The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Avondale Church of God – Morning Service

February 9, 2025

Speaker: Brother Ward

Brother Ward’s sermon focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into truth and helping them navigate life according to God’s plan. The message was centered on John 16:12-15, where Jesus tells His disciples that He has much to share with them, but they are not yet able to bear it. He assures them that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will come and guide them into all truth.

God Reveals Truth in His Timing

The sermon emphasized that God reveals His truth progressively, providing only what believers are prepared to receive at any given time. Brother Ward explained that just as Jesus did not give His disciples more than they could handle, God does the same with us today. He compared this concept to the way children are educated—starting with foundational lessons before advancing to more complex topics.

To illustrate this point, he referenced Abraham’s journey in Genesis. Abraham was called to leave his homeland without knowing his full destination. If God had revealed everything at once, Abraham might have hesitated or resisted. Likewise, Joseph’s trials in Egypt were part of a larger plan that he only fully understood later. These examples demonstrated how God leads step by step, revealing His will at the right time.

The Holy Spirit as Our Guide

Building on this idea, Brother Ward highlighted the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers into truth. He referenced Acts 16:6-10, where Paul and his companions were initially prevented from preaching in Asia and were later redirected to Macedonia. This passage illustrated how God sometimes closes doors to lead His people to the right opportunities.

The speaker cautioned against relying solely on human understanding when making decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs believers to trust in the Lord rather than their own reasoning, was presented as a key principle for allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. The Spirit does not operate apart from God’s Word but reinforces it, reminding believers of what Jesus has already taught (John 14:26).

Obedience Leads to Greater Revelation

A major theme in the message was that obedience to the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual growth. Brother Ward stated that if believers resist God’s direction, they should not expect Him to reveal more. He compared this to a student who refuses to complete basic lessons yet expects to progress to advanced studies. Until a believer acts on what God has already revealed, further guidance may not come.

This principle was tied to Jesus’ words in John 16:12, where He acknowledges that His disciples were not yet ready for certain teachings. The speaker challenged listeners to consider whether they had been resistant to the Holy Spirit’s leading and, if so, to take steps toward obedience.

Reflection Questions for Personal Application

1. Are there areas in your life where you have resisted the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

2. Have you ever felt frustrated when God didn’t reveal something to you right away? Looking back, can you now see why His timing was best?

3. In what ways has the Holy Spirit redirected your path, even when you initially had different plans?

4. How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice in your daily life?

5. Are you willing to trust that God knows what you can handle, even when you don’t understand?

Scriptures for Further Study

• John 16:13 – “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.”

• Isaiah 30:21 – “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

• Acts 16:6-10 – Paul and his companions are redirected by the Holy Spirit to Macedonia.

• John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Conclusion

The sermon concluded with a reminder that God does not withhold direction out of frustration but because He knows what each person can handle. The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a guide, providing wisdom and clarity at the right time. Trusting God’s process and responding in obedience are key to walking in His will.

Be a Light, Know the Truth, Walk in the Way