{"id":2118,"date":"2019-02-08T09:44:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T14:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=2118"},"modified":"2019-02-08T10:10:52","modified_gmt":"2019-02-08T15:10:52","slug":"inquire-from-the-lord-part-1-january-3rd-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=2118","title":{"rendered":"INQUIRE FROM THE LORD (PART 1), February 3rd, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/a>\"Inquire-The-LordArtboard-1\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

CENTRAL THOUGHT<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

The believer who inquire from the Lord enjoys the benefit of being guided by God.<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Text:<\/strong> 1 Samuel 23:1-12, 30:7-8; Numbers 27:1-7; Joshua 9:3-15<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

INTRODUCTION<\/h3>\n

Anyone living in this world is confronted daily with the issues of life.\u00a0 Some of these issues may be normal experiences of human beings while some occur suddenly or unexpectedly.<\/p>\n

Whether usual or unusual, many of these issues of life require decisions, actions to be taken and choices to be made.\u00a0 It is at such moments that the limitation of man\u2019s knowledge becomes evident.\u00a0\u00a0Certainly,\u00a0the knowledge of man is grossly limited concerning the past, present\u00a0and\u00a0future of both himself and the situations around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LESSON OBJECTIVES<\/strong><\/p>\n

The objectives of this study are:<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Knowing what it means to inquire from the Lord. <\/em><\/li>\n
  2. Understanding how to inquire from the Lord. <\/em><\/li>\n
  3. Appreciating the importance of inquiring from the Lord.<\/em><\/li>\n
  4. Recognizing some of the situations when we need to inquire from the Lord.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    BIBLE TRUTH<\/h3>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO INQUIRE FROM THE LORD? Numbers 27:5<\/h3>\n

    The word \u2018inquire\u2019 as defined in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English means \u201cto ask someone for information\u201d.\u00a0 On arriving\u00a0to\u00a0a city, a traveler may inquire or seek information from people in regards as to how he can get to his desired destination.\u00a0 A student in a class may seek to know from his teacher the proper books he may need so as to excel in his study.\u00a0 These examples appear simple and ready answers are available.\u00a0\u00a0However,\u00a0there are issues of life for which answers may not be readily available.\u00a0 Also, in some of such situations answers based on man\u2019s knowledge become inadequate and at times complicate matters when followed.<\/p>\n

    The believer is therefore expected to cultivate the habit of inquiring from the Lord in all situations of life, inclusive of matters we consider simple or complex as human beings.\u00a0 It is good for us to know His mind and follow it.\u00a0 In Numbers 27:1-7, Moses was confronted with a situation in regards to the inheritance of \u00a0Zelophehad.\u00a0 Zelophehad died without a son but he had<\/p>\n

    daughters.\u00a0 The daughters came to Moses to ask that the inheritance of their father be passed to them. This looked<\/p>\n

    like a difficult request because by the law the inheritance was meant for sons.\u00a0 The Scripture says, \u201cand Moses brought their cause before the Lord\u201d, Numbers 27:5.\u00a0 Moses went to inquire of the Lord on what to do.\u00a0 The Lord gave him an answer.\u00a0 \u201cThe daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father\u2019s brethren; and\u00a0thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them\u201d, Numbers 27:7.<\/p>\n

    Therefore, to inquire from the Lord means asking the Lord for direction on what to do in a particular situation.\u00a0 It involves seeking information from Him concerning a particular situation.\u00a0 It also implies seeking His counsel on a particular matter.\u00a0 Thus, the purpose of inquiring from the Lord is to receive guidance in regards to what to do in any situation.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Q2. How do we inquire form the Lord?<\/h3>\n

    Some of the ways we may inquire from the Lord include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Studying HIS word, the Holy Bible. <\/strong>God\u2019s mind is revealed in HIS word, the Holy Bible.\u00a0 In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read \u2018All scripture is given by inspiration ofgod, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works\u201d.\u00a0 As we search the scriptures, we will find guidance on matters relating to general issues of life and our Christian practice.\u00a0 It is not just enough to read the Bible; obedience must accompany the reading of scripture.\u00a0 It is those who read, study and obey that are blessed of the Lord and usually guided by HIM.<\/li>\n
    2. Communion with GOD in prayers: <\/strong>Prayer is meant to be atwo-way\u00a0communication between GOD and the believer.\u00a0 In\u00a0prayer\u00a0we speak to GOD and HE speaks to us.\u00a0 Therefore, we can receive direction from Him when we sincerely open our hearts to HIM in prayer.<\/li>\n
    3. Being Sensitive to the Holy Ghost<\/strong>. The HOLY SPIRIT promised by the LORD resides today in the believer and in HIS church.\u00a0 A major benefit of the presence of the HOLY GHOST with us is that HE will teach and guide us into all truth and will bring to our remembrance all that the LORD said, John 14:26; 15:26.\u00a0 The believertherefore\u00a0is encouraged to be sensitive to the promptings of the HOLY SPIRIT.\u00a0 As we depend on HIM and inquire from HIM concerning the issues of life, HE will tell us what to do and work out, perfect, God\u2019s will in our lives.<\/li>\n
    4. Attending Christian meetings (fellowships).<\/strong> The meetings, or fellowship, being prescribed or referred toere\u00a0are not the common \u201cego-boosting\u201d gatherings today in which leaders promote themselves and their families.\u00a0 The meetings being referred to are those ones in which God\u2019s name and presence are held in reverence and the HOLY GHOST has the preeminence. In such\u00a0meetings\u00a0it is possible for the individual to hear a message from the LORD through the preaching or through the exercise of the gifts of the HOLY GHOST such as prophecy, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, etc., 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.\u00a0 This ought to be normal or common occurrences in Christian meetings.<\/li>\n
    5. Seeking Counsel from Christian Leaders or Brethren<\/strong>: The assumption here is that the person being approached for counsel knows and lives by the word ofGod;\u00a0but Divine guidance is necessary.\u00a0 Experienced believers may be able to give counsels that are in line with the word of GOD to others and by so doing guide people in the way and will of the LORD.\u00a0However,\u00a0the problem is that many who claim to be leaders today are ignorant of GOD\u2019s word and rely more on \u201csense and knowledge\u201d than on revelation\u00a0form\u00a0GOD\u2019s word.\u00a0 It is inappropriate to receive counsel from such persons.\u00a0 The LORD says in HIS word that if the blind lead the blind, both of them will fall into a ditch, Matthew 15:14.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Q3. Why is it important for the believer to inquire from the Lord?<\/h3>\n

      When an individual becomes a Christian, his life is totally surrendered to the LORD JESUS. \u00a0The implication is that he makes CHRIST his example as he lives in this world.\u00a0 Truly we become sons of the FATHER and equally true also is the fact that we become slaves of the MASTER.\u00a0 As sons we have access to the FATHER an as slaves we yield our will to HIS own. Therefore, it becomes important that we inquire from HIM as we make choices, decisions and embark on actions in this life.\u00a0 Our aims, desires, aspirations, etc., should not be seen to be conflicting with HIS own.\u00a0 When we inquire from Him, such conflicts will be avoided.\u00a0\u00a0Also,\u00a0GOD has HIS plans and purpose for all HIS children.\u00a0 When we inquire from HIM and follow HIS directions we will be fitting perfectly into HIS plans and purposes for us. Apart from individuals, it is also important that groups, fellowships, denominations should inquire from the Lord concerning programs, projects, etc., they wish to embark on.\u00a0 If this is sincerely done, we may witness less of the \u2018empire building\u2019 tendencies prevalent today in Christian denominations and circles and more of GOD\u2019s power and revelation in our meetings.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Q4. Examples of situations when we need to inquire from the Lord?<\/h3>\n

      It is good for a believer to cultivate the habit of inquiring form the Lord in his day to day activities.\u00a0 Some of the situations we need to ask GOD for direction by inquiring from HIM include:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Choice of Life Partner<\/strong>.\u00a0 The decision of who to marry and spend the remaining part of one\u2019s life on earth with is an important decision which requires \u2018forethought\u2019.\u00a0 The believer\u00a0therefore\u00a0must seek GOD\u2019s counsel and guidance in reaching this decision.<\/li>\n
      2. Choice of Career, Job, Business, Vocation.<\/strong> The natural tendency of human beings is to go into careers, jobs, businesses, etc., which they perceive as lucrative.\u00a0 Some believers, who followed this natural tendency in making their decisions on choice of careers, job, business, etc., regretted their decisions latter.\u00a0 It is therefore wise as a disciple of CHRIST\u00a0to seek HIS guidance before entering into any vocation, career, business or job.\u00a0 When you do this, GOD will be with you and HE will ensure victory and success in your labors.<\/li>\n
      3. When threatened by the enemy. <\/strong>It is clear that the enemy the believer has is Satan who uses various means including human agents in his activities against the believer.\u00a0 The fact of scripture is that the believer is a potential victor in CHRIST in over the devil. It is however necessary to inquire from the LORD when faced with the enemy\u2019s threat so as to know the specific steps\/ directions to follow to appropriate the victory we already have in CHRIST.<\/li>\n
      4. Choice of Christian Leaders:<\/strong> It is important to inquire from the LORD when choosing Christian leaders. This was the practice in the Bible.\u00a0 Christian groups, denominations, fellowships, etc., should prayerfully select their leaders following GOD\u2019s prescription in HIS word.\u00a0 It ought to be stated and sounded clearly\u00a0that in our dispensation, leadership in GOD\u2019s assembly is not based on family inheritance or lineage.\u00a0 This is what obtained the New Testament church.<\/li>\n
      5. Other situations:<\/strong> The Sunday school class should further discuss the necessity of inquiring from the LORD in regards to purchase of land, where to live or settle, choice of business partner, number\u00a0of children to have in a marriage, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Memory Verse:<\/h3>\n

        Proverbs 3:5-6 \u2013 \u201cTrust in the LORD with all thine heart; and\u00a0lean not unto thine own understanding.\u00a0 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        CENTRAL THOUGHT The believer who inquire from the Lord enjoys the benefit of being guided by God.   Text: 1 Samuel 23:1-12, 30:7-8; Numbers 27:1-7; Joshua 9:3-15 \u00a0 INTRODUCTION Anyone living in this world is confronted daily with the issues of life.\u00a0 Some of these issues may be normal experiences of human beings while some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2123,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sundayschool"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Inquire-The-LordArtboard-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2118"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2139,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118\/revisions\/2139"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}