Guiding Decisions: Emulating Jesus in Our Choices
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the incredible journey of Eric Waldrop, our executive pastor, who has been a pivotal part of our church for over 17 years. As Eric and his wife Cresha transition into a new season, we are reminded of the profound impact they have had on our community and the importance of trusting God with our future. We prayed for their continued success and blessings as they embark on this new chapter.
Our focus today was on decision-making and the importance of setting "presets" in our lives to guide us when challenges arise. Last week, we introduced the first preset question: "What do I already know to do?" This week, we explored a second, often overlooked question: "What is most like Jesus?" This question encourages us to consider how our decisions align with the teachings and example of Jesus. It's about seeking clarity and guidance by asking what Jesus would have us do in any given situation.
We discussed the natural tendency to seek advice from others when making decisions, but emphasized the importance of turning to Jesus for guidance. While it may seem abstract, the teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, provide a clear framework for living a life that reflects His values. The question "What would Jesus do?" is a helpful starting point, but we must also ask, "What would Jesus have me do?" This approach helps us align our actions with His teachings, focusing on love, forgiveness, humility, and service.
In our decision-making, we are called to prioritize what is most like Jesus, even when it challenges our selfish desires. By clothing ourselves with the life of Jesus, we can navigate our relationships, careers, and personal choices with wisdom and grace. This journey requires us to immerse ourselves in the teachings of Jesus, allowing His example to guide our actions and decisions.
As we continue to explore these preset questions, we are reminded that living a life most like Jesus is not only a spiritual calling but also a wise and fulfilling way to live. Next week, we will delve into the third preset question and explore God's will for our lives. Until then, let us strive to make decisions that honor Jesus and reflect His love in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trusting God in Transitions: As Eric Waldrop transitions from his role, we are reminded of the importance of trusting God with our future. Embracing change with faith allows us to see God's hand in every season of life. [30:24]
2. Preset Questions for Decision-Making: Setting "presets" in our lives helps us make wise decisions. The first question, "What do I already know to do?" encourages us to act on the knowledge we already possess. [33:44]
3. Seeking Jesus' Guidance: In decision-making, we often seek advice from others, but turning to Jesus for guidance is crucial. Asking, "What would Jesus have me do?" aligns our actions with His teachings. [37:37]
4. Living Like Jesus: Emulating Jesus' life involves prioritizing love, forgiveness, humility, and service. By clothing ourselves with His life, we can navigate our choices with wisdom and grace. [52:12]
5. The Way of Jesus: Living a life most like Jesus is both a spiritual calling and a wise way to live. It challenges our selfish desires and calls us to act with love and humility in all situations. [58:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:24] - Celebrating Eric Waldrop
- [33:44] - Preset Question One: What Do I Already Know?
- [36:21] - Seeking Advice and Guidance
- [37:37] - Turning to Jesus for Answers
- [38:45] - The Simplicity of Jesus' Guidance
- [41:14] - The Question of "What Would Jesus Do?"
- [42:08] - A Better Question: What Would Jesus Have Me Do?
- [44:02] - Preset Question Two: What is Most Like Jesus?
- [45:59] - The Wisdom of Jesus' Way
- [48:12] - Discovering Jesus' Teachings
- [50:01] - Responding to Jesus' Life
- [52:12] - Clothing Ourselves with Jesus
- [53:38] - Living a Life of Love
- [58:35] - Emulating Jesus in Our Decisions
- [01:02:20] - Applying Jesus' Teachings in Life Choices
- [01:06:44] - Closing Prayer and Next Week's Preview
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 13:14 - "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
2. Philippians 2:5 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
3. Colossians 2:6-7 - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What role did Eric Waldrop play in the church, and how is his transition a reminder of trusting God with our future? [30:24]
2. What are the two preset questions discussed in the sermon, and how do they guide decision-making? [33:44]
3. How does the sermon suggest we should seek guidance in decision-making, and why is turning to Jesus emphasized over others? [37:37]
4. What does it mean to "clothe ourselves with the life of Jesus," and how does this concept relate to our daily decisions? [52:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea of "clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" challenge our natural inclinations and desires? [52:12]
2. In what ways does having the mindset of Christ Jesus influence our relationships and interactions with others? [54:39]
3. How can the teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, provide a framework for making wise decisions? [50:01]
4. What does it mean to live a life that is "most like Jesus," and how does this align with the concept of being a representative of Christ? [58:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you consider what was "most like Jesus" in that situation? How might the outcome have been different if you had? [44:02]
2. Identify a current challenge or decision in your life. How can you apply the preset questions discussed in the sermon to navigate this situation? [33:44]
3. Think about a relationship in your life that could benefit from having the mindset of Christ. What specific actions can you take to reflect Jesus' love and humility in that relationship? [54:39]
4. Consider a time when you sought advice from others. How might turning to Jesus for guidance have provided a different perspective or outcome? [37:37]
5. What are some practical ways you can "clothe yourself with the life of Jesus" in your daily routine? How can this practice influence your decision-making and interactions with others? [52:12]
6. How can you create space in your life to immerse yourself in the teachings of Jesus, and what impact do you expect this to have on your spiritual growth and decision-making? [50:01]
7. Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. What would it look like to choose the option that is most like Jesus, and what steps can you take to move in that direction? [48:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Transitions
In life, transitions are inevitable, and they often bring uncertainty and change. As Eric Waldrop transitions from his role, it serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting God with our future. Embracing change with faith allows us to see God's hand in every season of life. Trusting God means believing that He has a plan for us, even when we cannot see it. It involves surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him, knowing that He is in control and will guide us through every transition. [30:24]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a transition you are currently facing or have recently faced. How can you actively trust God with this change, and what steps can you take to surrender your fears to Him today?
Day 2: Preset Questions for Decision-Making
Setting "presets" in our lives helps us make wise decisions by providing a framework to guide us when challenges arise. The first preset question, "What do I already know to do?" encourages us to act on the knowledge we already possess. This approach helps us to be proactive and intentional in our decision-making, rather than reactive. By focusing on what we already know, we can make decisions that are aligned with our values and beliefs, and avoid being swayed by external pressures or emotions. [33:44]
"Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments." (Psalm 119:66, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a decision you need to make this week. What do you already know about this situation, and how can you use that knowledge to make a wise and informed choice?
Day 3: Seeking Jesus' Guidance
In decision-making, we often seek advice from others, but turning to Jesus for guidance is crucial. Asking, "What would Jesus have me do?" aligns our actions with His teachings. This question encourages us to consider how our decisions reflect the values of love, forgiveness, humility, and service that Jesus exemplified. By seeking Jesus' guidance, we can navigate our choices with wisdom and grace, ensuring that our actions are in line with His will for our lives. [37:37]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek Jesus' guidance in this situation, and what steps can you take to align your actions with His teachings?
Day 4: Living Like Jesus
Emulating Jesus' life involves prioritizing love, forgiveness, humility, and service. By clothing ourselves with His life, we can navigate our choices with wisdom and grace. This journey requires us to immerse ourselves in the teachings of Jesus, allowing His example to guide our actions and decisions. Living like Jesus is not only a spiritual calling but also a wise and fulfilling way to live, as it challenges our selfish desires and calls us to act with love and humility in all situations. [52:12]
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions with others. How can you intentionally embody the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, and service in your relationships today?
Day 5: The Way of Jesus
Living a life most like Jesus is both a spiritual calling and a wise way to live. It challenges our selfish desires and calls us to act with love and humility in all situations. By following the way of Jesus, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. This involves making decisions that honor Jesus and reflect His love in all that we do, even when it is difficult or goes against our natural inclinations. [58:35]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to live like Jesus. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with His teachings and reflect His love in this area?
Quotes
Father, I ask your greatest blessings on him and Crescia as they take this step of faith and they follow you into the next steps of however you're leading them. And, Lord, we trust. We trust that you're going to make their paths straight as they trust in you with all their heart. [00:30:53] (20 seconds)
And last week we began with the first preset question and it was this, what do I already know to do? And we talked about how much better off all of us would be if we simply just started doing what we already know to do. I mean deep down even when you're not quite sure all the details and you're not quite sure how all this is going to play out, there's probably at least a part of almost every decision. [00:34:10] (29 seconds)
If Jesus himself were physically with you, you would ask him, right? I mean, come on. I mean, if you guys were just walking down the road or driving down the road in the car, and you had to just don't tell me, you wouldn't say, hey, what do you think? You know a lot. What do you think? You know, should I order the chicken or the fish? Probably the fish, right? It's Friday. Probably the fish, right? [00:37:50] (30 seconds)
What would Jesus do? And if that rings a bell, especially if you're in, you know, the Christian world or have been around church or Christian people or Christian culture, and if that may be brand new to you, you're like, that's the most incredible question I've ever seen in my life. Okay, great. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. But some of you are going, wait, I've seen that before. I've heard that before. [00:40:00] (23 seconds)
What Jesus would do and the way of Jesus and what is most like Jesus also just happens to be really smart. It also happens to be just really wise stuff and a really good way to live. The way of Jesus, all spiritual stuff aside, is just a really good way to live. You ought to discover it for yourself. I welcome you to try it for yourself. [00:45:59] (32 seconds)
In almost every decision situation you're going to be in, whether it's at job or at home, in relationships, even stuff like finances or direction of your life and all kinds of stuff, even with your health, and sometimes you have to think it through, but in almost every decision-making situation that I've encountered, you will have the option of either choosing something that is clearly more like Jesus or at least leads you down the path of having the opportunity to do and say and think and live ways that are more like Jesus. [00:47:22] (42 seconds)
And the rest of the New Testament, from John on, from that point on, you know the rest of the New Testament can pretty much be summarized is how we then respond to everything Jesus said and did and how he lived. That the rest of the New Testament is really unpacking what we're supposed to do, what Jesus would have me do, and what Jesus would have you do, and what Jesus would have his followers do as a result of what he did. [00:50:01] (35 seconds)
Immerse yourself in a Jesus life, instead of gratifying and satisfying and living for yourself. It is no surprise. It is no surprise that one of the ways Jesus described what it meant to follow him was denying self. And so, so, got all these decisions to make. What is most like Jesus will often, not always, but will often be the thing that flies in the face of your selfish desires. [00:52:57] (40 seconds)
Paul writes to the Philippians, in your relationships with one another, see, it applies to everything. Have the same mindset as Jesus. Think like Jesus. Have the same attitude as Jesus. What is most like Jesus? And he goes on in Philippians chapter 2. If we had time, we would tease it all out. We've read it before. And if you kept reading, you would find out that the mindset of Jesus was one of humility and serving. [00:54:45] (30 seconds)
And Paul summarized it like this. Whatever you do, which leaves out nothing, right? And whatever you say, which leaves out nothing. Do it as a representative. Not of the Summit Church, not of Pastor Jonathan, but of Jesus. What is most like Jesus? And go do that. And my friends, this is why it is so vitally important for us to learn the way of Jesus, to know the way of Jesus, to discover. [00:58:35] (43 seconds)
And when we still are fuzzy and unclear, may we consider what is most like Jesus, most honoring to the Lord. the way of Jesus, that we have seen, that we have discovered, that you have told us about, and then may we do our best to just emulate that and follow his example. No, we can't. do all the things Jesus did, like Jesus did them, but we must consider what Jesus would have us do as a result of what he said and did. [01:06:17] (40 seconds)
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