How have you tried to discern God’s will in the past? How confident have you been that you were figuring out what he wanted you to do?
In the final video in our Acts series, we trace Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem and then into a Roman prison. But paradoxically, Paul’s suffering leads him into the heart of the Roman empire where he gets to announce God’s Kingdom over the nations.
What stood out to you from the video?
Was anything confusing? Encouraging?
Does it raise any questions you would like to discuss or investigate more?
1. Read Acts 1:23-26. This passage gives us a picture of the disciples trying to discern God’s will before they had received the Holy Spirit. What did they do and why?
2. The following passages describe God’s leading after the coming of the Holy Spirit. Have different people read the passages and describe how God gave direction and what He was leading them to do.
Acts 6:1-7 | Acts 5:17-20 | Acts 8:26-40 | Acts 9:10-16 | Acts 13:1-3 | Acts 16:6-10
3. What differences do you notice between how God led in Acts 1:23-26, and these passages? Now, read together the list below of the 7 Spiritual Senses God gives us for decision making:
Wisdom: Accumulated knowledge of how God has worked in your life thus far.
Scripture: Unlike the period of Acts, where more direct revelation was needed, we now have the New Testament, as well as the Old, to give us insight into God’s will.
Godly, Wise Counsel: Discerning God’s will requires detective work. God leads us through the counsel of others who have greater experience discerning God’s ways, and who are experienced detectives.
Emotions: The Holy Spirit does lead through our emotions. Our emotions can be a “mixed bag,” and often requires sorting out. However, we will often find we have a desire, underneath our fears and excuses, to do what God is calling us to.
Mind: Prayerfully considering what would be the wisest stewardship of our time, gifting, and lives, can be a reliable way to discern the Spirit’s leading.
Revelation: As in the Book of Acts, sometimes God leads through mental impressions, and even dreams, as we are prayerful over His direction.
Circumstances: Operating from the assumption that God is already at work in our circumstances, we can get a sense of where He might be leading us.
4. Is there anything else you would add to this list?
5. Read Acts 20:22-23. How do you think Paul experienced the Spirit’s compelling/warnings?
6. Read Romans 12:1-2. What is the essential ingredient in receiving God’s direction? Why is this so important?
7. With which of the senses we talked about earlier have you experienced God’s leading in your life? Describe how it happened.
8. What would you do if circumstances, as well as your emotions, were leading you to do something that seemed to go against one a biblical principle or command?
9. On significant issues, why do you think it’s important to look for alignment from more than one of these spiritual senses?
10. What is the biggest area in which you are currently trying to discern God’s will? In what ways are you seeing His leading?