"THE WAY OF MAN IS NOT IN HIMSELF" (Jer. 10:23)

Intro.

1.No man can come to God who does not recognize his inability to direct his own steps.

I.MAN CANNOT DIRECT HIS OWN STEPS BY FOLLOWING HIS CONSCIENCE

A. Because men can sip without violating the conscience                                             1.Paul was "chief of sinners" yet lived in good conscience (Acts 23:1)                      2.Paul thought he was right in doing wrong (Acts 26:9ff)                                          3.As Paul was at conflict with God with a good conscience, so we can be. 

B. Because conscience does not determine right and wrong                                         1.It is a moral "umpire" that calls you "out" based on certain rules accepted through learning and environment.                                                                                               2.Conscience, like a watch, is only reliable when properly set. Must be set by knowledge of truth (1 Cor. 8:7)

II. MAN CANNOT DIRECT HIS STEPS BY HIS OWN FEELINGS

A. Not by intuition (feeling a thing right without supporting evidence)                              1."I wouldn't trade the feeling in my heart for all the Bibles..." "I just know this couldn't be wrong..." "I don't see why..."                                                                                       2.Prov. 14:12 speaks of a way that seemeth right, but is wrong. 3.Prov. 3:5,6 warns, "lean not to thine own understanding"

B. Not by emotionalism (overly influenced by feelings of joy, ecstasy, etc.)                       1.Obviously, not all emotions are wrong. Only those that would supplant or compromise Bible truth. No substitute for convictions.                                                                           2."People don't ask for facts in making up their minds. They would rather have one good, soul-satisying emotion than a dozen facts."(Robt.Leavitt)

III-MAN CANNOT DIRECT HIS STEPS BY HIS OWN EXPERIENCES

A. "Holy Ghost" or "Saving" experience unknown to N.T. teaching                                  1.The seeking of some tangible evidence or sign of God's working in man                 2.Man must decide what experience is God-sent and its significance                        3. Such conclusion would make God respecter of persons (Acts 10:34,35) 

B. Experiental religion reflects on sufficiency of gospel                                                  1.Gospel God's power to save (Rom. 1:16); able to save soul (Jas. 1:21)                   2.In coming to Christ and salv. man must hear & learn from God (Jn.6:45)                 3.Men are to be influenced by Divine testimony, not human testimonials'.

Dan S. Shipley