This study was first taught on February 25, 2018

Topic: The Manner of Divine Revelation

(use the audio to study)

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Background
When last we met on the subject of “The Book of the Acts of the Apostles”, we looked at “The Vitality of Praying”; and by ‘vitality’ we meant the efficacy, fervency, centrality, critical and crucial role of praying. Thus, we noted that if our praying is to be meaningful, it must be prayed according to the Will of God and in the Spirit, having dealt with sin in our lives, crucified self (the flesh).

We also noted that Christians don’t plan; they pray and God, Who has the plan manifests His plan to them, and provides the grace for the prosecution and implementation of that plan.

Learning from the lessons from Acts 1:14: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication …”, we observed thus:
(1) Nothing should be started without first praying and receiving clear divine instructions.
(2) Sober watching, earnest working, and patient waiting, all require praying as the backbone.
(3) Doing ministry without praying is dead works, as it lacks the life and initiative of God.
(4) Praying edifies you as a person, so to pray for programs, messages, etc., without praying for a word for yourself, is to be building for others without a building for yourself.
(5) Praying without holy living/godliness is vain—meaningless.

We noted that Elijah had personal issues, but he prayed the Will of God for his nation, and the results were clear.

Scripture Text(s)
Acts 1:12-26
As the disciples (about 120 in number) prayed with one accord, there was a revelation, and what transpired afterwards is the sub-theme for our discussion today. May the Holy Spirit teach us Himself today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
For the avoidance of doubt, we are not going to talk about how to force or induce God to give us revelation (which by itself is insulting to God); rather, we want to look at how revelation from God comes, in the context of our scripture text and how we ought to conduct ourselves regarding it.
Acts 1:15-20; Psalm 41:9; 55:12-15; 69:25; 109:8; 2 Chronicles 20:1-19; Isaiah 28:9-10; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 1:12-20; John 5:39; 1:1-3, 14; 1 John 1:1-3; John 14:13-14; 15:7; James 4:3-4; 1 John 5:14-15; Isaiah 55:10; 2 Corinthians 9:10; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Numbers 12:6-8; Amos 3:3-8; Matthew 7:6; Acts 1:20ff; Genesis 41:15-16, 25-32, 33-36; Proverbs 4:7; 24:3-4.

Conclusion
A divine revelation is the revelation of the mind and purpose of God, and is presented by God to men, who have the task of publishing it faithfully to others. A divine revelation requires prayers from start to finish, and revolves around the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is progressive, requiring deeper relationship with God for a deeper understanding; and, it can be private or public—live/feed on or keep secret, as may be the case, the private revelation, and publish the public revelation faithfully; not beyond that which God has revealed. Only those who share the eternal purpose of God will appreciate a divine revelation, so do not cast pearls and precious things before swine and dogs.

Remember that there are two legs to every divine revelation, so don’t get one leg—information or knowledge—and begin to run; rather, stay in the place of prayer until you get the second leg—instruction or wisdom!

“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” (Psalm 25:14)
Do you want divine revelation? Then fear God!

LET US PRAY!

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