2. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Presented by Carl Johnson Part 1: What the Bible Doesn’t Teach Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

3. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 The Real Question is: How is God involved in the process of making decisions? Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

4. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 What is the prevailing view in Christian culture? That God has an individual blueprint for our lives. This is called God’s will or plan for our lives, and we must discover it. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

5. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There’s a certain Christian lingo that is used in our method of determining God’s will. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

6. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 “I feel led…” “I think God is telling me…” “God wants me to…” “I believe it’s God’s will that I…” “I have a peace about it…” “I’ve received confirmation about it…” “God has opened this door for me…” Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

7. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There are five things the Bible Does NOT teach: 1) The Bible does not teach that we get guidance from a feeling: “I felt led.” Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

8. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Romans 8:12-14 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh – for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

9. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Galatians 5:16-18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

10. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

11. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 1 Kings 19:10-12 (KJV) And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

12. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 1 Kings 19:13 (KJV) And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

13. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There are five things the Bible Does NOT teach: 2) The Bible does not teach that we get guidance from inner peace: “I have a peace about.” Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

14. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

15. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Colossians 3:12-14 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

16. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There are five things the Bible Does NOT teach: 3) The Bible does not teach that we get guidance from open and closed doors: “God opened the door” Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

17. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

18. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

19. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Acts 16:26-28 …and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened. When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!" Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

20. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There are five things the Bible Does NOT teach: 4) The Bible does not teach that we get guidance from fleeces or providential signs. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

21. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Judges, chapters 6-7 Gideon’s fleece Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

22. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 There are five things the Bible Does NOT teach: 5) The Bible does not teach that we get guidance from confirmations: “I received a confirmation about that.” Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

23. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Matthew 18:15-16 2 Corinthians 13:1-2 1 Timothy 5:19-20 Hebrews 10:28 Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

24. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Deuteronomy 19:5 "A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

25. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Matthew 18:15-16 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

26. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

27. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

28. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

29. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Summary: The Bible does not teach that guidance comes from feeling led, having a peace about it, open doors, fleeces, or confirmations. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

30. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Does God ever give specialized guidance in the Bible? Yes! Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

31. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 1) They are rare 2) They are an intrusion 3) Supernatural 4) Generally goes against wisdom, that’s why there needs to be a special intrusion. 5) Personalized guidance becomes God’s moral will – the command must be obeyed. 6) It’s clear. Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m

32. Decision Making and the Will of God August 12, 2007 Part 2: What is God’s Will? Twin City Fellowship www.twincityfellowship.co m