Guidelines to Determine Right from Wrong

I. (basic points by Gene Taylor)

II. Introduction: We are faced with many decisions every day that give us the opportunity to glorify the name of God or bring disgrace upon the name of Christ. Here are some helpful guidelines to determine a right course of action.

III. Revelation: Is this obviously wrong?

A. Some things are condemned because they clearly violate the Word of God.

B. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

C. There are some things that are clearly condemned in the scripture Practice of these things will cause us to be lost if we do not repent.

D. Galatians 5:19-21 – Many of these things are evident to all people as being inconsistent with the Christian life.

E. Colossians 3:5-9 – As children of God we are supposed to put these to death in our life and put on the new man.

F. To do what is clearly wrong is rebellion against God.

IV. Identity: Will it make me look worldly?

A. Romans 12:1-2

B. We are to be transformed so that we do not live like the world. We are to prove in our lives what being a Christian is about.

C. Titus 2:6-8 – We are to provide a good example to others in all things.

D. We send messages by how we talk, what we wear, where we go, what entertains us, and the things that we value.

E. Sometimes we can be so focused on being pleasing to the world that we cease to be pleasing to God. Galatians 1:10 – If I wanted to please men I would not serve Christ.

V. Doubt: Will it leave me with a clear conscience?

A. Romans 14:18-23

B. A person might not be sure if something is right or wrong but, thinking it is probably wrong, may do it anyway. The person will be condemned, even though there was nothing wrong with the action, but because he violated his conscience, to him it is sin.

C. We must be diligent not to violate our conscience, it helps police us.

D. Acts 24:15-16 – We must strive to have a good conscience before God and men.

E. 2 Corinthians 1:12 – Our conscience can give us comfort if we have acted as we should.

F. Often we deride the conscience for making us feel bad when we have done wrong. However, the conscience can provide sweet comfort if we know we have made right decisions before God. Read “The Man in the Glass”

VI. Influence: Will it likely have a weakening affect on others?

A. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – Similar to doubt, do not do anything that would lead another to violate his conscience.

B. 1 Corinthians 8:7-13 – Do not let your liberty cause another to stumble.

C. Matthew 18:6-7 – Do not cause the little ones to stumble.

D. Someone is always looking up to us, and we may not realize it. We may lead many away from Christ by our influence of just one person.

VII. Control: Will it produce an inordinate fleshly appetite in me?

A. Colossians 3:5-6 (already referenced – put off the lusts and follow God)

B. 1 Corinthians 6:12 – Not brought under the power of any.

C. 1 Corinthians 9:27

D. It is sometimes a daily struggle against what we may desire in the flesh and what we should do. We must pray for strength, study to draw closer to God, and ask God to help us in our struggle. We do not have to give in, when we do it lessens our resistance to sin in the future and can create bad habits. There are some who have preached and have been disqualified because they could not control their lusts and desires (sexual immorality, alcoholism, gambling, drug addiction, anger, laziness).Matthew 16:24-27 – Must deny self and follow Jesus.

VIII. Association: Will it bring me under the weakening influence of evil companions?

A. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – We are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

B. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Evil company corrupts good morals.

C. Proverbs 1:10-19 – Peril of running with the wrong crowd.

D. Proverbs 12:26 – Choose friends carefully.

E. Proverbs 22:24-25 – You can learn bad habits from bad friends.

F. 1 John 3:13-14 – Do not marvel if the world hates you.

IX. The Man in the Glass

X. Author unknown

XI. When you get what you want in your struggle for self

XII. And the world makes you king for a day,

XIII. Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,

XIV. And see what THAT man has to say.

XV. For it isn’t your father or mother or wife

XVI. Whose judgment upon you must pass;

XVII. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

XVIII. Is the one staring you back from the glass.

XIX. Some people may think you’re a straight shooting chum

XX. And call you a wonderful guy,

XXI. But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum

XXII. If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

XXIII. He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest

XXIV. For he’s with you clear up to the end,

XXV. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test

XXVI. If the man in the glass is your friend.

XXVII. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

XXVIII. And get pats on the back as you pass,

XXIX. But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

XXX. If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.