Question 104: Can we find out the Lord’s will in everything by His Word? F. S. D.
Answer: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psa. 119:105). “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walkway to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).
The Word of God teaches us what our manner of life should be in all things, and leads us in dependence upon God, in submission to His will, and in obedience to His Word, but our path itself is found in waiting upon the Lord. Prayer is needed to find out God’s will for us from day to day. In prayer He lays upon our hearts what we should do, and gives us confidence that in some way he will open a door for us. In Acts 16:6, we find Paul and Silas forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. In the 7th verse they tried to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered them not; that is, He hindered them from going. Then, in verses 9 and 10, Paul gets a vision that shows him they are to go to Philippi. So that in these few verses we get various ways of guidance from the Lord.
It is waiting upon God in prayer that gives us true guidance, but when we are guided of God it is always in ways consistent with His holy Word.
Question 105: Is James’ Epistle addressed to the Jews? If so, is it to them all or just to the Christian Jews? E. N. Y.
Answer: James recognizes and addresses the twelve tribes, though scattered.
The Christians are not yet separated from them in his epistle.
The truth in it is what is needed for practical life, and while speaking mainly to the Christians (James 2:1), he also speaks to others, walking in wickedness (James 5:1-6).
The truth as to practical righteousness applies at all times and to everyone.
Question 106: What are the tribulations of Romans 5:3? C. R.
Answer: All that is painful and trying to us can be called tribulations. We do not glory or boast that we have tribulations, but in what they work in us. The exercise of heart is to produce in us the blessed fruits of patience in submission to the will of God. This gives us experience of what God is for us, and hope which ever points us on to a blessed future; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.
What comfort is given us for our wilderness journey; and the proof of His love is the gift of His Son (Rom. 8:32).