The Key to Making Wise Decisions

[rizen1]

The Key to Making Wise Decisions
iNTOUCHmINISTRIES

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 5:14-28

I. How do you make significant decisions?
The best way to make choices in life is to rely on the principles found in God’s Word. Daniel knew how to make choices based on the unchanging truths of Scripture. Although he was under tremendous pressure to live like the Babylonians, he stayed true to the biblical principles he had learned as a young child.

II. The Historical Setting

A. After conquering Jerusalem, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon selected the brightest and most capable young Jewish men. Along with others, Daniel was trained in the culture, literature, religion, and world view of his captors.

B. Daniel and the other young men knew how to make righteous choices even in an ungodly setting.

III. Principle and Preference

A. Principle––a fixed or predetermined mode of conduct, or a moral rule based on the Word of God. As Christians, we should live by convictions that are grounded in the Word of God.

B. Preference––a moral choice based on likes and dislikes or whatever seems best in the moment. A person who operates on this basis asks, “What is going to make me feel good, please me, honor me, or benefit me?”

IV. Daniel’s Example

A. Refusing to the king’s rich food. Rather than eat non-kosher food, Daniel asked if he and his friends could eat only vegetables and drink only water. God honored them for keeping their convictions, and Daniel and his friends looked healthier than the other young men (see Daniel 1:1-16).

B. Disregarding the law against prayer. When prayer was outlawed, Daniel continued to kneel daily before the Lord. Although he was arrested and thrown into a pit of lions, God spared his life (see Daniel 6:4-24). Daniel was restored to his position of authority and served as a leader for approximately 70 years under four different kings. He also wrote some of the most significant prophecies in the Bible.

V. Areas of Principle

Our choices should be guided by core beliefs such as these:

A. Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world (John 14:6).

B. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and, as such, is infallible and inerrant (2 Tim. 3:16).

C. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).

D. Money is not a god (see Hebrews 13:5).

E. The proper place for sexual relations is marriage (1 Thess. 4:3-7).

VI. Living by Preference

People fail to align their lives with biblical principles because of . . .

A. The fear of rejection: People are afraid if they go against the crowd, others won’t like them.

B. Greed: Some are willing to be dishonest or unkind to make more money or get the promotion they seek.

C. Compromise: Rationalizing sin is a quick route to bondage to it.

VII. Living by Principle

Daniel and his friends were willing to die rather than worship a false god (Dan. 3:18). We should have the same commitment to obeying God. Sometimes He will rescue you; other times, He will walk with you through difficulty or persecution.

How can you become a person of conviction? You must:

A. Live for a cause greater than yourself. In other words, live for Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

B. Know what you believe. Don’t even consider choices that are forbidden by God’s Word.

C. Expect conflict. If you live by godly principles, not everyone will understand. Your high standards may make others so uncomfortable that they reject you.

D. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. Decide to follow His direction without regard to the results of obedience. He is with you no matter what happens.

E. Remember our Lord is sovereign. He is absolutely in control of all that happens in this world.

IIX. Conclusion:

Principle or preference: which of these two words best describes how you make moral decisions? My prayer is that you will choose to live your life based on the unchanging truths found in God’s Word. Obeying Him always results in internal peace and joy, regardless of the external circumstances. Surrender your preferences to God and let Him show you how to live by His holy, unchanging principles

 

[april showers]

Maybe because I have a bad memory, or maybe because I am just plain tired out, I like to follow this simple rule.

Romans 8:14 (King James Version)


14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

What I mean is, if you are trying to decide something, first of all ask God. Then watch and see if circumstances support your decision, and lastly watch the fruit that results.

Of course make sure your decision is in line with Scripture, but I would hope that goes without saying in this forum.

Watch all circumstances and monitor all thoughts that come into your head. When some strange thought comes along, it may be from God or it may be from another source. I have made the mistake of having thoughts that I wasn't sure were from God, but I did not follow through with ASKING HIM if it was from Him and ASKING HIM what it meant. After certain things happened to confirm that the thought was from Him, I realized it was a warning, but the damage had already been done. Had I ASKED what the strange thought meant, perhaps God would have shown me then what to do to prevent a problem.

I would say that it is a matter of committing everything to Him. Assume nothing, which is easier said than done. I am greatly challenged to ask God about everything, rather than just try to get everything done in my life that has to be done every day with a large family to take care of. Yes, there is much to do, but I have to learn how to do it WITH Jesus instead of just trying to get it all done.

 

[rizen1]

Romans 8:14 (King James Version)
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

What I mean is, if you are trying to decide something, first of all ask God. Then watch and see if circumstances support your decision, and lastly watch the fruit that results

This is all true and good, the only thing is we tend to forget when we are praying someone else is listening. We walk among wolves in sheep clothing and deceiving tongues. The devil have no problem granting you what appears to be the answers to your prayers. When it comes to huge life choices ( marriage, choosing a church ), sometimes what feels right ( that being lead feeling ) and what looks right ( the fruits ) are demons in disguise or our near destruction.

Left with the feeling of disappointment asking God why ? left to explain to people that you really didn't hear from God.


These principles may not be for everyone, but too often because something feels right, looks right and we believe it's of God and from God, we no longer look for red flags or we ignore the signs. If this is God's will he will fix my wife, my boss or my pastor. Or this is a test from God or this too shall pass. ( when we see the red flags and holding on because we believe we were led by the spirit )

I agree with that verse, and I love it more in it's context.

Romans 8: 12-16
12So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--

13for (Y)if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are (Z)putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14For all who are (AA)being led by the Spirit of God, these are (AB)sons of God.

15For you (AC)have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you (AD)have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "(AE)Abba! Father!"

16The Spirit Himself (AF)testifies with our spirit that we are (AG)children of God,

From these verses we know the only way we can say we are being led by the spirit is when we put the flesh to death. These verse put it together perfect.

5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on (L)the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, (M)the things of the Spirit.

6(N)For the mind set on the flesh is (O)death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace

V5 says mentions " things of the flesh" and "things of the spirit, " we must have some sort of guidelines or principles to follow to help identify what is of God.

I know Christians who are confident and would pray and dive right into decisions, but not everyone is the same. I'm learning not only to trust God but to acknowledge my judgment is going to be wrong sometimes.

Thanks for sharing, I love Romans 8

 

[april showers]

If there is one thing I am learning, it is that the cross is the central element of the Christian faith. That is to say, your words are so true:

"From these verses we know the only way we can say we are being led by the spirit is when we put the flesh to death."


The key, then, is to pray according to God's will. Only then can we be assured of having our prayers answered.


1 John 5:14 (New International Version, ©2010)

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

 

[abraham]

I believe the wise choice I make comes from proverb, I like what king solomon says such as ; proverbs 1:8-9

Proverbs2:2-3

Proverbs12:18-19

Wisdom from God is what we should seek.

Romans12:2-4

Don't change ourselves to be like the people of this world but be changed inside yourselves with a new way of thinking. I believe he telling us to renew our mind so the things we say will come from the holy spirit.

 

[stephen]

Excellent thread Risen One. Uplifted as I read. And guided.

Blessings.