Lesson Notes from "Making Wise Decisions in a Confusing World." Lesson by Tim Scott.

[Tim Scott delivered the lesson from which these notes were taken this evening at Kosmosdale Baptist Church.]

Focus passage: Ephesians 5:15-17.

[Tim said that he was given the basic outline for the following in a Bible college, and is not sure of the original source.]

When making a decision, consider the following four questions.

(These questions progress from more to less easily discerned.)

1. Does this thing I am considering violate a biblical absolute?

John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

2. Is this thing I am considering governed by a biblical principle?

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

3. Is what I am considering appropriate?

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

("The setting makes a difference.")

4. Is what I am considering best?

1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything."

Godly decision-making cannot be self-centered: "One of the considerations you have to take in this is other people."