Some Ways God Warns Us
Ps.. 19:11.

A. One good thing the word of God obviously does for us is warn us when we are on the wrong
path. Warnings are an important part of life. But in addition to the warnings in the Scriptures,
God also warns us in other ways providentially.
God warns us through circumstances. Bible example in “The Podigal Son.” Lk. 15:14-17.
Old saying, “Been through the school of hard knocks.” The Prodigal was so selfish, loveless,
determined to have his own way he rejected everything and everybody who tried to warn him
about his foolishness.
a. Rom. 8:28. “God works all things together for the good...” God has it within His power
to arrange circumstances that serve to warn us. Heb. 12:5?6. "Do not despise the
chastening (Disciplining) of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
for whom the LORD loves He chastens...”
(A) As a benevolent Father, God loves us too much to shield us from all of our choices and
from the consequences of our mistakes. Wisdom consists in the ability to receive
warning from our circumstances (and even the experience of others) and correct
our course of life accordingly. Solomon put it this way, Prov.19:25, “...reprove
one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”
(1) I’ve had brethren almost hate me for pointing out their carnality and love for
things and people of this world who are enemies of the cross. David was a
man who made many mistakes. Part of the greatness of David’s character lay
in his willingness to be warned by the advice of God and the correction of others
1 Sam. 25:32-33, “Then David said to Abigail:"Blessed is the LORD God of
Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 33 And blessed is your advice and
blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from bloodshed and from
avenging myself with my own hand.”
(a) We have no better friends than those who will admonish us: Prov. 27:5-6,
“Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds
of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” But too often, rather
than benefit from them, we retaliate against those who warn us.
Paul’s question to the fickle and hateful Galatians was, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Gal. 4:16.
The beginning of wisdom is listening to a good conscience. Read about Joseph in Gen. 39:7-10, and you find a great example of a person who paid attention to the warnings of his conscience - “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
Conscience is that still, small voice within. Too often, we do not “hear” the alarms sounded by our conscience.
If we repeatedly ignore the warnings of our conscience, it will cease to function properly: “Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” That’s Paul’s warning in 1 Tim. 4:2.
Paul heeded his own advice. He states in Acts 24:16, “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”

(2) When God providentially brings warnings into our lives, it is disastrous to ignore them:
That was the experience of Felix the governor in Acts 24:25. “Now as he (Paul)
reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was
afraid and answered, Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for
you.” Only the fool rejects the warnings of God.
(1) Prov. 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” And not only should we be willing to be warned, we have the obligation to warn others.
(2) Have the wisdom and courage to follow Paul’s example in his love for his brethren. Listen to Paul’s love expressed to his brethren
(1) “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” Acts 20:31.
(2) That love warned the church at Colossae, Col. 1:28, “...we preach, Jesus warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ.”
(3) And to the Thessalonian brethren, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1 Thess. 5:14. Hear and head God’s Word and His warnings.
(4) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 08/11/02 pm