Choosing Truth: Aligning Decisions with God's Will
Summary
In today's sermon, I focused on the importance of making decisions that align with God's will and the truth of His Word. I emphasized the story of Pontius Pilate and his encounter with Jesus, highlighting the critical moments where Pilate had the opportunity to choose truth but instead succumbed to fear and pressure from the crowd. Pilate's inability to stand firm in the face of opposition serves as a cautionary tale for us all.
I began by discussing the concept of divine direction and how our decisions shape our destiny. I urged you to not let fear dictate your choices, but rather to live with a clear conscience before God and man, as the Apostle Paul did. I pointed out that Pilate had multiple chances to release Jesus, recognizing His innocence, yet he chose to ignore his conscience and the advice of his wife, Claudia, who warned him not to harm Jesus.
I also spoke about the importance of being neutral in decision-making, likening life to driving a vehicle where sometimes we need to put it in neutral and seek God's guidance on whether to move forward or reverse. This neutrality allows us to receive divine direction and make decisions that honor God, even when they are difficult, such as staying committed in a challenging marriage.
Furthermore, I highlighted the significance of God's Word as a roadmap for our lives, providing guidance for our past, present, and future. By living according to God's Word, we can navigate life with confidence and purpose.
I concluded by calling for a response of faith to the message of the cross, inviting those who have not yet made the decision to trust and live for Jesus to do so. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to minister to us and through us, not only in our communion but in every aspect of our lives, including our businesses and families, all for God's glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine direction is not about making decisions that are convenient or popular, but about seeking God's will above all else. Pilate's story reminds us that the fear of man can lead to tragic outcomes. As believers, we must prioritize God's approval over human accolades, living before an audience of one. [37:55]
- Neutrality in decision-making is a posture of surrender to God's will. It is in this state of openness to God's leading that we can discern the best path forward. Whether in personal, professional, or spiritual matters, seeking God's direction ensures that our choices align with His plans and purposes. [40:47]
- The Word of God is our ultimate roadmap, providing clarity and direction for our lives. It informs our value system and shapes our vision, enabling us to make decisions that lead to a divine destiny. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are equipped to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and discernment. [43:04]
- Fear can be a powerful deterrent to following God's truth. Pilate's fear led him to make decisions that were against his better judgment. We must confront our own fears and choose to trust in God's sovereignty, believing that He is in control and that His truth will ultimately prevail. [28:45]
- The power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our faith. It is a reminder of the lengths to which God will go to redeem us. As we reflect on the cross, let it inspire us to live lives worthy of the sacrifice made for us, sharing the message of hope and forgiveness with the world. [46:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 18:33-38 (ESV)
> "So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, 'Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, 'Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?' Pilate answered, 'Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?' Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.' Then Pilate said to him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.' Pilate said to him, 'What is truth?'"
2. John 19:1-16 (ESV)
> "Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, 'See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.' So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, 'Behold the man!' When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, 'Crucify him, crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.' The Jews answered him, 'We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.' When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, 'Where are you from?' But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, 'You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?' Jesus answered him, 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.' From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, 'If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.' So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, 'Behold your King!' They cried out, 'Away with him, away with him, crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'Shall I crucify your King?' The chief priests answered, 'We have no king but Caesar.' So he delivered him over to them to be crucified."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Pilate's initial reaction to Jesus' claim about His kingdom? (John 18:36-38)
2. How did Pilate try to avoid making a decision about Jesus' fate? (John 19:1-4)
3. What was the crowd's response when Pilate presented Jesus after flogging Him? (John 19:6)
4. How did Pilate's fear influence his final decision regarding Jesus? (John 19:12-16)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "My kingdom is not of this world"? How does this statement challenge Pilate's understanding of kingship? (John 18:36-37)
2. Why do you think Pilate was so perplexed by the concept of truth, as seen in his question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) [16:31]
3. How does Pilate's fear of losing his position and status reflect the broader theme of fear influencing decisions in the sermon? [28:45]
4. In what ways does Pilate's interaction with Jesus highlight the struggle between divine direction and human fear? [27:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did fear influence your choice, and what might you have done differently if you had sought divine direction? [28:45]
2. Pilate had multiple opportunities to release Jesus but chose not to. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is giving you multiple chances to make the right decision? How can you respond to these opportunities? [24:56]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of living with a clear conscience before God and man. What steps can you take this week to ensure your decisions align with God's will? [43:04]
4. How can you practice "neutrality" in your decision-making process to better discern God's direction in your life? Think of a specific situation where you can apply this principle. [40:47]
5. The Word of God is described as a roadmap for our lives. How can you immerse yourself more in Scripture to gain clarity and direction? Identify one specific way you can incorporate more Bible reading into your daily routine. [43:04]
6. Pilate's fear of man led to tragic outcomes. Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned about human approval than God's approval? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's opinion? [28:45]
7. The power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our faith. How does reflecting on the cross inspire you to live a life worthy of the sacrifice made for you? What specific actions can you take to share the message of hope and forgiveness with others? [46:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking God's Will Over Popularity
Divine direction requires a steadfast commitment to God's will, even when it contradicts the desires of those around us. The story of Pontius Pilate serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from valuing human approval over divine truth. When faced with the decision to release Jesus or succumb to the crowd's demands, Pilate chose the latter, a choice that history remembers with somber reflection. This narrative encourages believers to consider their own lives and the decisions they make. Are they seeking to please God, or are they more concerned with the opinions of others? The courage to stand alone, if necessary, is a hallmark of a life lived in alignment with God's will.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Reflection: In what situation do you find yourself more concerned with others' opinions than with what God is asking of you? How can you begin to shift your focus to seeking His approval first?
Day 2: Embracing Neutrality for Divine Guidance
Adopting a posture of neutrality in decision-making is akin to surrendering one's will to the divine. It is in this state of unbiased openness that one can truly discern God's guidance and make choices that reflect His will. This approach is not about indecision but about creating a space for God's voice to be the loudest one we hear. It is about pausing in the midst of life's crossroads and actively seeking divine direction. This practice is crucial in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors, ensuring that each step taken is one that God has ordained.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." - John 16:13
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to pause and seek God's guidance? What does putting this area 'in neutral' look like for you?
Day 3: God's Word as Our Life's Roadmap
The Word of God stands as the ultimate guide for our lives, offering clarity and direction for every decision we face. It is not merely a collection of historical accounts or moral teachings but a living, breathing source of divine wisdom that informs our values and shapes our vision. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we equip ourselves to navigate life's complexities with discernment and make decisions that lead us toward our divine destiny. The Bible is not just about understanding God's will for our lives; it is about transforming our lives to align with His will.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing, and how can you use Scripture to guide you in making a choice that aligns with God's will?
Day 4: Confronting Fear with God's Sovereignty
Fear can be a powerful force, capable of derailing us from the path of truth and righteousness. Just as Pilate allowed fear to influence his judgment, we too can fall prey to fear's paralyzing grip. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to confront our fears with the knowledge of God's sovereignty. Believing that God is in control allows us to make decisions based on faith rather than fear. It is through trust in His sovereignty that we can overcome the fears that threaten to compromise our integrity and our commitment to His truth.
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflection: What fear is currently holding you back from making a decision that you know is right? How can you trust in God's sovereignty to help you overcome this fear?
Day 5: Reflecting on the Sacrifice of the Cross
The message of the cross is central to our faith, a testament to the lengths God will go to redeem humanity. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and it calls us to live lives that honor that sacrifice. As we reflect on the cross, let it inspire us to embody the hope and forgiveness it represents, sharing this message with the world. The cross is not just a symbol of what has been done for us; it is a call to action, a call to live out the love and grace we have received in every aspect of our lives.
"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." - Ephesians 5:2
Reflection: How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross influence the way you live your life? What is one way you can demonstrate the love and forgiveness of the cross to someone this week?
Quotes
1) "Pilate is next to truth and rejects it. You more than anybody need to be as a Believer sharing truth with other people... God wants to bring a Wellspring out of your life that you're a blessing to people that you speak truth, you speak love." [44:18]
2) "Some of you are at Crossroads... How do you get this Divine Direction? What do you do? Well, you get neutral and say, 'God, whatever you want to do.'... Pilate never got neutral... He sacrificed everything... Get neutral, you get Godly wisdom." [44:57]
3) "God doesn't call us to live in fear, he calls us to live by faith... Let's live by faith, let's share about Jesus, share about the reason for the season... It's about Jesus Christ, it's about the Spotless lamb that was slain for the sins of the world on Good Friday." [46:11]
4) "Pilate's perplexed... What I want to tell you is that there is an absolute truth... God's word was inspired and has Authority and guess what it's the roadmap for your Divine Direction... The happiest Life... Is the Life That's surrendered to Jesus Christ." [19:42]
5) "In life to get Divine direction as you put it in neutral... Sometimes you need to know this though, God's going to say you need to go forward anyway... Your marriage is really hard... What do you do?... The Lord may say you're going to go through a hardship, lock in those hubs and keep moving." [41:23]
6) "God's word is a map. God's word tells you the past that you're forgiven... God's word deals with you in the present... God's word deals with us in the future and tells us exactly what's going to happen. It's a map... You have that Divine Direction, you have that protection and blessing." [42:27]
7) "Pilate's terrified... He cared far more about what other people thought. He went against his better judgment... You should be a person fixated, saturated, encapsulated with the truth of God's word and seeking to live by his vision, his values for your life." [37:55]
8) "The clearer your values are, the clearer your vision becomes in life. The clearer your vision is in life, the easier it is for you to make decisions in your life. And when you make decisions, that determines your direction... You see the Divine Destiny over your life." [29:17]
9) "Jesus has all power, all authority, he's the Lord of lords... The cross is to serve as a symbol and a sign, a blessing for you in your life that you have forgiveness of sin... Pilate's still responsible for the decisions that he makes." [32:28]
10) "Pilate has this proposal to try to get away from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ... He takes Jesus and he has them flogged... 'See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.'... He's trying to make this proposal to kind of get away from the controversy of Jesus." [24:15]
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