WEEK 3: How to make wise decisions - By Ps Glyn Barrett Wise decision making is integral to being a wise person. 5 MYTHS ABOUT DECISION MAKING: Myth 1 - God’s will is hard to find People think it is but the Bible says: Proverbs 6:22 (NIV) “When you walk, they (God’s Word) will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.” Myth 2 - Ease indicates God’s way Psalm 37,23 (KJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord Our steps/way ordered by the Lord are not always easy Myth 3 - I need to feel peace It is not about the feeling. There is a difference between true peace and feelings. Sometimes our “peace” is another way of getting our own way. Myth 4 - Pros must outweigh cons When you think about bible characters (Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Paul, Daniel) you will notice that this was not the case. Myth 5 - I am bad decision maker Even if you make bad decisions you are one good decision away from becoming a good decision maker. 10 TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS: 1. What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NASB) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. SERMON NOTES PART 3: HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS
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WEEK 3: How to make wise decisions - By Ps Glyn Barrett Wise decision making is integral to being a wise person.
5 MYTHS ABOUT DECISION MAKING:
Myth 1 - God’s will is hard to findPeople think it is but the Bible says: Proverbs 6:22 (NIV) “When you walk, they (God’s Word) will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
Myth 2 - Ease indicates God’s wayPsalm 37,23 (KJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LordOur steps/way ordered by the Lord are not always easy
Myth 3 - I need to feel peaceIt is not about the feeling. There is a di�erence between true peace and feelings.Sometimes our “peace” is another way of getting our own way.
Myth 4 - Pros must outweigh consWhen you think about bible characters (Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Paul, Daniel) you will notice that this was not the case.
Myth 5 - I am bad decision makerEven if you make bad decisions you are one good decision away from becoming a good decision maker.
10 TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS:
1. What does the Bible say?1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NASB) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
SERMON NOTES
PART 3: HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS
PART 3: HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS (2)2. Get the factsProverbs 18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.Proverbs 18:17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
Don’t let wishful thinking or emotions get the best of you / two sides to every story.
3. Reject the pressure to make a decision Proverbs 19:2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs.Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Sometimes pressure comes from the “once in a lifetime” deal/opportunity. Beware of an instant gratification Don’t let fear of missing out drive your decision - When in doubt leave it out!
4. Honestly evaluate your motives Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?
Honestly assess motives, both good & bad - recognise you have blinds spots too.Ask yourself: Why am I making this decision? What is my motive?
5. Use your past to help you. Proverbs 26:11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into fool
Family background can taint us or equip us. Past failures are your grave or stepping stone to a brighter future. Making a mistake once is ok, twice is tolerable, three times = madness - LEARN
6. What do the wise say?Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory Proverbs 18:1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire. He quarrels against all sound wisdom Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his
SERMON NOTES
PART 3: HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS (3)It is important to have wise people in our lives.It is possible to seek wisdom without really wanting it. With a purpose of you trying to sell your idea. Know when to open the circle to wise people who can speak into your life.
7. Consider the consequences Proverbs 14:15 The naive believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps. Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty.
Assess the potential risks to every decision we make- IF/Then scenario.
8. Does this decision taint my integrity? Proverbs 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out Proverbs 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity, how blessed are his sons after him.
Ask yourself: Does the decision I make lead me closer to God or away from God?
9. Is there a better way to make a greater impact?Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.
10. Pray Ask God for His wisdom and guidancePhilippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Luke 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
