
c) promises - to help us understand
You will never have a decision to make that won't intersect one of these
These don't move. Experience moves and is subjective. Anchor yourself in God's word - the truth and foundation. God's word is the filter and it is rock solid

2. Circumstances
Sometimes circumstances point us to what God wants us to do. Don't use this pole alone. It has to confirm with the other poles. Some people want a visible sign, like Gideon in Judges 6:36-40, we don't need a fleece-we just need to obey. God may speak through a circumstance but confirm it with another pole.

3. Wise Counsel
God may use other people to help us. This is not in a monk in Tibet or in a palm reading. It is people who walk with God-that know Him. God speaks through a friend, wife, spouse, pastor, etc. Go talk to someone when you need to make a decision.

4. Visions and Dreams
Acts 16:7-10, Acts 2:16-17
God can speak through a vision or dream. Be careful- not all dreams are a message from God, line it up with other poles, make sure it is consistent. The enemy has a way of counterfeiting our dreams

5. Spirit Prompting
Acts 16:6-7
The Holy Spirit urges us. Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:13
It is a gentle nudge. God puts the desire in our heart. Listen to the Spirit. If God puts someone on your heart--call them!

6. Peace
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Rule means to preside as judge or umpire. Follow the peace of Christ. There will be peace wherever God's will is.

Listening & Hearing - Hebrews 1:1-4
God has spoken through his son. Having a relationship with Him is the most important element in hearing God. If you are ever making a decision or act and needs God's input think about which way looks more like Jesus?

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