Made to Count #5

God reveals His mission through His Word, His Spirit, wise counsel, and His work in circumstances around you

II Timothy 3:16-17; Psalms 25:12

I. How God Reveals His Mission

A. Confirmation of Scripture

We are to differentiate between “precepts” and “principles”:

Precepts are God’s specific commands that apply to me.

Principles are general truths that can be applied to my specific situation.

Scriptural precepts and principles that can aid you in determining whether something is right for you or not:

1. Do the Scriptures forbid it?

2. Will it cause me to be tempted to sin?

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

--Romans 13:14

3. Is it something that hinders my Christian life?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

-- Hebrews 12:1

4. Does it tend to control me?  

“I will not be mastered by anything.”

--I Corinthians 6:12

5. Is it a stumbling stone?

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

--I Corinthians 8:9

6. Does it draw attention to God’s character?

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

--I Corinthians 10:31

Remember that God will NEVER lead us contrary to His Word.

B. Conviction on the inside

C. Circumstances on the outside

“…a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

--I Corinthians 16:9

D. Counsel of Others

“Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.”

--Proverbs 12:15

Beware the two extremes:

1. Unwilling to accept counsel.

2. Too dependent on the counsel of others. Want others to make your decisions.

II. How You Recognize His Revelation

A. Fear the Lord

“Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.”

--Psalm 25:12

B. Be still and listen

“Be still and know that I am God.”

-- Psalm 46:10