Choices, Conviction, and God's Grace in Our Lives

 

Summary

In our journey through life, every choice we make is significant. Some choices may seem trivial, like what to wear or how to style our hair, but even these small decisions can reflect deeper values and priorities. However, it is the life-defining choices that truly shape our destiny and purpose. These are the choices that require a foundation of conviction and an awareness of consequences.

Conviction is a powerful force that provides strength and resilience. It is not enough to follow the crowd or tradition; we must have personal conviction rooted in the Word of God. King Saul, the first king of Israel, is a cautionary example of someone who began his reign with humility and dependence on God but eventually shifted to relying on his own judgment and the opinions of others. Saul's lack of conviction led him to make a series of poor choices, culminating in an act of disobedience that cost him his kingdom. In contrast, the Apostle Paul's deep conviction propelled him to spread the gospel despite immense hardships.

Consequences are inextricably linked to our choices. They serve as a teacher, reminding us of the importance of considering the impact of our actions. King David's story illustrates this principle. David, a man after God's own heart, made a grave mistake by committing adultery with Bathsheba and then attempting to cover it up by orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David's response was markedly different from Saul's. David repented sincerely, and although he faced the consequences of his actions, God did not abandon him. Instead, God continued to work through David's lineage, ultimately bringing forth Solomon and the Messiah.

Our choices, whether good or bad, do not limit God's ability to use us for His glory. Like a toddler learning to walk, we may stumble and fall, but God encourages us to rise again and walk in His ways. We must not pass the blame or remain fallen; instead, we should own our choices, seek God's strength, and walk in the power of a life of conviction aligned with God's Word.

Key Takeaways:

- Conviction is the anchor that holds us steady in life's storms. When we are convinced of God's goodness and faithfulness, our perspective on life shifts, enabling us to remain steadfast regardless of circumstances. This conviction must be based on the truth of God's Word, not on fleeting emotions or societal trends. [49:33]

- Consequences serve as both a warning and a guide, teaching us to consider the long-term effects of our decisions. By understanding the potential outcomes of our actions, we can make wiser choices that align with God's will for our lives. [25:55]

- God's grace is evident in His willingness to work through our failures. Like a parent who encourages a child to walk after a fall, God supports us in our spiritual journey, desiring that we grow and mature in our faith. [27:18]

- Repentance is a powerful act that can lead to restoration. When we acknowledge our sins and turn to God, He is faithful to forgive and heal us. This was exemplified in David's life, showing us that a contrite heart is more valuable to God than external appearances. [33:15]

- Our ultimate goal should be to live a life that honors God, making choices that reflect His standards and commands. As we aim to "kick between the goalposts" of God's Word, we will experience His blessings, favor, and wonders unfolding in our lives. [41:58]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 13:7-14 - The story of King Saul's disobedience and the consequences he faced.
2. 2 Samuel 11:1-27 - The account of King David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent consequences.
3. Romans 8:38-39 - Paul's conviction about the inseparable love of God.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was King Saul's initial attitude when he was chosen as king, and how did it change over time? ([06:59])
2. How did King Saul's lack of conviction lead to his downfall? ([09:21])
3. What were the immediate consequences of David's actions with Bathsheba? ([29:22])
4. How did David respond differently than Saul when confronted with his sin? ([33:15])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is personal conviction important in making life-defining choices, according to the sermon? ([05:26])
2. How do the consequences of our actions serve as a guide and a warning in our spiritual journey? ([25:55])
3. What does the story of David and Bathsheba teach us about repentance and God's grace? ([33:15])
4. How does Paul's conviction in Romans 8:38-39 inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith despite hardships?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made a decision based on societal trends rather than personal conviction. How did it affect you, and what would you do differently now? ([05:26])
2. Think about a recent choice you made without considering its long-term consequences. What were the outcomes, and how can you apply this lesson to future decisions? ([25:55])
3. In what ways can you strengthen your personal convictions to align more closely with God's Word? ([16:11])
4. How can you practice repentance in your daily life, especially when you recognize you've made a wrong choice? ([33:15])
5. Identify an area in your life where you have been passing the blame for your mistakes. How can you take responsibility and seek God's strength to overcome it? ([38:55])
6. How can you encourage someone who is struggling with the consequences of their actions to seek God's grace and support? ([27:18])
7. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure that your choices reflect God's standards and commands? ([41:58])

Devotional

Day 1: Anchored by Conviction
Conviction is not merely an emotional response to circumstances but a steadfast anchor derived from a deep understanding and commitment to the truths found in God's Word. It is the bedrock upon which a believer's life is built, enabling them to withstand the storms of life. When conviction is rooted in the Scriptures, it provides clarity and direction, helping individuals to navigate through the complexities of life with confidence and purpose. This conviction is not swayed by the changing tides of society's opinions or pressures but is a constant, guiding force that aligns one's life with the will of God. It is the inner compass that points towards righteousness and away from the pitfalls of conformity and compromise. By cultivating a life of conviction, believers can stand firm in their faith, even when faced with adversity or temptation, knowing that their choices are grounded in the eternal truth of God's Word. [49:33]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23

Reflection: How does your daily life reflect the convictions you hold based on God's Word, and what steps can you take to strengthen those convictions?


Day 2: Consequences as Life's Guideposts
Consequences are the natural outcome of our choices, and they serve as both a warning and a guidepost in our lives. They remind us that our actions have weight and that our decisions carry forward into the future, impacting not just ourselves but also those around us. Understanding the potential consequences of our choices is a critical aspect of wisdom. It allows us to foresee the possible outcomes and make decisions that are in line with God's will and purpose for our lives. This foresight is not meant to induce fear but to encourage thoughtful consideration and responsible decision-making. By reflecting on the long-term effects of our actions, we can avoid the pitfalls of short-sightedness and instead choose paths that lead to growth, blessing, and alignment with God's plan. [25:55]

"Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall." - Proverbs 28:18

Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing, and how can you apply the principle of considering long-term consequences to make a wise choice?


Day 3: Grace in Our Imperfections
God's grace is a testament to His love and patience with us. It is evident in the way He works through our imperfections and failures, not discarding us when we fall but encouraging us to rise and continue our walk with Him. This grace does not excuse our mistakes but offers us the opportunity to learn from them and to grow stronger in our faith. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey is a process, one in which we are continually being shaped and molded by God's hand. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. As we stumble and fall, like toddlers learning to walk, God is there to lift us up, dust us off, and guide us back onto the path of righteousness. [27:18]

"For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love." - Lamentations 3:31-32

Reflection: Can you identify a recent failure or shortcoming and consider how God's grace can transform that experience into a lesson for spiritual growth?


Day 4: The Power of Repentance
Repentance is a powerful act that opens the door to restoration and healing. It is not merely feeling sorry for our wrongdoings but involves a genuine turning away from sin and turning toward God. When we acknowledge our sins and approach God with a contrite heart, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This process of repentance is not a one-time event but a continual posture of humility and self-examination. It allows us to maintain a close and honest relationship with God, where we are not hiding or excusing our sins but bringing them into the light of His love and mercy. Through repentance, we experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and the renewal of our spirit, enabling us to walk in freedom and newness of life. [33:15]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

Reflection: What specific sin or area of disobedience do you need to bring before God in repentance, and how can you actively turn from it starting today?


Day 5: Living to Honor God
Our ultimate goal as believers is to live a life that honors God, making choices that reflect His standards and commands. This means aligning our actions, thoughts, and desires with the principles laid out in Scripture. When we aim to live according to God's Word, we are not merely trying to avoid wrongdoing but are actively pursuing a life of righteousness and holiness. This pursuit is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His love and grace with obedience and devotion. As we make choices that honor God, we will experience His blessings and favor in our lives. Moreover, we will become vessels through which His wonders are displayed, impacting the world around us with the truth and love of the gospel. [41:58]

"So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." - 2 Corinthians 5:9

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can make a more conscious effort to honor God, and what practical steps can you take to align that area with His Word?

Quotes

- "Conviction is not just an external change... A conviction has to start in my heart." [21:13] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "When our conviction is based on the word of God, friends, you and I can face the challenges of life." [22:44] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "When we have a conviction that God is who He says He is... it changes our perspective on life." [25:09] (Download | )

- "Consequences are a great teacher... every choice has a consequence." [25:55] (Download | )

- "God is not in any way limited by our failure... God is Not hindered by your mess up in mine." [38:02] (Download | )

- "God's desire for you and I is that we walk, that we not stay fallen." [38:55] (Download | )

- "God is not done with you because God was not done with David." [36:26] (Download | )

- "When we surrender and open to God, He's able to do something good." [37:16] (Download | )

- "If we kick between the goals, the goalposts, we will find that we will score what God has for us in life." [33:59] (Download | )

- "God picks up Solomon... through whom He would bring His son, the Messiah, into the world. God is not worried about mess ups." [38:02] (Download | )

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Transcript
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