Flying Closer to the Flame Part 7

Flying Closer to the Flame

Study: Following the Spirit’s Promptings

The Holy Spirit’s guidance often comes as subtle nudges or gentle whispers, leading us to understand, feel comforted, and empowered.

“Those moments when the Spirit moves in us,” says Chuck Swindoll, “are just as real as the presence of a friend, even if not physically visible.”

Let’s explore how the Spirit’s promptings can guide us through some of life’s most challenging experiences.

PREPARE YOUR HEART

Before diving into the Scriptures, thank God for designing us for intimate connection with Him. Like the psalmist in Psalm 139:13–14, let’s praise Him:

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it!" (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT)

Invite the Spirit to speak to your innermost being as you study these passages.

TURN TO THE SCRIPTURES

To understand the Spirit’s prompting, we’ll examine four biblical stories.

As we go, note how each passage sheds light on the Spirit’s role as Comforter, Encourager, and Guide.

A Desperate and Lonely Prophet - 1 Kings 19:1–18

Elijah’s experience shows us that, in times of despair, the Spirit can provide comfort and encouragement.

1a. In 1 Kings 19:1–9, what shows Elijah’s desperation, and how did God help him? Where did Elijah go?

After a great victory, Elijah fell into despair, fleeing to the wilderness and praying for death.

God met him there, offering rest, food, and gentle care, showing His kindness in Elijah's weakest moments.

Elijah went to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.

1b. In 1 Kings 19:10–18, how did God reveal Himself to Elijah? What contrasts illustrate God’s nature?

God passed by with a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire, yet He wasn’t in these. Instead, He came in a gentle whisper, revealing Himself as a compassionate and calming presence—just as He often comes to us.

1c. What did God’s gentle whisper convey to Elijah?

God reminded Elijah that he wasn’t alone and commissioned him to return and fulfill His purposes, restoring Elijah’s hope and courage.

2a. What does “the sound of a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12) communicate about God?

The gentle whisper reflects God’s tender, reassuring approach.

As Swindoll writes, “There have been times in my life when the Lord’s promptings have been just as real as Elijah’s...I felt His presence as real as if I could touch Him.”

A Determined and Faithful Apostle - Acts 20:16–24

Paul’s commitment shows that in the face of fear, the Spirit strengthens our courage and resolve.

1a. What phrases describe Paul’s inner promptings in Acts 20:16–24?

Paul described himself as being “bound by the Spirit” (Acts 20:22) and compelled by an inner sense of duty despite knowing hardship awaited him.

1b. What attitudes do you observe in Paul?

Paul’s statements convey determination, humility, and faith. Even when warned of suffering, Paul’s confidence in the Spirit’s guidance was unwavering.

2a. What did Paul mean by, “I am bound by the Spirit” (Acts 20:22)?

Paul felt deeply constrained by the Spirit’s calling, making him willing to face dangers for the sake of his mission.

2b. How did the Spirit’s prompting strengthen Paul’s resolve?

Despite knowing the cost, Paul declared, “I consider my life worth nothing to me…my only aim is to finish the race” (Acts 20:24, NIV). Swindoll explains, “Normally, when we know that bonds and afflictions await us, we are frightened. But not when the Spirit of God brings a reassurance.”

A Life-Threatening Journey - Acts 27

In times of crisis, the Spirit reassures us, giving us peace in the storm.

1a. How did the Spirit minister to Paul during his dangerous journey in Acts 27?

Paul encouraged everyone onboard, sharing that an angel of God had reassured him of their safety (Acts 27:23-24). In the middle of chaos, Paul’s calmness was a powerful testimony.

1b. What contrasts do you see between Paul’s poise and others’ panic?

While others feared for their lives, Paul exhibited peace and unwavering faith, a result of the Spirit’s strengthening presence.

2a. How does this teach us about walking with God in crisis?

Even in the direst situations, the Spirit offers inner peace. “The Spirit of God prompted Paul...giving Paul the reassurance that God was present in the trial and would keep His arms around those on the ship,” Swindoll notes.

A Sorrowful and Painful Ordeal - Romans 8:22–26;

22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

2 Corinthians 12:6–10

6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

—-When we suffer, the Spirit intercedes for us, providing strength and grace.

1a. What help does the Spirit offer when we suffer (Romans 8:22–26)?

The Spirit helps us in our weakness, even praying for us with “groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26, NLT). When words fail, the Spirit intercedes with perfect understanding.

1b. In what situation did Paul receive a “thorn” in 2 Corinthians 12:6–10? What did God reveal to him?

When Paul asked for relief from his “thorn in the flesh,” God’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). God’s strength, not Paul’s own, would be enough.

2c. How does the Spirit minister to us in suffering and weakness?

The Spirit translates our deepest aches and helps us find hope. Swindoll explains, “At that moment, God interprets the groanings. He understands what is best and dispatches it.”

CORRELATION: DISCERNMENT IN SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

When others share spiritual experiences, we are called to practice discernment.

As Paul advised the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 2:1–2, false teachers may try to deceive, so we must measure all experiences against Scripture.

APPLICATION: FOUR WAYS THE SPIRIT PROMPTS US

Reflecting on Elijah and Paul’s stories, we see four ways the Spirit may prompt us:

In Despair: The Spirit brings comfort and encouragement.

In Fear: The Spirit strengthens our courage and resolve.

In Crisis: The Spirit reassures us, bringing inner peace.

In Suffering: The Spirit intercedes, providing grace and strength.

As you continue in your walk, remember that God’s Spirit is not distant. The “gentle whisper” of the Spirit is with you, leading, comforting, and empowering you each step of the way.