9/15/2021 Wednesday
Principles for Proving
The Best Choice Principle
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
Introduction to the Best Choice Principle
• Some difficult choices in life seem to pass the Association, Wedge, Doubt, Edification, Distinction, and the Glorification
principles. Either way we choose to go seems to be okay. What then? Flip a coin?
• This evening, we are going to look at a principle that will help us when our choice seems to be between two good
options. This principle we will call it the Best Choice Principle.
• With the Lord’s help, we will learn how the Best Choice Principle can help us make the right choice.
• As always, this principle is not a rule, but a tool to help you. If you want to live a holy life and please the Lord, this
principle will be a great help in making godly choices.
The Meaning of the Best Choice Principle
• Best choice is really self-explanatory.
• This principle will help us make the best choice in situations where more than one option seems fine.
• Finding the best choice is finding God’s specific will for the situation.
The Foundation of the Best Choice principle
• This principle rests on the foundation that God has a specific will for your life.
• The Bible speaks of this fact.
– (Romans 12:1-2) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
– God’s will is not multiple choice. Even when several fine choices are available, God knows what is best for you.
Sample Situations for the Best Choice principle
• Young person’s choice of a godly spouse.
– God knows the one He has chosen for you.
• What quality of Bible should you buy?
– Should you get a paperback, hardback, artificial leather, bonded leather or genuine leather? There is nothing wrong with a paperback Bible if
that is all you can afford, but God may want you to have a genuine leather Bible in which you can keep a lifetime of notes.
• Choice of online preachers to listen to
– Some good sermons come from preachers who are wrong about Calvinism or who are not separated. We must be careful.
• The choice of a hobby.
• Even general situations like quiet evening options
Finding the Best Choice
• God knows what is best for me.
• He knows all things.
– (Deuteronomy 29:29) “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our
children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
• His understanding is unlimited.
– (Psalms 147:5) “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
• He is all-wise.
– (Colossians 2:3) “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Prayer will Unlock the Best Choice
• I must ask God for guidance.
• I must ask God to teach me and lead me.
– (Psalms 86:11) “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”
– (Psalms 25:4-5) “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation;
on thee do I wait all the day.”
• I must pray specifically and earnestly for wisdom in making this choice.
– (James 1:5) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Questions to Help Me Find the Best Choice
• Am I convinced that more than one option is good in the sight of the Lord?
• Do all of the options pass all the biblical principles of which I am aware?
• Have I considered the long-term results of each option?
• Does one option better fit biblical priorities?
• Which option is the best use of my time?
• Should I seek godly counsel about this decision?
Bible Verses on Best Choices
• Verses with the word “expedient”. This word has the basic meaning of “helpful”
– Jesus said, (John 16:7) “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
– (1 Corinthians 6:12) “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.”
Bible Verses Relating to Best Choices
• Paul, Peter, and John each spoke of the “will of God.”
God does have a particular “will” about each situation.
– Ro 12:2; 15:32; Gal 1:4; Eph 6:6; Col 4:12; 1Th 4:3; 5:18;
1Pe 2:15; 3:17; 4:19; 1Jn 2:17, etc.
• God’s standard is holiness.
– (1 Peter 1:14-16) “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath
called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
• You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
– (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of
God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Bible Examples of the best choice principle
• God told Samuel to anoint a new king from among David’s sons.
• Samuel thought that Eliab looked like the perfect king, but he was not the best choice.
– (1 Samuel 16:6-7) “And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD
seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.“
Bible Examples of the best choice principle
• Uzzah kept the ark of God from falling on the ground.
• From a human perspective, this seemed like the best choice, except that God had said that no one was to ever touch
the ark.
– (2 Samuel 6:6-7) “And when they came to Nachon’s
threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of
God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the
anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and
God smote him there for his error; and there he died
by the ark of God.”
–
Bible Examples of the best choice principle
• Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary. Martha carefully served the Lord, but Jesus said that Mary made the best
choice to sit and hear His teachings.
– (Luke 10:38) “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into
her house.”
– (Luke 10:39) “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.”
– (Luke 10:40) “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me
to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”
– (Luke 10:41) “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:”
– (Luke 10:42) “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Conclusion
• When a situation has several options that all appear to be good, we must use the Best Choice Principle to decide
God’s will.
• Carefully evaluate each option.
• Search the Scriptures on related topics.
• Pray specifically earnestly about the options.
• Seek godly counsel.
• If married, pray with your spouse about the
options.
• Wait on the Lord to give you peace.