Sermon No. 4 – The Place of Inward Impressions

  1) God influences our hearts.

a) Evidence of inward influence

Prov 21:1, Ezra 1:5, Phil 2:12-13

b) Awareness of this influence

As the writers of Scripture were not always aware of the Spirit’s influence over them, it is natural that we may not be aware of His inner operations either.

  2) The limitations of inward impressions:

a) Many inner impressions are wrong or lead nowhere.

It is easy to forget how often a conviction was wrong. If they were from God we would expect all of them to be right.

b) We need to recognise our own selfishness.

Our own desires can easily dominate our thinking.                           

c) Inner impressions are subjective.

There is often no real way of testing them.

d) Inner impressions are often about trivial matters.

They are about practical matters rather than Gospel matters (see Matt 6:33).             

d) Non-Christians have the same kind of inner convictions.

Therefore, such impressions may have more to do with personality then spiritual guidance.

  3) Trustworthy inward impressions

a) Godly people should have many godly desires.

We should have may passions regarding the truth, the Gospel and godliness in general.

b) Godly people should accept unexpected burdens.

For example, we should welcome impulses to pray for people.

c) Good decisions should produce good feelings.

One should have a sense of satisfaction and a good conscience.

d) Godly people should expect assistance in conversations.

               See Matt 10:19-20–inward help for what to say and when

  4) The bottom line

a) Knowing that God works within us should give us confidence to make a decision without wanting to resort to ‘mystical means’.

We can make our own decisions, knowing that God will help us as we responsibly

use the means He has provided for good decision making.             

b) Inner feelings or convictions are not infallible guides as to God’s will for daily living.

We don’t have the right to say, “God is telling me.” Some of these convictions may have nothing to do with God but come from ourselves. On the other hand, convictions about gospel type things should be closely attended to as God may well be stirring from within.

c) Scripture is clear and consistent on how we are to find guidance.

               Scripture is the final guide, not impressions.-- Ps 119:105

  Strengthened with Scripture knowledge and the inner operation of God in your heart it is right to believe that it is “God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”