We all have been there and will be there on a daily basis. Should I do this or that? And what will be the consequences? If you are a believer in Christ, you know the Holy Spirit would guide you in the Will of God. But not all decisions have a black and white guidance in the revealed will of God, His Word. For many of us, like me, who are yet to be mature in faith it is indeed ‘difficult’ to discern the word of God carefully and quietly and in all situations.Doubts rage and often we feel our hearts and minds manipulating the situation and soon it is a decision led by us rather than God.
Listening to this sermon brought a lot of clarity to my mind and I hope this helps you too. John went on to describe his practical approach he uses in 10 principles or steps based on Biblical references. Not all your sticky decisions will need to go through all these 10 steps. But the key take away for me was, while you do your best in Faith and Hope, remember God does better always and He sees every corner of your heart. So no matter what practical guide you use, finally, “ Do everything in Love (of God)” 1 Corinthians 16:14 and pray that His will be done not mine.
Principle 1: Principle of expedience
Can I do this and have it increase my godliness? Will it be spiritually profitable?
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.1 Corinthians 6:12
Principle 2: Principle of edification.
If I do this, will it build me up? Will it strengthen me? Will it move me toward Christ’s likeness? Toward greater spiritual maturity?
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Principle 3: Principle of excess
Will it slow me down in the race? We are in a race, the race of faith.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Principle 4: Principle of enslavement.
Will it bring me into bondage? Does it have the potential to make me its slave?
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
Principle 5: Principle of equivocation
Will it hypocritically cover my sin? Am I doing it in the name of freedom when the truth of the matter is I’m really pandering my own evil? Am I doing some thing with a false motive?
Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of God. 1 Peter 2:16
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Principle 6: Principle of encroachment.
Will it violate the lordship of Christ in my life? If I choose to do something, it must fit within what I believe is the will of Christ my Lord, right?
“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died, and rose and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.”Romans 14:8-9
Principle 7: Principle of example
Will it help other Christians by its example?
But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9
Principle 8: Principle of evangelism.
Will it lead others to Christ? Will they see a difference in my life? Will there be something unique about my life?
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:16, 19
Principle 9: Principle of emulation
Will it be consistent with Christ’s likeness? I ask myself the question, would Christ do this? Would Jesus do this?
The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:6
Principle 10: Principle of exaltation
Will it glorify God?
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Acknowledgement:
Based on a sermon by John Mcarthur- https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-24/making-the-hard-decisions-easy I have summarised this great sermon. please click above link for the whole sermon.
