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 4:25-5:14);

 

(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 6:12; "in the world but not of it."

 

 

(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 16:25;   Acts 7:51