– The Decisions Series –
GOD’S WILL . TIME . MONEY . UNIQUE
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Which would you choose:
Coke or Pepsi?
No TV for a month or no music for a month?
Lose your sight or lose your hearing?
Math or History?
Be able to fly or turn invisible?
Some of these choices are no-brainers. Just about everyone who drinks cola can say without much thought whether they prefer Coke or Pepsi. Some are a little harder, but even so, these are all hypothetical choices. What about when it comes to life choices? How do you make a decision when the decision is not easy? Where is God in the process? How do you know if this is God’s will? This purpose of this study is to help you understand some principles for discerning God’s will.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
Read Romans 12:1–2.
1. According to verse 1, what is the motivation for presenting our whole selves to God?
2. As you think about your life and salvation, what are some of those “mercies” or things that God has done for you?
3. How would knowing that your life belongs to the Lord make a difference in the way you make decisions?
*4. What are the commands Paul gives in verse 2? According to that verse, what is the result if we follow those commands?
*5. Why do you think God wants us to submit to him and obey his teachings before we’ll understand his will?
6. Psalm 119:105 tells us God’s word is a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It shows us the way. What are some things that you already know God’s word tells us are clearly his will?
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
7. How does it make you feel to know that God’s will is “good, pleasing and perfect”?
8. What are some difficult decisions you are facing today?
*9. Choose one decision that you want to work through right now in the group. Share what you are trying to decide with the group.
MY DECISION: __________________________________________________
1) GOD’S WORD – What does God’s word say about the decision?
(Is this an area where I already have clear guidance? Are there principles in his word that apply to my situation?)
2) THE HOLY SPIRIT – What have I sensed the Spirit prompting me to do as I spend time with God in prayer?
(Have I talked with God about the decision?)
3) OTHERS – What insights have I gained from the counsel of others? (Don’t depend on others to make the decision for you. But people who know you well, understand the situation, and can give you a godly perspective might have insights to help you in the decision.)
4) CIRCUMSTANCES – How has God been working in circumstances?
(What is God doing around me? Is he closing or opening opportunities?)
5) MY DESIRES – What are my desires?
(We can’t rely completely on our desires because, let’s be honest, we all want things that we know God does not want for us. However, if God is calling you to something, he will place a desire in your heart for that thing. Listen to the desires that God may be placing in your heart.)
6) WISDOM – What does wisdom say?
(God gave us a brain! Make a list of pros & cons for the different choices you have in your decision.
10. Do you have any insights on your decision that you want to share with the group as you have started working through the process?
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.