Peter Barnes: 1 Cor 10:27 NO AUDIO
(19 August 2018)
SERMON NOTES : GUIDE ME, O GREAT JEHOVAH (1 Cor. 10:27)
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,/ Pilgrim through this barren land. R. C. Sproul tells how five friends of his in five different American cities all told him of jobs that were suitable for him, and each said that he was sure that it was God’s will for Sproul to take that job. Calvin on Deut.29:29: ‘Where God has closed His holy mouth, I will desist from enquiry.’
Be Careful!
1. We can forget that apostolic guidance is not the same as guidance for most Christians – Acts 16:8-10.
2. We can read the Bible in a way that it is not meant to be read. Campbell Morgan tells the story of the man who flipped open his Bible to ‘Judas went out and hanged himself.’ The second time he found Jesus’ words uttered after he had spoken the parable of the good Samaritan: ‘Go and do likewise.’ The third time he came to John 13:27, ‘What you do, do quickly.’
3. We can rely on circumstances and providences. David Livingstone originally thought that he would be heading for China, before he ended out in Africa. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see/ The distant scene; one step enough for me.
4. We can ask for signs, or ‘put out the fleece’ as Gideon did in Judges 6. God gave Gideon signs because Gideon’s faith was weak.
Two examples
1. Eating meat offered to idols first – 1 Cor.10:27. In the end there is no one clear answer to this issue.
2. David wanted to build a temple to God. That was good – 2 Chron.6:8. But David did not build it – 2 Chron.6:9.
a. Deciding on a job.
b. Marriage.
c. Where to live and work. James 4:13-15.
1. You are subject to Scripture;
2. Pray;
3. Research possible options, including the right use of gifts. Ask advice;
4. Cultivate a godly attitude.