“The Art Of Making Good Decisions”
by Jason Burkelo
Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Shasta
[This is a non-scheduled sermon because Dr. Gary VanDeWalker was sick]
Intro…
Story.,.. “I used to try to walk on water…”
What kept me from being able to walk on the water?
Was it my lack of FAITY in God? (After all Jesu8s did it)
Was it the lack of my UNDERSTANDING of FAITH?
The Bible Describes 3 Types Of Understanding…
1) Heavenly Understanding (James 3:13-18)
- God’s Perspective…
This is the understanding of the world that says there is a reason for the seemingly senseless suffering of hundreds of thousands of African Children… Man is SIFUL and his heart is wicked.
2) Worldly Understanding (1 Corinthians 1:21)
- Fallen Man’s Perspective…
This is the perspective that because of all the suffering and the “evil” in the world… There is no God. & if there is He doesn’t care.
3) God’s Complete/Exhaustive Understanding (Romans 11:33)
- This is something that we cannot attain
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Understanding is Wisdom & Wisdom is AN Art form…
Wisdom = The Human Capacity to understand the world/life from God’s perspective…
Wisdom comes from God… (Psalm 51:6)
- Here the Psalmist understands and communicates the origin of wisdom
- John 1:1 speaks of God as the origin of everything… including wisdom
This is John’s way of addressing the Gnosticism that was present in his day.
Gnostics believed that they had learned a secret knowledge… John says “NO” God is the origin of knowledge/wisdom & He has made it known.
- If there were a “5 Steps To Wisdom” program, this would be step 1…
Understand the Origin of Wisdom.
- Where do you think Wisdom comes from.
The wall Street Journal
CNN, Fox News, or Rush Limbaugh
Mom or Dad
These may present truth, but they are not the origin of Wisdom.
- What do you consider authorities and where do they get their information.
Wisdom is learned… (Duet 4:5-6)
- Moses understood the value of mentorship… He was mentored by God and Joshua w as mentored by him.
- Jake Cole still talks about the influence of Godly men in his life like Tony G. & Joel
- This can also be the 30 year old that honestly contemplates his adolescence.
- Who has been a significant influence in your life?
If you can’t think of one, find one (its not to late)
- Who have you began to mentor/influence?
If you haven’t found a person to build into, find one…
- You don’t have to impart an understanding of the deepest things of God… Just start by showing him or her how to live.
Wisdom should be pursued… (Proverbs 4:5-7)
- We’ve used “wisdom” and “understanding” interchangeably & so does Solomon
- Notice the carefully chosen and inspired words here…
(Vs 5) - “Acquire” or “Get” wisdom & understanding
(Vs 6) – again “Acquire” them
(Vs 8) – “Prize” it, or “Value” wisdom & understanding
- God has created us with the freedom to pursue & invest in what we want to.
- People pursue what they VALUE.
- Christ challenges believers to VALUE the Kingdom of God. (Matt 13:44-45)
- Some ways to pursue wisdom… (Luke 10:27 … your mind)
Commit to reading a difficult to read book (or just a book)
Get involved in a small group Bible study.
Pick a book in the Bible, obtain some good study aides and commit to thoroughly studying it.
Is there a place where you can Identify a deficiency in your wisdom?
- When I tried to walk on water I was deficient in my understanding of faith.
- I still have plenty of problems making wise decisions…
Finances
Certain Laws (Speed Limit)
- Where are you deficient?
Showing respect to your husband (Wisdom in relationships)
Parenting your child (Wisdom in responsibility)
Frivolous Spending (Wisdom in finances)
- Maybe you have places where your not in a deficit…
You make a conscious effort to make your wife feel loved.
You run at least 80% of your words through your understanding of Scripture.
Even though it is extremely difficult, you practice patience with your teenager.
- When I train people (Marines & Teenage Boys) I say…
“Don’t say Im sorry, Identify the problem and fix it.”
- That is what God is asking us to do (He’s a bit more sensitive).
- With Each Decision, Ask the question…
In view of Christ’s Truth… What is the wisest thing I should do?”