Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Researches have said that the average person makes over 35,000 decisions a day.

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that we make over 200 decisions a day on food alone.

(Should I have another cup of coffee?)

How are you wise in making decisions?

When you have multiple options in front of you, how do you determine which is the best choice?

Today’s message lay’s out a Biblical method in making wise decisions.

Illustration

“In an experiment examining the effects of choice on happiness, Iyengar and Lepper randomized individuals to either a group in which they could choose from 30 types of chocolate or a group in which they could choose from six types of chocolate.

While subjects initially reported liking having the choice of 30 chocolates, they ended up being more dissatisfied and regretful of the choices they made than those who only had the choice of six.” –Frederick Muench, Ph.

D

Joke

Two men got out of their cars after they collided at an intersection.

One took a flask from his pocket and said to the other, "Here, maybe you'd like a nip to calm your nerves."

"Thanks," he said, and took a big gulp from the container.

"Here, you have one, too," he added, handing back the whiskey.

"Well, I'd rather not," said the first.

"At least not until after the police have been here."

In the process of Wisdom in Decision Making, let us carefully consider this proverb and find application in it:

Transition

Many people are paralyzed when it comes to decision making.

They don’t want to make the wrong decision or some struggle with FOMO.

As a believer, we are afraid of displeasing God or missing God’s Will in making a decision.

If you are married; He or she is the “one for you.”

David, the "man after God's own heart"

(see ; ), But David wasn't perfect.

While we know that he loved God and pursued Him, he also had his share of faulty decision-making, some of which are seen in

acts

1. Inquire of the Lord

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

The word “trust” means “to lie helpless, facedown.”

It pictures a servant waiting for the master’s command in readiness to obey, or a defeated soldier yielding himself to the conquering general.

(Wiersbe)

Solomon asked the Lord for Wisdom and God granted it to him.

“Since you have asked … I will do what you have asked.”

(1 Kings 3:11-12)

Daniel admitted that he did not have any wisdom in himself but gave credit to God as he prayed:

Wisdom is not a teaching, but rather a person named Jesus.

When God calls everyone to pursue wisdom, it’s a call to know Him through the Lord Jesus.

He is the wisdom of God.

Illustration - Signs from God (3 slides)

In the clouds

In your food

Signs on the road

There’s a better way to hear from God …

2. Trust The Wisdom of God’s Word

“Lean not on your own understanding”

Wisdom begins with a relationship with Jesus and a knowledge of who God is.

Developing a greater knowledge of the character of God.

This is where you take time to consider who God is, what has He said in His word, what has He said about Himself, about you, the circumstance, and our relationships, and His expectations on us.

We start with the Bible because not only is it the truest information we have, but because it is alive!

In decision-making we tend to start with things we don’t know and work through to the things we do know.

The best way to do it is to start with the things you do know and then work toward the things you don’t.

What we know is that the Word is always true; it’s breathed out by an infinite eternal God.

It’s going to be true to whatever it speaks to.

Practical Tip: You should ask if what you’re considering is sin?

Does God’s Word forbid you to do the thing you’re thinking about doing?

If the answer is yes, then this process is over.

This process is not to help you to think through whether should you sin or not.

It’s not meant to help you justify thinking or feeling or acting contrary to God’s Word.

3. Ask For Godly Council

“In all your ways acknowledge him”

One of the greatest gifts God has given His people is His people.

So often we neglect or ignore the collective wisdom God has given in this room.

When proven, Godly people speak into your life and decisions, there is safety.

When you isolate yourself and don’t let people speak into your life, you break out against all sound judgment to your own harm.

Practical Tip: So when you think about godly counsel, there are three different spheres of people to think about.

Family and trusted people who know you best: They can tell you an honest perspective of yourself and let you know how your personality and tendencies are affecting your decision-making.

People in your church who have demonstrated wisdom in the area you’re struggling with or the area you need guidance in: Go to people who have handled what you’re dealing with in a wise way.

Ask somebody else, there are people in this church that have walked through the season you’re in that you can benefit from.

Seek them out.

Ask around for someone who has been wise in parenting, investment, dating, career.

Benefit from the larger church.

Seek out your Pastors and Elders: Every pastor and elder here has been placed over this church to serve you.

We love getting to be your pastors.

It’s a privilege that you would entrust part of your spiritual life to us and listen to the teachings of God from us.

Don’t ever think you can’t reach out to us.

4. Make a Decision and Do It

“He will make straight your paths”

You can make a wise decision without a vision or sign from God.

So many of us don’t want to make a decision until God tells us exactly what to do.

2 pet

“His Divine Power” - Charles Spurgeon was enamored by this phrase!

This is the same power that dug the foundations of the earth and sea, “guides the marches of the stars of heaven!”

And will one day shake them all!

Sometimes it seems as though we are willing to try almost anything except the knowledge of Him.

You can pray, go to God’s Word and people and still be completely paralyzed in making a decision, because you’re waiting for some mystical moment when God whispers in your ear what to do.

Just like we as parents want to teach our children to eventually make their own decisions, Your Father wants to empower you to be able to make wise decisions.

Walk with the Lord and He will bless your steps!

5. Ask for Faith

What you and I need is faith to trust Him, His decisions, and what He decides to bring in to our life.

He is directing our life.

“God is too good to be unkind.

He is too wise to be confused.

If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.”

– Charles Spurgeon

“God is too good to be unkind.

He is too wise to be confused.

If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.”

– Charles Spurgeon