“Supernatural Guidance”
Various Scriptures from the Book of Acts
Sermon Series: “Supernatural”
Introduction: Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” In the Old Testament, God led His children with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21, for example). It is inconceivable to me that God would not lead His children today. However, the witness now is the internal witness of the Holy Spirit instead of some type of external sign. The bottom line question is, “How does the Holy Spirit guide us and how can we know it is really Him speaking?” That is a very important question that we are going to attempt to answer in this message.
Main Idea: The Holy Spirit guides us by speaking to us primarily through the Word of God, but He also speaks directly to us and speaks to us through others at times as well.
1. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures that He has already inspired (Acts 1:15-26). 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Jesus also promised that the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13) so the Spirit inspired Scripture and now illuminates believers to understand and apply it. The Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God so when we properly understand it, we are hearing from God, and it will never lead us astray. Martin Luther said, “When the Bible speaks, God speaks.” God is not giving new revelation today, but He is speaking to us by enabling us to understand what He has already revealed.
2. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through other people (Acts 11:27-30, 21:4, 15:28, 13:1-4). At times, God’s Spirit will guide us through other people. He also often speaks to the church through the leaders of the church.
3. The Holy Spirit speaks to us directly (Acts 8:26-40, 10:9-20, 16:6-10, 20:22-23). These verses do not give a lot of details regarding how that works, but they make it very clear the God is speaking to us directly through His Spirit.
How do we know when it is the Holy Spirit speaking to us?
1 John 4:1 tells us to “test the spirits.” Here are some tests or guidelines to use to help determine whether or not we are really hearing from God.
1. Does it line up with Scripture? If the answer to this is yes, there are still some questions to ask, but if the answer is no, the issue is settled, and there is no need to go any further.
2. Does it require faith? Romans 14:23 says that “whatever is not from faith is sin.”
3. Is it something that we would not naturally know or do? 4. Is it confirmed by other Spirit-filled believers? Proverbs 11:14b says, “But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” 5. Are we walking in fellowship with the Lord?
6. Are we seeking God and asking for wisdom and discernment? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
7. Do we have peace in our mind and conscience that this is genuinely the will of God for us?
8. Are we surrendered to God and actively renewing our minds? Romans 12:1-2 tell us this is necessary for knowing the will of God.
Conclusion: There is a principle that is taught in Scripture (Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4 is a great example) that our future success is determined by our present obedience. God will bring about His plans for our lives as we listen to His Spirit and do what He says. Are we following the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance or living based on our own natural senses and abilities?
