Chapter 2: Mystery and Clarity

CHAPTER 2: MYSTERY AND CLARITY
 
Because God’s Holy Spirit is like the wind, blowing wherever he wants (John 3:8), He can be hard to figure out and follow. For people who desire to know and do God’s will, this can be very confusing and frustrating. Does this describe you?
 
It is helpful to remember that spoke sporadically in the Scriptures and in various ways (see list on pp. 37-39). Understanding the frequency (or lack thereof) of God’s leading should help us relax a bit as we seek to discover what God is saying or what He is telling us to do. His leadership, even in the Scriptures, was not day-by-day let alone moment-by-moment. Paul, for instance, made plans and followed his intellect and desires all the while ready to be interrupted by the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 16:5-9).
 
So what are we to do when God is not speaking directly to us? We are to be doing what we can to fulfill the Great Commission (that’s where the Holy Spirit is at work) and we are to spend time studying, applying and sharing the Word of God. We are also to be fighting sin in our hearts and lives.
 
Specifically, the Word of God offers the clarity we seek when following God. The Lord points us to His Word repeatedly in the Bible as our source of guidance and direction. This is the pattern we find in the Scriptures as to how God leads His people to do His will.
 
What do the following passages teach you about the role of the Bible and God’s leadership in our lives?
 
·         John 14:26
·         2 Peter 1:16-24
·         2 Timothy 3:16-17
·         Hebrews 1:1-4
·         Hebrews 2:3-4
 
J.D. Greear: “His guidance functions somewhat like steering a bicycle – it only works once you’re moving. The spirit steers as you peddle.”
 
We must peddle as the Scriptures direct and trust that the Spirit will steer us where we need to go.
 
Are you currently involved in Bible study and application?
Are you currently involved in the Great Commission?
What can you do to apply the truths of this chapter in your life this week? Tell someone else what you plan to do and ask them to ask you about it the next time you meet to discuss JESUS, CONTINUED…