Introduction

The topic of today's sermon is "Choice." Choice is something that originates from God. God made the choice to place the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the center of the garden, ensuring that Adam and Eve couldn't miss it. And God passed on this gift of choice to humanity. The choices we make in our daily lives determine our future.

God's Choices

Our choices are incredibly important. They can lead to victory or ruin in our lives. One wrong choice can have devastating consequences, while a right choice can bring abundant blessings. So, what was the first choice mentioned in the Bible? It wasn't Eve choosing to eat the forbidden fruit. The concept of choice actually begins with God.

In the first chapter of Genesis, we see that God made various choices. For example, He chose to create the universe in six days. But why six days? Why not instantaneously or over a longer period? It was God's choice to create everything in six days. He didn't need any raw materials like we do when we create something. He has the power to create out of nothing.

God also chose to place the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the center of the garden. He could have hidden it away where Adam and Eve wouldn't easily find it, but He deliberately placed it in a prominent location. This shows that God's choices are not influenced by anyone or anything. He is all-powerful and all-wise.

Furthermore, God bestowed the gift of choice upon mankind. Imagine if we didn't have the power to choose. We would be like robots, devoid of freedom. But God, in His wisdom, gave us complete freedom to make choices. Even as young people, God doesn't control us but grants us complete freedom.

Statistics show that on average, human beings make around 5,000 choices every day. This gift of choice is a significant part of our lives. It affects our present and future. That's why it's crucial to be mindful of the choices we make.

The First Choice and Its Consequences

Unfortunately, the first choice made by man in the Bible was a wrong one. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This happened because when God gives us the gift of choice, He also gives us the power to choose between good and evil. We find this choice emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19 when Joshua says, "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

Despite Adam's wrong choice, God didn't take away the gift of choice. He still allows us to make choices, even though they may have consequences. Adam's choice had both physical and spiritual consequences. Physically, there were punishments like hard work and pain during childbirth. Spiritually, Adam and Eve brought death upon mankind and were expelled from the garden of Eden.

It took Jesus, the second Adam, to reverse these consequences. When we accept Christ, our position is restored. He takes our sins and gives us His righteousness. He takes our shame and gives us His glory. He takes away curses and gives us blessings. He takes away death and gives us life. This divine exchange occurred at the cross.

The Significance of Our Choices

Therefore, it's essential to remember that the choices we make have great significance. Ecclesiastes 11:9 reminds us to be happy during our youth and follow the desires of our hearts and eyes. God gives us the freedom to choose what our eyes see and what our hearts desire. However, we must be cautious in our choices because even small choices can have consequences.

Now, let's reflect on three important choices we must make in our lives:

1. Choose to make Jesus a priority in your life. It's not enough to follow Jesus as part of a crowd; we must sincerely commit ourselves as His disciples. Luke 14:25-28 emphasizes the need to prioritize God over our families and even our own lives. When we make Jesus our focus, His favor will be upon us.

2. Choose what you think and speak. Our thoughts and words have power. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Our thoughts shape our words, actions, habits, and character. Therefore, we must guard our minds and speak positive words of faith into our future.

3. Choose to depend on God for your future. When faced with choices, consult the One who knows your future. In Genesis 26, Isaac had a choice to make during a famine. His wisdom and circumstances suggested going to Egypt, but God instructed him to stay in the land. Isaac made the right choice by listening to God, and he was greatly blessed. We must trust in God's guidance for our future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choice is a gift from God. The choices we make determine our future. It is important to prioritize Jesus, guard our thoughts and words, and depend on God for guidance. Remember that even small choices can have significant consequences. Let us choose wisely and trust in God's plan for our lives.

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