How Does God Reveal His Will?

Eph.5:17

Part Three

The Testimony of the Brethren

First let us identify “the brethren”, Not your lost peers, friends, relatives or co-workers.

Would God ever use a LOST person to give you good counsel? YES

A LOST Banker or financial advisor can provide sound financial advice for you.

A LOST Medical doctor can provide sound medical advice for you.

Example: You are considering a move of your family to a rural area of Colorado, You have always dreamed of living in the mountains, you love hunting, your lost banker clearly shows you how the cost of living is less there, and your lost doctor assures you that your allergy’s will do so much better in that climate. Even if all the above is true, what does God think? You need Godly counsel to help with this decision. Is there a Bible believing church there? Will your children grow up around other Christian children? You may win on the cost of living, but you will pay a horrible price with your family’s fellowship with God.

[Proverbs 12:15] “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise”.

[Proverbs 20:18] “ Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war”.

[Proverbs 15:22] “ Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”

[Matthew 18:16] “ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

The original requirements for a Deacon work really well for a Godly counsellor.

[Acts 6:3] “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

                Of Honest Report – [Gal.4:16] Must be someone who will tell you the truth

                Full of the Holy Ghost – [Eph.5:18] Keeps a Godly testimony

                And wisdom – [Heb.5:12-14] Enough experience to be able to help you

By definition your Pastor or Deacons should be a source for Godly counsel, testimony of the brethren, also parents and spouses.

Example of Refusing a multitude of Godly Counsel (solicited and unsolicited)

[Acts 20:20-25] Paul had the Testimony of the Holy Spirit, and also had his mind made up!

[Acts 21:1-4] Disciples tried to counsel him

[Acts 21:7-14] A prophet and his disciples counseled against Paul’s decision.

Paul disregarded a multitude of counselors because he had his mind made up!

Try to build a network of Godly counselors in your life. People that you can go to no matter the size or scope of your need and get a Godly testimony of the brethren.