5-5-13 The Blueprint of Life 5 – Listening to the Right People (1 Kings 12:1-14)

We are into part 5 of our series The Blueprint of Life and we have been asking the question, “God, if you
have a plan for my life, what is your plan? What is your will for my life?” Even if you are not a Christian,
that’s an interesting question to think about. Because I think whether or not we are Christians, we
are especially interested in this question when we are facing a major life decision. Where should
I go to school? Where should I work? Who should I marry? Where should I live? When there is a
major decision to make and especially when that decision comes with a deadline, we are often found
scratching our head (literally and figuratively) and asking ourselves, what should I do?

I don’t know if you have ever done something like this when you are facing a decision. Dear Lord, I have
a decision to make in the next two weeks. I have to know what to do. I sure would love for you to give
your input on this. So, I’m going to close my eyes and you just place the answer in my mind. Ready.
Set. Go…. Sounds familiar? There has to be a better way than this, right? Well, the good news is there
is. But it will require some hard work. Are you willing to do the hard work so you will be in position to
listen to God when He is ready to speak? Today we will ask three specific questions in helping you be in
position to listen to God’s plan for your life.

Changing Your Mind
Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How
would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.
1 Kings 12:6

Discussion Questions

1. What is your reaction when someone says, “God spoke to me”?

2. Has God ever “spoken” to you? Did you hear something audibly? Did you experience a unique
circumstance?

3. In trying to determine God’s will, Kevin suggests asking three questions. The first question, “Is this
decision consistent with Scripture?”, raises the issue of position. What are you doing so that you are
always in position to listen to what God says through the Bible?

4. The second question, “Is this decision consistent with God’s thumbprint on me?”, raises the issue of
gifting. What are you doing to develop your God-given gifting and wiring?

5. The third question, “Is this decision consistent with wise, Godly counsel?”, raises the issue of
accountability. Who are you giving permission to speak truth and counsel into your life?