Guiding Life Choices Through Faith and Wisdom
Summary
Today we gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates, recognizing not only their academic achievements but also the spiritual legacy being passed down through our church family. As we honored each graduate, we reflected on the privilege and responsibility of raising our children in the faith, praying that as they step into new chapters—whether college, career, or other pursuits—they would continue to walk closely with God. This season of transition is both joyful and bittersweet, as it marks a time of greater independence and new decisions, not just for the graduates but for their families as well.
Life is filled with choices—tens of thousands each day, both big and small. Some decisions are clear, guided by the direct commands of Scripture, while others fall into what we might call “gray areas.” In these moments, we are reminded that while we are free to make choices, we are not free to choose the consequences. God’s Word is our lamp, illuminating the next step even if it doesn’t reveal the entire path ahead. We are called to obey what God has already shown us, trusting that as we walk in obedience, He will continue to guide us.
God’s will is not hidden from us. He desires that all would be saved, be filled with the Spirit, live sanctified and submissive lives, endure suffering when necessary, and remain thankful in all circumstances. When faced with decisions, especially those not explicitly addressed in Scripture, we can apply biblical principles to discern the wisest course. These include considering whether a choice will benefit our spiritual life, edify others, avoid bondage, set a good example, further the gospel, prevent unnecessary burdens, respect our conscience, emulate Christ, and ultimately glorify God.
Making one big decision—to remain faithful to God’s Word—can settle countless smaller decisions. When clarity is lacking, we are invited to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask. Above all, we are urged to choose life, to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, and to trust Him to direct our paths. For those who have not yet chosen Christ, today is the day to receive the gift of salvation. For all of us, may we continue to read God’s Word, seek His guidance, and walk in the path He sets before us.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience to God’s Clear Commands
God’s Word provides unmistakable guidance on many aspects of life. When Scripture is clear—such as in the call to honesty, prayer, or purity—our responsibility is to obey without hesitation. This foundational obedience not only honors God but also simplifies countless future decisions, as a commitment to His ways preempts many temptations and uncertainties. [32:36]
- Applying Biblical Principles in Gray Areas
Not every decision is black and white; many fall into areas where Scripture does not give explicit instructions. In these moments, we are called to evaluate our choices through the lens of biblical principles: Will this benefit my spiritual life? Will it edify others? Will it enslave me or set a poor example? Such questions help us discern God’s best, even when the path is not obvious. [45:47]
- The Power and Limits of Christian Liberty
Christian liberty is a gift, but it comes with the responsibility to avoid causing others to stumble or being mastered by anything. Our freedom should never become a stumbling block to weaker believers, nor should it lead us into bondage or addiction. True liberty is exercised in love, humility, and self-control, always seeking the good of others and the glory of God. [53:09]
- Seeking and Receiving God’s Wisdom
When faced with unfamiliar or weighty decisions, we are not left to our own devices. God promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask in faith. Wisdom is the ability to know what to do when there is no precedent, and it is cultivated through prayer, immersion in God’s Word, and a willingness to obey what He has already revealed. [01:09:01]
- Choosing Life and Serving the Lord Wholeheartedly
Every day presents us with the fundamental choice: whom will we serve? God calls us to choose life, to love Him, obey His voice, and cleave to Him above all else. This is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment, one that shapes our legacy and influences generations to come. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. [01:10:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:34] - “Be Thou My Vision” Worship
[19:03] - Graduate Recognition Introduction
[19:54] - Reflections on Raising Children in Faith
[21:13] - Honoring Individual Graduates
[27:55] - Graduate Testimonies and Achievements
[29:10] - Prayer for Graduates and Families
[30:35] - Dismissing Junior Church
[31:18] - The Weight of Daily Decisions
[34:01] - Proverbs 3:5-7: Trusting God’s Guidance
[39:16] - God’s Will for Everyone: Six Clear Passages
[45:47] - Nine Biblical Principles for Wise Decisions
[53:09] - Christian Liberty and the Principle of Example
[59:48] - Laying Aside Weights: The Principle of Excess
[01:09:01] - Asking God for Wisdom
[01:10:22] - Choosing Life and Serving the Lord
[01:16:47] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:18:47] - Closing Song: “Victory in Jesus”
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Choose Wisely”
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### Bible Reading
Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)
> Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
> and do not lean on your own understanding.
> In all your ways acknowledge him,
> and he will make straight your paths.
> Be not wise in your own eyes;
> fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)
> “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV)
> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days...
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 3:5-7, what are we told to do instead of relying on our own understanding?
2. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, what does Paul say about things that are “lawful” but not “helpful”?
3. What choice does God set before His people in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, and what does He urge them to do?
4. The sermon mentioned that “we are free to make our choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences.” What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this point? [[33:17]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Proverbs 3:5-7 emphasizes trusting God with “all your heart” and not just part of it? How does this relate to making decisions in uncertain times? [[34:01]]
2. The sermon outlined nine biblical principles for making wise decisions in “gray areas.” Why is it important to consider how our choices affect others, not just ourselves? [[49:09]]
3. How does Christian liberty, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:12, have both power and limits? What are some modern examples where this principle might apply? [[53:09]]
4. The pastor said that making one big decision—to remain faithful to God’s Word—can settle countless smaller decisions. What does this look like in real life? [[01:12:58]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent decision you made that wasn’t clearly right or wrong. Did you consider whether it would benefit your spiritual life or edify others? How might you approach a similar decision differently after hearing this sermon? [[47:12]]
2. The sermon talked about “gray areas” and using biblical principles to guide us. Is there a “gray area” in your life right now where you need wisdom? What principle from the sermon could help you decide? [[45:47]]
3. The pastor warned about being “enslaved” by things that are not necessarily sinful, like social media or habits. Is there something in your life that you feel has too much control over you? What step could you take this week to break free from it? [[55:09]]
4. When making choices, do you usually think about how your actions might affect someone who is “weaker in faith” or new to Christianity? Can you think of a time when your freedom might have been a stumbling block to someone else? [[56:26]]
5. The message encouraged us to “choose life” and serve the Lord wholeheartedly, not just once but every day. What is one practical way you can “choose life” in your daily routine this week? [[01:10:22]]
6. The pastor said that when we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously. Is there a big or small decision you’re facing where you need to pause and pray for wisdom? Will you commit to doing that this week? [[01:09:01]]
7. For those who have not yet chosen Christ, the invitation was clear: “Today is the day to receive the gift of salvation.” If you have questions or doubts about your relationship with Jesus, what is holding you back from making that decision today? [[01:15:33]]
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Closing Thought:
As you reflect on the choices before you—big and small—remember that God’s Word is a lamp to your feet. Obey what He has already shown you, seek His wisdom for what is unclear, and trust Him to guide your steps.
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