Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8412 decisions

The end result of a process of reflection upon possible courses of action, informed and sustained by a concern to please God.

Factors that should affect believers' decision-making

Desire to know God's will

Psalm 25:4-5 See also Psalm 143:8; Hosea 4:6 Ignoring God's will leads to destruction; John 10:27; John 14:15-17

Confidence in God's readiness to reveal his will

Psalm 25:8-9 See also Psalm 16:7; Psalm 25:12-14; Psalm 48:14; Psalm 73:23-24; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:19-21; Jeremiah 9:23-24

Belief in God's overall plan for his people

Romans 8:28-30 See also Ephesians 1:3-14; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:39-40

God's promise to guide believers in their decisions

Isaiah 58:11 See also Psalm 32:8-9; Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 48:17; John 14:26; John 16:13

Knowledge of scriptural principles

Mark 12:29-31 pp Matthew 22:35-40 See also Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; Exodus 20:1-17 pp Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 7:12 pp Luke 6:31; Romans 13:9-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8

A willingness to trust God

Hebrews 11:17-19 See also Genesis 15:4-6; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Psalm 25:1-2; Psalm 31:5; Psalm 143:8; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 1:45; Romans 4:3,20-24; Galatians 2:16,20; Hebrews 11:1-39

See also

1115  God, purpose of
1175  God, will of
2330  Christ as shepherd
3130  Holy Spirit, Counsellor
3263  Holy Spirit, guidance
5884  indecision
5917  plans
6622  choice
8020  faith
8031  trust, importance
8124  guidance
8408  decision-making