1. Making Christian Decisions PROVERBS 3:5-6

2. Making Christian Decisions  Often times we make the mistake of turning life into a set of rules.  As Christians a lot of times this carries over to making Christianity out to be a set of rules.  Christianity is a WAY OF LIFE!  As parents it important to remember the “WHY?” is important when teaching our children.  As Christians it’s just as important to remember the “WHY?”

3. Why We Fail to Make Christian Decisions 1.We assume it’s possible to make NO decision. (Joel 3:13,14; Deut. 30:19)  Making NO decision IS making a decision!  Jesus says, Pick a side! (Matt. 12:30) Matthew 12:30 - “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

4. Why We Fail to Make Christian Decisions 2.We allow ourselves to adopt the world’s standards of right, wrong, success, etc. (Isaiah 55:8,9)  Right now the world says:  It’s ok to be a homosexual  You’re brave and heroic to be transgender  It’s fine to murder unborn babies.  Success is measure by how much money you have, how big your house is, and what kind of car you drive. Isaiah 55:8,9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,”declares the L ORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

5. Why We Fail to Make Christian Decisions 3.We fail to surround ourselves with others that make right decisions. (1 Cor. 15:33)  Do you chose friends that make you spiritually stronger?  Do you look for a spouse that will help you reach Heaven?

6. Why We Fail to Make Christian Decisions 4.We fail to see the world’s influence in our own lives. (Romans: 12:2)  Who are you listening to?  Separate yourselves from the world Spiritually, not physically.  Do you find your behavior or actions changing depending on who you are around? Romans 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

7. Why We Fail to Make Christian Decisions 5.We never truly commit ourselves to God. (Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20)  Sometimes we try to “flirt” with the world.  Our goal should be to always remain close to God. Not trying to keep him at arms length while we “flirt” with the world.  To fully commit to God requires a love for Him that surpasses everything else. Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

8. We Have to Understand:  Every action has a consequence. Now or later, for now and for eternity.  Decisions you make not only effect you but others around you.  You can’t get to Heaven without helping someone else get there and you won’t go to Hell without dragging someone down with you.

9. Ask Yourself:  Why do I want to do this? To please myself or God?  Who in the world is influencing me? Are they who you want to be like?  Who is influencing me spiritually? (Eph. 6:10-12) Are you stronger spiritually because of them?  Could I justify this before the throne of God? (Job 40:1-8) Eph. 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

10. Ask Yourself:  Is this being true to Christ? Would Christ approve? Would He make the same decision?  Will doing this advance His cause or hurt it?  Will this violate His call for me to be distinctly different from the rebellious people of the world? (Matt. 5:13-16)  Am I demonstrating Christianity? Matthew 5:13-16 - “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

11. Ask Yourself:  What kind of place is this?  What is it conducive for? (Jeremiah 6:16)  Who will control it?  Can I control myself?  Can I hear the word “No”?  Am I disguising my Christianity?  Will you dare to always stand for Christ?  Remember, He stood for you! Jeremiah 6:16 - This is what the L ORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’