- Dr. Paul J Joseph

I. Introduction:

 Decision: Determination to follow a course of action

It affects the one who makes the decision and his surroundings

 II. The “right” and the “wrong” decisions

 “right” decision leads to blessings, following God, loving God, obeying Him, seeking the Lord, Siding the Lord.

“wrong” decisions leads to spiritual decline, defeat, confusion and curse, rejected, division & death.

  III. The two possible ways of decision making

 Making decisions based on self-convenience [Example: Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3)]

“The word of the LORD came….but Jonah ran away…....to flee from the Lord”.

 Why did Jonah decided to go to Tarshish?

Niniveh: 500 miles away from Palestine Tarshish: 2500 miles away from Palestine

Downward journey results from wrong decisions or the decisions not in line with God’s plan.

Jonah: Jewish Tradition; Ninivites: Gentiles.

Results of the right decisions: >120,000 people were saved and blessed.

God has plans for each one of us (Jeremiah 29:11)

Obedience & Submission to the will of God plays a vital role in making Godly decisions and leads to immense blessings in our lives.

 2 Making decisions not based on “lucrative” things [Example: Daniel (Daniel 1: 1-20)]

Daniel’s decision: “Not defile himself with the royal food, wine etc (Ex. 34:15)

“Scripture based decision by Daniel”, God was behind his decision (Daniel 1:9)

Blessings for making Godly decision: Daniel 1:17; Daniel 1:20

They were found 10 times wiser than other magicians and enchanters in the whole kingdom.

Daniel became a model by his right decisions and other also followed his way

IV. Ways to analyze our decisions

1. Recognize the potential conflict between our will and God’s will (Jer. 17:9). 2. Be careful not to blindly justify what you’ve already set your mind to do. 3. Examine your motivation; is my primary motivation the advancement of God’s kingdom or for the consideration of others? (Col. 3:17). 4. Get objective input; Are my spiritual mentors supportive of the decision I am considering? (Prov. 12:15, Prov. 15:22). 5. Are my parents supportive of the situation? (Eph.6:1-3). 6. Is God working in my life in my present situation?. 7. Have I sought him in prayer that I am confident He has answered? (James 1:5). 8. Does the Word say support the decision I’m considering? (make a list). 9. Does the Word say anything against the decision I am looking at? (Make a list of references). 10. Who am I trying to please with this decision? (Gal.1:10).

 V. Conclusion

 Seek Him first in everything, apply the scripture in making decisions, get council from spiritual mentors / close friends, and pray until you’re confident that God is leading you in the decision you are making.

RESULT: Blessing to yourself and your surroundings.

Paul Joseph, 03/15/03