I CORINTHIANS 7 AND I CORINTHIANS 10-11: DECISION MAKING

 

Decision Making in I Corinthians 7 and 10-11

(taken from Garry Friesen, Decision Making and the Will of God, pp. 294, 386)

A wise decision is one which:

1. is good (in contrast to unprofitable) (7:1, 8, 26)

2. is better in its effects than other viable alternatives (7:9, 38)

3. best helps one keep God's commandments (7:19)

4. leads to peace (7:15)

5. causes the least trouble (7:28)

6. makes the best use of time (7:29)

7. frees one the most from worldly concerns (7:32-34)

8. benefits oneself (7:35)

9. promotes what is honorable (7:35)

10. leads to undistracted devotion to the Lord (7:35)

11. is necessary (7:36)

12. promotes personal happiness (7:40)

Questions to ask in making difficult decisions:

1. Is there anything inherently wrong (morally or legally) with this activity? (10:23)

2. Is it spiritually profitable? (10:23)

3. Does it edify others? (10:23-24, 33)

4. Is it something I can thank God for? (10:30)

5. Is it something that will glorify God? (10:31)

6. Is it worth imitating? (11:1)

7. Is it following Christ's example? (11:1)