Making Wise Choices

Text: Joshua 24:13-15

Introduction

1. The challenge of Joshua to Israel is still of vital importance, especially to the young. a. The young have been granted much for which they have not worked–from

parents and the Lord.

b. The choice he placed before Israel was a choice all must make. 2. Every day you make choices: some major, most minor.

a. Even the minor ones are important.

b. How you make choices will determine your course and success in life. 3. Some helpful guidelines.

a. Do not make impulsive, rash decisions.

b. Make decisions. Do not be indecisive or procrastinate. c. Apply good sense, reason and logic.

d. Make all choices with God in mind using His standard.

1) Life is a constant struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, God’s way and the way of the world.

2) All must make a choice. (Text; Matt. 6:24; 12:30)

I. The Importance of Making Proper Choices

A. Lot’s choice caused him and his family terrible consequences. (Gen. 13:1-11) 1. His daughters partook of the city of Sodom and were destroyed. (Gen.

19:14)

2. He lost his wife. (Gen. 19:25-26)

3. His two surviving daughters, influenced by Sodom, got him drunk and sinned with him. (Gen. 19:30-38)

B. Right choices bring great blessings. 1. Moses. (Heb. 11:24-26)

a. His choice may have seemed foolish to his peers. b. Because of his choice:

1) He is considered one of God’s greats. (Heb. 11:24)

2) He appeared at the mount of Transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-5) 3) They sing in heaven of him. (Rev. 15:1-3)

2. Jesus.

a. He made a choice that brought blessings to all.

b. He chose to come to earth and live as a man (Phil 2:5-11) and to lay down His life. (John 10:17-18)

Gene Taylor  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  1

II. Some Major Choices to Be Made in Life A. Who your friends will be.

1. Use 1 Corinthians 15:33 to help make choices in this area.

2. Realize the power of peer group pressure. (Consider Ex. 23:2) 3. Choices made about dating are extremely important.

B. Schooling.

1. In what area? How far you will go?

2. Thomas Jefferson: “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”

C. Employment—vocation.

1. The majority of people are unhappy in what they do.

2. Your choice in this area affects every aspect of your life so take care in making it.

D. Marriage.

1. The measure of success and happiness in life, the eternal destiny of your soul, the soul of your companion and the souls of your children may well be determined by this choice.

2. Young people: choose to enter marriage with purity. a. It is God’s will that you do. (Heb. 13:4)

b. Realize the dangers of disease and Aids. 3. Take marriage seriously.

a. Use good judgment: know the difference between infatuation and love.

b. Do not rush into it.

c. Listen to good advice from trusted friends and your parents. Talk to those who have had successful marriages.

d, Follow God’s instructions. e. Make a wise choice.

E. Whom you serve. (Text)

1. You are urged to make this choice early in life. (Eccl. 12:1)

a. Sow wild oats? You will reap what you sow. (Gal. 6:7-8) b. “Flee youthful lusts.” (2 Tim. 2:22)

2. You must make this choice. (Matt. 6:24; 12:30; Jas. 4:4)

III. Be a Person of Commitment

A. Proper choices without commitment are meaningless. B. Because of a lack of commitment:

1. Marriages fail.

2. Many drop out of school. 3. Many forsake the Lord.

Gene Taylor  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  2

C. Nowhere is commitment more important than in spiritual matters. 1. Worldly allurements will entice and tempt.

2. “Friends” will try to get you to compromise.

3. You must commit and press on. (Luke 9:62; Phil. 3:8-16)

Conclusion

1. Make right choices. Became adept at the decision-making process.

2. First and foremost, decide to serve God and then make all choices with Him and His will in mind.

3. Why not be an example and make that choice now?

Gene Taylor  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  3