Every day we make decisions that directly affect our faith and our relation with God, Josh. 24:15 Every day we make decisions that directly affect our faith and our relation with God, Josh. 24:15 Sometimes Christians have a hard time deciding what to do in specific situations that call for Sometimes Christians have a hard time deciding what to do in specific situations that call for clear, decisive decisions, 1 Kgs. 18:21; Jas. 4:7-10 Use some questions to exercise our senses to make right decisions, Heb. 5:14 2

1)Can you ask God to bless your decision? – Prov. 10:22: God’s blessing makes us rich beyond earthly treasures and removes sorrows, cf. Num. 6:22-27 – Psa. 19:14: Will your words and your heart be acceptable to God? 3

2)Can you thank God for it? – Col. 3:17: Whatever you do – 1 Ths. 5:18: In everything give thanks – the will of God for you 4

3)Are you doing this to the glory of God? – 1 Cor. 10:31: “a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory” (Thayer) – Phil. 1:9-11: Filled with fruits of righteousness by Christ to God’s glory 5

4)Will your decision be a stumbling block to others or help them follow Jesus? – 1 Cor. 8:13: Including matters of liberty – Matt. 18:6-10: Warned against being a stumbling block – 1 Pet. 2:11-12: Honorable conduct as light and salt (Matt. 5:13-16) 6

5)Are you doing this to please God rather than people? – Col. 3:23: Is it serving Christ with your whole heart? – Eph. 6:7: With goodwill (“well-minded”), peaceable spirit – Gal. 1:10: Please the Lord first (2 Cor. 5:9) 7

6)Have you thought ahead about the consequences of your decision? – Gal. 6:7-9: You will reap what you sow – Jas. 4:4-6: Befriending the world brings strife with God – Pain, sorrow, spiritual and eternal death – Humility before God brings grace 8

7)Would you want to be doing whatever you decide when Christ returns? – Matt. 24:44-51: Unfaithful servant is unprepared for Christ’s return; fit only for punishment when He returns – Would you do it in the presence of your earthly father? Your heavenly Father? Prov. 5:21; 15:3 9

The world will always try to make you doubt your decisions of faith (and so become lukewarm in faith, Rev. 3:15-16) The world will always try to make you doubt your decisions of faith (and so become lukewarm in faith, Rev. 3:15-16) The word of God must guide us in all our decisions The word of God must guide us in all our decisions Faith in God must direct us and determine our decisions, Heb. 11:6; 1 Jno. 5:4 Faith in God must direct us and determine our decisions, Heb. 11:6; 1 Jno. 5:4 10