Seeking Divine Wisdom in Decision-Making

 

Summary

In our journey through the book of Acts, we have been reminded of the powerful works of Jesus, His teachings, and the transformative instructions He left for us. We have seen how the early church was guided by the Holy Spirit, making decisions that were not based on human wisdom but on divine direction. Today, we delve into the critical aspect of decision-making, a topic that may not be as inspirational but is essential for a successful Christian life.

We are often tempted to rely on our natural wisdom to make choices, but this can lead to disastrous outcomes. Instead, we must seek Heavenly wisdom, as James 3:13-17 instructs us. This wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit. It is impartial and sincere, enabling us to make decisions that align with God's will.

The process of discerning God's will is crucial. It involves seeking confirmation through scripture, prayer, counsel from others, miracles, signs, and wonders, and even nature itself. Once we are convinced that God has spoken, we must seek confirmation to ensure that our decisions are in line with His will. This confirmation can come in various forms, such as the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of godly individuals, or supernatural signs.

Divine timing is also a key factor in implementing God's will. We must recognize that God's timing is perfect, even when it does not align with our own schedules. We must be ready to act when God indicates it is time to move forward with the decisions He has confirmed.

Procrastination can be a significant obstacle in executing God's will. The law of diminishing intent tells us that the longer we delay action, the less likely we are to follow through. We must be ready to act immediately when God calls us, just as the disciples did when Jesus called them to follow Him.

In summary, to live a life that is truly successful and in the center of God's will, we must discern His will, seek confirmation, and act in His timing. We must resist the temptation to rely solely on our natural wisdom and instead seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision we make.

Key Takeaways:

- Heavenly wisdom is essential for making decisions that align with God's will. It is characterized by purity, peace, consideration, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity. This wisdom enables us to stand firm in our convictions and make choices that reflect God's heart. [01:09:43]

- Discerning God's will involves a process of seeking confirmation through various means, including scripture, prayer, and the counsel of others. This confirmation strengthens our resolve and ensures that our decisions are not based on fleeting emotions or personal desires but on the solid foundation of God's plan for our lives. [01:34:38]

- Divine timing is a critical aspect of walking in God's will. Recognizing and adhering to God's timing can lead to exponential growth and success in our spiritual and personal lives. When we act according to His schedule, we align ourselves with the flow of His blessings and purposes. [01:41:04]

- Procrastination is the enemy of God's will. The law of diminishing intent warns us that the longer we wait to act on God's instructions, the less likely we are to do so. Immediate obedience is often required to step into the fullness of what God has for us. [01:46:14]

- The importance of community and seeking godly counsel cannot be overstated. Independence and secrecy can lead to poor decision-making and isolation. By embracing the wisdom and insight of those God has placed in our lives, we can make decisions that are not only beneficial for us but also for the body of Christ as a whole. [01:26:02]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. James 3:13-17 - "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

2. Proverbs 3:21-23 - "My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."

3. Philippians 1:9-10 - "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:13-17, what are the characteristics of heavenly wisdom? How do these characteristics contrast with earthly wisdom?
2. In Proverbs 3:21-23, what benefits are promised to those who preserve sound judgment and discretion?
3. What does Philippians 1:9-10 suggest is the relationship between love, knowledge, and discernment?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the ways mentioned that we can seek confirmation of God's will? ([01:34:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James describe earthly wisdom as "unspiritual" and "demonic"? How might this affect our decision-making process?
2. How can the benefits of wisdom and understanding described in Proverbs 3:21-23 be seen in practical daily life?
3. What does it mean to have love that abounds "more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" as described in Philippians 1:9-10? How does this help in discerning God's will?
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of divine timing. How can recognizing and adhering to God's timing impact our spiritual and personal growth? ([01:41:04])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you rely more on natural wisdom or heavenly wisdom? How did the outcome reflect this choice? ([01:09:43])
2. Think of a time when you sought confirmation for a decision. What methods did you use, and how did you know it was God's will? ([01:34:38])
3. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with procrastination? How can you take immediate action to align with God's will? ([01:46:14])
4. How can you better recognize and adhere to divine timing in your life? Share a specific instance where waiting on God's timing led to a positive outcome. ([01:41:04])
5. In what ways can you seek godly counsel more effectively in your decision-making process? Identify a current decision where you can apply this. ([01:26:02])
6. How can you cultivate the characteristics of heavenly wisdom (pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere) in your daily interactions? ([01:09:43])
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to discern God's will more clearly. What steps will you take this week to seek His guidance and confirmation? ([01:34:38])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Heavenly Wisdom
Heavenly wisdom is not merely an abstract concept; it is a tangible and necessary guide for making decisions that resonate with the heart of God. This wisdom is pure and peace-loving, steering us away from the chaos of worldly influences and towards the serenity of a life lived in alignment with divine principles. It is considerate and submissive, prompting us to think of others and yield to God's authority rather than asserting our own. Full of mercy and good fruit, it leads us to actions that reflect compassion and righteousness. Being impartial and sincere, this wisdom helps us to stand firm in our convictions without bias or hidden motives. As we seek this wisdom, we cultivate a life that not only pleases God but also bears witness to His character in the world. [07:40]

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17 ESV

Reflection: How can you practice seeking heavenly wisdom in a current decision you are facing, and what might be the first step in aligning that decision with the characteristics of divine wisdom?

Day 2: Confirming God's Will
The journey to discern God's will is a multifaceted process that requires patience, humility, and a willingness to seek confirmation through various channels. Scripture serves as our foundational guide, illuminating the path God desires us to take. Prayer connects us to the heart of God, allowing us to hear His voice and sense His leading. The counsel of godly individuals provides an external perspective that can affirm or challenge our understanding. These means of confirmation are not arbitrary; they are the tools given to us by God to ensure that our decisions are not swayed by transient emotions or personal desires but are rooted in His eternal and perfect plan for our lives. When we earnestly seek confirmation, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that our steps are ordered by the Lord. [01:34:38]

"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." - Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing, and how can you actively seek God's confirmation through scripture, prayer, and the counsel of others?

Day 3: Honoring Divine Timing
Understanding and adhering to divine timing is a critical aspect of walking in God's will. It requires a recognition that our schedules and plans are secondary to the perfect timing of the Almighty. When we align ourselves with God's timetable, we position ourselves for exponential growth and the unfolding of His blessings. This may mean waiting patiently when we would rather rush ahead or stepping out in faith when we would prefer to remain in the comfort of the familiar. Trusting in God's timing often goes against our natural inclinations, but it is in this surrender that we find the true rhythm of a life led by the Spirit. [01:41:04]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you may be rushing ahead of God's timing, and what steps can you take to realign with His schedule?

Day 4: Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination is a subtle yet powerful force that can hinder us from stepping into the fullness of God's will. The law of diminishing intent warns us that the longer we delay obedience, the less likely we are to act. Immediate obedience, as exemplified by the disciples when Jesus called them, is often required to seize the opportunities God places before us. When we procrastinate, we not only miss out on these divine appointments but also on the growth and blessings that come with them. To combat procrastination, we must cultivate a heart of readiness, always prepared to move at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. [01:46:14]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV

Reflection: What is one action God has been prompting you to take that you've been putting off, and what can you do today to initiate that first step of obedience?

Day 5: Valuing Community Counsel
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. The importance of community and seeking godly counsel is paramount in making wise decisions. Independence and secrecy can lead to poor choices and a sense of isolation. By embracing the wisdom and insight of those God has placed in our lives, we can navigate life's complexities with a broader perspective and a deeper sense of accountability. This communal approach to decision-making not only benefits us individually but also strengthens the body of Christ, as we learn to bear one another's burdens and encourage each other in the faith. [01:26:02]

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." - Proverbs 11:14 ESV

Reflection: Who are the godly individuals in your life whose counsel you can seek out this week, and what decision or challenge will you bring to them for wisdom and prayer?

Quotes

- "When you're in the will of God, the whole of Heaven is endorsed upon you. The anointing, the presence, the power, the favor, the Divine authority of God stands with you." [01:22:49] (Download | )

- "Once you discern the word of God, you got to seek confirmation. Once we are convinced and assured God has spoken, we now begin the journey of confirmation." [01:34:38] (Download | )

- "Divine timing is not always our timing. Sometimes when it's God's timing, you feel differently. Sometimes you don't even feel like it, but the Lord says, 'Get up, go now.'" [01:41:04] (Download | )

- "Procrastination is a thief of time. Firmly implementing the decision that God has given to you is crucial. When God calls, we must act, not delay." [01:46:14] (Download | )

- "We are not supposed to be dependent on another human being, but we need the counsel of godly individuals. Independence and secrecy can lead to poor decision-making." [01:25:25] (Download | )

- "God calls us to process, to reason, to engage with Him. He calls us to embark on a journey of identification, of hearing His voice, of hearing where He is and what's happening." [01:20:15] (Download | )

- "The law of diminishing intent tells us that if you delay doing what you should do now, the potentiality of doing it is radically reduced." [01:46:14] (Download | )

- "God communicates in various ways, and we must access those ways so that we know that the decisions we are making are Godly and not of our own." [01:35:12] (Download | )

- "When you're operating in your sweet spot, when you operate in your calling, even in a drought, He will furnish a table in the wilderness for you because our God is faithful." [01:33:56] (Download | )

- "The need for confirmation is critical. We live in a season where people don't bother about confirmation. But when you have it, you know you're walking in alignment with God's will." [01:38:43] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?