God's Guidance Through Instruction, Encouragement, and Correction
God's Guidance Through Instruction, Encouragement, and Correction
God's guidance is a multifaceted concept that encompasses instruction, encouragement, and correction. The biblical basis for this understanding is rooted in various passages that highlight God's role in guiding his people. According to Isaiah 28:26, "For his God instructs him in right judgment, and teaches him" [1]. This instruction is not limited to moral guidance but also includes teaching individuals how to live according to God's will.
The Scriptures are a primary means through which God guides his people. II Timothy 3:16 states that "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness" [2]. This verse underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding believers towards righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook further emphasizes the role of Scripture in conversion, noting that it is through the instrumentality of the Scriptures that individuals come to faith [3].
God's guidance is not only instructional but also encouraging. The concept of peace is closely tied to God's guidance, with Christ being described as the "prince of peace" (Isaiah 9:6) and the one who guides into the way of peace (Luke 1:79) [4]. This peace is a result of God's guidance and is experienced through the atonement of Christ.
Correction is another aspect of God's guidance, often manifesting as discipline. Proverbs 3:11-12 notes that "the Lord's discipline can take the form of hardships, disappointments, and frustrations" [8]. This discipline is not punitive but rather corrective, aiming to make believers wise, good, and happy. John Gill's commentary on Proverbs 4:11 highlights that God teaches and leads individuals in the way of wisdom and right paths [7].
The guidance of God is also closely tied to obedience and submission. Psalms 5:8 indicates that God guides those who are obedient and submissive [6]. This guidance is not limited to moral direction but also includes leading believers into wisdom and away from folly (Psalms 66:9) [5].
Sources
- Isaiah “For his God instructs him in right judgment, and teaches him. -- Isaiah 28:26”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (ASV) — Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conversion — By God -- 1Ki 18:37; Joh 6:44; Ac 21:19. By Christ -- Ac 3:26; Ro 15:18. By the power of the Holy Spirit -- Pr 1:23. Is of grace -- Ac 11:21,23. Follows repentance -- Ac 3:19; 26:20. Is the result of faith -- Ac 11:21. Through the instrumentality of The scriptures. -- Ps 19:7. Ministers. -- Ac 26:18; 1Th 1:9. Self-examination. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Affliction. -- Ps 78:34. Of sinners, a cause of joy To God. -- Eze 18:23; Lu 15:32. To saints. -- Ac 15:3; Ga 1:23,24. Is necessary -- Mt 18:3. Commanded -- Job 36:10. Exhortations to -- Pr 1:23; Isa 31:6; 55”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Peace, Spiritual — God is the God of -- Ro 15:33; 2Co 13:11; 1Th 5:23; Heb 13:20. God ordains -- Isa 26:12. God speaks, to his saints -- Ps 85:8. Christ is the Lord of -- 2Th 3:16. Christ is the prince of -- Isa 9:6. Christ gives -- 2Th 3:16. Christ guides into the way of -- Lu 1:79. Christ is our -- Eph 2:14. Is through the atonement of Christ -- Isa 53:5; Eph 2:14,15; Col 1:20. Bequeathed by Christ -- Joh 14:27. Preached By Christ. -- Eph 2:17. Through Christ. -- Ac 10:36. By ministers. -- Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15. Announced by angels -- Lu 2:14. Follows upon justificati”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 66:9: 66:9 God guides his people into wisdom and away from folly (17:5; 37:31; 121:3).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 5:8: 5:8 God guides those who are obedient, submissive, and patient in waiting for him to lead, provide, and protect them (27:11; 43:3; 143:10), not those who expect God simply to endorse their own decisions. • Following the right path of wisdom leads to the Lord (27:11; 61:2; 139:24).”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 4:11: I have taught thee in the way of wisdom,.... In the way that leads to it, or is concerning it; in the Gospel, which is the wisdom of God in a mystery, the manifold wisdom of God, and which directs to Christ and the knowledge of him, who is true wisdom; this is another reason or argument why the wise man's instructions should be attended to; I have led thee in right paths; in paths of righteousness, holiness, and truth; in such as are agreeable to the will and word of God, and which lead right on to the city of habitation; and therefore such teachings and leadings ”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 3:11: 3:11-12 The Lord’s discipline can take the form of hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Heb 12:4-6). Like a good father, God’s purpose is to make us wise, good, and happy.”