“THE LEADING OF GOD”

ACTS 15:36-16:10

God is always leading in our lives if we will simply look and listen for His guidance.

John 5:17 ¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Ps 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.

Pr 4:18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Ps 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Ps 77:20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Notice the leading of God in:

I. MINISTRY

This passage clearly shows the leading of God in the:

A. Passion for ministry 15:36 “let us go again”

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2Co 5:9-11 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

B. Priorities of ministry 15:36 “See how they do”

1. Soul-winning

2. Discipling

C. Problems in ministry 15:39 “the contention was so sharp”

De 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

2Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

II. MENTORING

If you only learn one thing about discipleship learn this lesson and then go do it - “Produce one reproducing disciple.”

2 Timothy 2:1-3 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Timothy had been mentored by his mother (Lois) and a grandmother (Lois)(2 Timothy 1:5). Can you imagine what might have occurred that afternoon when a church member said, “I wasn’t able to make to church today did anything unusual happen?” No, “nothing unusual happened. Oh, yes one little boy walked the isle. I believe it was Lois’s son.”

A. Commendable 16:2 “Timothy was well reported of”

B. Chosen 16:3 “Him would Paul have to go forth with him”

C. Committed 16:4 “Took and circumcised him”

Why circumcision? To be an effective soul winner: I Cor 9:20-22

III. MISSIONS

We learn that His leading is manifested in the:

A. Strengthening of our missionary endeavors 16:5 “Established in the faith”

B. Growth of our missionary endeavors 16:6 “increased in number daily”

C. Direction of our missionary endeavors 16:6-7 “Were forbidden by the Holy Spirit”

He closes some doors only to open more doors because we’re His servants and He is all wise.

Exodus 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.