How to Make Decisions Biblically

Last night, at Bible study, we discussed biblical principles and a method for biblical decision making.  As I mentioned, this has been adapted from Dr. Stuart Scott (not original to me).  Remember, next Thursday we are going to go through some examples.  If you'd like to suggest examples to work through this decision making process, email me at ben@gcot.org.

Principles of Biblical Decision Making

1. Scripture has bearing on ALL decisions (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
   “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
2. Wisdom (Prov. 9:10)
   A God-centered way of life- fearing the Lord (Prov. 9:10). The ability to apply biblical truth to everyday life situations.
3. Prayer (James 1:5, Col. 1:9)
   Things we are to pray for in decision making:
1. Wisdom- able to understand how God’s Word applies to our situation and how we should live to glorify Him (James 1:5).
2. That we would obey things we know are His revealed will for us (Col 1:9).
4. Purposeful Freedom (Gal. 5:13)
   “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
5. Desire (Ps. 37:4)
   “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

A Method for Biblical Decision Making

1. Pray for and cultivate a dependent, humble attitude before God (Prov. 3:5-6) and a desire to please God above all else (i.e. be walking in the Spirit).  Pray God will give you ability to gather data you need. Prayer should be throughout the whole process.
2. Gather facts and data (Prov. 18:13)
3. Study proclamations of Scripture that would bear on this decision (roadmap- direct)
4. Study principles in Scripture related to the decision (compass- indirect)
5. Get godly counsel if needed (Prov. 12:15, 15:22, 19:20)
6. Weigh purposeful freedom
   If the Scripture doesn’t eliminate one of the choices, we have purposeful freedom. Use your liberty to love God and others.
   Good questions to help evaluate your use of freedom.
1. Is this sinful? Does it provide an opportunity for the flesh?
2. Is it self-serving at the expense of others?
3. Will it glorify God?
4. Is it something I can genuinely thank God for?
5. Is it worth others imitating? Is it an example of “walking in the Spirit?”
6. Will it affect others around me?  How? Will it make them stumble?
7. Is it beneficial to me spiritually? (not all things are profitable)
8. Is it something that over time will tend to master me?
7. Examine your desires
1. What do I want in this situation? 
2. Are my desires God honoring?
8. If you still can’t decide
1. Is it because of a troubled conscience? Holding Principle (Rom. 14:23).
2. Gather more data and start over.
9. Make a decision based on God’s revealed will and trust his decreed will.

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