Preaching on Decisions: Impacts and Consequences Joshua 24:15
INTRODUCTION
Throughout our lives, each of us is faced with a multitude of decisions, ranging from the mundane to the monumental. Some choices lead to positive outcomes, while others result in regret. Regardless of their nature, every decision carries consequences, and many leave an indelible mark on our journey.
However, amidst this constant stream of choices, there stands one decision of paramount importance, one that eclipses all others in its significance: the decision that will ultimately determine our eternal destiny.
This is not a decision that can be deferred or avoided. Every human being is called to make a conscious choice between serving the living God or turning away from Him to pursue other paths.
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I. WE MUST MAKE THE DECISION TO SERVE GOD INSTEAD OF IDOLS Base Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:9
A. The early Christians in Thessalonica provide a powerful example of making this crucial decision. They turned away from the worship of lifeless idols to embrace and serve the living and true God.
B. Jesus Himself taught the impossibility of divided allegiance, stating unequivocally that "No one can serve two masters" (Luke 16:13). We are compelled to choose whom we will serve.
C. Serving God is not a passive endeavor; it actively involves denying our own selfish desires and embracing a life of sacrifice and following Christ (Matthew 16:24; John 12:26; Romans 6:6).
D. Conversely, those who choose to serve idols, whether they be physical statues or the idols of wealth, power, or self, are ultimately serving the spiritual forces of darkness, serving Satan himself (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
E. The choice, dear brothers and sisters, remains ours. Let us be inspired by the Thessalonians and decisively choose to serve the living God.
II. WE MUST DECIDE TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN Base Texts: Acts 4:19; 5:29
A. The apostles Peter and John displayed remarkable courage when confronted by human authority, boldly declaring their resolve to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29). Their allegiance was first and foremost to the Divine.
B. God, as our Creator and Redeemer, rightfully demands our obedience (Romans 6:17). His commands are not burdensome but are given for our good and His glory.
C. Let us not succumb to the fear of human disapproval or persecution (Matthew 10:28). Our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, who holds power over both body and soul.
D. Tragically, many in our world are choosing to obey the dictates of men, the trends of culture, or the desires of their own hearts, rather than the clear commands of God. What choice are you making in this critical area?
III. WE MUST DECIDE TO HONOR GOD AND NOT THE WORLD
A. God, as the sovereign Creator of all things, deserves all honor and glory (Psalm 100:3). It is He who has made us, and to Him we owe our very existence.
B. We are called to love Him with the entirety of our being – with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind (Matthew 22:37). This love naturally leads to a desire to honor Him in every aspect of our lives.
C. He is worthy of all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever (1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 5:12). No earthly figure or achievement can compare to His infinite worth.
D. The allure of the world, with its fleeting pleasures and temporary values, will ultimately pass away, but the will of God endures forever (1 John 2:15-17). Let us not invest our hearts in that which is transient.
E. Our honor for God should also be reflected in the way we handle our material possessions, honoring Him by giving Him the firstfruits of what He has blessed us with (Proverbs 3:9).
IV. WE MUST DECIDE TO PARTAKE OF THE THINGS OF GOD AND NOT OF THE WORLD
A. The stark reality is that the world, with all its enticements, is temporary and will fade away. In contrast, those who choose to do the will of God will abide forever.
B. As believers, we are privileged to be: * Partakers of the heavenly calling (Hebrews 3:1), invited into a divine purpose. * Partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4), sharing in God's very character. * Heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), joint inheritors of God's eternal kingdom.
C. What eternal profit is there in gaining the fleeting treasures of this world if it means the forfeiture of your eternal soul? (Matthew 16:26).
D. To choose to partake of the world's offerings, its values, and its priorities, is to ultimately choose loss. Conversely, to partake of the things of God – His Spirit, His Word, His fellowship, His promises – is to secure eternal gain.
V. WE MUST DECIDE TO INHERIT HEAVEN AND NOT HELL
A. The universal desire of humanity is to enter heaven, a place of eternal peace and joy. However, Jesus Himself clearly stated that there is only one path that leads to life, and it is a narrow way (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14).
B. The decision we make in this life regarding our relationship with God directly and irrevocably defines our eternal destiny (Matthew 25:34). There are eternal consequences to our choices.
C. We are urged to choose the narrow path, the way of faith and obedience, that leads to eternal life, even if it requires sacrifice and discipline. The broad path, though seemingly easier, leads to destruction.
D. This is a decision that no one else can make for you. Your parents, your spouse, your friends – none can choose your eternal destiny. You, and you alone, must make this critical choice.
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CONCLUSION
A. Throughout our earthly sojourn, we will inevitably face countless decisions. Yet, towering above them all is the paramount decision: whether or not to follow God with our whole hearts.
B. Your response to this divine call will chart the course of your eternity, leading you either to everlasting life in the presence of God or to eternal separation and damnation. May we all choose wisely, choose God, and choose life. Amen.
