What Does the Bible say about Making Decisions? Oh, I don’t mean whether to have a... 2. Your Best Decisions Are Birthed in an Atmosphere of Prayer Think according to Biblical values. A Christian view of morality is based upon the assumption that God exists and has revealed Himself to the human race. Our attitude towards decision-making should be that of Jesus Himself who affirmed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42; … Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Listen to counsel God delights in revealing His will to those who are eager to follow His precepts (Psalm 33:18; Psalm 35:27; Psalm 147:11). and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days (Proverbs Make the decision and stick to it! 1 Corinthians 15:58. Every day, each of us is faced with numerous choices. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, “I am not willing.” There is a place where the Bible says God is “not willing,” and that is 2 Peter 3:9. Dallas, TX 75251, In Person Sunday 9 and 11:15 AM Knowledge is having the right information. Churches are tax _____ by virtue of being a church – not a 503 (c)(3) organization In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves “soberly”—that is, realistically or accurately. We need to slow down, reflect deeply, gather more advice, and reject any misinterpretations of Scripture we may have embraced. The apostle Paul tells us that Scripture was given not only to reveal God’s way of salvation but also to train us in righteousness and equip us for “every good work” (2 Tim. 5 Steps to BETTER Decision-Making. Streaming Sunday 9 and 11:15 AM, In person Sunday 9 AM 6 Principles for Biblical Decision-Making: 1. What Biblical Principles Should Inform My Decision? W. A. Criswell, Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 7 Step Biblical Decision Making Process Pray. Thomas Watson, “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.”, “Don’t make snap decisions. Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. The naïve believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps. 11000 Frisco St., Unit 300 On decisions not specifically dealt with by Biblical command, principle, or example, the umpire of peace is your guide. After all, bad habits are easy. is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise (Proverbs 12:15). Integers, from a Latin root meaning “whole” or “entire.” The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead God’s people into the Promised Land because He believed in God’s promise and presence. William Gurnall, The Lord your God cares. Dwight L. Moody, Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Proverbs 2:6 Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. I've met some Christians who seem to have very few moral convictions at all and I've met other Christians who seem to have simple answers to every ethical question. For lack of 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. So in making sound and ethical decisions, we should take a look at whether or not we are trying to run away from a problem. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full–grown, brings forth death (James 1:13–15). God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. With false humility? In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the state—shorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall. What should we do when the Bible doesn’t seem to speak directly to the situations we face and the decisions we make? Historical Background. I. Biblical Principles for Political Decisions – Selected Scriptures. In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that “new heaven and a new earth,” our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:1-2). God’s Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it’s too late. Christians guiding principles – Biblical … 1 Corinthians 15:57. The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. . 2. The “separation of church and state” clause is ____anywhere in the U.S. Constitution or its amendments. It’s quite amazing – and at times humorous – how intelligent individuals on both sides of the divide can look at the same facts and yet arrive at totally different conclusions. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. He who separates himself seeks his own desire. Goodbye hardship and heaviness. The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. A good example is the Ten Commandments. Praying about your decisions will keep you closely connected to... Obey God’s Word. Don’t think you are the “exception” to the rule. (Proverbs 15:22). Prayer and a holy life are one. Pride leads to Think of every decision as a big decision. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. Hello Jesus! From Genesis to Revelation we find principles, precepts, commands, warnings, guidelines, and counsels that are intended to steer our lives toward that which is right, good, and God-honoring. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. We should neither overestimate the gift of God’s grace or underestimate it. Ethics is concerned with the way we ought to conduct our lives. Hello heaven! Do I Have All The Facts? When we talk about biblical decision making, knowledge is knowing what the Bible has to say about the decision you need to make. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Frame your attitude into one of trust and obedience as you commit the decision to prayer. A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. If you are not making any decision, then you are making a bad choice. Hiding sin does not remove it from God’s sight; but when we seek God’s forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restored—that is the power of confession. . If we make a decision based on biblical commands and principles alone we can fully trust that we are pleasing God in our decision and fully trust that He will providentially (by circumstances out of our control) change our choice if it is not within His decreed will (Ps. •When context is ignored, two errors can be made: 1. Every decision we make should be bathed in prayer. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasn’t worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber. If you’re prone to worry yourself to sleep each night, turn your thoughts upward and close your eyes thinking of heaven and its eternal throne. A really humble man…will not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. Frisco, TX 75033, 10 Biblical Principles For Making Wise Decisions. John 7:24. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I guess the older I get, the … Debt, planning, budgeting, investing and more. We must look for and take “the way of escape” God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). Start today! Avoid having many separate conversations. Recognize the difference between “selling” and “sharing.”. He who gives an answer before he hears, it … I have learned that making a decision without that inner peace is nearly always a mistake. If you are, then you are at risk of making a bad decision. So, what does it matter if your decisions are based on promoting pure thoughts and actions? But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Revelation 21:1. That’s the way He cares for us too—every day, all year long, always. God’s Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. Define the decision. 3. The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11—”Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition.” To what things was Paul referring? If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. Harriet Buell, in her hymn “A Child of the King”. Kerby Anderson addresses making moral choices using the Bible and biblical principles, using both philosophical and practical approaches. 2 Peter 3:9. (Proverbs 24:6). There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? The following 10 principles informed by scripture will help you to make decisions that glorify God and honor others. Before announcing a decision, it’s best to take a little time, sleep on it first. Daniel’s three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). We serve the same God who said: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. John Calvin, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Making the right decision means you have to evaluate what you are doing. Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. 3; Psalm 1:1-6). 7540 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy •Biblical decisions are supported by scripture that is interpreted in context. Who can say, ”I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”’? They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. As believers we “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. With pride? But what is the biblical view of humility. Goodbye trials and troubles. The seventh principle is that of keeping records and making a budget. Ask yourself if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Recognize that we were created to depend on God for all of our needs. God’s commands are to be obeyed. This tried-and-true approach to overcoming the allure of poor decision-making can still work today. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Give others permission to speak in to your life. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. Clearly, then, it is an integral part of biblical revelation. you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety So, for each of the points below, conduct thorough research to answer each point below which can be easily researched by a simple internet search for articles and ebooks. If we think according to biblical values, we can act on them (Prov. Then we need to humbly trust God to lead is in All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). Genesis 1:28. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. Have you responded to God’s willing invitation to come to Him? . Listen to wise advice. Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the result—a new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. Psalm 119:162. Read 1 Kings 13:1-24. The short answer? Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. In today’s sermon let me share with you six practical but biblical tips about making sound decisions and these will help you make the next big decision in your life. That’s nothing compared to the treasure you’ll find when opening the covers of the Bible. applies biblical principles of decision making to major decisions such as: marriage, ministry, missions, vocation, giving, and issues where Christians differ. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. Paul’s topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Even well-meaning Christians are all over the map when it comes to ethical and moral living. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. Don’t assume that just because something is hard that it is not God’s will. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his “bones grew old” and he groaned “all the day long” (verse 3). E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” He listed them in verses 7–10. Obey God’s Word. As Peter wrote, we look for a “new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. . If you have wrong or misinformation about what the Bible says about any given topic, you’ll make a … God tells us what we should and should not do in cases of murder, lying, theft, etc. Psalm 32:4. How do you view yourself? If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to go to His Father in prayer for strengthening and guidance, how much more do we (Psalm 32:6)? Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Francis Schaeffer, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Privacy Policy, In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. . Love and Biblical Morality. Integrity of heart is indispensable. A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naïve proceed and pay the penalty. Sometimes everything can look right on the outside when I’m making a decision, but there will still be angst within my spirit. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to us—obedience to God’s Word (Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 5:8). He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? Is it the opposite of pride? The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere “up there” in the heavens. What does the Bible have to say about this decision? 1. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. Luke 6:12. When you make a decision on a questionable practice or life situation and you do not have peace in your spirit, continue to seek the Lord using the steps on the model. Titus 2:7. There are no “new” temptations in life. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Stop putting so much weight on the decision. 10 Steps Begin with prayer. The way of a fool In other words, if you’ve made your decision with prayer, sound wisdom, and biblical counsel, trust God for the outcome. [The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side… taking care of us in life when we can’t take care of ourselves. He quarrels against all sound wisdom. Sometimes He gives us general principles, sometimes He gives us specifics. Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory. We must always put him first. It is true for us today also. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32—a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Thinking according to Biblical values. He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him. Sunday School Lesson Activity 028 - 6 Biblical Principles for Making Good Decisions Author: shad sluiter www.gospelhall.org Subject: decision making will of god guidance life choices Keywords decision making will of god guidance life choices Created Date: 8/23/2010 9:34:04 PM In the middle of life’s battles, we’re tempted to question God’s ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of God’s Providence. 5 Principles for Biblical Decision Making 1. A leper approached Jesus and said, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus touched the man, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed”—and he was healed (Mark 1:40-42). God gives us peace as a protection and a guide. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. A righteous man who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his sons after him. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes... 2. A wise person carefully looks ahead to the end, trying to foresee the likely long-term consequences, before making a decision to plunge ahead. When God’s mandates go unfulfilled on earth, God’s glory is diminished. I think every Christian would agree that ethics is in crisis in our day, not only in the world, out there among unbelievers, but also in the church. Answer: Solid decision-making begins by discerning the will of God. Or what fellowship has light with darkness? In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Though mankind was given the mandate to “have dominion over” (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian’s life. 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