Making Big Decisions

MPT: Paul insists on traveling to Jerusalem even though many warn him not to go.

FCF: Everyone faces times in life when mixed signals complicate making big decisions.

Big Idea: Big decisions are best made when we account for the work of the Holy Spirit, the benefits of Christian friendship, and the cost of authentic discipleship.

1.   The work of the Holy Spirit.   

a) The Spirit at work in our passage (v. 4, 9, 10-11)

b) How the Spirit works

   - He’s a Helper who reveals truth (John 14:16-17)

   - He help us pray and intercedes between us and God (Romans 8:26-27)

   - He empowers us to resist our sinful desires (Galatians 5:16-17)

   - He produces in us the desire & ability to do what pleases God (Philippians 2:12-13)

   - He reveals & teaches spiritual truth so we understand things of God (1 Cor. 2:10-12)

c) How we grow in discerning the Spirit

- Cultivate our relationship with God

- Trial and error

- Keep a journal

2.   The benefits of Christian friendship.   

a) The need for Christian friendship

b) How Christian friendship is established

c) How Christian friendship is experienced

3.   The cost of authentic discipleship.

- Luke 14:27-29

- Principles =

Love people, but love Jesus more

Value input, but follow God’s will

There is something worse than dying: not living

Following Jesus is costly but not following Jesus is more costly