Making Choices That Matter

Making Choices that Matter

September 18, 2011 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: When we are faced with a decision between best or good enough, we must choose what gives God the most glory.

Focus Passage: I Samuel 24:1-22

Supplemental Passage: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 NASB)

A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor. (Proverbs 12:16 NASB)

Introduction: During World War II, Winston Churchill was forced to make a painful choice. The British secret service had broken the Nazi code and informed Churchill that the Germans were going to bomb Coventry. He had two alternatives: (1) evacuate the citizens and save hundreds of lives at the expense of indicating to the Germans that the code was broken; or (2) take no action, which would kill hundreds but keep the information flowing and possibly save many more lives. Churchill had to choose and followed the second course.

Klyne Snodgrass, Between Two Truths - Living with Biblical Tensions, 1990, Zondervan Publishing House, p. 179.

I. Choose your advisors (vs 4-7)

a. A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, (Proverbs 1:5 NASB)

b. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15 NASB)

II. Choose your words (vs 8-20)

a. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NASB)

b. A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)

III. Choose your course (vs 21-22)

a. Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB)

b. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB)