Lesson 25: How to Build Your Decisions on the Word of God
Every day requires decisions.
Some are made almost without thought.
Others may affect years of your life.
A disciple must learn to bring both large and small choices beneath the Word of God.
The psalmist prayed:
“Order my steps in thy word:
and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
— Psalm 119:133, KJV
That prayer asks God to govern the direction of life through His Word.
It does not say:
“Order my steps according to whatever feels easiest.”
“Order my steps according to what everyone else expects.”
“Order my steps according to whatever opportunity appears.”
It says:
“Order my steps in thy word.”
The Bible does not mention every modern job, school, device, contract, purchase, journey, invitation, or opportunity by name.
But Scripture gives commands, boundaries, priorities, and principles that govern decisions in every generation.
The disciple must learn how to find and follow them.
Begin Before the Decision Is Settled
Many people decide what they want first and seek biblical approval afterward.
The desire is already established.
The preferred answer is already chosen.
The heart is not asking, “What is right?”
It is asking, “How can I justify what I want?”
The psalmist prayed differently:
“Shew me thy ways, O LORD;
teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me…”
— Psalm 25:4–5, KJV
He asked to be shown God’s way before choosing his own.
A surrendered decision begins with an open hand.
You may have a preference. You may see an option that appears desirable. You may hope that a particular door will remain open.
But before settling the choice, pray:
“Father, show me what Your Word requires.”
“Expose any desire that is making me dishonest.”
“Close my heart to anything that would require disobedience.”
“Help me want what honors You more than what pleases me.”
Do not ask God merely to bless a decision you have refused to place beneath His authority.
State the Decision Clearly
Confused questions often produce confused answers.
A person may say:
“I do not know what to do with my life.”
That question is too broad to examine carefully.
A clearer question might be:
“Should I accept this particular responsibility?”
“Should I enter this agreement?”
“Should I continue participating in this activity?”
“Should I make this purchase now?”
“Should I commit to this opportunity?”
Write the decision in one sentence.
Then identify the available options.
For example:
- Accept the opportunity now.
- Decline it.
- Request more information before deciding.
- Delay the decision until a necessary matter becomes clear.
Clear wording helps separate the real decision from the emotions surrounding it.
You may discover that what felt like one enormous problem is actually several smaller questions requiring separate answers.
Some Decisions Have Already Been Settled
Certain choices do not require a special sign, unusual feeling, or lengthy search for direction.
God has already spoken clearly.
You do not need additional guidance to determine whether lying is acceptable.
You do not need an inward impression to decide whether to steal.
You do not need a dream to determine whether sexual immorality should be avoided.
You do not need to wait for peace before obeying a clear command.
Moses told Israel:
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you:
ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.”
— Deuteronomy 5:32, KJV
When Scripture clearly commands or forbids something, the central decision has already been made.
Your responsibility is to obey.
Sometimes people call disobedience “a difficult decision” because they dislike what obedience will cost.
They say:
“I am praying about whether I should tell the truth.”
“I need more time before ending what Scripture calls sin.”
“I am waiting for God to show me whether I should forgive.”
Prayer should never become a religious way of delaying what God has already made clear.
The first question in every decision should therefore be:
Has Scripture directly commanded or forbidden this?
If the answer is yes, submit to what God has spoken.
Remove Every Option That Requires Sin
A decision may appear complicated because several options are being considered. Yet some of those options may be removed immediately because they require disobedience.
Suppose an opportunity promises financial benefit but requires dishonesty.
The apparent question may be:
“Would accepting this opportunity improve my situation?”
But Scripture reveals the deeper question:
“May I gain an advantage through deceit?”
Once dishonesty is required, that option should no longer remain on the table.
Proverbs says:
“Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues without right.”
— Proverbs 16:8, KJV
The promise of benefit does not transform wrongdoing into wisdom.
The same principle applies when an option requires:
- denying Christ;
- approving what God condemns;
- violating a clear responsibility;
- deceiving someone;
- joining in sin;
- or refusing a command of God.
Do not keep studying the possible advantages of an option Scripture has disqualified.
Obedience may narrow your choices, but it does not impoverish your life.
It protects you from building upon sin.
The Bible Gives More Than Direct Commands
Not every decision is answered by a verse that names the exact situation.
Scripture does not list every modern technology, occupation, entertainment choice, schedule, purchase, or opportunity.
Yet the absence of an exact name does not mean the Bible has nothing to say.
God’s Word gives principles.
A biblical principle is a revealed truth that governs more than one specific situation.
For example:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV
This verse does not name every possible action.
It gives a governing purpose:
Whatever you do should be done to God’s glory.
Another principle says:
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:
all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV
That principle helps examine matters that may not be directly forbidden.
The question is not only:
“Can I prove this is prohibited?”
It is also:
“Is this spiritually profitable?”
“Is it beginning to rule me?”
“Can I participate without being brought under its power?”
Principles allow Scripture to govern situations that did not exist in their present form when the Bible was written.
Use Principles That Truly Apply
Lesson 24 taught that Scripture must be interpreted honestly.
That safeguard is essential here.
Do not attach an unrelated verse to a decision merely because its wording sounds useful.
A verse about Israel entering the promised land should not automatically be treated as God’s personal command for you to accept a business opportunity.
A statement addressed to a particular person should not be removed from its setting and turned into a guarantee that your preferred plan will succeed.
Before applying a principle, ask:
“What does this passage mean in context?”
“What truth does it actually establish?”
“Does that truth genuinely apply to this decision?”
For example, the principle that believers should act honestly applies to contracts, conversations, reports, applications, taxes, and private promises because all those situations may involve truthfulness.
That is a legitimate extension of the principle.
Honest application begins with honest interpretation.
Distinguish Commands From Principles
A command gives a direct requirement.
A principle gives truth that must be applied with wisdom.
This distinction protects you from two opposite errors.
The first error is weakening a command into a suggestion.
God says something must or must not be done, but a person treats it as only one factor to consider.
The second error is turning a principle into a rigid command that Scripture never gave.
For example, Scripture may establish that believers should use resources faithfully. That principle must shape spending decisions.
But one believer should not automatically declare that every other Christian must make the exact purchase, budget, or financial choice he made.
The principle is divine.
His particular application may involve judgment, circumstances, and responsibility.
Therefore, ask:
“Is this a direct command?”
“Is this a general principle requiring application?”
“Am I presenting my application as though it were the command itself?”
Speak firmly where Scripture is firm.
Remain humble where faithful believers may apply a principle differently.
Distinguish Biblical Conviction From Personal Preference
Preferences are not automatically wrong.
You may prefer one schedule, location, method, style, or opportunity over another.
But personal preference should not be given the authority of Scripture.
A person may say:
“I would never make that choice.”
That statement may describe his judgment.
It does not necessarily mean God has forbidden the choice for everyone.
Romans 14 describes believers who differed over certain matters of food and days. Paul did not permit them to despise or condemn one another over matters God had not made universal commands.
He wrote:
“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
— Romans 14:5, KJV
The disciple must learn to distinguish:
“Scripture forbids this.”
from:
“I do not believe this would be wise for me.”
and from:
“I simply prefer another option.”
Confusing these categories produces unnecessary bondage and judgment.
Do not call your preference God’s command.
Do not call a command merely your preference.
Examine the Desire Behind the Decision
Even a permissible choice may be pursued for a corrupt reason.
Proverbs says:
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
but the LORD weigheth the spirits.”
— Proverbs 16:2, KJV
The Lord weighs what is happening within.
Ask:
“Why do I want this?”
“Am I seeking to honor God or impress people?”
“Am I pursuing responsibility or escaping it?”
“Am I seeking something useful—or trying to satisfy envy?”
“Would I still want this if no one praised me for it?”
“Am I searching Scripture for truth or for permission?”
Motives can be mixed.
A person may sincerely desire to serve God while also enjoying recognition.
Recognizing an imperfect motive does not always mean the entire option must be rejected. It may mean the heart needs correction before proceeding.
Bring the motive into the light.
Do not assume that a religious goal automatically arises from a pure heart.
Consider What the Choice Will Encourage
Scripture often directs attention toward fruit and consequences.
Paul wrote:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
— Galatians 6:7, KJV
A decision is a seed.
Ask what it is likely to strengthen.
Will it make obedience easier or repeatedly place you near compromise?
Will it strengthen faithfulness or train you to avoid responsibility?
Will it deepen gratitude or feed covetousness?
Will it help fulfill a God-given duty or crowd that duty aside?
You cannot predict every result.
Unexpected consequences occur.
But refusing to consider obvious fruit is not faith. It is carelessness.
A prudent decision looks beyond the immediate appeal.
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself:
but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
— Proverbs 22:3, KJV
Do not stare only at the promised reward.
Consider the direction.
Remember Existing Responsibilities
A new opportunity may be lawful and even useful while still conflicting with responsibilities God has already given.
You may be able to do something in theory while lacking the time, ability, or freedom to do it faithfully now.
Jesus taught that a person intending to build should first count the cost.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost,
whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
— Luke 14:28, KJV
Before committing, ask:
“What responsibilities have already been entrusted to me?”
“Would this choice cause me to neglect them?”
“Do I have the ability to carry this commitment faithfully?”
“Am I attracted to something new because I have become tired of something I should finish?”
This is not an excuse to avoid every costly responsibility.
It is a call to honesty.
A faithful decision accounts for the duties already placed in your hands.
Do Not Treat an Open Door as a Command
An opportunity is not automatically God’s direction.
A door may be open because someone invited you, because money is available, because you possess the ability, or because circumstances made the option possible.
None of those facts by itself proves that you should proceed.
An open door may be permissible but unwise.
It may compete with a clearer responsibility.
It may feed pride.
It may require compromise later.
It may simply be an option God permits you to decline.
Proverbs says:
“The simple believeth every word:
but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
— Proverbs 14:15, KJV
Look well to your going.
Do not confuse opportunity with obligation.
Lesson 88 will address circumstances, timing, and providence more fully. The foundational principle here is:
No open door has authority to overrule Scripture.
Do Not Demand a Sign When Scripture Is Sufficient
Some believers hesitate to act until they receive an unusual sign.
They may ask God to arrange a particular event, phrase, dream, feeling, or coincidence.
But when Scripture has already made the answer clear, demanding additional signs may become a refusal to trust what God has written.
Jesus said:
“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign…”
— Matthew 12:39, KJV
This does not mean God never uses circumstances or providence.
It means signs must not replace submission to revealed truth.
If God commands honesty, you do not need a sign to tell the truth.
If an option requires sin, you do not need a closed door before rejecting it.
If Scripture gives freedom between two faithful options, you do not need to invent a supernatural command so that the responsibility of choosing disappears.
God’s written Word is sufficient to establish moral boundaries.
Scripture Sometimes Permits More Than One Faithful Option
Not every decision has one hidden correct answer that must be discovered through perfect spiritual sensitivity.
Sometimes two or more options may all remain within biblical boundaries.
Paul discussed believers who made different choices in matters where God had not given one universal requirement.
He wrote:
“He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord;
and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.”
— Romans 14:6, KJV
Different choices could be made unto the Lord.
When Scripture permits more than one option:
- remain within biblical boundaries;
- act from faith rather than rebellion;
- consider responsibilities honestly;
- avoid condemning others who choose differently;
- and make the choice with thanksgiving to God.
Do not create anxiety by assuming that one lawful option must secretly be sinful simply because choosing feels difficult.
God has given commands.
He has also given areas in which believers must exercise faithful judgment.
A Troubled Conscience Should Not Be Trampled
Lesson 19 explained that the conscience must be trained by Scripture.
When you cannot proceed with a clear conscience, do not rush forward merely because you strongly desire the choice.
Paul wrote:
“…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
— Romans 14:23, KJV
Pause.
Ask why the conscience is troubled.
Is there a biblical warning you have ignored?
Is your desire pressuring you?
Have you failed to study the relevant passages?
Or is the conscience being burdened by a human rule that Scripture does not establish?
Do not violate conscience carelessly.
Neither allow an uninstructed conscience to create permanent commandments God never gave.
Bring the concern beneath Scripture and proceed honestly.
Do Not Remain Indefinitely Undecided
Careful examination can become avoidance.
Some people continue searching because they fear responsibility.
They hope one more verse, opinion, or circumstance will remove every uncertainty.
But earthly decisions rarely come with complete knowledge.
After you have:
- removed sinful options;
- studied the relevant commands and principles;
- examined your motive;
- considered responsibilities and likely fruit;
- and determined that you can proceed in faith,
you may need to choose.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD,
and thy thoughts shall be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3, KJV
Make the decision humbly.
Commit it to God.
Remain willing to receive correction.
But do not repeatedly reopen a faithful choice merely because another option might also have been permissible.
Faithfulness does not require omniscience.
It requires acting honestly upon the light God has given.
A Scripture-First Decision Pattern
Use this process with one actual decision.
1. State the Decision
Write the question and available options clearly.
2. Ask Whether Scripture Has Settled It
Is there a direct command or prohibition?
If so, obey what God has said.
3. Remove Sinful Options
Do not continue considering an option that requires disobedience.
4. Identify Relevant Principles
Find passages that genuinely apply and read them in context.
5. Distinguish Command, Principle, and Preference
Do not weaken commands or elevate personal judgment into divine law.
6. Examine the Motive
Why do you want this choice?
What desire may be influencing your interpretation?
7. Consider Responsibilities and Fruit
What will the choice encourage?
What present duties will it affect?
8. Bring the Conscience Under Scripture
Can you proceed honestly before God?
9. Recognize Lawful Freedom
Are several options biblically permissible?
Do not invent a command God has not given.
10. Choose and Commit the Matter to God
Act upon the light you have with humility and faith.
Discipleship Questions
- Why should the heart seek God’s Word before settling upon a preferred decision?
- What is the difference between a direct command, a biblical principle, and a personal preference?
- Why should an option that requires sin be removed immediately?
- How can a person wrongly turn his own application of a principle into a command for everyone else?
- What current decision needs to be placed through the Scripture-first decision pattern?
Closing Exhortation
Your decisions reveal what is ruling you.
Do not decide first and ask God to approve it afterward.
Bring the matter beneath His Word.
Where Scripture commands, obey.
Where Scripture forbids, refuse.
Where the exact choice is not named, apply biblical principles honestly.
Interpret those principles in context.
Examine your motive.
Consider your responsibilities.
Look beyond immediate appeal toward likely fruit.
Do not call opportunity a command.
Do not demand a sign when God’s Word is sufficient.
Do not turn preference into law.
When several faithful options remain, choose humbly and act unto the Lord.
Pray with the psalmist:
“Order my steps in thy word:
and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Let the Word of God establish the boundaries, priorities, and direction of your choices.
A Prayer for Scripture-Governed Decisions
Father,
Thank You for giving me Your Word to order my steps.
Forgive me for the times I have chosen what I wanted first and asked You to approve it afterward.
Give me a surrendered and teachable heart.
Where You have commanded, help me obey without delay.
Where You have forbidden something, keep me from studying its advantages as though sin could become wise.
Teach me to recognize the principles that truly apply when the exact situation is not named in Scripture.
Protect me from twisting verses to support my preference.
Examine my motives.
Show me where pride, fear, comfort, envy, approval, or ambition is influencing my judgment.
Help me consider my present responsibilities and the likely fruit of each choice.
Keep me from treating every open door as Your command or demanding a sign when Your Word is already sufficient.
Where You permit more than one faithful choice, give me freedom to choose humbly without inventing a command You did not give.
Order my steps in Your Word.
Let my decisions honor Jesus Christ.
In His name, amen.
Next Step
Take one real decision and write down:
The decision:
The available options:
What Scripture directly commands or forbids:
The biblical principles that apply:
My motive:
The responsibilities and likely fruit affected:
Whether more than one faithful option remains:
The next faithful step:
Do not begin with the answer you want.
Begin with the Word of God.
Previous Lesson: Lesson 24 — How to Study the Bible Without Twisting It
Next Lesson: Lesson 26 — Why Doctrine Matters for Every Christian