Making Wise Decisions

Sermons Making Wise Decisions
Ephesians 5:15-18

Pastor Larry E. Hopkins

Intro: No matter what age or what position you hold in life you are faced with decision making, from a teenager to the elderly, from a corporate CEO to a single parent trying to make ends meet. The decisions we make today have direct impact on the tomorrow for victories or failures.

There is a story of a young Ronald Reagan who had a pair of shoes made by a cobbler. The shoe maker asked young Regan if he wanted them with a square toe or a round toe. Reagan couldn’t decide so a few days later the cobbler asked him again but her still could not decide. About a week later the shoe maker called Reagan and told him his shoes were ready. When he saw the shoes, one had a round toe and one had a square toe. Reagan said, “I learned a lesson that day. If you don’t make your own decisions someone will make them for you.” It’s important that every major and most minor decision we make are wise decisions.

In Eph. 5:15-18 Paul tells us to be very careful as how we live. Not to be unwise or foolish but to be wise in every opportunity or decision we make. Knowing what the Lord’s will would be concerning any decision you make.

1. Eph. 5:18 Gives us the best advice on making decisions and that is to be full of the Holy Spirit.

A) John 14:15-17 tells us that the Holy Spirit was sent to us to be a counselor, teacher and helper as the spirit of truth.
1. John 14:25-26 tells us that the Holy Spirit will remind us of all the things Jesus has taught us.
2. John 16:12-13 says the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and tells us what is yet to come.
3. The Holy Spirit is a must in helping us make wise decisions but in 2 Peter 1:16-19 Peter reveals that though he, James, and John were eye witnesses and heard the voice of God as amore sure prophesy and we are to do well to pay attention to it.

B) The Word of God is the most sure, most reliable source to make wise decisions. I want to give you seven scriptures if followed will help you make wise decisions.

1. Proverbs 10:22 ‘The blessing of the Lord brings wealth and He adds no trouble to it.

A. Can God bless the decision you are about to make?
1. Will it agree or violate His commandments?
2. Have you prayed about this decision and waited for the Lord to answer.
3. If the answer is yes then He will bless and prosper your decisions.
4. If the answer is no then don’t do it.

2. Colossians 3:17 ‘whatever you do, whether it in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…’

A. Can you do what your about to decide to do in Jesus name?

3. Colossians 3:23 ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.’

A. Is the decision you are about to make a decision based on pleasing the Lord or pleasing man?

4. 1 Corinthians 8:9 ‘Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block for the weak.’

A. Is the decision you are about to make going to cause someone else to stumble or fall spiritually?
1. Some things are ok for you to do because you are mature enough in the Lord to handle it.
2. But if it were to cause someone less mature to stumble for fall spiritually Don’t Do It.

5. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ‘so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.’

A. We need to ask ourselves, ‘Is this decision going to glorify God?’
1. Will I honor and glorify God by my decision?
2. If the answer is yes-do it. If the answer is no-don’t.

6. Romans 13:8 ‘Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.’

A. If we are going to make wise decisions in any area of life these decisions must be made with the motivation of love.
1. Paul tells us in this scripture that if we walk in love one to another we will fulfill the law or God’s commandments.
2. If the decisions we make are motivated by any other things besides love- Don’t Do It.

7. Matthew 24:45-47 ‘Who then is faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth; he will put him in charge of all his possessions.’

A. One thing we know for sure – Jesus is coming back.
1. Will the decisions you make today put you in the Right Place at the Right Time doing the Right Thing when He returns?

Conclusion: Are your decisions based on God’s instructing Word and the Holy Spirits wisdom?
1. Can God bless it?
2. Can you do it in Jesus name?
3. Will it please God or man?
4. Will it cause someone to stumble?
5. Will it bring glory to God?
6. Is it motivated by love?
7. Will it put you in God’s perfect will?

Pastor Larry E. Hopkins
Larry Hopkins Ministries
larry@fearlessjourney.com

NOTE: It appears your browser does not support scripting (javascript).

Scripting is required to use this site. Please ensure scripting is enabled in your browser before continuing. If you have questions about enabling scripting on your browser please contact customer support at MyQuickResponse.