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Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:14-20

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Intro.

1. Every day we make decisions that directly affect our faith and our relation with God, cf. Josh. 24:15.

2. Sometimes Christians have a hard time deciding what to do in specific situations that call for a clear decision, cf. 1 Kgs. 18:21; Jas. 4:7-10.

3. Consider these questions to ask yourself before you decide – to help you decide to do the will of God. (All of these questions are predicated on a desire to please God.)

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 approved by God?

2. Can you thank God for it?

-Col. 3:17: Whatever you do.

-1 Thess. 5:18: In everything give thanks…will of God for you.

3. Is God glorified by it?

-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.

4. Will your decision be a stumbling block to others, or help them follow Jesus?

-1 Cor. 8:13: Even in matters of liberty, the spiritual effect we have on others is a paramount concern.

-Matt. 18:6-10: Warning against being a stumbling block; drastic remedy to remove the offense.

-1 Pet. 2:11-12 (Matt. 5:13-14): Honorable conduct as lights and salt that helps convert the lost.

5. Are you doing this to please God rather than others?

-Col. 3:23: Is it serving God with vitality?

-Eph 6:7: With goodwill (“well-minded”); well disposed, peaceable spirit.

-Gal. 1:10 (2 Cor. 5:9): Please the Lord first; not men.

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.

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 Father?

Conclusion

1. The world will always try to make you halt and doubt your decisions (and so be lukewarm in faith, Rev. 3:15-16).

2. 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.