Decisions, Decisions
Ephesians • Sermon • Submitted
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See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
eph.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
We’re talking about wisdom.
Last week we talked about wisdom and how it relates to God’s will and God’s plan.
We talked about the fact that on average we make about 35,000 decisions everyday...
Today I want to share about the most practical message I think I could possibly share -a process, check-list for making decisions.
I don’t think I would use this to decide wheat or white toast, or which shirt to wear for the day....but when facing significant decisions.....we’ve all had situations in which we wish we could go back....
Wish we knew then what we know now....
What if we could avoid making unwise, costly decisions?
Have I asked God for His direction. ()
Have I asked God for His direction. ()
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
If you’re truly asking, not just praying a prayer of words....you have acknowledged that you don’t know how you should proceed and you have expressed that you want His help.....and He will give it.
Do I already have a command from God on this? ()
Do I already have a command from God on this? ()
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Lying
Stealing
Cheating
Hateful, harmful, revenge
But truth is.... a lot of our decisions are not going to have a Biblical mandate…no direct commandment “thou shalt go to Ball State”
Is there a Biblical principle that should guide my decision?
Is there a Biblical principle that should guide my decision?
Who should I date? marry?
Is this a good person to go into business with?
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
pr. 22:
Business Partnerships?
The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
There’s no command in the Bible that you can’t borrow money.
Just remember that borrowing makes you a servant.
-the more you borrow they more enslaved you become.
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
There is not a biblical dress code - must wear a dress to church, no shorts, etc.
But that doesn’t mean you can wear whatever....
Am I controlling it or is it controlling me?
Yes, we have liberty....liberty to choose to wear clothing that is modest and moderate (let your moderation be known to all men)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.
If you’re truly asking, not just praying a prayer of words....you have acknowledged that you don’t know how you should proceed and you have expressed that you want His help.....and He will give it.
Do I sense the pressure to make a quick, possibly pre-mature decision? ()
Do I sense the pressure to make a quick, possibly pre-mature decision? ()
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But of every one that is hasty only to want.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.
Pr.
Do I have all the information I need to make an “informed” decision?
It is always better to ask too many questions than not enough!
Are there any red flags/warning signs?
Are there any red flags/warning signs?
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and are punished.
Marriages that end in divorce.....
Almost everyone that I talk to (looking back) there were some little indicators of things to come....
He had a little bit of a temper when we were dating…(now abusive)
She lied to her parents and was with me instead of friends house... (now she lies to you and you can’t trust her)
He wouldn’t let me talk to any other guys, always had to know...
(Now, he is domineering and controlling and suffocating)
What do my Godly counselors advise? ()
What do my Godly counselors advise? ()
Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.
Am I asking the right questions? ()
Am I asking the right questions? ()
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
What’s wrong with it?
What’s wrong with it?
2 Better Questions
Is it the best decision right now in light of my intended future?
Is it the best decision right now in light of my intended future?
Is my top priority in this decision my happiness or God’s glory? (; )
Is my top priority in this decision my happiness or God’s glory? (; )
What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
My greatest fear should be me making a decision that God would not want me to make.
My greatest fear should be me making a decision that God would not want me to make.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.
After earnestly asking and following the guidance of the previous questions, what decision do I want to make? ()
After earnestly asking and following the guidance of the previous questions, what decision do I want to make? ()
Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.