Key Verse
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV)
Stop asking the question is this wrong for me, and start asking is this wise for me.
- Walk Carefully
Walking carefully gives us the idea that we are to scope out the situation and think ahead to the domino effect this decision will have when we make it. Get an idea of what is to come before it’s too late.
We are to walk carefully because the arena in which we are walking is a dangerous one.
- Understand the Will of the Lord– Ephesians 5:17
Paul is telling us to “face up to what you know in your heart is the will of the Lord”. You know the right thing to do, it’s in your heart and you know what is true! As long as you are honest with yourself, you’ll know the wise decision to make.
Choices have consequences, we must make wise choices to avoid tough consequences.
- 3 Types of People – Who will you be?
- The Fool
- The Scoffer
- The Wise
Proverbs 28:26 (NKJV) – He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
10 questions to ask yourself in making a decision.
1.What does the bible say about making decisions?
Proverbs 2:6, Proverbs 3:5-6, I Corinthians 10:31, II Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 22:7, Philippians 4:8
2.Do I have all the facts? (do I know the whole story)
Proverbs 18:13,17
4 sides to a story.
3.Am I being pressured by time or people in making a premature decision?
Proverbs 19:2, Proverbs 21:5
Another’s procrastination doesn’t equal an emergency on my part.
4.What motives are driving my decision?
Proverbs 16:2, Proverbs 20:9
Why do I do what I do?
5.Have I considered past experiences in making this decision?
Proverbs 26:11, Proverbs 17:10
Find someone who will tell you where the potholes are and how deep they are.
6.Have I asked for counsel from multiple people?
Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 18:1-2
Multitude of counselors there is safety.
Friends for seasons and for reasons.
No meeting after the meeting!
7.Have I disregarded any warning red flags?
Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 16:25, Proverbs 27:6
Have I blown past the stop signs?
Don’t ignore the checks, the checks are pointing you to a better decision.
You will not be the exception to the rule. Past performance equals future results, unless there is an encounter with Jesus.
8.Have I considered the outcomes and consequences for my course of action?
Proverbs 14:1,15, Proverbs 27:12
What’s the domino effect of this decision?
9.Could this decision cause my integrity or my witness for the Lord to be questioned?
Proverbs 25:26, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 20:7, Proverbs 22:1
Is it keeping your life above reproach?
Can your good be evil spoken of?
10. Will this allow me to make a greater impact for God’s Kingdom?
Proverbs 11:30
Only what you do for the Kingdom will last.
We must make maximum impact for the kingdom.
If you lack wisdom, ask God to give it to you.
James 1:5 (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 1:7 NKJV
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
Butfools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
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