Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8409 decision-making, and providence

8409 decision-making, and providence

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8408 decision-making » 8409 decision-making, and providence

People need guidance from God about how they should make up their minds on difficult issues. God gives them this through the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, individuals, groups and other external means.

Decisions should be grounded in a relationship with God

Proverbs 3:5-6 See also Psalm 23:1-3; Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,12; Proverbs 9:10 Wisdom involves making right moral decisions; Matthew 6:31-33 pp Luke 12:29-31

God guides decision-making

Through Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17 See also Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:9,11,98-100,104-105,130

The temptation of Jesus Christ is a good example of how Scripture can inform decision-making:

Matthew 4:4 pp Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:7 pp Luke 4:12; Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:10 pp Luke 4:8; Deuteronomy 6:13

Through supernatural intervention

Through prayer

James 1:5-6 See also 1 Kings 3:9-12; Proverbs 2:3-6; Matthew 7:7-11 pp Luke 11:9-13; Matthew 21:22; Ephesians 6:18

Through circumstances

The work of the Holy Spirit in decision-making

John 14:16-17 See also John 14:26; John 16:13-15; Acts 8:29; Acts 10:19; Acts 13:2; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:6-10; 1 John 2:20,27

Motivation in decision-making

Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:17 See also Psalm 139:23-24; Matthew 20:25-28; Matthew 23:23; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 4:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:12; Peter 4:11

Humility is essential for divine guidance

The need to test guidance

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22