Making Right Decisions

6
1.5 Page Study
Understanding Ourselves, Understanding God

(This is the sixth in a series of studies that explores the different aspects of Understanding Ourselves and Understanding God.)

Be sure that youve had the opportunity to cover the "Spirit-Filled Life" booklet. If you need more time, use the time now. Then you can cover this study towards the end of your meeting or even the next time. Specifically, review the last page of the "Spirit-Filled Life" booklet, which covers spiritual breathing. Once students understand this, they have established a great foundation for their Christian walk. This study has the potential to generate much conviction, discussion, and even more questions. You will need to pray for wisdom as you help the people in your study come to an understanding of what God would have them do in different circumstances. The subject in this lesson, is making decisions in our Christian walk, where it is not clearly black or white. What about those gray areas of life? Do: Read these three scenarios, one at a time, and discuss what is the right thing to do. Scenario 1 Youre really busy and youre running out of time, so you copy the answers to a homework assignment from a classmate, to turn in the next day. The homework assignments count for points on your overall grade. Is it O.K. to copy the homework assignment? Scenario 2 Youre sitting in the middle of a big exam, you can't find the answer to a particular question. Your eyes wander and you see the answer on a classmates test sitting next to you. Is it O.K. to write in the answer on your test? Scenario 3 You and your girlfriend/boyfriend have enjoyed spending time together. You enjoy being alone in your dorm room talking with the lights low and soft music in the background. Sometimes you enjoy resting on the couch together. You spend time with them a couple nights a week in this setting. Is there anything wrong with this? Again, you may have lots of discussion, but let it go. People always learn from each other. You don't have to come up with a solid answer yet. Do: Read these two passages. Then ask, "how can we make good decisions in life that will please God?" 1 Peter 2:12
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

This is a resource from the GodSquad (www.godsquad.com) 2000 Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc. Permission granted to copy for personal or ministry uses, provided this credit line is included and content remains unchanged.

1.5 Page Study : Making Right Decisions, page 2

Say: Every believer should have standards, but should see that they are used to help others, never to hinder them (Romans 15:2).

6
1.5 Page Study
Understanding Ourselves, Understanding God

Galatians 5:16-17, 24-25

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 6:1-4, 7-10

6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else... 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Ask: How can we make good decisions in life that will please God according to these passages? What principles for decision making can we pull out? Do: Close by sharing these key principles from the Interacta study "Shades of Gray". When faced with a gray area in life:
1. Ask yourself "is it helpful, beneficial or constructive for me? Does it cause me to grow spiritually or help others to grow? 2. Is it a habit? Is it an addictive behavior? Does it hold me in its power? Do I feel I need this to be happy and fulfilled? Does it control my thoughts or actions? 3. Is it hurtful for another? A weaker Christian? In doing it, would I hurt someone else or cause them to be tempted to go against their conscience (what they think is right)? It is hurtful for a non-Christian? Could my behavior cause a non-Christian to ignore the gospel or disregard Christ?
This is a resource from the GodSquad (www.godsquad.com) 2000 Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc. Permission granted to copy for personal or ministry uses, provided this credit line is included and content remains unchanged.

4. Is it honoring to God? Glorifying God means to exalt God, to please Him by seeking His interests above our own interests. In doing it, would I bring glory to God, or dishonor Him?

Next Weeks topic: How we can track with one another.