Romans Chapter One
Lesson 11
Note:
When
facing an opportunity, a decision, we can clarify our options by asking
ourselves a question:
If
I take this opportunity, this particular path, will it help or hinder me in
accomplishing my goals?
Also
when you have a choice between 2 or more options we have another question we
should ask:
Which
choice will maximize the fulfillment of my objectives or goals?
f.
Our decisions should not only conform to
God-given goals, they should reflect
right attitudes. Examples of God's will for our attitudes: [all flow from
right thinking]
(1)
love Mk
12:28-31; Jn 13:35
(2)
reliance/trust Prov
3:5-6
(3)
humility Phil
2:3-8
(4)
gratitude Col
3:17
(5)
integrity Col 3:22
(6)
diligence Col
3:23
(7)
eagerness 1 Pet
5:2
(8)
generosity 1
Tim 6:17-19
(9)
courage Jn 16:33
(10) submission Eph 5:21
(11) contentment Heb 13:5
(12) joy
Jas 1:2 (even in the midst of testing)
(13) giving thanks Eph 5:20; 1 Ths 5:18
g. God is also concerned about our behavior, (actions) for
the end does not justify, just any means.
(1) With proper goals in view, and right attitudes at
heart, our actions must be lawful (they must not be outside of the revealed
will of God - Eph
(2) and they must be wise (the
believer is not to make a decision he knows to be foolish - Eph 5:15-17; Lk 14:28-32; [needs to exercise spiritual common
sense;]
h. Our perspective on life (our world view) will largely
determine the degree to which we pursue godly goals with righteous attitudes
and wise actions, since no decision is made in a vacuum.
(1) The Christian with a world view (perspective) shaped
by Scripture will have a much different sense of self-identity; recognizes that
their self-worth is related to the one to whom they belong, Jesus Christ.
(2) This believer will face life with a deep sense of
security knowing that he is loved by God with a love which he did nothing to
earn (and which, therefore, he can do nothing to forfeit - Rom 8:31-39).
(3) This believer has a clear grasp of his personal worth
because he is aware that God has specifically equipped him to participate
meaningfully in the outworking of the eternal purposes of God. Eph 2:10;
(4) This believer also remembers that he is on assignment
for God in enemy territory. Eph
(5) It is God's moral will that we resist having our
viewpoint molded by the world.
-
Rom 12:2 "Stop being conformed to
this world"
(6) Instead, we are to walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7) seeing our lives, and therefore our decisions,
through the 'lens' of God's Word; the mirror of God's Word.
i. The perspective of faith is very
important as one faces these tough situations in life.
(1) Faith recognizes that God has neither abandoned him
nor turned against him even though he is experiencing some tough tests.
(2) Faith recognizes that the crucibles of life are a part
of the refining process; the removal of the dross of human vpt 1 Pet 1:6-7
(3) Faith realizes that wisdom, like all other benefits of
temporal experience is given progressively; its a part
of our spiritual growth.
- should learn from each test faced to aid in the next.
(4) One with faith is committed to gaining wisdom, not
just for the immediate trial but through the present trial for future
application.
Final Observations:
1. Because the Word of God contains His complete
revelation for faith and life, His complete will, it touches every aspect and moment of
our life, for that reason "it is
fully able to equip believers for every good work." (2 Tim
3:16-17)
-
Hence, our response should be obvious:
a.
We need to learn what God has said. Josh 1:8 (principle)
b.
We need to do what God has said. Dt
10:12-13; John 13:17
2. If we're to know the will of God, so that we can be
blessed by living in the sphere of His will, we must know the Word of God and
live it by faith!
3. As one observes the decision making practices of
people, one is forced to the sobering conclusion that the greatest impediments
to making good decisions are ignorance of God's Word and stubborn resistance to
God's known will. Prov