I. Not everyone listens to wise counsel. – 1 Samuel 2:22-26; 

II. Help others discern when God is speaking to them. – 1 Samuel 3:7-10; 

III. God’s Word, however painful it may be to hear, must be shared. – 1 Samuel 3:15-18. 

Help others discern the voice of God.

 I. Seek God’s direction in who will carry on after you. – Numbers 27:12-17; 

II. Disciple and empower the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:18-20; 

III. Publicly affirm God’s work in the life of the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:21-23. 

Mentor and disciple those who will be here after you.

I. Acknowledge where you see the hand of God at work. – Exodus 18:9-11; 

II. Offer constructive criticism. – Exodus 18:14-18.

III. Encourage with sound counsel. – Exodus 18:19-21.

Be ready to give and receive godly wisdom

AVOIDING A CRITICAL SPIRIT –

  I. Comparing yourself to others can lead to a critical spirit. -- Numbers 12:1-3;

II. Criticism of others can be a form of questioning God’s work. – Numbers 12:4-9;

III. Confess a critical spirit and return to God. – Numbers 12:10-15.

THE STRENGTH TO STAND AGAINST TEMPTATION. 

I. Standing against temptation is a spiritual battle. – Ephesians 6:10-13; 

II. Standing against temptation necessitates God-given equipment. – Ephesians 6:14-16; 

III. Standing against temptation requires God’s Word and prayer. – Ephesians 6:17-18. 

God equips us to stand our ground against temptation

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – RECOVERING FROM A FALL INTO TEMPTATION. 

I. Joy and blessing flow from God’s forgiveness. – Psalm 32:1-2; 

II. There is no forgiveness without confession of sin. – Psalm 32: 3-4; 

III. Living in a restored relationship with God helps us avoid future sin and temptation: - Psalm 32:6-7. 

There is greater joy in uncovering our sin and finding forgiveness than in trying to cover it up

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – THE TEMPTATION TO PLACE SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE GOD.

 I. We can be tempted to worship things other than God. – Matthew 4:8-11; 

II. Never forget that it is God who is at work in your life. – Deuteronomy 6:10-12;

 III. When we worship God and follow Him, we will do that which pleases Him and blesses us. – Deuteronomy 6:13-15.

 The greatest joy comes from exalting God.

  I. We can be tempted to test God for our own purposes. – Matthew 4:5-7; 

II. We have no reason to test God when we trust and obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:16-19; 

III. We experience God’s goodness and faithfulness as we obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:20-25. 

We can trust God without putting Him to the test

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – THE TEMPTATION TO RELY ON MYSELF INSTEAD OF GOD. 

I. We are often tempted to satisfy God-given desires in the wrong way. – Matt. 4:1-4; 

II. We can be tempted not to trust God’s provision. – Deut. 8:2-5; 

III. God provides when we trust and obey Him. – Deut. 8:6-10. 

God’s provision is always better than what we try to get for ourselves

1. God does not tempt anyone to sin- James 1:13

2. Temptation begins with our own sin nature.- James 1:14-15

3. Everything good comes from God, including the word of truth.- James 1:16-18

We have no one to blame but ourselves when we fall into sin.

 I. I had broken God’s law and deserved punishment. – John 8: 2-6a; 

II. All of us are guilty of sinning against God. – John 8:6b-9; 

III. Jesus showed me grace and forgave me. – John 8:10-11. 

Jesus took my guilt and set me free

 I. I was desperate for help that no one could provide. – John 5:2-7; 

II. Jesus met my need in a far greater way than I ever expected. – John 5:8-11; 

III. Jesus was pleased to give me life. – John 5:19-21. 

Jesus restored what was broken in my life

I. Jesus revealed a greater thirst in me. – John 4:7-14; 

II. Jesus revealed my sin. – John 4:15-18;

 III. Jesus revealed that He is the Messiah, the one to trust. – John 4:25-26. 

Only Jesus can truly satisfy my thirst.

 I. God’s voice draws our thoughts to the things of God. – Col. 3:1-4; 

II. God’s voice draws us to put to death the earthly nature. – Col. 3:5-9; 

III. God’s voice draws us to cultivate godly character. – Col. 3:10-14.

God’s desire is to conform us to the image of Christ

 I. We honor God when we share about the eternal life Christ offers. – John 17:1-3; 

II. We honor God when we continue the work He has given us. – John 17:4-5; 

III. We honor God when we pray and disciple others. – John 17:6-9. 

God’s voice always leads us to glorify Him and accomplish His purposes. 

  I. God is holy and established a convenantal relationship with His children. – Exodus 34:1-5;

  II. God’s character is perfect and unchanging. – Exodus 34:6-7; 

III. Our response to God’s holy character is to repent and worship Him. – Exodus 34:8-9. 

God never calls us to do something that is outside His character

I. Faith leads us to believe and rely on God. – Hebrews 11:1-3; 

II. Faith responds with obedience that pleases God. – Hebrews 11:4-6; 

III. Faith stays focused on God’s Word and promises. – Hebrews 11:13-16

 I. Christ was crucified and resurrected for our salvation. – Acts 2:32-36; 

II. The work of Christ calls for a response from us. – Acts 2:37-38;

  III. The right response to God’s conviction leads to salvation and obedience. – Acts. 2:39-41. 

The voice of God seeks to convict us of the truth.

I. Don’t question God’s Word. – Genesis 3:1; 

II. Don’t alter God’s word. – Genesis 3:2-3; 

III. Don’t contradict God’s Word. – Genesis 3:4-6. 

The voice of God never contradicts the Bible.