DECISION-MAKING FOR DUMMIES

Ever make a really dumb decision: Jane and travel packets.

Intro:

1.    I’d helped plant a church in the mid-70’s.

2.    3 years later there was some unrest in my soul.

3.    Visit TRBC Super Conference and sought counsel.

4.    6 months later had an offer to work in Middle School.

5.    Career decision: From small church to large church.  From number 2 to one of many pastors.

6.    Pray for answer.

a.    Just built home.  Deacon/friend built it.

b.    Tried fleece with him: Drive by today – yes.  Not drive by – no.

c.     Tried self-talk: I’ll go – yes.  I’ll stay - yes.

d.    Deadline day: Called deacon and told story.

e.    Deacon said “Go.” 

f.      30 seconds later phone call.  I’ll go.

How did I make this correct life-changing decision?

How did I know that the deacon had the answer?

One thing!

I was knew that I was hearing clearly from God!

That’s it: One point today.  “ARE YOU HEARING CLEARLY FROM GOD?”

That is how you make all decisions: large and small one.

I. Biblical foundation for Decision-Making

1.    Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

            And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of             your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will             of God.”

            Present self – Transform mind.

            “COMITTED HEART.”  Lord, I give you my heart.

2.    Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.”

            NOT I BUT CHRIST – approach.

            Trust - Lean not - Acknowledge

            “OPEN HANDS.”  Lord, I give you control.  You make better decisions than me.

II. Doors to Decision-Making

1.    Wisdom: James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

a.    Example: Debt,  job, relationship, parenting,

2.    Discernment:  Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.”

            Discernment is an ever-growing process. 

            Not about bad vs. good, but about good vs. better and better vs. best!

a.   Example: buy car vs. give to Fellowship Hall. 

b.    Example: Our pastor – weighs decisions and does not move until hears from             God.

3.    Word of God: Is this decision consistent with God’s word? Does it violate the word?  Psalm 119:11 “Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

a.      Example: NOT. Live together unmarried and want God to stop former wife from getting child custody;  Tough situation, but must honor God’s word.

4.    Godly counsel:  Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

            Godly counsel will have Godly wisdom.

            Bad counsel will lack wisdom.

            Examples:

a.      Wrong advice: Job (Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar)

b.       Agreeable counsel: just mimic what you want.  Still bad counsel.

5.     The quiet places of your heart. Psalm 46:10a “Be still and know that I am God.”

a.   Example: return to Lynchburg.

b.      Example: Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-3)

1)    He was already obeying all he knew – Served Eli

2)    He lay quiet and still – no distractions.

3)    He lived in the presence of God – Here I am.

4)    Decision-Making; begins with childlike faith.

Invitation:

So I ask you one more time –

ARE YOU HEARING CLEARLY FROM GOD?

It begins with by making certain Jesus is you Lord and Savior.