The 911 Handbook
Study Guide Answers
Lesson 14/Chapter 14, part 1
When You Need to Make a Decision: The Deciding Factor
Answers are written in italics
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"?
Forever, for all eternity.
Why does this make God's Word the clearest revelation for us?
We never have to wonder if God has changed His mind. It is written on paper for us to see. It is objective, not subjective.
Read Psalm 119:105. Discuss the differences between the "lamp" and the "light"?
The lamp produces the light. The light makes things visible so we can see them.
What is the relationship between the "feet" and the "path"?
Feet walk on the path. The path gives us direction.
How does this apply to guidance from God's Word?
God's Word is the lamp that produces the light so we can see the path. God will lead us in the right direction when we walk in the light of God's Word.
Guideline #2: Pray for God's wisdom.
Read James 1:5-8. What does it mean to lack wisdom?
We don't know what to do in a specific situation.
What does God tell us to do when we don't know what to do? (v.5) Why?
We need to ask God for wisdom because He has all the answers to our problems.
If God generously gives wisdom to all men, why aren't all men wise?
Not very many people ask God for wisdom. Some people who ask for wisdom doubt that God will give it.
How can doubt keep us from receiving God's wisdom? (v.6-8)
It makes us unstable in all our ways. We won't be able to make up our minds as to what to do.
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?
God says He will bless those who refuse to follow ungodly counsel.
What advantage is a godly counselor over an ungodly counselor?
The godly counselor can hear from God, while an ungodly counselor can't. The godly counselor knows the ways of God and has a righteous perspective.
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?
You would choose someone who is experienced in warfare, familiar with the weapons, and understands the strategy of the enemy. He would also be able to warn about common mistakes many people make.
How does this apply to other decisions we need to make?
We need to find some who is knowledgeable and experienced in his field of expertise. If your decision involves financial matters, find a financial counselor instead of a mechanic. But if your decision concerns a mechanical problem, choose a mechanic instead of a financial counselor.
Choose caring counselors (Prov. 27:6)
What does it mean when it says the "wounds of a friend" are faithful?
The "wounds" are those truthful statements that may hurt, but we need to hear them. A true friend will be faithful to us no matter what happens.
Why is it important to choose a counselor who cares about us if we follow his/her advice?
A caring counselor is interested in seeing us succeed if we follow his or her advice. An uncaring counselor could care less what happens to us.
Choose a multitude of counselors (Prov. 24:6).
Why is this the last factor to be considered in qualifying our counselors?
If we choose the multitude first, we could end up with ungodly, foolish, and uncaring counselors. Our counselors need to be qualified before we choose them to advise us.
Guideline #4: God will speak to your heart.
Read Gal. 4:6. Where did God send the Spirit to live?
He sent the Spirit to live in our hearts.
What does it mean that the Spirit will "bear witness" with our spirit? (Rom. 8:14)
The Holy Spirit will reveal to us that we are the children of God and will show us the things that are in accordance with God’s will. He will do this through putting desires in our hearts and giving us peace.
First, he will put desires in your heart.
What does it mean for God to give you "the desire of your heart"? (Ps. 37:4)
It doesn’t mean that everything we desire is God’s will. It means He will put the desires in our hearts (our "wanter") to want what He wants.
What is it that we must do to receive these desires? (Ps. 37:4)
We must delight ourselves in the Lord, which means to find our please in Him.
Second, he will put peace in your heart.
How does the peace of God rule in our hearts? (Col. 3:15)
The peace of God rests upon those things that are in His will. A lack of peace could indicate something is wrong.
What are three possible reasons for a lack of peace in our hearts?
1.It may mean what we desire is not in God’s will.
2.It may mean the timing is wrong.
3.It may mean we need to do more research to get our questions answered.