making wise choices ephesians 5 making wise choices

making wise choices ephesians 5

making wise choices • Early on in Genesis we see people having to make choices in their lives • Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5: 15 -16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. • Many people in the world today choose to live life recklessly—only for immediate gratification

how do we make wise choices ? • There is a choice we all have to make; in everything we do … • We must establish our priorities … Matthew 6: 33; Mark 12: 29 -31; Colossians 1: 9 -11 • Wise decision-making, respect, love, trust & understanding … Proverbs 4: 5 -13; 18 -19

how do we make wise choices • Sin Is Avoidable … 1 Corinthians 10: 13 ? • Adam & Eve – Genesis 3: 1 -13; Romans 5: 12 • Cain & Abel – Genesis 4: 1 -10; Hebrews 11: 4 • Joseph – Genesis 39: 7 -12 • Moses – Numbers 20: 7 -12; Hebrews 11: 23 -27 • David – 2 Samuel 11: 1 -12: 14; 1 Chronicles 13: 1 -12; 1 Chronicles 15: 1 -13 • Jesus – Matthew 4: 1 -11; Hebrews 4: 15

how do we make wise choices ? Ephesians 5: 8 -13 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

some important decisions: • Who will be our role models? … 1 Peter 2: 21; 1 Corinthians 11: 1; Matthew 16: 24 -27 • Who will we call our friends? … 1 Corinthians 15: 33; Proverbs 1: 10 -19; 13: 20; 14: 26 • Who will we choose as our spouse? … Matthew 19: 4 -6

some important decisions: • Where do we choose to go to school? … • Where will we live and work? … Genesis 13: 5 -11; 2 Corinthians 6: 14 -18 • Advertising pushes us to please ourselves. . . • Our friends may encourage us to please ourselves. . . • However, where will we ultimately end up if pleasing ourselves?

decisions determine our destiny Our Initial Choice Required Growth Choosing To Follow God Understanding Biblical Principles Our Walk With God Extends To Everyday Decision Making The Results True Joy, Happiness, Peace, Eternal Life