Aligning Decisions with Jesus' Values for Abundant Living
Summary
In our journey of decision-making, it's crucial to not only make the right decisions but to follow through with them. Often, we find ourselves making decisions that align with our values, yet we fail to act on them, rendering those decisions ineffective. This series is about moving from decision to outcome, overcoming obstacles, and aligning our choices with the values of Jesus. Jesus exemplified this by making a decision to redeem humanity and then walking it out, despite the challenges He faced. His unwavering commitment to His values is a model for us.
To make decisions like Jesus, we must adopt His values and pre-decide our actions based on those values. This involves resisting the temptation to make decisions based on circumstances or emotions. Satan often tries to twist our values, leading us to make decisions that align with his desired outcomes rather than God's. He can't create new values but can distort existing ones, leading us away from the abundant life Jesus offers.
We must be vigilant, as Satan's goal is to undermine our values and lead us into a cycle of blame, shame, and condemnation. By pre-deciding our values and actions, we can resist temptation and make decisions that lead to life and abundance. This requires moving away from the line of temptation, magnifying the cost of sin, and planning our escape. We must also recognize that our willpower is limited, and we need to rely on Jesus' strength and values to guide us.
Ultimately, our decisions shape us, and by aligning them with Jesus' values, we can live a life of purpose and fulfillment. We must be prepared, even when things seem easy, because challenges are always around the corner. By standing firm in our faith and being determined to live according to Jesus' values, we can overcome temptation and experience the abundant life He promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Follow Through on Decisions: Making a decision is only the first step; following through is what brings it to fruition. Jesus exemplified this by committing to redeem humanity and walking it out despite challenges. Our decisions must be based on Jesus' values and followed through with unwavering commitment. [07:18]
2. Pre-Decide Your Values: To make decisions like Jesus, we must pre-decide our values and actions. This involves resisting the temptation to make decisions based on circumstances or emotions. By adopting Jesus' values, we can determine our course of action before the moment of decision. [10:32]
3. Resist Satan's Value Twisting: Satan can't create new values but can distort existing ones, leading us away from the abundant life Jesus offers. We must be vigilant and resist the temptation to make decisions that align with Satan's desired outcomes rather than God's. [13:25]
4. Move from the Line of Temptation: To overcome temptation, we must move away from the line, magnify the cost of sin, and plan our escape. This involves putting distance between ourselves and temptation and relying on Jesus' strength and values to guide us. [44:52]
5. Recognize Limited Willpower: Our willpower is limited, and we need to rely on Jesus' strength and values to guide us. By pre-deciding our values and actions, we can resist temptation and make decisions that lead to life and abundance. [58:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:18] - The Importance of Follow-Through
- [10:32] - Pre-Deciding Values
- [13:25] - Resisting Satan's Twisting
- [19:47] - The Danger of Fake Values
- [22:06] - Shaky Values and Excuses
- [24:28] - The War Against Values
- [32:43] - Be Prepared for Challenges
- [35:03] - Determining to Live by Jesus' Values
- [42:55] - Fighting Temptation
- [44:52] - Moving from the Line
- [58:01] - Recognizing Limited Willpower
- [01:02:00] - Planning Your Escape
- [01:10:00] - Embracing Jesus' Values
- [01:15:00] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:15 - The promise of redemption through Jesus.
2. John 1:1 - Jesus' commitment to His mission from the beginning.
3. 1 Corinthians 2:16 - Having the mind of Christ.
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Observation Questions:
1. How did Jesus exemplify the importance of following through on decisions, as mentioned in the sermon? [07:18]
2. What does it mean to "pre-decide" your values according to the sermon, and how does this relate to Jesus' approach to decision-making? [10:32]
3. How does Satan attempt to twist our values, and what impact does this have on our decision-making process? [13:25]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how we can move away from the line of temptation? [44:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our decisions shape who we are, and how does this relate to having the mind of Christ? [10:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of willpower in resisting temptation, and why is it important to rely on Jesus' strength instead? [58:01]
3. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of making decisions based on shaky values, and how can this lead to a cycle of blame and shame? [22:06]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of planning our escape from temptation, and what biblical examples support this idea? [42:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you follow through with it? If not, what obstacles prevented you from doing so, and how can you overcome them in the future? [07:18]
2. Identify a value of Jesus that you struggle to pre-decide in your life. What steps can you take to align your decisions with this value before the moment of temptation arises? [10:32]
3. Consider a situation where you felt your values were being twisted. How did you respond, and what can you do differently next time to resist Satan's influence? [13:25]
4. What are some practical ways you can move away from the line of temptation in your daily life? Identify one specific temptation and plan your escape strategy. [44:52]
5. Reflect on a time when your willpower was not enough to resist temptation. How can you rely more on Jesus' strength and values in similar situations in the future? [58:01]
6. Think about a decision you made based on circumstances or emotions rather than Jesus' values. What was the outcome, and how can you ensure your future decisions are value-based? [22:06]
7. How can you magnify the cost of sin in your life to deter you from making decisions that lead to negative outcomes? Identify one area where you can apply this principle. [42:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment Beyond Decision
In our journey of decision-making, it's crucial to not only make the right decisions but to follow through with them. Often, we find ourselves making decisions that align with our values, yet we fail to act on them, rendering those decisions ineffective. Jesus exemplified this by making a decision to redeem humanity and then walking it out, despite the challenges He faced. His unwavering commitment to His values is a model for us. To make decisions like Jesus, we must adopt His values and pre-decide our actions based on those values. This involves resisting the temptation to make decisions based on circumstances or emotions. [07:18]
Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: What is one decision you have made recently that aligns with your values but you have yet to act upon? How can you take a step today to follow through on that decision?
Day 2: Pre-Deciding Values
To make decisions like Jesus, we must pre-decide our values and actions. This involves resisting the temptation to make decisions based on circumstances or emotions. By adopting Jesus' values, we can determine our course of action before the moment of decision. Pre-deciding helps us to be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that our choices are consistent with our faith and values. This approach requires intentionality and a deep understanding of what Jesus values, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose. [10:32]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What are three core values you want to pre-decide today that will guide your actions this week? How can you remind yourself of these values daily?
Day 3: Resisting Value Distortion
Satan can't create new values but can distort existing ones, leading us away from the abundant life Jesus offers. We must be vigilant and resist the temptation to make decisions that align with Satan's desired outcomes rather than God's. This requires discernment and a firm grounding in the truth of God's Word. By staying rooted in Scripture and prayer, we can recognize and resist the subtle ways our values may be twisted, ensuring that our decisions reflect the life and abundance Jesus promises. [13:25]
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV): "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt your values were being distorted. How can you use Scripture to realign your values with God's truth?
Day 4: Moving Away from Temptation
To overcome temptation, we must move away from the line, magnify the cost of sin, and plan our escape. This involves putting distance between ourselves and temptation and relying on Jesus' strength and values to guide us. Recognizing the limitations of our willpower, we must be proactive in creating boundaries and strategies that help us avoid situations where we are likely to be tempted. By doing so, we can protect our values and live in a way that honors God. [44:52]
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you frequently face temptation? What practical steps can you take today to move away from the line of temptation?
Day 5: Recognizing Limited Willpower
Our willpower is limited, and we need to rely on Jesus' strength and values to guide us. By pre-deciding our values and actions, we can resist temptation and make decisions that lead to life and abundance. This requires humility and a recognition of our dependence on God. By acknowledging our limitations, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Jesus, allowing His strength to be made perfect in our weakness. [58:01]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you find yourself relying too much on your own willpower? How can you invite Jesus' strength into this area today?
Quotes
And that's what this week's message is entitled, How Do We Move Then From Making the Right Decision to Actually Seeing the Right Outcome? How do we get determined and overcome the obstacles? Over the next couple of weeks, we're going to be taking a look at all of the things that Jesus had to overcome. Remember, they took a decision in the Old Testament. God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit had a plan from Genesis chapter 3 already where Jesus had made a decision. He was going to love the world. No matter what happened, no matter what state they were in, He was going to love the world. He was going to conquer Satan and He was going to redeem mankind. That decision was taken. And then fast forward all the way through the scripture in John chapter 1 and verse 1, He starts walking out that decision. [00:01:38] (42 seconds)
And so as we build towards Easter, we're not just going to be looking at, oh, Jesus died, Jesus was buried, and Jesus was raised. No, we're going to be having a look at what is the outcome that Jesus decided upon and was determined to deliver that changed your world. And every single outcome He decided upon had some things He had to overcome. Just nod your head and neck spiritual. Yes, even perfect Jesus had to overcome challenges to make sure that His decisions were made. [00:03:00] (30 seconds)
When we use Jesus' values, we will be able to pre-determine our course of action before the moment of decision. Why? Because Jesus' values were spoken once for all time. They are good for everything going forward. So I can stand on today's values of Jesus knowing that they will be the right decision in tomorrow's circumstance. So that's why I adopt His values and I say, this is what I'm going to live my life by. And I don't care what tomorrow's circumstances are. I'm not going to take a decision based on the shifting circumstances of tomorrow. I'm going to take decisions based on the grok of value that Jesus has placed in my heart. [00:08:49] (46 seconds)
Satan steals our lives by stealing the values upon which our decisions should be determined. Does that make sense? We should be making our decisions based on truth, but he introduces a new value called lies. And all of a sudden, he starts to undermine the values that we should be holding dear to to make the right decisions. Remember, John chapter 10 and verse 10. Jesus has given us values. He has given us a way. He has given us salvation. He's given us redemption so that we can have life and life in abundance. But Satan comes along and he robs, steals, and destroys. [00:12:55] (36 seconds)
He doesn't have that ability so all he does is he taken takes that which has already been put in place and he twists it so he takes the values of Jesus and he twists it and he creates he doesn't create new values he creates value stealers he steals away undermines undercuts the values of Jesus in your life and the attention that you gave them he tried to do the same to Jesus remember he called him into the the wilderness it was a it was a retreat Jesus was looking to you know shed a few pounds so he hadn't eaten in 40 days it was I'm joking Jesus goes in after his baptism and he achieves what I believe was as important in the desert as what he did in the grave because he teaches us some values Satan comes at him and says isn't it written undermines the values twists the values Jesus knows what the value was so the decision was easy no it's written like this reptile you obviously didn't read it let me tell you what it says because I am what it says this is not some book I've studied or some mantra I have I am what the value is and here is the value reptile because Jesus even in his circumstantial weakness he was hungry he was tired he was hot he was bothered he was emotional he was excited he was whatever emotion you want to put in there he was all of that in that moment his ministry to redeem all of mankind for all time was just about a kickoff it was like the beginning of a brand new series of blue bloods [00:14:35] (107 seconds)
And when we make bad decisions, we start having worse outcomes. And so because we start having worse outcomes, we double down. And it's the wife you gave me. It's the snake. And we make all sorts of excuses. And we start finding our values start to deteriorate. Paul says it like this in Romans chapter 7. And I know that nothing good lives in me. Paul says it like this in Romans chapter 8. jackson. How about play this? Oh, I'm gonna say. [00:24:27] (24 seconds)
I didn't plan for this to happen to me I want to tell you that most of the bad things that happen to us are unplanned but we have to plan how to handle them when they come our way we have to pre decide we never plan to wreck our lives but the problem is that we don't plan to not wreck our lives either oh dad I didn't mean for that to happen yeah but you didn't also not mean for it to happen you see we can make an excuse but all we can take responsibility taking responsibility is something Satan does not want you to do because to take responsibility you have to think about the value and respect the value not the circumstance making an excuse means you respect the circumstance not the value can I say that again taking responsibility means you respect the value not the circumstance making an excuse means you respect the circumstance not the value [00:29:35] (61 seconds)
I want to say it like this if you're not strong enough to resist it run from it if your line is flimsy get far away from the line and God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear but when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it pre-decide when the devil attacks you be ready when the devil tempts you pre-decide I'm gonna get out I want to say nobody plans to mess up their lives how many plans to to just be honest with where you are realize where the devil can attack you I know where the devil wants to attack me and my family to hurt you the most I know what he's trying to do to me as the leader of the church and my wife is as a leader in the church and all the leaders and their marriages I know what he's trying to do to those marriages because if you can crush one of those you can crush the whole church so I guard myself I get vulnerable even though I may not have a weakness in that area even though I may be far away from that line in that area I consider the cost and I go bro that looks horrific I'm gonna back up over here I'm gonna get far away from it what are your triggers do you get do you want to lean over the line when you're tired when you're overwhelmed when you're emotional when you're discouraged when you are depressed when you feel more vulnerable about things get on it then be prepared I know what it feels like to start getting tired and making bad decisions I get super ratty when I get tired [00:59:43] (102 seconds)
Jesus today we've discovered a principle of life we realize that when we want to do what is right we inevitably end up doing what is wrong Jesus know that we love your words we love your law we love your values we love your promises we love your principles but there's something else going on in my head sometimes there's a there's a wall in my mind between your values and my circumstances and and my blame and shame and your reconciliation and freedom and peace and and this war this this power that's hitting me up on the inside makes me a slave to constantly be thinking that I have to do things on my own power and that that just gets me into all sorts of trouble it it's always within me oh sometimes I just think I'm miserable and I shouldn't even exist what a miserable person I am oh please please who will free me from this crazy war that goes on in my head it's been dominated by all the wrong decisions it's been dominated by all the wrong things that's been dominated by all the wrong outcomes and I just want to die sometimes there's death on the inside of me and today I stand and I say thank God that the answer is you Jesus who you are your values your redemption and your grace so right now in the rumors we prepare ourselves just to worship again we realize that it's not up to us to change this it now really is up to saying you know what this is Jesus's work we just have to believe in the values that he's putting to work so right now I'm gonna ask if some prayer team can come forward [01:06:44] (119 seconds)
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