MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.” – 2 Samuel 2:1 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Habakkuk 2:1-2 (KJV)
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading and guidance of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.
LESSON OUTLINES
- BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
- REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
- BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
In Genesis 12:1-4, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed. Numbers 9:17-23 narrates how the Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud. God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland (Genesis 31:3) just as He told Elijah in 1 Kings 18:1 to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall. According to 2 Samuel 5:19, David enquired from God on whether to go against the Philistines or not. Matthew 2:9-12 tells that God led and guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ. In Acts 9:10-11, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).
- REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
- Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).
- Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)
- The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).
- The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.
- The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)
- The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).
- The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying
- Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).
- Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).
- Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God.
CONCLUSION
If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination.