{"id":1423,"date":"2018-02-07T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2018-02-07T08:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1423"},"modified":"2018-02-07T09:00:41","modified_gmt":"2018-02-07T08:00:41","slug":"the-spiritual-life-and-divine-guidance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/02\/07\/the-spiritual-life-and-divine-guidance\/","title":{"rendered":"The Spiritual Life and Divine Guidance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that wherein we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.<\/em><\/p>\n

Romans 7:6<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Knowing how to be \u201cled o<\/span>f the Lord\u201d is important for the spiritual life, but there is a lot of confusion and there are a lot of misconceptions about divine guidance. Because of so many misconceptions as to what is and what is not divine guidance, <\/span>believers who have to make a major decision\u2014such as which job to take, which school to go to or whom to marry\u2014often go through some tremendous agony. In the end, their decision is often based on subjective feelings rather than on divine guidance. This manuscript will deal with the issue of divine guidance and will do so in three areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>I. The Four Basic Principles<\/p>\n

In the first area, there are four basic principles with which we need to be familiar in determining divine guidance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>A. Commitment to Obedience<\/p>\n

The first basic principle is that divine guidance or leading is for those committed to do exactly as God chooses, no matter what the cost. God will not guide someone who doe<\/span>s not want to be guided.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>B. Consistent with Scripture<\/p>\n

The second basic principle is that divine leading will only be according to Scripture; God will not lead you to do something that goes contrary to Scripture. A woman once <\/span>told me that God had guided her to divorce her husband because her husband is an unbeliever. But this violates 1 Peter 3:1<\/a>, which teaches that a believing wife must still remain in submission to an un<\/span>believing husband; there is no grounds for divorcing a spouse simply because a spouse is an unbeliever. Divine leading will only be according to Scripture; it will never violate Scripture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>C. Absence of Set Rule<\/p>\n

The third basic principle is that there is no set rule by which one can determine exactly the single will of God for every decision to be made, and so no two people are led exac<\/span>tly the same. When I was younger in my spiritual life, I pursued the issue of divine guidance and read this book and that book, which all had various \u201cformulas\u201d or various \u201csteps\u201d to follow.<\/p>\n

When I fo<\/span>llowed these steps, they never produced a clear, divine leading in decision-making. It was then that I realized that these steps are not found anywhere in Scripture, and that they were made up by the writer of<\/span> the pamphlet or book. The steps in finding God\u2019s will are not found in Scripture. There is no set of rules by which a person can determine the particular will of God for every decision he must make in his life.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>D. Components of Leading<\/p>\n

The fourth basic principle is to understand the components of leading. There are seven components or facets of leading to keep in mind. First, salvation; divine guidance is on<\/span>ly for the believer, not for the unbeliever. Secondly, providence; God providentially causes events to come to pass by which we are guided. Thirdly, knowledge of the Word of God; what it teaches about specific areas for many things which God wants us to do is already spelled out in Scripture. We know it is not God\u2019s will for us to commit adultery, murder, or stealing. We d<\/span>o not have to seek the Lord\u2019s will on these matters, for God has already spoken on these matters. But to understand what He said, there must be a knowledge of the Word of God and what it teaches about specific areas. Fourthly, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling Holy Spirit has a lot to do with divine guidance. Fifth, prayer; pray about certain areas. Sixth, our minds; God expects us to use our mind, our logic, to determine certain things in the way of decision-making. Seventh, wisdom; wisdom to determine wh<\/span>at is the proper decision to make.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>II. The Traditional View<\/p>\n

The second area in the issue of divine guidance is the traditional view. This is the view that most of us grew up with. We must now subject the traditional view to Scripture a<\/span>nd see if it really measures up. The traditional view will be discussed in twelve parts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>A. The Three Wills of God<\/p>\n

In the traditional view, God has three distinct and separate wills. The first will is God\u2019s sovereign will, which is God\u2019s secret plan that determines everything that happens<\/span> in the universe. Of course, God does have a sovereign plan, and everything in the universe is moving according to His sovereign plan.<\/p>\n

The second will in the traditional view is God\u2019s moral will. The <\/span>moral will is God\u2019s revealed commandments in the Bible, which teaches what man ought to believe and how to live. This, too, is very true. God has a moral will and that moral will has been revealed in Scripture. The commandments of Scripture, determining what we sho<\/span>uld do or should not do, is a reflection of that moral will.<\/p>\n

There is a third will in the traditional view, God\u2019s individual will. God\u2019<\/span>s will for the individual is God\u2019s ideal, detailed life-plan uniquely designed for each person. The third will is a personal plan that God has designed for each individual, and we need to discover what this is and make our decisions accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>B. The Perfect Plan<\/p>\n

In keeping with the third divine will concept, God\u2019s individual will, this position teaches that God has a perfect plan for every believer and, as a result, every believer needs to<\/span> discover what God\u2019s individual will is in every specific case. In other words, there is a detailed plan for all decisions in a believer\u2019s life. Believers are expected to find it as part of their life of faith and do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this view teaches that believers can miss God\u2019s individual will by failure to discover it and obey it. This perfect will for each individual is the ideal plan of God and <\/span>it must be discovered before a decision can be made. This view teaches that this perfect will is being revealed in the hearts of believers and cannot be found in the Bible. It is something God reveals to the individual believer\u2019s heart or it is revealed by the Holy Spirit through inward impressions using many means. Its directives are for one specific believer and include issu<\/span>es; such as, whom to marry or what job to take, among others. This is the ideal plan; it is in harmony with the Bible; and it is always the most ideal decision and so brings glory to God.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the traditional view, God has <\/span>a perfect plan for every believer and what the believer must do is find out in some way or another what this perfect plan is and make his decisions accordingly. If we do not discover it, we will make the wrong decisions and so miss G<\/span>od\u2019s perfect plan for our lives. While this is the traditional view, as we shall see in this study, it is not a biblical view; it is not found in Scripture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>C. The Discovery of the Perfect Plan<\/p>\n

The next logical question to raise is, \u201cHow do you discover this perfect, individual plan?\u201d When this question is raised, various answers are given; such as, the B<\/span>ible, some type of inner witness, a personal desire, circumstances, mature counsel, common sense or \u201claying out the fleece.\u201d The traditional view gives all types of answers. The reason is because that third will is nowhere in Scripture. The Bible nowhere teaches that God has only one perfect plan for each individual believer and because that concept itself is n<\/span>ot in the Bible, people have to give <\/span>all these various answers to the question, \u201cHow do you discover what God\u2019s will is for your life?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>D. The Assurance of the Right Decision<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can one really be sure that the decision was the right one?\u201d Four different answers are often given.<\/p>\n

One answer is that it will be in agreement with all the<\/span> above signs: the Bible, inner witness, personal desire, circumstances, mature counsel, common sense, and specific guidance. You can be sure if it agrees with all these other things.<\/p>\n

A second way you <\/span>can be sure is by the results. If the results were good, you know this was the right decision; if the results were bad, maybe it was not the right decision. The problem with this answer is that sometimes you do not ge<\/span>t results, but it is still God\u2019s will for you. Sometimes God asks you to do things without great results. The prophets had almost no results from their preaching, but God wanted them to preach anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n

A third answer, is if you spend much time in prayer, you can be sure.<\/p>\n

The fourth answer is \u201ccommunion with the Lord.\u201d If you have been in communion with the Lord, you can be sure bec<\/span>ause you will have the inner witness of the Spirit; you will have what is called \u201cthe peace of the Messiah\u201d or \u201cthe peace of the Lord.\u201d As with the earlier question, how to discover the perfect will; so also with this question, how you can be sure, there is a variety of answers given. Often, these are subjectiv<\/span>e answers. Still, after many people have done this, they are left with inner turmoil that maybe they missed that perfect will in their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>E. The Use of Biblical Examples to Teach the Traditional View<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. The Nature of the Examples<\/p>\n

The biblical examples, which are used to teach the traditional view invariably, deal with supernatural revelation and not an inner leading so that a person discovers God\u2019<\/span>s individual will. However, the biblical examples people use almost always have to do with supernatural revelation. Now, if they believe that God is still giving supernatural revelation, that is one thing; but for the most part, they do not. It is wrong to use passages of Scripture, which deal with supernatural revelation and then determine principles of divine guidan<\/span>ce from them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. The Weaknesses of the Examples<\/p>\n

There are four weaknesses to the biblical examples, which are used.<\/p>\n

The first weakness is that the number of recorded cases of direct guidance for specific decisions <\/span>is simply not sufficient to constitute a normative experience. In fact, these are exceptions to the rule; they are not the rule. There are not enough recorded cases of simple, divine guidance for spec<\/span>ific decisions to make it the absolute standard.<\/p>\n

The second weakness is that most of the recipients of special guidance in Scripture occupied a special place in the outworking of God\u2019s program; such a<\/span>s, Peter and Paul. They had a unique and special place. They were apostles; they were in a different category. It would be wrong to use their experiences as being the absolute norm for all believers.<\/p>\n

<\/span>The third weakness is that these biblical examples are not sufficiently comprehensive. You do not have in them a detailed guidance. Direct guidance was provided only at critical points during the form<\/span>ative years of the Church.<\/p>\n

The fourth weakness is that the means of communication was special or supernatural revelation, and this is not the way God is guiding us today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>F. The Use of Scriptures to Teach the Traditional View<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. Genesis 24<\/a><\/p>\n

The first Scripture is Genesis 24<\/a>, which concerns the finding of a wife for Isaac. This passage does not apply because this was actually based upon signs, and the seeking of signs is dis<\/span>couraged by Scripture. What is not found in Genesis 24<\/a> is actual divine guidance in terms of the traditional view.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. Psalm 32:8<\/a><\/p>\n

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will counsel you with mine eye upon you.<\/em><\/p>\n

This verse does not really apply because the word for \u201cguide\u201d here means couns<\/span>el. More likely, it is David who is speaking in this Psalm rather than God. Furthermore, the expression \u201cthe way you should go\u201d in this verse refers to a course in one\u2019s life that he should follow, meaning to follow the way of righteousness. This verse is not dealing with indiv<\/span>idual decision-making over neutral choices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>3. Psalm 37:23<\/a><\/p>\n

A man\u2019s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delights in his way.<\/em><\/p>\n

This verse is speaking of God\u2019s sovereignty and God\u2019s providence. It is not dealing with God\u2019s individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>4. Proverbs 3:5\u20136<\/a><\/p>\n

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And lean not upon your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hebrew literally means, \u201cHe will <\/span>make your paths straight or smooth or successful.\u201d The word \u201cpath\u201d here does not refer to God\u2019s individual will but the general course of the fortunes of life. The point of the context is that those who trust in God, trust in His wisdom <\/span>rather than in worldly wisdom and acknowledge God in each part of their lives, will reap a successful life by God\u2019s standard (vv. 1\u201310<\/a>). The point of verses 5\u20136<\/a>, t<\/span>hen, is to trust in the Lord, and He will make the course of your life successful. It does not deal with individual decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>5. Proverbs 11:14<\/a><\/p>\n

A fifth passage used is Proverbs 11:14<\/a>, but again, this deals with wisdom and not with God\u2019s individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>6. Proverbs 16:9<\/a><\/p>\n

A man\u2019s heart devises his way; But Jehovah directs his steps.<\/em><\/p>\n

Again, this verse is dealing with God\u2019s providence, not divine guidance of God\u2019s individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>7. Jeremiah 29:11<\/a><\/p>\n

The seventh passage is Jeremiah 29:11<\/a>, but this verse also deals with God\u2019s sovereignty and God\u2019s providence, not with His individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>8. Isaiah 30:20\u201321<\/a><\/p>\n

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet shall not your teachers be hidden any more, but your eyes shall see your teachers; and your ears<\/em><\/span> shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.<\/em><\/p>\n

The traditional view interprets this verse as the Holy Spirit speak<\/span>ing, but in the context it actually refers to special revelation given to the Jewish people in the Messianic Kingdom. The expression, this is the way<\/em>, refers to God\u2019s law or revealed will, not to His <\/span>individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>9. Romans 8:28<\/a><\/p>\n

The ninth passage is Romans 8:28<\/a>, but this verse deals with the process of predestination, not with God\u2019s individual will of decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>10. Romans 12:1\u20132<\/a><\/p>\n

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned ac<\/em><\/span>cording to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

This passage is not speaking of God\u2019s individual w<\/span>ill or the perfect plan, but with the moral will of God; what we should do in light of God\u2019s mercies. The same three words: good, acceptable, and perfect<\/em> were used earlier in Romans 7:12<\/a> in relationsh<\/span>ip to the Law of Moses and that, too, was clearly in reference to God\u2019s moral will, not His individual will. The contrast in this passage is that of conformity to the world and transformation of the mind. This rela<\/span>tes to God\u2019s moral will. The passage is not summarizing a process of finding out God\u2019s individual will, but of a basic approach to the life of the believer in which the moral will of God will play a central role.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>11. Ephesians 2:10<\/a><\/p>\n

The eleventh passage is Ephesians 2:10<\/a>, but this passage deals with the purpose of salvation and not with God\u2019s individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>12. Ephesians 5:15\u201317<\/a><\/p>\n

Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the <\/em><\/span>Lord is.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context, how one \u201cwalks\u201d is being contrasted with evil<\/em> and again refers to God\u2019s moral will, not to His individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>13. Ephesians 6:6<\/a><\/p>\n

not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.<\/em><\/p>\n

The context here deals with obedience to specific commandments and so <\/span>this is dealing with God\u2019s moral will, not His individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>14. Colossians 1:9<\/a><\/p>\n

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and un<\/em><\/span>derstanding.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once again, it is a reference to God\u2019s moral will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>15. Colossians 4:12b<\/a><\/p>\n

that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is speaking of the same thing he spoke of in verse 1:9<\/a>, the moral will, because to stand perfect<\/em> is a mora<\/span>l issue.<\/p>\n

These biblical passages, used by people to try to prove the existence of God\u2019s individual will and how to discover it, are not dealing with this so-called individual will or the perfect plan <\/span>for each individual. They are dealing with either God\u2019s sovereign and providential will or His moral will. Neither here nor elsewhere in the Scriptures does the Bible ever speak of a specific, individual will.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>G. The Use of Examples from the Book of Acts to Teach the Traditional View<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. Acts 11:5\u201318<\/a><\/p>\n

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me<\/span>: upon which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the heaven. And I heard also a voice saying unto me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth. But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God has c<\/span>leansed, make not you common. And this was done thrice: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man\u2019s house: and he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, Send to Joppa, and fetch Simon, whose surname is Peter; <\/span><\/span><\/span>who shall speak unto you words, whereby you shall be saved, you and all your house. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on <\/span>them, even as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? And when they hear<\/span>d these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also has God granted repentance unto life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The traditional view interprets this passage as revealing God\u2019s specific will by several methods: prayer (v. 5<\/a>); mind with sight (v. 6<\/a>); <\/span>the Word of God (vv. 7\u201310<\/a>), and at this point they also cite Proverbs 6:22<\/a>; circumstances (v. 11<\/a>); the Holy Spirit (v. 12<\/a>); comparisons (vv. 13\u201315<\/a>); and Scripture memory (v. 16<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The problem with this<\/span> traditional view of Acts 11:5\u201318<\/a> is that, contextually, it is actually special revelation that Peter received from God to go to the house of Cornelius. This was not inner leading or divine guidance i<\/span>n the sense of the traditional view.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. Acts 16:6\u201310<\/a><\/p>\n

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to<\/span> go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And when he had seen the vision, straightway we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preac<\/span>h the gospel to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The traditional interpretation is that God guided Paul: first, by providence, often citing Gen. 24:17<\/a>; and secondly, by circumstances. Again, the problem here is that this was really divine, spe<\/span>cial revelation. He saw a vision, and by virtue of that vision, which was a special revelation, he made his decision.<\/p>\n

The two main biblical examples from the Book of Acts used for divine guidance do n<\/span>ot really teach divine guidance in the way the traditional view uses it, because both examples were really special revelations from God.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>H. The Problems with the Traditional View<\/p>\n

Although the traditional view is the majority view, there are five problems with it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. Silence of Scripture<\/p>\n

The first problem is that of silence. There is no passage of Scripture that teaches the existence of an individual will. The Bible does speak about the sovereign and providenti<\/span>al will and the moral will of God, but not His individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. Ordinary Decisions<\/p>\n

The second problem is that of ordinary decisions. All of these principles of the traditional view for decision-making are used for the more important decisions and not for the le<\/span>sser ones. There is a dichotomy that every believer who follows this traditional view ends up living in. For important decisions, he must struggle to discover God\u2019s perfect, individual will; such as whom to marry, what school to go to, what vocation to choose, whether or not to buy a car, among other decisions. Bu<\/span>t for regular, ordinary decisions, one simply resorts to, \u201cI just have to use good judgment without wasting time.\u201d He does not go into agonizing prayer to decide what to wear in the morning or where to eat, what restaurant to choose or what gas station to stop at, for example. This is the kind of dichotomy that the traditional view forces the believer to live in. For major decisions, we have to struggle to find God\u2019s perfect, individual will; for minor decisions, we do not.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The pr<\/span>oblem is that the decision-making process must be abandoned in minor areas of life. If we use one set of principles for major decisions, but not for minor ones, it is contradictory and it is not the biblica<\/span>l norm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>3. Equal Options<\/p>\n

The third problem is that of equal options. Suppose two or more options fulfill all of the road signs mentioned earlier? The insistence of only one correct choice generates anxiety ov<\/span>er missing God\u2019s perfect will. Rather than being thankful for more than one fine opportunity, we agonize that we may miss God\u2019s perfect plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>4. Immaturity<\/p>\n

The fourth problem is that of immaturity. New believers often make unwise choices. They use the fleece method, which is always a sign of immaturity. In some instances, the logic of the t<\/span>raditional view tends to provoke immature approaches to decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>5. Subjectivity<\/p>\n

The fifth problem is that of subjectivity. The traditional method lacks an objective source of knowledge and must resort to statements like, \u201cI feel led of the Lord.\u201d This is a lack of<\/span> clarity, because impressions can come from many sources. Inner impressions are not a form of revelation, they carry no authority. Furthermore, circumstances also require subjectivity. The problem is that the certainty that one has found God\u2019s individual will is impossible apart from having some kind of an objective source of knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>I. The Leading of the Holy Spirit<\/p>\n

The issue here is, \u201cDoes the Bible teach that the Holy Spirit leads believers to discover God\u2019s individual will or the perfect plan for each individual believer?\u201d Tho<\/span>se who hold the traditional view use three Scriptures to show that the Holy Spirit does lead the believer to discover God\u2019s individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. Romans 8:14<\/a><\/p>\n

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

The context of Romans 8:14<\/a> is not dealing with decision-making, nor does it teach that this leading is by inward impr<\/span>ession. This text deals with the position of salvation. Those who are saved are led by the Spirit of God<\/em>. It is a salvation passage. Furthermore, the context deals more with righteous living, which co<\/span>ncerns God\u2019s moral will, not His individual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. Galatians 5:18<\/a><\/p>\n

But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.<\/em><\/p>\n

The context here deals with the conflict of the \u201cflesh\u201d and the Spirit<\/em>, and so it also concerns the moral will, not God\u2019s i<\/span>ndividual will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>3. John 16:12\u201314<\/a><\/p>\n

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from <\/em><\/span>himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The context of this passage deals with spiritual truth and not with decision-making. There is no hint in the passage that this guidance is by some type of inner impression.<\/p>\n

Insofar as the leadi<\/span>ng of the Holy Spirit is concerned, the Bible never speaks of the leading of the Holy Spirit as a means to discover the perfect plan for the individual believer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>J. The Peace of the Messiah<\/p>\n

The traditional view claims that if you have peace in your heart, then you have made the right decision. The key passage used for this is Colossians 3:15<\/a>: And let the peace<\/em><\/span> of Christ rule in your hearts.<\/em><\/p>\n

The context deals with moral issues (vv. 12\u201317<\/a>). This, too, deals with God\u2019s moral will and not with His individual will. The peace<\/em> spoken of here is not peace inside t<\/span>he heart which tells the believer he has made the right decision. The peace of this passage is simply the peace of harmony between believers who are following God\u2019s moral will. The problem with the use of the so-called <\/span>peace of Christ<\/em> is that it is used as an umpire that says \u201csafe\u201d or \u201cout.\u201d This requires a major dose of subjectivity; you may have made the right decision, but still have a lack of<\/span> peace, and that lack of peace may come from other sources. Even the so-called \u201cyou feel peace\u201d is not biblically true as far as decision-making is concerned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>K. Summary of the Traditional View<\/p>\n

We can summarize the traditional view in four points: the promise, the purpose, the process, and the proof.<\/p>\n

First, the promise. The traditional view teaches that for<\/span> each of the decisions that we have to make, God has a perfect plan from a perfect will.<\/p>\n

Secondly, the purpose. The traditional view teaches that the goal of the believer is to discover God\u2019s individu<\/span>al will and make decisions according to it.<\/p>\n

Thirdly, the process. The believer interprets the inner impressions and the outward signs through which the Holy Spirit communicates His leading.<\/p>\n

Fourthly, <\/span>the proof. The traditional view teaches that the confirmation that one has correctly discerned the individual will of God comes from some type of inner peace and outward, successful results of that decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>L. Summary of the Critique of the Traditional View<\/p>\n

We can summarize the critique of this view in two points. First, the Bible nowhere teaches the existence of God\u2019s individual will. As far as the Bibl<\/span>e is concerned, God does not have an ideal, detailed life-plan for each believer that must be discovered to make a correct decision.<\/p>\n

Secondly, attempts to find this perfect will, which does not exist,<\/span> leads believers to frustration and inconsistency in four ways: first, the traditional view of discovering God\u2019s will in decision-making is practiced only in major decisions, not in minor decisions; secondly, there is no way of dealing with equal options; thirdly, it<\/span> prolongs immaturity in decision-making; and fourthly, it is subjective, and no certainty comes from any objective source or objective standard.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>III. The Biblical View<\/p>\n

In the third area of divine guidance, the biblical principles of divine guidance will be discussed in seven aspects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>A. The Commands of Scripture<\/p>\n

The first aspect of the biblical principles of divine guidance concerns those areas that the Bible addresses specifically. We already know God\u2019s will; whatever God has com<\/span>manded us to do, we must obey. This is the moral will of God. In those areas about which God has spoken in Scripture, we do not have to pray to see if we should do it or not. We do not have to pray whether or not to be baptized; we are commanded to be baptized. We do not have to pray whether we should give <\/span>to the Lord\u2019s work; He has commanded us to do so. We know the moral will of God. The commands of Scripture are an expression of God\u2019s character and touch every area of our lives: our goals, answering the question \u201cwhy,\u201d our attitude, answering the question \u201chow,\u201d and the means, answering the question \u201cwhat,\u201d God\u2019s moral will is fully revealed in the Bible. The believer\u2019s responsibility is obedience (<\/span><\/span>1 Cor. 7:19<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>B. Amoral Decisions<\/p>\n

The second aspect of the biblical principles of divine guidance concerns those areas where the Bible gives no command or principle. The believer is free and responsible to choose h<\/span>is own course of action. Any decision made within the moral will of God is acceptable to God. In those areas where God has not spoken, if they are amoral, non-moral or neutral, any way you decide is fine with God. Where God has spoken, we obey; where God has not spoken, we have to make that choice, and we are responsible to make that choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>C. The Goal of the Believer<\/p>\n

The third aspect of the biblical principles of divine guidance is the goal of the believer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. The Decisions Based on Wisdom<\/p>\n

The goal of the believer in decision-making is that of wisdom. In non-moral decisions, the goal of the believer is to make wise decisions on the basis of spiritual exp<\/span>edience; that is, on the basis of wisdom.<\/p>\n

Examples of decision-making in the New Testament include: Acts 6:2<\/a>: It is not fit<\/em>; Romans 14:5<\/a>: Let each man be fully assured in his own mind<\/em>; 1 Corinthians 1<\/span>6:4<\/a>: if it be meet for me to go<\/em>; Philippians 2:25<\/a>: I counted it necessary<\/em>; 1 Thessalonians 3:1<\/a>: we thought it good<\/em>; and Titus 3:12<\/a>: I have determined<\/em>. These are six examples of decision-making in the <\/span>New Testament and not one of them spoke of going through agonizing prayer to discover God\u2019s will. The decisions were made by means of wisdom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. The Way of Wisdom<\/p>\n

There are four things to know about the way of wisdom. First, there are two key passages, which deal with the way of wisdom: Ephesians 5:15\u201316<\/a>; Colossians 4:5<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Secondly, we gain w<\/span>isdom in two ways: first, by seeking for it (Prov. 2:4\u20135<\/a>; 8:17<\/a>); and secondly, we should seek it from God who has it (Prov. 2:6<\/a>; Rom. 16:27<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Thirdly, the proper attitude in searching for wisdom inclu<\/span>des: an attitude of reverence (Prov. 9:10<\/a>); an attitude of humility (Prov. 11:2<\/a>; 15:33<\/a>); and an attitude of being teachable (Prov. 9:9<\/a>; 15:31<\/a>; 19:20<\/a>); there should be diligence in seeking for wisdom (<\/span>Prov. 8:17<\/a>) and uprightness (Prov. 2:7<\/a>); one must exercise faith in seeking and asking for wisdom (Jas. 1:5\u20138<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The fourth thing concerning the way of wisdom is the approach in its pursuit. Here, five<\/span> things should be noted. First, we should ask for it. James 1:5\u20136<\/a> encourages us to ask for wisdom; if we ask for it with faith<\/em>, we will receive it. Secondly, we should seek wisdom in Scripture (Ps. 11<\/span>9:97\u2013100<\/a>). Thirdly, we should use outside research; research the areas in which you have to make a decision (Josh. 2:1\u201324<\/a>; Neh. 2:11\u201315<\/a>). Fourthly, we should resort to wise counsellors<\/em>, people \u201cin the<\/span> know\u201d in these areas (Prov. 11:14<\/a>; 13:20<\/a>; 15:22<\/a>). Fifth, we should learn from life itself; use your experiences in life to develop wisdom (Prov. 30:24\u201328<\/a>; Heb. 5:12\u201314<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The goal of the believer is w<\/span>isdom, and that is what God wants us to use in making decisions rather than to seek for some perfect, individual will which does not exist. According to James 1:5<\/a>, \u201cIf you lack wisdom, you are to ask <\/span>of God who gives wisdom liberally.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>D. The Sovereign Will of God<\/p>\n

The fourth aspect of the biblical principles of divine guidance concerns the sovereignty of God. What this principle means is that in all decisions, the believer should hu<\/span>mbly submit in advance to the outworking of God\u2019s sovereign will as it touches that decision. There are two things concerning the sovereign will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. The Nature of the Sovereign Will of God<\/p>\n

The first thing concerns the nature of God\u2019s sovereign will. There are four characteristics about the nature of God\u2019s sovereign will: first, it is certain th<\/span>at it will come to pass; secondly, it is secret, it cannot be known in advance; thirdly, it is exhaustive and includes everything that comes to pass; and fourthly, it is perfect because God does know best.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. The Sovereign Will of God and Decision-Making<\/p>\n

The second thing about God\u2019s sovereign will is its relationship to decision-making. Four factors should be noted here.<\/p>\n

First, God\u2019s sovereign will does<\/span> not exclude planning. It requires humble submission to His will, but does not exclude planning (Jas. 4:13\u201316<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Secondly, circumstances define the context of the decision, but circumstances must be we<\/span>ighed by wisdom and not read as road signs to God\u2019s individual will (Philem. 4<\/a>, 15\u201316<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Thirdly, so-called \u201copen doors\u201d are God-given opportunities for service, but this does not mean they are specifi<\/span>c guidance from God requiring you to enter. Open doors are opportunities, but you can make the decision to enter one way or the other. This is brought out by 1 Corinthians 16:8\u20139<\/a>; and Colossians 4:3<\/a>, <\/span>which emphasize the availability of service. In 2 Corinthians 2:12\u201313<\/a>, we read how Paul had an open door, but he chose to walk away from it. Open doors do not mean you have to enter them.<\/p>\n

The fourth f<\/span>actor about the sovereign will of God in relationship to decision-making concerns the fleece. Putting out a fleece is an invalid practice that sometimes works, when it is really wisdom in disguise. This was the c<\/span>ase with Gideon in Judges 6:36\u201340<\/a>. The problem with putting out a fleece is that, when the fleece was used in Scripture, it was not based on circumstances, but was based on supernatural po<\/span>wers. It was not used to gain guidance; it was used to gain confirmation of guidance that one was already given. Putting out a fleece in Scripture was always an expression of doubt and unbelief. Those who put out a fleece in Scripture did not do so to find out God<\/span>\u2019s will, since they already knew God\u2019s will. They were only asking for confirmation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>E. The Biblical Example of Decision-Making<\/p>\n

The fifth aspect of the biblical principles of divine guidance is biblical examples. The best biblical example is found in Romans 1:8\u201313<\/a>, from which five thi<\/span>ngs can be learned: first, Paul made plans (v. 13<\/a>); secondly, he prayed about his plans (vv. 8\u201310<\/a>); thirdly, he submitted his plans to the sovereign will of God (vv. 10\u201313<\/a>); fourthly, his plans were b<\/span>ased upon spiritual goals; such as, wanting to minister to believers in Rome (v. 11<\/a>), wanting to establish and encourage the church (vv. 11\u201312<\/a>), and wanting to win unbelievers to the Messiah (vv. 13\u20131<\/span>5<\/a>); and fifth, his plans were based upon priorities (Rom. 15:20\u201329<\/a>). Paul\u2019s desire was to go first to Greece; secondly, to Jerusalem; thirdly, to Spain; and fourthly, to Rome. He wanted to go to Greec<\/span>e to complete evangelism; to Jerusalem to deliver the funds; and to Spain because there was no gospel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>F. Summary<\/p>\n

We can summarize these truths in four points. First, as far as ordinary decisions are concerned, one needs to learn how to use good judgment and not waste time. Secondly, in the area of equ<\/span>al options, one should thank God for the opportunity to select from several acceptable alternatives and choose one\u2019s personal preference. Thirdly, concerning immaturity, one should reach maturity by gathering and evaluating data, devoting sufficient time to the process, giving personal desires their proper place, and basing the decision on sound reasoning. Fourthly, concerning subjectiv<\/span>ity, since God\u2019s moral will has been completely revealed in Scripture and the means of acquiring wisdom has been explained, the knowledge required for decision-making is now obtainable, and it does not need to be based on subjectivity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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G. The Application<\/p>\n

Biblical, divine guidance should be applied to: making decisions of singleness or marriage; in which ministry and missions to serve; what education and vocation to pursue; to whom to give; and in all amoral issues.<\/p>\n

What God has revealed, this we follow. What God has not revealed, we make our own choices on the basis of wisdom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that wherein we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6 Knowing how to be \u201cled of the Lord\u201d is important for the spiritual life, but there is a lot of … <\/p>\n

\u201eThe Spiritual Life and Divine Guidance\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1423"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1424,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1423\/revisions\/1424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}