The 911 Handbook
Study Guide Answers
Lesson 15/Chapter 14, part 2
When You Need to Make a Decision: The Deciding Factor
Answers are written in italics
Because God speak in various ways, it is wise for us to examine the different ways He has spoken to His people. Listed below are several guidelines to consider when making a major decision.
Guideline #5: God may speak through a sign.
What does a "sign from God" mean?
It means God does something in an unusual way to confirm His will.
What are the two categories of signs?
1. Signs that God initiates.
2. Signs we ask for.
God answered Gideon’s two requests for signs (Judges 6:36-40). If God confirms our signs, what is this usually followed by?
Although it may be comforting to have a sure statement concerning God’s will, signs are often followed by a severe testing of faith.
Guideline #6: Look for open and closed doors.
An "open door" means a "door of opportunity." Does God want us to go through every open door? Why or why not?
No. Satan can open trap doors to lead us away from God’s will.
Does every closed door mean it is not God’s will? (Matt. 7:7-8)
No. Just because a door is closed does not mean it isn’t God’s will. Sometimes God will lead us to closed doors so we will knock on them. We may have to knock for a while before they open.
Guideline #7: Gather all the facts about the decision.
Before we make a major decision, why is it important to "sit down"? (Luke 14:28)
Sitting down settles down our emotions so we can think clearly. It also keeps us from being impulsive and running ahead of God. Sitting down means we take time to think through the decision we are making.
What does "counting the cost" mean?
It means we take inventory of what we will give up and what we will receive as a result of the decision.
If you are thinking about moving, what are some factors to consider when "counting the cost"?
What is your reason for moving?
Are the husband and wife in agreement?
What are the churches like?
Have you talked to the person who left the job you are about to take?
What the schools like?
What is the cost of living?
What is the crime rate?
What are you giving up in order to move?
Guideline #8: Be sensitive to God's timing.
What does it mean that God has made everything appropriate in its time? (Eccl. 3:11)
God has a correct timing for everything. Some things will be inappropriate for us if we become anxious and don't wait for God's timing.
Read Ps. 32:8-9. Discuss some ways that God will lead us in the way we should go.
God will instruct us in the right way by speaking to our hearts, opening and closing doors, putting desires in our hearts, making divine appointments, etc.
What does it mean when God says He will counsel us "with My eye upon you"?
God will be watching over us in the decisions we make.
How did Felix miss God's timing? (Acts 24:24-27)
God was speaking to him about placing his faith in Christ, but he wouldn't make a decision. He missed God's timing through procrastination.
What can we learn from his mistake?
Some opportunities exist in a window of time. If we don't seize the opportunity of the moment, we can miss God's timing.