Making Wise Decisions
I do not intend to do a lot of preaching through this website, preferring that our ongoing communication be of a more personal nature. But, I’d like to give you a window into this important part of my life. As pastor, I am in the process of teaching/preaching through the book of I John on Sundays.
When I preach, I seek to make the study of the Bible practical, applicable to daily living. The book of I John is great for such insight. In this particular section, I believe God’s Word tutors us in the making of decisions. In all matters of life, we would be wise to seek God’s guidance before we move forward. Following are some guidelines. I will leave out most of the commentary, illustrations, and scripture quotations. If you have deeper interest, I’ll be glad to e-mail you my sermon notes.
Take a look, see what you think, and send me some commentary if you would like!
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Making Wise Decisions
I John 3:19-23
4 Essential Questions to consider in approaching the challenges of life:
(1) Does this matter help or hinder my life of prayer? (v. 21-22a)
Wonderful is the open channel of rich communication with God
So necessary for your well-being, and the world you encounter
Sin and disobedience makes heavy the heart of the believer
If you are not keeping His commandments and pleasing Him, then the Holy Spirit causes you to know it
Psalm 66:18
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
(2) Does this matter obey or disobey His commands? (v. 22)
We discern His commands through thoughtful study and application of the scriptures
Moral relativity calls for self to be the determiner of right and wrong, good and bad
Christianity calls for God to be the determiner
Our challenge is to discern His will in these matters
I believe 95% of His direct will for our lives is concretely communicated through scripture
II Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
(3) Does this matter honor or dishonor the name of Jesus Christ? (v. 23)
Can you pursue this direction, or commit this act, in His name?
The “wwjd” question
Will this portray Him in a true and positive way?
Will this portray Him in a false and negative way?
(4) Does this matter do service or disservice to the cause of Godly love? (v. 23b)
He commands us to love one another
John 13:35
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Love is an action, not an emotion
Love is a deliberate direction of the will, not necessarily the heart
Love means treating someone, and others, as Jesus would treat them
Does it truly pursue the highest good for others?
