Topical Bible: Decision: Necessary to the Service of God

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In the Christian life, decision-making is a critical component of serving God effectively. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of making decisions aligned with God's will. Decisions are not merely personal choices but are integral to fulfilling God's purposes and advancing His kingdom.

Biblical Examples of Decision-Making

1. Joshua's Choice: One of the most prominent examples of decision-making in the service of God is found in the life of Joshua. As he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua made a decisive stand for serving the Lord. He declared to the people, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). Joshua's decision set a clear example for the Israelites and established a standard of commitment to God.

2. Elijah on Mount Carmel: The prophet Elijah confronted the Israelites with a decision on Mount Carmel, challenging them to choose between following the LORD or Baal. He said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him" (1 Kings 18:21). This moment of decision was crucial for the people to reaffirm their allegiance to the true God.

3. Daniel's Resolve: Daniel's decision to remain faithful to God, even in a foreign land, exemplifies the necessity of decision-making in God's service. Daniel "resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine" (Daniel 1:8), demonstrating his commitment to God's laws despite external pressures.

Teachings on Decision-Making

1. Seeking God's Wisdom: The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom in decision-making. James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This underscores the necessity of relying on God's guidance rather than human understanding.

2. Commitment to God's Will: Romans 12:2 instructs believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves making decisions that align with God's will, reflecting a life dedicated to His service.

3. Faith and Obedience: Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights individuals who made decisions based on faith and obedience to God. Their choices, often made in the face of uncertainty or adversity, were pivotal in fulfilling God's promises and purposes.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers in their decision-making. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Guide, saying, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Spirit aids believers in discerning God's will and empowers them to make decisions that honor Him.

Conclusion

Decision-making is an essential aspect of serving God, requiring believers to choose paths that align with His will and purposes. Through biblical examples, teachings, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to make decisions that reflect their commitment to God and His kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 9:62
And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Human Characters Determined Only by Divine Decision.
... Human Characters determined only by Divine decision. ... epistles, A measure of esteem
was necessary to his ... verily believed that he was doing God service!"Now he ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xv human characters determined.htm

Of Monastic Vows.
... that vows are not binding against the decision of the ... consist the true perfection
and the true service of God. ... It is necessary to admonish men of these things. ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvii of monastic vows.htm

Jew and Gentile
... upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ... not all prepared to
accept willingly the decision of the ... and all his powers to the service of God. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 19 jew and gentile.htm

Letter Lxiii. (AD 401. )
... and desire, at the time when the decision of his ... devote himself with undisturbed
mind to the service of God ... to whatever might be seen to be necessary in regard ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxiii a d 401.htm

Marriage and Celibacy.
... It is scarcely necessary to remind ourselves that this ... to understand the wise, inspired
decision which the ... which each respectively gives for the service of God ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

A Corps Commander
... than enthusiasm and some ability for public speaking are necessary. ... at once, but
convinced that her first decision to be ... of her time is at the service of God ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

On the Nativity of Our Lady
... this, I do not mean things which are necessary for man ... a thought, they cut it off
at once with stern decision. ... One part was for the service of God and for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xix on the nativity.htm

The Will.
... It is necessary, therefore, that he apparently forsake us and ... Have a fixed decision
of the will to serve God no ... you, and use it manfully, nobly in his service. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the will.htm

God's Love Magnified in Christ's Death.
... in the beautiful interchange of loving service, which is the ... if He Himself regarded
His death as the necessary and direct ... but He left it to the decision of the ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxii gods love magnified in.htm

Monitions of Christ to the Apostles in Regard to Prudence in their ...
... and to press every thing into their service in its ... are made subordinate thereto;
if the holy decision be once ... bring forth, as one of its necessary fruits, this ...
/.../section 182 monitions of christ.htm