How To Make A Godly Decision

3/20/2005

TEXT: Acts 11:1-18

ETS: Peter defends taking the Gospel to then Gentiles at Cornelius’ house.

ESS: Believers must have direction from God for their actions.

OSS: Believers will commit to seeking God’s directions for their actions.

PQ: How can I be sure that I am making the Godly decision?

UW: Principles

TOPIC: “How to Make A Godly Decision”

INTRODUCTION:

I-  GET CLEAR DIRECTIONS BEFORE EMBARKING ON A TASK (VSS. 1-12).

A-    There is always an accountability factor to be considered for any action.

1.      We are accountable to God. (Romans 14:12) “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

2.      We are accountable to each other.

·         Text

·         Paul’s Accountability to the other apostles (Acts 15:6-29).

B-    Be ready to share the clear direction that God has given (vs. 4-12).

1-      You can only share it if you have received it.

2-       Clear direction enables you to move with confidence.

·         God’s servants always moved with confidence when they had clear direction from God.

Ø  Moses

Ø  Joshua

Ø  Elijah

Ø  David

II- OBSERVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ORDERED BY GOD (Vs. 13-15).

A-     God is always at work ahead of us to order the circumstances (Vs. 13-14).

1- God works on both ends to create a dynamic situation.

a.       He was at work with Cornelius before he worked on Peter to meet the need.

b.      He was at work on the Ethiopian Eunich before he commanded Philip to witness to him (Acts 8:26-40)

c.       When the Lord commands us to do something, He has already been at work manipulating the circumstances to bring about the desired result.

1)      The desired result is what He desires.. not necessarily what we desire.

(Isaiah 55:9) “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

B-    God confirms his will by acting on our behalf (vs 15).

1- God’s hand becomes obvious in the situation.

a- As Peter followed the direction he received, God confirmed it by pouring out His Spirit.

b-      Joshua followed God’s directions, and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down!

III- MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS SUPPORTING SCRIPTURAL BACK-UP  (VSS. 16-17).

A-     God’s directions will always move in line with scripture (vs. 16).

1-      Scripture is given by a perfect God (2 Timothy 3:16). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”

2-      A perfect God cannot contradict Himself (Heb. 13:8). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

3-      God’s directions will not contradict His written Word (Luke 21:33). "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

B-    God’s actions will always move in line with scripture (vs. 17).

1-      God will always confirm scripture with action.

(1 Samuel 15:29) "And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent."

 (Titus 1:2b). ”…God,… cannot lie…”

·   When he promised to save those who call upon Him (Rom. 10:13)  "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.", he will do so.

·   When He promised to provide our needs (Phil. 4:19) “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” .he will.

C-    Since scripture is hinged to the immutability of God, our actions should always have a scriptural basis.

1-      If there is a scriptural principle to base the direction on, it is safe.

IV- BE SURE THAT THE LORD WILL BE GLORIFIED BY THIS ACTION       (VS 18).

A-    The mouths of the opposition will be stopped, if they are sensitive to God         (vs. 18a)

1-      When scriptural, Holy-Spirit-led reasons are given to godly people, they will follow what God has said to do. (Psalms 40:8) “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart."

a-      If a person continues to resist what has been led by the Spirit, and backed up with scripture, they are in rebellion against God after all, He is Lord! (Job 24:13)  "There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways Nor abide in its paths.”

B-          God will be glorified through the action (vs. 18b)

1-      The question must always be asked. “Who will be glorified?

2-      A Spirit-led, scripturally based decision will always lead to God being Glorified.

CONCLUSION: