Knowing God’s will is based on an intimate relationship with him. The acronym “D.E.C.I.D.E” is six practical steps for making godly decisions.
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0:00 – Opening
1:22 – SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT: KNOWING GOD’S BASED ON HAVING AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM
1:54 – WHY DOESN’T GOD JUST LAY OUT EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES ONCE WE GET SAVED? God has given each of us a spiritual gift to use (1 Cor. 12, Rom. 12). God is not going to “map out our lives” like an information center. God is more interested in creating an intimate relationship with us.
3:11 – WHAT DOES AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD LOOK LIKE? 3 THINGS:
- INCREASING FAITH IN GOD
- RELIANCE ON THE WORD
- SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
4:30 – 4 RESOURCES FOR MAKING DECISIONS AS CHRISTIANS:
- BIBLE
- HOLY SPIRIT
- PRAYER
- LIVING A GODLY LIFESTYLE
5:07 – 1. BIBLE: When we obey Scripture, we are in step with God’s thoughts and ways and able to hear His voice more clearly.
6:40 – 2. THE HOLY SPIRIT: He is the “Spirit of truth” (John 16:13) who illuminates the Bible and informs our decisions
9:34 – 3. PRAYER
– “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5).
-And as our faith matures, we learn to seek God’s will, not by asking for what we want, BUT what God wants for us.
11:32 – 3. LIVING A GODLY LIFESTYLE: The more you follow Jesus in your lifestyle, the more confident you become in future decisions.
– Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
-Part of this testing means “actually testing it out.”
14:20 – SO WHAT? HOW DO WE MAKE GOOD GODLY DECISIONS? 6 STEPS FOR MAKING DECISIONS: “D.E.C.I.D.E.”
14:55 – D: DEFINE THE ISSUE: Know the issue, the available options, and discard options outside God’s will.
15:10 – E: EVERYONE IS ASKED: Seek godly counsel (Prov. 15:22) from mature Christians.
16:47 -C: CHRIST FIRST: Confess any sin that would desensitize you to God’s leading and commit this decision to Jesus.
17:14 – I: “IN GOD’S TIME” (BE PATIENT): It may take time for the Lord to make his will clear to us.
18:52 – D: DECIDE TO TRUST THE LORD WITH YOUR DECISION.
19:17 – E: EXALT GOD FOR YOUR SUCCESS.
19:42 – HOW DO I KNOW IF I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION?
- It is consistent with the Bible
- It glorifies God
22:09 – WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP IN MAKING DECISIONS?
-PRAY BEFORE: First, pray to God before making decisions
-ASSESS AFTER: Ask yourself, “Was God pleased as best I knew how?
22:48 – Thank you and wrap up
