MAKE WISE DECISIONS

JAMES 3:13-18, I SAMUEL 23

Pastor Rick Jackson

The truths of James 3 are illustrated for us in I Samuel 23 as we see 2 kings make decisions. One is a king on his way out, ironically enough, for making bad decisions while the other is a man anointed king at least partly, because he made right decisions. How do we make the right decisions in life? How can we avoid the mistakes involved in making bad decisions- decisions that not only affect us but those around us?

I. THE WISDOM OF THE WISE [v. 1-4]

1. Don’t Assume a Good Thing Is God’s Will [v. 1-2a]

Would it be good to give all your money to missions? Should you pay your bills? Buy food for your family?

2. Seek God’s Will in Prayer [v. 2]

3. Seek God’s Wisdom in Prayer [v. 3-4, Samson’s parents, James 1:5]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

II. THE FRUITS OF WISE DECISIONS [v. 5-18]

1. The Exercise of Faith [v. 5, 1 Timothy 4:7]

But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2. An Increased Discernment [v. 6, Hebrews 5:14]

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

3. An Increased Reliance & Assurance [v. 7-18, Hebrews 12:11]

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

III. THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE FLESH [v. 7-8, 19-28]

1. Assuming Your Thoughts are God’s Thoughts [v. 7, Isaiah 55:8]

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

2. Involving Others in Your Sin [v. 8, Proverbs 6:16-19]

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

3. Attributing Evil to Good [v. 19-28, Rm. 14, Isaiah 5:20]

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!