Church of God Mission International – Above Only Daily Devotional 12 January 2025 | TOPIC: FOLLOWING GOD’S DIRECTION
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Following God’s direction brings His plans and purposes to fulfillment in one’s life.
DATE: SUNDAY 12TH JANUARY, 2025
HYMN: S. S & S. 642. When we walk with the Lord.
TOPIC: FOLLOWING GOD’S DIRECTION
TEXT: Prov. 3:5-7; Jn.14:26
INTRODUCTION:
God has a plan for every child of His. Jer.29:11 states “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace,
and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. In order to fit into God’s plans for our lives, it is very important that we follow His directions.
Following God’s direction involves believing and obeying His word, depending and trusting absolutely upon Him, knowing that He will never lead us astray. The implication of following His direction is that we should be ready to accept His will in all situations knowing that His overall purpose is to make all things work together for our good. His plans and
purposes are the best for us. The believer who willingly follows God’s
direction enjoys His peace, joy etc. as he daily waits upon Him to accomplish His purpose in his/her life.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
This lesson aims at: –
- making us understand what it means to follow God’s direction:
- revealing to us some areas in which we need Divine direction:
- teaching us the characteristics of Divine direction;
- helping us know God’s provision for Divine direction; and
- revealing to us the blessing of following God’s direction.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW GOD’S DIRECTION?
In life generally, there are some avenues for seeking direction especially in matters that are physical and have no eternal value. For example, a stranger arriving a city may trace or find his way through the city by following the direction provided in the city map. Also, parents may be able to direct their children on some issues based on their previous experiences. There are also moments when human beings depend on their senses to provide direction.
Yet there are some who resort to occult mediums for spiritual direction. However, because of the imperfections of man, relying solely on self for direction does fail and, in some situations bring disastrous consequences. The Lord God Almighty clearly condemns any form of resort to occult medium for direction (Deut. 18:9-14).
God is the only One who can provide true and absolutely dependable
direction through life.
Following His direction means we are willing to pattern our lives after His own way. It implies that where there is a “conflict” between what we want or desire to do and what He says, desires or wants us to do, we are willing to submnit to His own way. In
following God’s direction, we should be willing to obey His word and make His will our own will.
Q2. WHAT ARE THE AREAS IN WHICH WE NEED GODS DIRECTION?
God’s direction is needed in every area of life. There are many decisions we make over which we need God’s guidance. Believers need to make decisions as regards choice of career, life partner, where to live, the type of car to buy, purchase of land, building projects etc. As simple as these matters appear, mistakes made in terms of wrong decisions may be disastrous. Therefore, we need to follow God’s direction by applying His principles in making our decisions.
- WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE DIRECTION?
Many factors characterize Divine direction. A major fact is that God’s leading is always in line with the Scripture (Ps. 119: l1, 105). He will never give us revelations, impressions or directions outside His word. Our thoughts, actions etc must be weighed in line with His word His direction/leading produces peace; even in situations where things are not clear at the beginning, peace will ultimately be enjoyed if truly the Lord is leading. God’s leading or guidance is also always characterized by His love (1 Jn.4:18, 16). His love for us made Him to give us His Son and through Him He will freely give us all things (Rom.8:32). God’s direction/leading is also on a step by step basis. As said by someone He is never too early, He is never too late. He is always on time”. Finally, God’s will is also characterized by His steadfastness. He steadfastly leads us into His will.
Q4. WHAT IS GOD’S PROVISION FOR DIVINE DIRECTION?
In the Bible, God has made provision for us to be directed. He uses several means to bring His direction to His people.
The word of God is one provision He has made for our direction. A believer must study, believe and obey the Bible. His word remains a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 1 19: 105). It is the means by which we have our way cleansed and when we hide it in our hearts, we are kept from sinning against God (Ps.119:9-11). The Holy Spirit is always there to give us direction. When we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal.5:16). The Lord
promised to send us the Holy Spirit who will lead, direct and guide us in all areas of our lives. He will bring to our remembrance always the teachings of the Lord (Jn.14:26; Acts. 13:1-2). Every believer must cultivate the habit of being sensitive to the
Holy Spirit. God has also made provision for us to be directed through His witness or impressions upon our heart/inner man/spirit man (1Cor. 2:11- 14). God also uses His instruments (angels, prophets, brethren etc) to show us His direction. (Acts 8:26; 11:27-30; 12:1-14; 2Chronicles 20:20). God also directs us through divine revelation in form of dreams, trance, Visions etc (Joel.2:20 Acts. 10:1-20). However, it must be emphasized that every impression, dream, vision counsel by men, or angel must be in line with His word. God will not say or do anything different from what is written in His word.
Q5. WHAT ARE SOME BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING GOD’S DIRECTION?
There are many blessings in following the direction of God. When we follow His direction, we are assured of God’s backing and security (Ex.23:20; Isa. 43:1-4; 1Thess. 5:24). His blessings accompany us when we pay heed to Him and follow His direction (Deut. 28:1-4; 32:8-14). There is guaranteed profit in life and we will not be in want (Isa.48: 1 7; Ps.23:1).
Also, when we follow His direction our enemies are rendered powerless
(1Sam.23:4: Ps.23:5), doors will be opened to us and things will ultimately work out in our favour (Isa. 10:27: 4 5:1- 3;Rom.8:28).
D AI LY LIVING APPLICATION:
God has made provision to direct us daily as we walk with Him. It is not His desire that we walk through life like people who are groping in darkness, unsure of what we are doing or where we are going. He has
made provision to direct us by the leading of the Holy Spirit and by His written word. He can also use angels/revelation/dream/vision/men to direct us, but all these must be in line with His will and purpose as written in His word. It pays to follow God’s direction. Although following His direction in some instances/situations may attract trials and persecutions, we must however hold on to His will realizing that ultimately, He will make all things work together for our good.
MEMORY VERSE: Ps.32:8)
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go; I will guide thee with mine eye”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: God’s leading is always in line with scriptures.Ps.l19:9, |1, 105.
TUE: The Holy Spirit leads His people. Jn. 14:26; Acts. 13:1-2; Gal.5: 16.
WED: God’s direction can come through revelation. Acts. 10:1-14.
THU: Following God’s direction brings blessing. Deut. 28:1-14; Ps.23:1
FRI: Following God’s direction brings security. Ex. 23:20: Isa.43:1-14;
1Thess.5:20.
SAT: Following God’s direction guarantees profit in life. Isa.48:17.
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