Guided by the Spirit: Making Godly Decisions
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to week three of our series, "Essentials." Today, we delve into the essentials of decision-making, focusing on how to make decisions that align with God's will. We began by reflecting on the importance of decisions in various aspects of life—faith, relationships, finances, and careers. The key to making sound decisions lies in learning to listen to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is interested in every decision we make, and He guides us if we are willing to listen.
We often desire spectacular signs from God, like Saul's dramatic conversion in Acts 9, but such experiences are rare. Instead, we must prepare ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit through more subtle means. This preparation involves feeding our spirit with God's Word. Just as our bodies need physical food, our spirits need spiritual food to grow strong. A well-fed spirit can discern the Holy Spirit's guidance more effectively.
Romans 8:14 tells us that being led by the Spirit of God is proof that we are children of God. To be led by the Spirit, we must develop our connection with Him. This involves tuning our spirits to hear His voice, which often comes as a gentle whisper rather than a loud proclamation. We must also be cautious of our conscience, ensuring it is not seared or deadened by sin and deceptive beliefs.
The three primary ways God guides us are through the inner witness, the inner voice, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. The inner witness is a subtle confirmation in our spirit, while the inner voice is a more direct communication from the Holy Spirit. The voice of the Holy Spirit is authoritative and clear, often guiding us in significant ways. However, all guidance must be tested against the Word of God to ensure it aligns with His will.
In conclusion, to make decisions that please God and lead to a fulfilling life, we must renew our minds with God's Word and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. This involves a continuous process of feeding our spirit, tuning our inner voice, and aligning our decisions with God's Word.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Feeding Your Spirit: Just as our bodies need physical food, our spirits need spiritual nourishment from God's Word. A well-fed spirit is more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, enabling us to make decisions that align with God's will. Neglecting this spiritual nourishment can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of sensitivity to God's voice. [08:52]
2. The Inner Witness: The inner witness is a subtle confirmation from the Holy Spirit that aligns with our spirit. This guidance is often very gentle and can be easily overlooked if we are not tuned in. Learning to recognize and trust this inner witness is crucial for making sound decisions. [16:46]
3. The Inner Voice: The inner voice is a more direct form of communication from the Holy Spirit. It often comes as a gentle whisper and aligns with the adjustments we feel when reading God's Word. This voice helps us tune our spirits to God's will, transforming the way we live and make decisions. [23:52]
4. The Voice of the Holy Spirit: Unlike the inner witness and inner voice, the voice of the Holy Spirit is authoritative and clear. This form of guidance is often used for significant decisions and realignments in our lives. However, it is not the primary way God guides us; most of the time, He uses the inner witness and inner voice. [29:55]
5. Renewing Your Mind: To be led by the Holy Spirit, our minds must be renewed by God's Word. An unrenewed mind can dominate our spirit, leading us to make decisions based on fleshly desires and human reasoning. Renewing our minds helps us align our thoughts with God's will, enabling us to make decisions that are good, pleasing, and perfect. [34:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - How Do You Make Decisions?
[01:48] - Importance of Early Decisions
[03:30] - God's Interest in Our Decisions
[04:14] - Listening to the Holy Spirit
[06:14] - Acts 9: Saul's Conversion
[08:14] - Feeding Your Spirit
[10:06] - Being Led by the Spirit
[11:51] - Feeding Your Spirit with God's Word
[14:14] - The Lord's Light in Our Spirit
[16:08] - Decision Essentials
[16:46] - The Inner Witness
[21:34] - The Inner Voice
[29:55] - The Voice of the Holy Spirit
[34:09] - Renewing Your Mind
[37:56] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:14 - "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."
3. Proverbs 20:27 - "The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:14, what is the proof that we are children of God?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, what does Paul pray for regarding our spirit, soul, and body?
3. How does Proverbs 20:27 describe the role of the human spirit in relation to God’s guidance?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God, as mentioned in Romans 8:14? How does this leadership manifest in our daily decisions? [11:22]
2. How can feeding our spirit with God's Word, as discussed in the sermon, enhance our ability to discern the Holy Spirit's guidance? [12:16]
3. The sermon mentions the inner witness, inner voice, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. How do these forms of guidance differ, and why is it important to recognize each one? [16:08]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in that decision? If you didn't, how might you approach it differently next time? [04:46]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of feeding our spirit with God's Word. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are spiritually nourished? [12:45]
3. Have you ever experienced the inner witness or inner voice of the Holy Spirit? Share a specific instance and how it influenced your decision-making. [16:46]
4. The sermon mentioned that the voice of the Holy Spirit is authoritative and clear, often used for significant decisions. Can you recall a time when you felt this type of guidance? How did it impact your life? [29:55]
5. Romans 12:2 talks about renewing our minds. What are some practical ways you can renew your mind daily to align with God's will? [34:09]
6. The pastor shared a story about ignoring the Holy Spirit's prompting to change his shirt, resulting in a stained shirt. Have you ever ignored a subtle prompting from the Holy Spirit? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it? [05:18]
7. How can you cultivate a more sensitive spirit to hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What distractions or habits might you need to change to achieve this? [23:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Nourishing Your Spirit with God's Word
Description: Just as our physical bodies require food to function and thrive, our spirits need spiritual nourishment to grow and remain sensitive to God's guidance. This nourishment comes from immersing ourselves in God's Word. A well-fed spirit is more attuned to the Holy Spirit's subtle promptings, enabling us to make decisions that align with God's will. Neglecting this spiritual nourishment can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of sensitivity to God's voice. By regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, we strengthen our spirits and become more receptive to divine guidance. [08:52]
1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV): "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure you are consistently feeding your spirit with God's Word? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine?
Day 2: Recognizing the Inner Witness
Description: The inner witness is a subtle confirmation from the Holy Spirit that aligns with our spirit. This form of guidance is often very gentle and can be easily overlooked if we are not tuned in. Learning to recognize and trust this inner witness is crucial for making sound decisions. It requires a quiet and attentive spirit, one that is not easily swayed by external noise or distractions. By cultivating a habit of stillness and reflection, we can become more attuned to the inner witness and make decisions that reflect God's will for our lives. [16:46]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Can you recall a recent decision where you felt a subtle nudge or confirmation in your spirit? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you become more attentive to these inner promptings?
Day 3: Listening to the Inner Voice
Description: The inner voice is a more direct form of communication from the Holy Spirit. It often comes as a gentle whisper and aligns with the adjustments we feel when reading God's Word. This voice helps us tune our spirits to God's will, transforming the way we live and make decisions. By paying close attention to this inner voice, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence. It requires a disciplined and discerning heart, one that is willing to listen and obey even when the guidance may seem counterintuitive or challenging. [23:52]
1 Kings 19:12 (ESV): "And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: Think of a time when you sensed a gentle whisper guiding you in a particular direction. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you cultivate a more attentive ear to hear the inner voice of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Heeding the Voice of the Holy Spirit
Description: Unlike the inner witness and inner voice, the voice of the Holy Spirit is authoritative and clear. This form of guidance is often used for significant decisions and realignments in our lives. However, it is not the primary way God guides us; most of the time, He uses the inner witness and inner voice. When the Holy Spirit speaks in this manner, it is unmistakable and demands our immediate attention and obedience. By being open and responsive to this authoritative guidance, we can make pivotal decisions that align with God's greater purpose for our lives. [29:55]
Acts 13:2 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’"
Reflection: Reflect on a significant decision in your life where you felt the clear and authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit. How did you respond, and what impact did it have on your life? How can you remain open to such guidance in the future?
Day 5: Renewing Your Mind with God's Word
Description: To be led by the Holy Spirit, our minds must be renewed by God's Word. An unrenewed mind can dominate our spirit, leading us to make decisions based on fleshly desires and human reasoning. Renewing our minds helps us align our thoughts with God's will, enabling us to make decisions that are good, pleasing, and perfect. This process involves a continuous effort to immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to transform our thinking and shape our perspectives. By doing so, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading and better equipped to make decisions that honor God. [34:09]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What specific areas of your mind and thinking need renewal through God's Word? How can you intentionally focus on these areas in your daily Bible study and prayer time?
Quotes
1. "You're going to set yourself up for so much less pain in your life, so much less trouble in your life. And here's the thing. Listen carefully. So much less distraction from what God wants to do. And you're off solving all kinds of the mess you made with the messed up decisions. And you're not really able to do what God's called you to do in that season. Come on. Am I right?" [01:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's interested in every one of our decisions. And I recently heard a story that happened years and years, ago, but I just think it illustrates, it'll get your attention. This man never made a bad investment decision. He never lost money in an investment because he lived by what I'm about to teach you, okay? Now, in fact, he became a multimillionaire back when million dollars was real money. Come on, right? Because he learned how to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance in his investments." [03:30] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The challenge is, though, too many of us know, don't know how to hear and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. And some of us do like I did. Even if we hear the voice of the Spirit, we ignore Him. That's even worse, right? And so we, and who gets the pain because we ignore it? We do. It's detrimental to us. So today, I want to focus our attention on what I'm calling some decision essentials. And I want to teach you how to sense the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life." [05:47] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Most of us know how to hear our physical desires. Hunger, sexual desire, discomfort, pain. We know what all of those things feel like, and we're really good at responding to those things. Most of us also know how to hear our soul. We're good at following our own thoughts. Well, I made up my mind. I'm going to do what I want to do. That starts like at two, and we practice all whole life long. You can't tell me what to do." [09:34] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you're born again, that comes by putting your faith in Jesus Christ, believing him, believing that he died on the cross, was raised from the dead. When you believe in him and ask him to forgive your sins, 2 Corinthians 5, 17 says, he makes you a new creation, a new person. In other words, your dead spirit, which was previously dead to God, is now made alive to God. You now have a connection with the King of kings and Lord of lords." [10:06] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Whatever you feed, gets stronger. My pastor used to say, imagine having two dogs. Whichever dog gets fed the most is going to be the strongest. Whichever one you neglect feeding is going to get weaker and weaker. Right? The same thing is true for us. If we feed our spirit, it gets stronger than our human. This is important in decision making. It gets stronger than our human reasoning. And it gets stronger than our human desires. But, we've got to have a well-fed spirit." [11:51] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, your spirit is fed and gets stronger by what? Spirit food. What's spirit food? It's the word of God. It's God's word. Amen? So, think, so, you know, numerous times throughout the year, we encourage you to read your Bibles and spend time praying with God. But if we neglect the reading of the scriptures and thinking on God's word, what we're doing is we're starving our spirit. And then when we go to make a decision, we're like, God, where are you? Where are you? He's like, you can't hear. You have no sensitivity to the Holy Spirit." [12:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, if we want God's will and we want to live for God, which is also for our good, here's three decision essentials. Write these down. This is really important. Now, before I even get to them, say this. These are also the three primary ways that God guides us. So this is how you can make decision because it's how God guides us. Here's the first one. We can be led by the inner witness. The inner witness. Romans 8, 16 says, The spirit himself bears witness with our spirit. Isn't that incredible?" [16:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So, we've got to understand that our mind being renewed is very important. Here's what 2 Peter 1.4 says. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. God has great things for you. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and, look, escape the world's corruption because of human desires. So, as believers in Jesus, our spirits are born again. We feed our minds with the Word of God. It's renewed. Then, according to this verse, we become partakers and share in His divine nature." [37:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, here's my challenge today. Be led of the Holy Spirit in your decision-making. Just be led of Him. Let's bow our heads. Father, we come to You today, and we are so thankful. We don't have to do life alone. We get to do it with Your leading on the inside of us. And so, Father, we thank You today that we are going to tune in to Your voice on the inside. From everything to how we live, to how we vote, to how we spend, every single area, Father. Let us bring it under the submission of the Holy Spirit." [37:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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