Message: “The Wisdom of Making A good Decision” from Joe Summers

The Wisdom of Making Good Decisions Lesson Objective: By the end of the sermon, we will: - Understand the biblical principles for making wise decisions. - Recognize the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making. - Be equipped with practical steps to make decisions that align with God's will. Primary Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Introduction: Life is a series of decisions. Some decisions can be monumental or life changing and others appear minute and have little impact on our lives. However, we should understand the process that we use in making decisions should be the same. Old Testament Examples: ( Major Decisions) 1. Solomon’s Request for Wisdom Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon, when given the opportunity to ask for anything, chose wisdom over wealth or power. As a result, God blessed him with wisdom, and his reign became renowned for wise decisions. - Lesson: A wise decision begins with a heart that desires God's guidance over worldly gain. 2. Joshua’s Choice to Serve the Lord ( Major Decisions) Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15 Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve, declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Lesson: Good decisions often require commitment to righteousness, even when the world may offer easier or more popular alternatives. 3. Abraham and Lot (Major Decision) Scripture: Genesis 13:5-13 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” 10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. When faced with the choice of land, Lot chose based on what appeared to be the better land (Jordan Valley) without seeking God's direction, while Abraham trusted in God's promise. - Lesson: Decisions should not be made solely on outward appearances or personal desires; God's plan often involves deeper consideration. New Testament Examples: 1. Jesus Choosing the Disciples Scripture: Luke 6:12-16 Before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He spent the entire night in prayer. This shows how even the Son of God sought divine guidance for important decisions. - Lesson: Significant decisions require time in prayer and discernment, seeking God's will above all. 2. Paul’s Decision to Preach to the Gentiles Scripture: Acts 16:6-10 Paul had planned to go into Asia, but the Holy Spirit directed him to Macedonia. This decision came through guidance from God and led to the expansion of the church. - Lesson: God’s guidance can sometimes direct us away from our own plans, but trusting His wisdom leads to fruitful results. 3. The Rich Young Ruler Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22 The rich young man asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life but, when told to give up his wealth, he made the decision to walk away from the call to follow Christ. - Lesson: Decisions rooted in attachment to material wealth or worldly priorities can lead to missed opportunities for spiritual growth. Minimal impact decisions with major consequences 1. Ruth’s Decision to Stay with Naomi Scripture: Ruth 1:16-18 - Ruth’s choice to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband may have seemed minor—a personal loyalty decision. However, this small act of faithfulness placed her in the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. - Lesson: What seems like a simple relational choice can have ripple effects in God’s larger plan. 2. David’s Decision to Bring Lunch to His Brothers Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:17-23 - David was sent by his father to bring food to his brothers on the battlefield. This mundane task led to his encounter with Goliath and his eventual rise as a national hero and king of Israel. - Lesson: Ordinary, seemingly small acts of obedience can be used by God to position us for extraordinary opportunities. Application and Practical Steps for Decision-Making: 1.Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Like Jesus, make it a habit to seek God’s wisdom in prayer before making decisions 2. Use Scripture as a Guiding Principle (Psalm 119:105). Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path Just as Solomon relied on God’s wisdom, we must lean on the Word of God to inform our decisions 3. Consider the Consequences Galatians 6:7-8 .Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life Use examples like Lot or the Rich Young Ruler to illustrate how decisions can have long-term consequences, either for good or ill 4. Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” We are all encouraged to seek advice from mature believers when facing major decisions. Conclusion: Making good decisions is a reflection of trusting God and seeking His wisdom. Through prayer, biblical guidance, and reliance on godly counsel, we can navigate life’s choices in a way that honors God and leads to His blessing. From monumental decisions like Jesus going to the cross, to seemingly small choices like Ruth staying with Naomi, God works through all types of decisions to bring about His purposes. It’s a reminder that every decision, whether big or small, should be approached with prayer and a heart that seeks God's guidance. Application: - Big or small, all decisions matter: Whether the decision is about a career move, a relationship, or a seemingly minor task, it can become a significant turning point when guided by faith and obedience to God. God uses both monumental and small decisions: I encourage each of us to recognize that even small decisions can have life-altering impacts, as God often works through our everyday choices Application: - Big or small, all decisions matter: Whether the decision is about a career move, a relationship, or a seemingly minor task, it can become a significant turning point when guided by faith and obedience to God. - God uses both monumental and small decisions: Encourage your congregation to recognize that even small decisions can have life-altering impacts, as God often works through our everyday choices.

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