Sermon Central
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To Keep Your Ax Lesson 5
Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 20, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Fasting will not make a decision for you, it gives you access to God. In His presence, you can find your answer.
“And he (Paul) was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” Acts 9:9
“Is this the fast that I (the Lord) have chosen … (so) your light (understanding) should break forth speedily.”
Isaiah 58:6, 8 NKJV
“We can make our plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” Proverbs 16:9, NLT
1. Fasting will not make a decision for you, it gives you access to God. In His presence, you can find your answer.
2. Fasting introduces three elements: yieldedness, prayer and obedience. The answer to your decision comes from God through these three windows.
3. Begin fasting by yielding your prejudices and predispositions. “All the people did whatever seemed right to their own eyes” (Judges 21:25, NLT).
4. You recognize in your decision to fast, the answer is about God, not about you or your plans.
5. Without God –
a. You vacillate between choices.
b. You make wrong decisions based on emotions, wrong facts, wrong counsel.
c. You resist any decisions, then consequences makes decision for you.
d. You make impetuous decision without facts.
6. What you should know as you fast about a decision:
a. God directs by counsel from friends (Proverbs 11:14).
b. God sovereignly guides (Romans 8:28).
c. God directs by inward influence (Acts 16:6; Romans 8:14).
d. God directs by opportunities (1 Corinthians 16:9).
e. God directs those who yield to Him (Romans 12:1-2).
f. God directs through your spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 7:7).
g. God directs through your common sense (Proverbs 16:9).
h. God directs through prayer (Matthew 7:7).
7. Remember and apply:
a. Honestly face any problems with a desire to find the answer.
b. Define your problem (a well-defined problem is half solved).
c. Gather any and all information.
d. Make a list of possible solutions.
e. Chose the best solution.
You make good decision on good information.
You make bad decision on bad information.
With any information, you make lucky decisions.
(That leaves you with good luck or bad luck)
8. When you fast spend time listening to God’s voice, then pray about each potential decision.
9. Ask questions. “Saul why are you persecuting Me” (Acts 9:4). Pay attention to the spiritual. “Lord, what will you have me do” (Acts 9:6).
The wrong decisions at the wrong time – disaster.
The wrong decisions at the right time – mistake.
The right decision at the wrong time – unacceptable.
The right decision at the right time – success.
10. How to feel when God gives you an answer:
a. First worship God for giving you direction.
b. Then thank Him for guiding you.
c. Praise God for all the other decisions He has guided.
d. Check your level of confidence.
e. Ask God to guide you as the answer/decision is implemented.
f. Pray for those involved in the answer/decision.
g. Obey what you learn.
h. Be patient and above all else; be kind.
i. Be open to input from others about follow though.
j. Prepare about any misunderstanding.
TO TAKE AWAY
1. The weightier the decision, fast more often and fast longer.
2. Seek Scriptures related to your decision.
3. Write out the decision before you make it, and restudy it to understand all the details that surround it.
4. Write out the results and reactions to the decision for future help in making decisions.
5. Wait for inner confidence in your darkest hour.
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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