“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”
James 1:5-8, NLT
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Definition of decision. “Using your cognitive thinking process for a choice/course of action/answers/response among alternative options for positive action/negative reaction/no action/relating to areas of your life.
a. Decision can be instant or thought out.
b. Choice usually involves more than one option. However, it may not involve a decision among/between more than one option, but a yes or no decision about one thing.
2. Definition of indecision: the inability to decide/make a decision, or to waver between options. Synonyms of indecision: inhibition, restrain, apprehension, timid, cowardice, wishy-washy.
B. ILLUSTRATION OF INDECISION
1. Lot’s wife, not giving up the past and indecision about present direction. “Lot’s wife looked back … turned into a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26, NLT).
2. Elijah. “How long will you wavier between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow Him .. the people were completely silent” (1 Kings 19:21, NLT).
3. Felix sent Paul to prison for two years. “When it is more convenient, I will call for you again” (Acts 24:29, NLT).
4. Two masters. “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
5. Indecision in the early church. “Some think one day is more holy ... others think every day the same” (Romans 14:5, NLT).
6. Rich man cannot decide between Jesus and money. “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young .. sell all … give to poor … follow Me” (Luke 18:21-23). How does Jesus feel about indecisive people? “Jesus felt genuine love for him” (Mark 10:21).
C. PRINCIPLES
1. Seek God’s wisdom/decision. “Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:2-5, NLT).
2. Do not build on indecisive sand. “Anyone who listens to My words … builds a house on solid rock … anyone … hears ... but is indecisive … builds on sand” (Matthew 7:24-25, ELT).
3. Ask for God’s wisdom. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you” (James 1:5, NLT).
4. Faithless prayer is indecisiveness. “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).
5. “Study to show yourself approved of God, a workman … rightly understanding God’s word” (2 Timothy 2:15, ELT).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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