Life's complex choices can leave you paralyzed by uncertainty or haunted by regret over past mistakes. Dr. Stanley explores how Scripture reveals the Holy Spirit's promise to guide you. Gain confidence in decision-making, learning to recognize His leading, and trust His guidance—ensuring your steps align with God's best plan for your life.
Sermon Outline
Decisions have the potential to shape our life, and yet we often make them without relying on God’s omniscience. That’s why He has given us divine assistance. Today, Dr. Stanley explores the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding us through life.
Key Passage: John 16:12-15
Supporting Passages: Psalm 23:1-3; Psalm 27:14; Psalm 32:8; John 16:1; John 16:7; Acts 16:6-8; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 5:15-17; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 11:6
Every day, we make decisions, and we should never make consequential ones on our own.
► “Thank God that every single believer today has a wonderful promise.”
The guidance of the Holy Spirit is …
Sufficient (John 16:13).
Advantageous for us (v. 7).
Promised to us (Ps. 23:1-3; Ps. 32:8).
Provided by God, who knows we need direction.
The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s guidance is to …
Prevent us from making wrong decisions (John 16:1).
Help us fulfill God’s great purpose for our life (Eph. 5:15-17).
Conform us to the likeness of Christ.
To receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must …
Be a child of God.
Yield ourselves to Him, as rebellion makes it harder to heed His guidance.
Be so surrendered that we willingly accept His “no.”
Believe He will direct us (Heb. 11:6).
Be sensitive to His leading.
Be willing to wait (Ps. 27:14).
► “He says, ‘I don’t want you to falter. I don’t want you to fall. I don’t want you to make the wrong decision.’”
The Holy Spirit guides us by using …
God’s Word—Some answers in the Bible are very evident and straightforward.
The principles in His Word—Some decisions aren’t black-and-white, but Bible passages often present a principle that can be inferred and applied to our situation (1 Cor. 10:31; Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 3:17).
Circumstances—We may see God’s answer clearly in the way events unfold around us (Acts 16:6-8).
Conviction—We may experience assurance that a decision is correct, or we may get uncomfortable feelings about a wrong one.
As our guide, the Holy Spirit …
Will strengthen our convictions and help minimize things that are unimportant.
May require us to wait but will always offer direction that is far more valuable than any we find in the world.
Is committed to giving us clear direction in life—no matter what.
After Watching
When we’re uncertain, our first instinct is often to “tighten our grip.” One way to counter this tendency is by praying with both mind and body. As you speak to the Lord, begin with your hands closed, gradually extending one finger at a time as you ask for direction. When you finish, your hands should be open, ready to receive whatever answer He provides.
Think of a time when the Holy Spirit gave you guidance. Was there something you did (or didn’t do) that made it easier to “hear” Him? Work on cultivating those habits. By doing so, you can strengthen your discernment and grow closer to the Spirit.
