2.4. GOD USES HIS QUALIFIED SERVANTS IN GUIDANCE

Romans 8:14,15 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. " (KJV)

	As sons they are not controlled by fleshly nature, they are in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13 ).
	Led by the Spirit in their living they display the character or nature of God's sons. Not only are they children of God they act like adult sons.
	They manifest a spirit of adoption - no longer a spirit of fear (Romans 8:15 ).

Those seen to conduct themselves as sons led by the Spirit are qualified by their example, to be used by the Holy Spirit in the guidance of others. "Adoption" means placing as sons. Those who show their sonship by being led of the Spirit, can lead.

James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. " (KJV)

Yes. His epistle is full of practical spiritual wisdom, James lived up to his teaching in his handling of the issue at the Jerusalem conference.

Acts 15:19,20 ""Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,20 "but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood." (NKJV)

God.

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: ... " (KJV)

A loving reverence for God, and a submission to His Lordship and His Word, this is wisdom. He is the centre of wisdom for life and conduct.

The Bible answer is ...

Proverbs 18:15 "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. " (KJV)

He will search the Word, seek the Lord's mind, listen to the Holy Spirit. Having first obtained the facts of the situation, and acquainted himself with both sides should someone else be involved, only then will he give direction.

Diligence in seeking wisdom, asking for wisdom, watching the situation, and hearing all the information about it, will prepare the wise counsellor to be used by the Lord to give His leading.

Psalm 25:9 "The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. " (NKJV)

The humble person knows his/her need of guidance, has a willingness to submit one's own understanding to the divine will. Proud spirits will not learn or yield.

Titus 3:2 "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." (NKJV)

His counselling servants must be seen to have the Jesus spirit of humility, and that to all men.

Because with an open submissive spirit he receives and welcomes the Word implanted and rooted within him (James 1:21 ). Such are open-hearted, willing to accept and obey the truth at any cost. Such will be able to receive and give right judgment, and the Lord's guidance.

The prayer of the teachable,

Psalm 25:5 "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: ..." (KJV)

Being led and teachable they can lead and teach others.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29 etc. KJV). Every servant must develop obedient hearing of the Spirit of God. He discloses God's plan and expectations for His people and marks the things hindering their fulfilment.

Proverbs 20:12 "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. " (KJV)

Spiritual ears opened to and for his Master (typified in Exodus 21:6 ). To love your Master is to love His will and Word. The ear of the spiritual man should be adorned with obedience.

Proverbs 25:12 "As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. " (KJV)

God can use counselling servants to guide us, but see that you turn to such as fulfill the description given in this chapter. They are the kind who are filled with the Holy Spirit and full of God's Word.