We can have distinction without having division if we are all willing to give each other room to learn and grow. Unity is very important as we walk together on this journey of exploring what God says about the things of the Spirit.
John Wesley and George Whitefield were friends. Whitefield preached staunchly Calvinist theology while Wesley took exception to his theological conclusions specifically on the issue of free will known as Wesleyan-Arminianism. Wesley actualy told Whitefield, “Your God sounds a lot like my devil.” This was clearly a point of distinction between the two of them yet their friendship remained strong. In fact their friendship remained so strong that it was John Wesley who conducted George Whitefield’s funeral.
For God so loved the world he gave his only son and then for God so loved those who said yes to his son that he sent his Holy Spirit. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is the most important relationship we can work at as this relationship will enhance every other relationship you have.
2 Cor 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight-- (NAS)
This word “sight” is the Greek word, "eidos" and literally means the five physical senses. We are told to walk by faith and not by our physical senses. God is speaking and we must learn to listen and respond to his voice regardless of what the circumstances may be.
Ps 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. NIV
1 Cor 2:7-11 We declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. NIV
Your sight will focus on the facts. Your faith will focus on the Truth. The facts about my financial situation may not always line up with the truth about God’s blessing. If I purpose to function by faith and not by sight the facts keep moving closer to the truth. This perspective in living, loving, serving and giving positions to operate on a different level in life.
You are equipped with the ability to experience and express life from a perspective of truth and not just facts. But you must cultivate this ability by living beyond what you see with your eyes.
If you were blindfolded, immediately you'd begin feeling your way through the room. Most Christians simply become reliant upon their natural senses because they’re neglecting their spiritual senses.
The less you rely on your physical senses the more your spiritual senses are heightened. We are capable of far more than we realize but our tendency is to reduce our capacity to our natural abilities.
Prayerful conversation with God is where you practice sharpening your spiritual senses. Purposing time to simply listen to the Holy Spirit is so important. Pause right now, perhaps putting on some worship music. Pray attention to who God will bring to your mind to pray for and know that He is helping you learn to hear his voice. Compassion awakens the gifts of the Spirit in our lives. This is a wonderful way to practice the prophetic.
GP2RL Action Point:
Memorize Jeremiah 33:3 as a family goal or with friends: “Call unto me and I will answer you. I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. Share a time when you perceived something one way but later realized your perception was actually a misperception.
Just because you think it doesn’t make it true.
Pastor Lawrence mentioned how the facts are that Jesus was crucified as a criminal but the Truth is He is God’s Son who died for our sins as the sinless sacrifice.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
2. Can you think of any instances where the facts and the Truth are different?
Example for the leaders if people struggle with this question:
• The facts are we have made mistakes but the Truth is we are forgiven.
• The facts are we may be struggling in our finances at times but the Truth is we are blessed by God.
Cultivating a deeper conversational relationship with God and His Word empowers us to be more in touch with the Truth even when the facts are trying to steal our joy.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
3. What stands out to you in the following verses?
1 Cor 2:7-11 We declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. NIV
After some discussion about how this text reveals God is eager to have conversations with us conclude with the idea we initiated on Sunday. Compassion awakens the gifts of the Spirit in our lives; “Who is somebody God is bringing to your mind right now that we can pray for together?”