TLDR;
This video explores the importance of listening to the spirit of God for guidance and avoiding potential pitfalls. It uses personal anecdotes and biblical examples to illustrate how ignoring spiritual warnings can lead to negative consequences, while obedience and attentiveness to God's word can lead to progress and success. The video also cautions against relying solely on prophetic utterances or misusing spiritual gifts, emphasising the need for a solid foundation in scripture and a trained spirit.
- Listening to the spirit of God is crucial for avoiding harm and making right decisions.
- Disregarding spiritual warnings can lead to negative consequences.
- The word of God is essential for training one's spirit and discerning truth.
- Spiritual progress and growth are God's desire for every believer.
Introduction: Recognising Spiritual Warnings [0:00]
Sometimes you have a deep feeling that something is wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on it. This is often the spirit of God trying to get your attention. It's important to recognise and listen to these warnings, even when you're unsure of their exact meaning. Ignoring these promptings can lead to trouble.
Personal Anecdote: A Delayed Journey [0:31]
The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling a heaviness in his spirit before a journey. Despite not knowing the reason, he felt compelled to return and change all the tyres on his car, even though there was nothing wrong with them. Later, he discovered that armed robbers had attacked the hotel where he was supposed to stay that night, highlighting the importance of heeding spiritual warnings.
Ignoring God's Guidance: A Cautionary Tale [3:45]
The speaker tells the story of a man who was determined to work for a specific company, despite his pastor's reservations. The man convinced his pastor, but shortly after he started, the company closed down. This illustrates how ignoring the spirit of God's guidance can lead to disappointment and the loss of one's dreams.
The Consequences of Disregarding Spiritual Warnings [4:44]
Another story is shared about a man who relocated his family to Greenland, only to abandon them and start a new life. This highlights the potential for unexpected and devastating consequences when people fail to listen to their inner spirit and the voice of God. Listening to the spirit within you will keep you from many hurts.
Training Your Spirit to Listen [7:16]
To ensure your spirit is a reliable guide, it's essential to study the word of God. The Holy Spirit speaks through the scriptures, and understanding them is crucial for discerning God's will. It's not enough to simply want to do something for God; you must also ensure that God wants it.
Serving God God's Way [9:44]
The speaker emphasises the importance of serving God according to His instructions, using the example of King Uzziah, who was struck with leprosy for attempting to perform a priestly duty. Similarly, a church split occurred when elders appointed a pastor without God's guidance. It pays to serve God God's way.
Seeking God's Will in All Things [11:20]
It's crucial to always ask what the word of God says about any decision or path you're considering. Paul's example of being guided by the spirit to avoid preaching in Asia and Bethnia demonstrates the importance of specific guidance, even when it seems to contradict general commands.
Open Doors Aren't Always the Right Path [12:47]
Not every opportunity is a divine invitation; some open doors are traps. The story of Paul's journey in Acts 27 illustrates this, where the majority's decision to sail against Paul's advice led to a disastrous shipwreck. Just because you've prayed about something doesn't automatically make it right; prayer should lead you to listen to God's will.
The Importance of Spiritual Guidance [15:37]
The speaker stresses that prayer should involve listening to God, not telling Him what to do. Paul's presence on the ship in Acts 27 was not by his own choice, but as a prisoner. The angel's promise to Paul that all on board would be saved was due to Paul's righteousness, highlighting the power of spiritual guidance and intercession.
The Spirit of Truth and Discernment [18:44]
The spirit of truth will guide you into all truth and show you things to come. Be wary of those who constantly prophesy, as many businesses have been destroyed by false prophets. It's essential to be led by the spirit, not just by prophets.
Understanding Prophetic Utterance [20:22]
While prophetic utterance is valid, it's important to understand its purpose. The gift of prophecy primarily serves for edification, exhortation, and comfort, not necessarily to reveal the future. Using the gift of prophecy to make decisions about marriage or business ventures is often misguided and based on ignorance of scripture.
Avoiding Misuse of Prophecy [23:15]
Some wives misuse prophecy to control their husbands, creating division and manipulating situations. It's crucial to speak only what God says and not add to it, as this can destroy a marriage. Instead, discuss issues openly and biblically, without resorting to manipulative prophecy.
The Dangers of Unaccountable Gatherings [26:18]
Be cautious of groups that gravitate towards a single, supposedly gifted individual outside of regular church structures. These gatherings often lead away from the truth. Good motives are not enough; it's essential to adhere to God's established order and teachings.
Spiritual Sins and the Importance of Obedience [28:25]
Spiritual sins, such as pride and rebellion, are particularly dangerous and can only be discerned through the light of scripture. Rebellion is likened to witchcraft, and stubbornness to iniquity. The story of King Saul's disobedience in failing to completely destroy the Amalekites illustrates how violating simple instructions can lead to severe consequences.
Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice [31:14]
The speaker reiterates that obedience is better than sacrifice, using the example of a fellowship group that sends a seed gift to the pastor without his direction. This act of supposed appreciation is, in fact, rebellion if it goes against established church order.
The Consequences of Spiritual Disobedience [33:36]
Violating simple instructions can have significant consequences, as seen in the story of Kenneth Hagin, who faced an accident because he prioritised his teaching ministry over his prophetic calling. Similarly, Moses was barred from the promised land for striking the rock instead of speaking to it.
Developing Your Spirit Through God's Word [36:16]
Develop your spirit by listening to the word of God, which is the voice of God to us. Know the scriptures to learn the voice of God. Avoid childish methods of seeking guidance, such as drawing your sword (randomly opening the Bible), and instead, train your spirit to discern God's will.
Progress and Spiritual Growth [41:46]
Prolonged periods of financial hardship or suffering should prompt you to examine your ways and make adjustments. It's never God's will for you to suffer for a long time. Make up your mind to progress in every area of your life. God wants to see progress and has made everything available to ensure it.
God's Dream for You [43:37]
God has a dream for you and wants you to be that dream. Life can be better than it is now. The wilderness can become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field can become a forest, signifying continuous progress. Embrace the knowledge of God in your spirit and declare that you are making progress, winning, and being influential for the gospel.