What steps can we take to ensure we follow God's true guidance? Setting the Scene: When All the Voices Agree—Wrongly 1 Kings 22:12: “And all the prophets were prophesying the same: ‘Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.’” • Four hundred prophets promised victory. • One man—Micaiah—would soon speak the hard truth (vv. 13-18). • The passage reminds us that majority opinion can be spiritually disastrous when it contradicts God’s authentic word. Step 1: Anchor Every Message to God’s Written Word • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Isaiah 8:20—“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—All Scripture equips “for every good work.” Practical takeaway: Before we act, open the Bible. Does the advice agree with clear, literal teaching? If not, reject it. Step 2: Test the Spirits, Not the Charisma • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Galatians 1:8—Even an angel is to be rejected if he contradicts the gospel. Checklist: – Does the counsel magnify Christ or human ego? – Is repentance encouraged or excused? – Is the cross central or sidelined? Step 3: Look for God-Produced Fruit • Matthew 7:15-20—Good trees bear good fruit. • James 3:17—Heavenly wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate.” Ask: What fruit follows this guidance—holiness, humility, and love, or division, pride, and moral compromise? Step 4: Seek Prayerful Confirmation • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” • John 10:4—The Shepherd’s sheep know His voice. Posture: Quiet the noise, pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to impress truth on a responsive heart. Step 5: Welcome Faithful Dissent • Proverbs 27:6—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” • Acts 17:11—Bereans verified Paul’s teaching daily in Scripture. Micaiah risked prison to tell the king the unpopular word. Cherish friends who love you enough to challenge flattering error. Step 6: Obey Immediately, Trust Completely • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • John 13:17—“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Guidance becomes clear when we decide in advance to obey whatever God reveals. Putting It Into Practice Today 1. Begin each day with Scripture, letting God’s voice set the tone. 2. When counsel comes, jot it beside relevant verses; compare. 3. Pray until your heart is quiet enough to hear, not just talk. 4. Invite a mature believer to weigh in, even if you fear disagreement. 5. Watch for spiritual fruit; adjust if the fruit turns sour. 6. Act on what you know is right, leaving results with God. Quick-Reference Verses for Ongoing Guidance Psalm 119:105 " Proverbs 3:5-6 " Isaiah 8:20 " Matthew 7:15-20 |
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