Discipleship Considered 4 (Cont)

Discipleship Considered 4

Disciples Need Guidance

Along with gift there will be guidance. An old but acceptable definition of faith is, 'stepping out on the revealed will of God'. In other words, while there are general rules that apply to everyone, individual guidance will depend on individual revelation. Many of those identified in Hebrews 11 are of this type.

Noah

For example, God said to Noah, "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood" (Gen.6.14). Noah did so - he acted on the revealed will of God and built an ark. The author of the Hebrew letter has a succinct style of writing, and he summed up Noah's experience and testimony in forty one words. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Heb.11.7)

Abraham

Similarly Abraham, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb. 11.8). This aspect of the revealed will of God is crucial. Without guidance we would be adrift in an ocean of choices without a compass. The Christian life if not easy, and every person needs divine help to direct their lives into the areas that will be the most beneficial. Such guidance will also serve to motiviate and energise their work for the Master.

Examples from the Book of Acts

Philip

The first historical book of Church history gives us several examples of gifted people who received particular guidance in the performance of their ministry. Philip, the evangelist, was guided by the Spirit to Samaria; and the beginnings of an awakening were soon evident. Later he was directed to a traveller on the road to Gaza. As a result of the exposition of Isaiah 53, the African statesman was converted and baptised, and the Church in Ethiopia begun. In the course of time the home of Philip became a place of comfort and blessing to the Lord's people, including Paul.

Ananias

Then there was Ananias, who was directed to commission Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9.10 ff). He delivered his message faithfully, laying hands on him and restoring his sight. Ananias, like others, received guidance to aid him in the discharge of his gift. He was instructed to go to a particular house in a street called Straight, and although reluctant, he responded to the persuasions of the Lord. There he found a blind Rabbi praying; it was Saul of course. Soon the blind man could see, and filled with the Holy Spirit preached Christ in Damascus.

Peter

And we cannot overlook the gifted Peter who was guided to go to Caesarea to speak to Cornelius. He too was reluctant but the instructions were very particular. The Spirit of God said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them" (Acts 10.19,20) Peter obeyed and the door of salvation was opened to the Gentiles, an important event that was critical in the progress of the gospel.

Each of these disciples was guided individually by the Spirit of God to areas where their gift was of maximum use.

Next Time: Along with Gift and Guidance there will be Grace.