Bible Study
Home
Bible Study
Articles
Video Lessons
Video Devotions
Audio Lessons
Podcasts
Topical Scripture Guide
eBooks
The Lord's Church
Salvation
Interactive Lessons
Games & Quizzes
Children's Bible Stories
Bible in a Year
FAQs
 
Reference
Articles
Topical Scripture Guide
eBooks
Geography
 
Links
Links: Audio Bible
Links: Bible Study
Links: eBooks
Links: Geography
Links: Greek
Links: Hebrew
Links: Maps
Links: Youth
 
Visit us on Facebook
Live Chat
Bookmark and Share

Christians Must Prepare to Make Decisions
Bible study on making decisions.

This is the time of year that our high school football players are preparing to play football. No one would expect our young men to be a good football team without preparing themselves to play. And we should not expect ourselves to make godly decisions without preparing ourselves.

Paul wrote to Timothy: ". . . and exercise yourself rather to godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Tim. 4:7-8). And to the Hebrews Paul wrote: "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).

All behavior comes from the heart (Matt. 15:17-20). We must exercise and condition our heart so that it is strong and stable whereby we make, and carry out, godly decisions. And having done this, we love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37f).

How do I prepare my heart?

First, our heart must be cleansed (2 Tim. 2:20-23). If our heart is not first right with God being pure and clean, it is impossible to make godly decisions.

Second, we must sanctify God in our hearts. Note Peter's instructions here whereby one is able to stand strong against any trouble while making godly decisions. "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Pet. 3:13- 17).

Carefully consider Peter's instruction to sanctify the Lord God in your heart. If I have made God holy, set Him apart as Lord in my heart, I will make godly decisions. God is my honored guest. Everything I do is to please Him. I do not fear others as long as I am pleasing God. I am not afraid of threats and ridicule from peers. God strengthens me to stand firm against all evil.

Let me also suggest that it is helpful to make decisions in advance. God has made some decisions in advance. God determined (decided in advance) the betrayal, sentence, and death of Jesus (Lk. 22:22). And among other things, God has determined the times and boundaries of mankind (Acts 17:26). So we can learn from God to make decisions in advance. We prepare ourselves to make godly decisions by making the decision in advance and by rehearsing our answer communicating our decision.

Lastly, let me suggest that we need to put ourselves in a good environment. Paul says: "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (1 Cor. 15:33). I have a personal responsibility to create and choose the best possible environment for making godly decisions. Thus, as parents we must make godly homes and schools for ourselves and our children (Eph. 5:22-6:4). As employers we have a responsibility to make a godly work environment (Eph. 5:9). And as employees, we have a responsibility to subject ourselves to employers and environments that are godly while doing our part in creating and maintaining a godly atmosphere (Eph. 6:5-8).

We must prepare to make godly decisions. Have you prepared yourself? Or, are you like a football player trying to compete without going to camp or to the practices. If we do not continually prepare ourselves to stand firm against the wiles of the devil, we will be like the football team that never practiced - we will lose the contest, the prize will be lost forever.