Marriage, Home and Family Making the Right Choice Part 2

Proverbs Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Last Sunday we gave some time to the subject of “decision making” about a spouse 1.Many Christians believe that God will “tell them” who to marry. 2.If so, how would He do that? 3.Would this revelation come in the form of a feeling, an impression, or an impulse? 4.Would it come through a dream, a vision, or a sign?

If God “tells” us who to marry (or where to live, or what to do for a living)

Then I certainly need faith 1.The word “faith” means “conviction” or “persuasion” 2.The word existed in Greek culture, totally outside the world of Biblical religion. In other words, it is not, all by itself, a “religious” word. 3.“Faith” must always have a subject and an object. A.Faith must be “about” something B.Faith must be “in” something

Within the Christian perspective 1.The Object of our faith is God Himself A.Act 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 2.The subject of our faith is God’s Word A.Act 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

One of the questions that was raised was— ”what if someone can’t read, or doesn’t have a Bible?” 1.All people live in a world that is filled with what is called “common grace.” A.Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 2.This is why public preaching and reading of the Word is important. I Timothy This is why ministry to each other is important.

But I would NOT need 1.Discernment or wisdom 2.Why would I? 3.If my only task is to do exactly and specifically the thing that God tells me, what is role of discernment or wisdom? 4.And if they are unnecessary, why does the Bible magnify them?

Discernment 1.Both the OT and the NT word convey the idea of scrutiny and distinction A.Matthew And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? B.Act 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Act 10:20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

C.Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. D.Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 2.Discernment is the ability to choose between right and wrong; good and evil; helpful and harmful.

Wisdom 1.Both the OT and NT words convey the idea of skill A.Pro 3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 2.And wisdom is one of the Bible’s most highly elevated traits A.Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. B.Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man

When it comes to decision making, there are two philosophical errors we want to avoid 1.We want to avoid the thinking that says God wants to make every decision for us, on our behalf. A.God’s goal for NT people is that they make Spirit filled decisions, within the framework of the Bible i.Specifically, with reference to marriage, it may look something like this: 1Co 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

2.We want to avoid the thinking that says, “If I want it, God wants to deny it.” A.Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. B.Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. C.Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. D.1Ti_4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 1Ti_4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: