Topical Encyclopedia The concept of decision-making in the context of the Book of Ephesians is intricately linked to the themes of divine will, spiritual wisdom, and the believer's response to God's calling. Ephesians, authored by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the life of believers and the importance of aligning one's decisions with God's purposes.Divine Will and Predestination Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights the concept of divine election and predestination, suggesting that God's decisions precede human decisions. Believers are encouraged to recognize that their choices should reflect the divine will that has been established since before the creation of the world. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding Paul prays for the Ephesians to be endowed with spiritual wisdom and understanding, which are crucial for making godly decisions. Ephesians 1:17-18 reads, "I ask that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." Here, the emphasis is on the necessity of divine enlightenment to make decisions that align with God's purposes and to fully grasp the hope and inheritance available in Christ. Walking in a Manner Worthy of the Calling Ephesians 4:1 exhorts believers, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This call to action implies that decision-making is not merely a cognitive process but a lifestyle choice that reflects one's commitment to Christ. The decisions of a believer should be consistent with the high calling they have received, demonstrating humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:2). The Armor of God and Spiritual Warfare In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the armor of God, which is essential for making decisions in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:13 advises, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." The armor represents various aspects of spiritual readiness, including truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation, which equip believers to make decisions that withstand spiritual challenges and temptations. Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:13-15 speaks to the goal of reaching unity and maturity in the faith: "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming." This maturity involves making decisions that promote unity and growth within the body of Christ, avoiding divisive or immature choices that could lead to instability. In summary, the Book of Ephesians presents decision-making as a process deeply rooted in understanding and aligning with God's will, seeking spiritual wisdom, and living out one's calling in a manner that reflects the character of Christ. Believers are encouraged to make decisions that contribute to their spiritual growth and the edification of the church, standing firm against spiritual adversities with the full armor of God. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 2:2,3I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: Nave's Topical Index Library The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Days of Toil and Trial By what Means Union Can be Preserved Unbroken. The Essential Unity of the Kingdom. A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained ... In the Hands of Giant Accuser 1 Cor. v. 1, 2 God's Sovereignty and the Human Will Redeeming the Time On the Question of an Accused Bishop Appealing to the Seat of the ... Resources What does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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