Bible Studies for Life, Nov. 3: God’s Will and the Church

I Corinthians 12:1-11
Randy Jacoby, pastor
First Baptist Church, Folkston

The technology in modern automobiles can be overwhelming. Sensors, radars, and sonars work together to protect from collisions, speeding, distractions, and … blind spots.

Recently, I was driving an isolated stretch of rural highway. Cruise control was engaged. No one else on the road. I was in the left lane, having earlier passed a slower vehicle.

Being a “responsible” driver, I needed to change lanes. Veering right, I saw it. A small, orange, auto symbol illuminated on the outside edge of the passenger side mirror. I was not alone. There was a car in my blind spot. I did not see it. I almost made a bad move.

Most of God’s will for us is clear. We know He commands us to repent and believe the Gospel, to grow in Christlikeness, and to make Christ known to the nations. At points in our walk of faith, however, we are not sure how to live these out. We have decisions to make concerning jobs, relationships, our families, finances, and other circumstances where answers are not clear.

These are the times we cry out, “Lord, what am I supposed to do?”

Strength from differing perspectives

Some of the Lord’s best answers to that cry come through the counsel of fellow Christians. The Lord designed us to need other members of the Body (I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4). Christ gathers His Church from among the rich and the poor, the left and the right, and the pragmatists and philosophers. His Church is male and female, educated and not, new believers and long-time followers. The Body of Christ is from all races, ethnicities and yet, gloriously, each member is indwelt with the Holy Spirit of the living God (I Corinthians 12:4-6).

In relationship, we benefit from their heritage, personality, background, and life experiences. What we seek from them is not their opinion, but their perspective on applying God’s word and wisdom in our circumstance. Their understanding can help to complete our own.

God also grants to each believer at conversion a unique set of Spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12: 7-11). No individual possesses them all.

We tend to view Christ and the Christian life from the perspective of our own gifts, but we need insights from all the gifts. We need to hear from mercy, service, prophecy, teaching, and shepherding. Voices from beyond our gifting protects us from blind spots.

Some believers see what we may not see. Some have lived what we have yet to live. Some know Scripture in ways we have yet to understand. Some have followed Christ in valleys we’ll never walk, and their treasures of faith can be ours.

So, seek … ask … draw upon the riches of your fellow believers. They can be a treasured gift as you navigate life. When they speak, don’t be afraid to listen.

Years ago, I had a woman come to me on several occasions to ask for prayer and guidance. She usually had a bad decision already made. When I would share my concerns and warn her about the direction she was choosing, she had a typical response.

She got quiet, slowly nodded her head, and then hummed “yeah … yeah.” I learned that this meant “I hear you, but I’m going to do what I’ve already decided to do.”

Listen to the Church as the Church learns from the Savior. Listening can keep you from hitting that car in your blind spot. Listening can keep you from making a bad move.