Bold Decisions: Trusting God in Uncertain Times
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by expressing gratitude for my wife's support, acknowledging her role in enabling me to be present and prepared to deliver God's Word. I then invited the congregation to open their Bibles to 1 Kings 18:16-21, setting the stage for the story of Elijah, King Ahab, and the prophets of Baal. I highlighted the context of Elijah's actions, his boldness in declaring a drought, and his subsequent disappearance, leading to a confrontation on Mount Carmel.
I drew parallels between the biblical narrative and our current lives, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger inherent in life. I cited recent tragic events as examples of how we lack control over external circumstances and even our own actions. I stressed that despite this lack of control, we are still responsible for making decisions, both trivial and significant, every day.
I then delved into the importance of decision-making, using the story of Elijah as a framework. I pointed out that Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal to call down fire from their gods was a pivotal decision. Elijah's subsequent mocking of their failure and his own preparation for God's demonstration of power were bold moves that required great faith.
I emphasized the need for constant prayer and seeking God's will, not just in moments of crisis but as a regular practice. I explained that Elijah was able to make his bold decision because he was in constant communication with God and knew he was following God's command.
I then addressed the congregation directly, acknowledging that we all face difficult decisions and may feel overwhelmed or uncertain. I reassured everyone that it is never too late for God to intervene and straighten our paths, as long as we acknowledge Him in all our ways, as stated in Proverbs 3.
I made a call to action for those who had never accepted Jesus into their hearts to stand and make the best decision of their lives by surrendering to Him. I also called for those who had strayed or made wrong decisions to stand and recommit their lives to following Jesus and seeking His will.
I concluded by praying for the congregation, asking for God's guidance in making decisions that align with His will, and for the courage to act on those decisions. I invited everyone to stand and worship, affirming the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the importance of making decisions based on our faith in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life is unpredictable and often beyond our control, but we are still responsible for the decisions we make daily. Like Elijah, we must be bold and faithful in our choices, trusting that God is with us even when we face great challenges. ([29:45])
2. Constant prayer and seeking God's will are essential for making wise decisions. Elijah's example shows us that being in continuous communication with God allows us to act confidently, knowing we are aligned with His will. ([49:28])
3. It is never too late to turn to God and straighten our paths. No matter how many wrong decisions we've made, God's grace is sufficient to redirect us towards His blessings and will for our lives. ([59:21])
4. The decision to accept Jesus into our hearts is the most significant one we can make. It is the foundation for all other decisions and the key to living a life that is not in vain, regardless of our earthly successes or failures. ([58:25])
5. Our commitment to God should be reflected in our everyday decisions, from how we treat our spouse and children to how we conduct ourselves in business. By aligning our choices with God's Word, we ensure that we are walking in His will. ([53:12])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 18:16-21 (NIV)
> So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" "I have not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elijah's challenge to the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel? ([27:29])
2. How did Elijah prepare for God's demonstration of power, and what was the reaction of the people? ([44:20])
3. What were some of the recent tragic events mentioned in the sermon that illustrate the unpredictability of life? ([29:45])
4. How did Elijah mock the prophets of Baal, and what was the outcome of their attempts to call down fire? ([43:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah chose to challenge the prophets of Baal in such a dramatic way? What does this tell us about his faith and his relationship with God? ([41:53])
2. How does the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel illustrate the importance of making decisions based on faith and prayer? ([49:28])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of constant prayer in making wise decisions? How did Elijah's continuous communication with God influence his actions? ([49:28])
4. How can the unpredictability of life and the examples given in the sermon help us understand our need for reliance on God? ([29:45])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's guidance in that decision? What steps can you take to ensure you are in constant communication with God like Elijah? ([49:28])
2. Elijah was bold in his faith and actions. Think of a situation where you need to be bold in your faith. What specific steps can you take to act courageously, trusting that God is with you? ([41:53])
3. The sermon emphasized that it is never too late to turn to God and straighten our paths. Is there an area in your life where you feel you have made wrong decisions? How can you seek God's grace and guidance to redirect your path? ([59:21])
4. The decision to accept Jesus into our hearts is the most significant one we can make. If you have not made this decision, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you reaffirm this commitment in your daily life? ([58:25])
5. How can you incorporate the practice of constant prayer into your daily routine? Identify specific times or activities during your day where you can pause and seek God's will. ([49:28])
6. Reflect on how your commitment to God is reflected in your everyday decisions, such as how you treat your spouse, children, or conduct yourself in business. What changes can you make to align your choices more closely with God's Word? ([53:12])
7. Think of a difficult decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the lessons from Elijah's story and the sermon to seek God's guidance and act in faith? ([49:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Bold Faith in Decision-Making
Life's unpredictability does not absolve us from the responsibility of making decisions. Like Elijah, who faced the prophets of Baal with unwavering conviction, we too are called to exercise boldness in our choices. This boldness stems from a deep trust in God's presence, especially when confronted with significant challenges. It is in these moments that our faith is tested, and our true reliance on God is revealed. The story of Elijah is not just a historical account; it is a testament to the power of faith in action. When faced with daunting decisions, the courage to choose in alignment with God's will can lead to transformative outcomes not just for ourselves, but for those around us. [29:45]
"But the Lord said to him, 'Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.'" - 1 Kings 19:15 ESV
Reflection: What decision are you facing today that requires bold faith, and how can you seek God's guidance in making that choice?
Day 2: The Necessity of Prayerful Guidance
The importance of continuous communication with God cannot be overstated when it comes to decision-making. Elijah's ability to confidently challenge the prophets of Baal was not born out of arrogance but from his intimate relationship with God. Through constant prayer, he discerned God's will and acted upon it without hesitation. This example serves as a reminder that seeking God's guidance should be a daily practice, not just reserved for moments of crisis. By nurturing a prayerful life, we too can gain the clarity and confidence needed to make decisions that reflect God's will for our lives. [49:28]
"And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." - 1 Kings 19:12-13a ESV
Reflection: How can you incorporate a more consistent prayer life into your daily routine to better discern God's will?
Day 3: Embracing God's Redemptive Grace
No matter the number of wrong turns made in life, it is never too late to seek God's redemptive grace. The narrative of Elijah's life shows us that even when we stray from the path, God's willingness to guide us back to righteousness remains steadfast. His grace is not just a second chance; it is a continuous offer to realign our lives with His purpose. This divine grace is powerful enough to transform our past mistakes into stepping stones for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and mercy. [59:21]
"Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity." - Hosea 14:1 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a past decision that you regret, and how can you invite God's grace to transform that experience into a lesson for your spiritual journey?
Day 4: The Foundation of Faith in Jesus
Accepting Jesus into one's heart is the most significant decision a person can make. It is the cornerstone upon which all other decisions should be built. This act of surrender is not merely a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. It shapes how we view success and failure, and it provides a purpose that transcends our earthly existence. By grounding our lives in Jesus, we ensure that our choices are not in vain but contribute to a legacy that reflects our faith and glorifies God. [58:25]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on the moment you decided to accept Jesus into your life. How has that decision influenced your subsequent choices, and how can it continue to do so?
Day 5: Aligning Daily Choices with God's Will
Our commitment to God is demonstrated not only in monumental decisions but also in the mundane aspects of daily life. How we treat our family, interact with colleagues, and conduct ourselves in all areas of life should reflect our dedication to following Jesus. Aligning our daily choices with God's Word ensures that we walk in His will and bear witness to His transformative power in our lives. This alignment is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and a willingness to be shaped by God's teachings. [53:12]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." - 1 John 2:6 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your everyday life where you can better align your decisions with God's will, and what practical steps can you take to make that change?
Quotes
1. "Maryland, and this bridge was over a mile long, and they had time to stop the cars from the bridge, but there were six workers on that bridge that they died... life could be very, very dangerous because we don't have control over what happened, right?" [29:45]
2. "You cannot add an hour to your life. Jesus said that, that means that I'm here on stage right now... I cannot add a single hour to my life, and the fact that we don't know what's going to happen in the future... doesn't take away the responsibility for us to make decisions." [31:56]
3. "We have to make decisions. In fact, we make decisions every day... you choose whether to have, like, a very good protein, and a healthy fruit, or you choose to eat some eggs and bacon... you can choose if you're going to be a lawyer, if you're going to be a doctor." [33:03]
4. "So, plan your decisions. Even if you have Jesus, plan your decisions... pray. Ask for God's will for your life and be always willing to change accordingly to what God has for your life, right?" [59:21]
5. "It's not too late for God. He can take wrong decisions. And if you acknowledge Him in all your ways, Proverbs 3, He will make your path straight. He has something for your life. He has blessings for your life." [59:21]
6. "So if you want to make good decisions in your life, you cannot just go to pray when you're facing the situation. You have to pray the whole time... He was praying constantly. And after he was dealing with all the situation, he did something about it." [49:28]
7. "Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench... the people saw this. They fell prostrate and cried, the Lord, he's God. The Lord, he's God." [50:18]
8. "If you want to know God's will for your life, read the Bible. It's already there... if it really comes from the Lord, it will be according to the Bible, which he's already spoken before." [52:21]
9. "Ephesians 5.33 says, However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. That's God's will for your marriage. Are you doing that? Am I doing that?" [53:12]
10. "God's will for his church. Hebrews 10.24 and 25 says, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... That's God's will for his church." [53:46]
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