Lesson 17 - May 16, 2001

Ø Choices God Leaves to Us

1. Choices relative to the Unbeliever.

Everything that the UB chooses or wills is under a definite influence.

Rom 6:17 Paul is looking here at the pre-salvation condition of those to whom he is writing!

2. How does the Believer Operate?

We're free to will and the will is to be in submission to God.

Ø Why has God, who is sovereign, allowed choice?

1. Because God desires to bless wise choices!

What is wisdom?? Skill or ability to put things together and make good sound decisions; to make wise applications of truth.

2. God allows choice because it fulfills the function of our mind!

3. Because it demonstrates just how Sovereign He is!!

Prov 19:21 gives us an absolutely profound statement!

4. By allowing choice, it provides living examples of the value of BD.

5. Because right choices are necessary for spiritual growth!

Only doctrine, God's Word gives us the capacity to make quality choices in life!

Ø Some Implications of the God - Given right to Choose

First Assumption.

God allows His creatures to make choices.

1. Freedom to choose carries with it the responsibility for the choice, and its consequences!

Illust: Gen. 25:27f situation with Esau.

Heb. 12:16-17

2. We can not say that we are mature in any sense of the word until we accept full responsibility for our choices!

Illust. #1 In Gen. 3:6 see the choice!

God said, You are responsible for your decision Eve, and I will hold you responsible for it!

We know that from Gen. 3:11-12