How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, as Paul suggests? Opening the Text 2 Corinthians 1:17: “Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say ‘Yes, yes’ when I really mean ‘No, no’?” Paul defends himself against charges of inconsistency. His plans are not driven by worldly impulse but by a steady commitment to God’s purposes. The verse invites us to make choices that echo the same sincerity and firmness. Understanding Paul’s Approach to Decision-Making • Grounded in Christ’s unchanging “Yes” (1:18-20) • Dependent on the Spirit’s sealing and guarantee (1:21-22) • Marked by integrity—his word mirrors God’s character • Free of double-talk; no mixture of “yes” and “no” shaped by convenience (cf. Matthew 5:37) Principles for Aligning Decisions with God’s Will • Saturate every plan with Scripture—God’s revealed Word is always the first boundary (Psalm 119:105) • Submit to God before deciding—“Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3) • Renew the mind—“Be transformed…so that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2) • Seek wisdom generously promised—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5) • Walk by the Spirit, refusing fleshly impulses (Galatians 5:16) • Keep motives pure; aim for God’s glory, not personal prestige (Colossians 3:17) • Maintain integrity—an uncomplicated “yes” or “no” that reflects God’s faithfulness (Matthew 5:37) Practical Steps for Today 1. Read and meditate on the Word daily, noting any principles that touch upcoming decisions. 2. Pray specifically about each choice, asking the Spirit to illumine and restrain. 3. Compare options to clear biblical commands; discard anything that conflicts. 4. Evaluate motives: Will this honor Christ and serve others? 5. Seek counsel from mature believers who model submission to Scripture (Proverbs 11:14). 6. Wait on God’s timing; haste often masks unbelief, whereas patience trusts His sovereignty. 7. Act in faith once clarity comes, confident that obedience pleases God more than flawless outcomes. Scriptures to Meditate On Self-Check List • My decision aligns with explicit biblical teaching. • My conscience is clear before God. • My motives aim at God’s glory and others’ good. • My plans depend on God’s strength, not self-reliance. • My word will remain “yes” or “no,” reflecting God’s steadfastness. Closing Encouragement Walking in God’s will is not guesswork; it is a steady response to His unchanging Word and indwelling Spirit. As Paul’s example shows, the believer’s “yes” grows out of Christ’s great “Yes,” making every decision a testimony to His faithfulness. |
    |