I AM CONCERNED ... ABOUT THE WAY WE MAKE OUR DECISIONS(2)
May 28, 2000 AM
Sermon Outline
Heb 11:25-27
INTRO: Last Lords day morning we began this sermon of my expressions of concern for the way we make our life decisions. Our decisions are reflecting, more and more, the influence of the word and are made, too often, in favor of the worlds standards. In our text is Moses. He is confronted with a decision which cannot be avoided...which must be made. The world probably would have considered Moses to be very foolish in his decision. He gave up great power and wealth to cast his lot with the people of God. But he did something very wise. He looked beyond the momentary pleasure to ultimate consequences! So must we.
I. SOME WAYS WE SEEM TO MAKE DECISIONS ...
A. On the basis of personal taste/desire
B. On the basis of convenience
C. On the basis of emotion, feeling
D. On the basis of popularity
E. On the basis that every one does it
1. the majority cant be wrong
2. oh, but how wrong, the everyone can be! (crucify Him - Mt 27:20-23
3. right and wrong, where spiritual and moral values are concerned, are decided by God - note by majorities, legislation, monarchs, dictators
4. and we are so group conscious that the idea of going it alone is repugnant to us
5. Ex 23:2a has become a great admonition to me
F. On the basis of ignorance
1. I didnt know that
2. 1 Tim 1:13 I expect a great many choices are made in ignorance ... but can we be indifferent about knowing since so many life decisions are not matters of indifference?
3. Acts 17:30 with Ps 25:4,5
G. On the basis of thoughtlessness
1. I just wasnt thinking (Deut 32:29 & Hag 1:5)
2. lifes decisions are too critical to our present and future not to think through them
3. Ps 90:12 this is the answer to thoughtlessness
II. IN OUR DECISIONS, CHOICES ...
A. Are we educated, informed by the word?
1. or do we immediately plead ignorance and choose?
2. Ps 73:22-24 let God do the guiding!
B. Do we consider that we are Gods children?
1. or does that even occur to us?
2. Rom 8:14,16,29 His children are supposed to be acting like Jesus!
C. Do we even think of the spiritual side of our choices?
1. is it possible we are just worldly people?
2. consider Rom 6:10-12,16
D. Do we consider the power of our influence?
1. if we make an unwise spiritual, moral decision, how many others will be affected?
2. Rom 14:7!!
CLOSE: I implore that all of us think carefully in the decisions and choices of each day. Do our decisions and choices bring us closer to God?
Cecil A. Hutson
28 May 2000