Decision-making and providence

Decisions should be grounded in a relationship with God

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

See also Ps 23:1–3; Ps 25:4–5; Ps 25:8–9; Ps 25:12; Pr 9:10 Wisdom involves making right moral decisions; Mt 6:31–33

God guides decision-making

Through Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

See also Ps 19:7–11; Ps 119:9; Ps 119:11; Ps 119:98–100; Ps 119:104–105; Ps 119:130

The temptation of Jesus Christ is a good example of how Scripture can inform decision-making:

Mt 4:4; Dt 8:3; Mt 4:7; Dt 6:16; Mt 4:10; Dt 6:13

Through supernatural intervention

Acts 18:9 KJV 1900

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

See also Ge 28:10–15; 1 Sa 16:6–7; 1 Sa 16:12; Is 30:19–21; Je 32:6–9; Ac 9:10–16; Ac 10:9–16; Ac 11:27–30; Ac 21:10–11; Ac 26:19; 1 Co 14:29–30

Through prayer

James 1:5–6 KJV 1900

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

See also 1 Ki 3:9–12; Pr 2:3–6; Mt 7:7–11; Mt 21:22; Eph 6:18

Through circumstances

Acts 6:1–4 KJV 1900

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

See also Nu 13:1–3; Dt 32:28–29; Jos 2:23–24; Ru 2:2–3; 1 Ki 3:26–28; Ac 15:19–22; Ac 16:3; Ac 20:3; Ac 20:16; 1 Co 16:8–9

The work of the Holy Spirit in decision-making

John 14:16–17 KJV 1900

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

See also Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13–15; Ac 8:29; Ac 10:19; Ac 13:2; Ac 15:28; Ac 16:6–10; 1 Jn 2:20; 1 Jn 2:27

Motivation in decision-making

Mt 6:33; Col 3:17

See also Ps 139:23–24; Mt 20:25–28; Mt 23:23; Ro 12:1; 1 Co 10:31; 2 Co 5:9; Php 4:8–9; 1 Th 4:1; 1 Th 5:8; 1 Pe 2:12; 1 Pe 4:11

Humility is essential for divine guidance

Psalm 25:9 KJV 1900

The meek will he guide in judgment: And the meek will he teach his way.

See also Dt 10:12–13; Ps 25:14; Ps 34:9–10; Ps 73:1; Ps 84:11; Is 58:9–11; Da 9:20–23

The need to test guidance

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 KJV 1900

Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.