Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Three Bad Criteria for Decisions, Acts 27

DECISION BASED ON THE WISDOM OF MEN (Rather than the leading of God):

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.  Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.  - Acts 27:9-11

Compare: Proverbs 22:3; Exodus 9:20-21.

DECISION BASED ON COMFORT, CONVENIENCE:

And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.  - Acts 27:12

Word study: "Not commodius" means not convenient, not suitable.

DECISION BASED ON OBSERVATION, RESULTS, PRAGMATISM:

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. - Acts 27:13

Bible note: How often we make long-term decisions based on which way the wind is blowing at the moment of decision!

VM
Developed from some notes taken during a sermon delivered by Ignacio "Pancho" Rovirosa.

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