The 911 Handbook Study Guide Questions

Lesson 14 / Chapter 14, part 1

When You Need to Make a Decision: The Deciding Factor

Because God speak in various ways, it is wise for us to examine the different ways He has spoken to His people. Listed below are several guidelines to consider when making a major decision.

Guideline #1: Consult God's Word

Read Psalm 119:89. How long is God's Word "settled"?

Why does this make God's Word the clearest revelation for us?

Read Psalm 119:105. Discuss the differences between the "lamp" and the "light"?

What is the relationship between the "feet" and the "path"?

How does this apply to guidance from God's Word?

Guideline #2: Pray for God's wisdom.

Read James 1:5-8. What does it mean to lack wisdom?

What does God tell us to do when we don't know what to do? (v.5) Why?

If God generously gives wisdom to all men, why aren't all men wise?

How can doubt keep us from receiving God's wisdom? (v.6-8)

Guideline #3: Gain insight through wise counselors.

Read Proverbs 11:14, 24:6. We don't need counselors on every decision, but we do on major decisions. We must qualify our counselors before we choose them to advise us.

• Choose godly counselors (Psalm 1:1)

Why is it important to not choose ungodly counselors?

What advantage is a godly counselor over an ungodly counselor?

• Choose wise and knowledgeable counselors (Prov. 24:6)

If you are about to enter a war, what kind of counselor would you choose to advise you?

How does this apply to other decisions we need to make?

• Choose caring counselors (Prov. 27:6)

What does it mean when it says the "wounds of a friend" are faithful?

Why is it important to choose a counselor who cares about us if we follow his/her advice?

• Choose a multitude of counselors (Prov. 24:6).

Why is this the last factor to be considered in qualifying our counselors?

First, He will put desires in your heart (Psalm 37:4-5)

What does "desire" mean?

What does it mean to delight yourself in the Lord?

What does it mean that God will give you the desires of your heart?

Second, He will put peace in your heart (Col. 3:15)

The Greek word for "rule" means "to act as an umpire." How can the peace of God act as an umpire when we are making a decision?

Read Phil. 4:6-7. What two things will the peace of God guard?

What does this mean?