Biblical Decision Making for Teens | Iron on Iron

Iron on Iron | Jospeh Tucker | Breakout

What does biblical decision making look like in your youth ministry?

Just because we can do something doesn’t mean it’s a good decision. Everything we do is supposed to be for the glory of the Lord. Youth Pastors, we are going to be held accountable for how we shepherd and lead our students. Let’s love Jesus, be his Church, and lead our students well.

In this breakout, Joseph Tucker walks through 10 questions that we can give our students to think about before making a decision. We want their hearts to be changed by Jesus and to make decisions that reflect their love for him.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• 1 Thess 4:3
• Ephesians 5:1-18

The Biblical Decision Making Process for Teenagers

This session focuses on biblical decision-making, discussing personal decisions, ministry decisions, and teaching students to make wise decisions.

1. Personal decision making

2. Ministry decision making

3. Teaching students to make wise decisions

Making decisions based on biblical principles can lead to wiser choices in personal, ministry, and student contexts.

Joseph Tucker emphasized the importance of making decisions based on biblical principles, in order to make wiser choices in personal, ministry, and student contexts. He suggested asking questions such as, “Will this help me know God more? Will this help me to love Jesus more? And does this enable me to obey the Spirit more?” Joseph also encouraged considering if the decision is beneficial for oneself, one’s body, one’s soul, and one’s family.

Joseph also discussed the importance of having a vision for one’s student ministry, and filtering all decisions through that vision. He mentioned the example of seven essential truths that students should know before they graduate: knowing the Gospel, having a biblical worldview, understanding spiritual disciplines, pursuing personal holiness, grasping the sovereignty of God, knowing what they believe and why, and having healthy relationships. “We want to filter everything we do as a ministry through those seven things,” he said.

Lastly, Joseph stressed the importance of teaching students to make wise decisions, such as following Jesus with their head, heart, and hands. He suggested asking questions like, “Will this decision help me to grow in my knowledge of God? Will this decision affect my love for Jesus? Will this decision help me or hinder me when it comes to living on mission?” Overall, your students need rely on Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit when making decisions, and to trust Him with the outcome.

The importance of having godly advisors in decision-making and seeking wisdom through prayer.

Every Christian needs godly advisors in their life when making decisions, especially students. He quoted Proverbs 15:22, which says, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with a multitude of counselors, [one will] succeed.” Make sure your teens seek advice from those who know the Lord, rather than asking friends who don’t have a relationship with God.

Let’s pray for wisdom! James 1:5 states: “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask the Lord.” He’s generous, he gives. Just ask. He hasn’t left us alone. By seeking wisdom through prayer and godly counsel, believers can make better-informed decisions in various aspects of their lives.

Teach students to trust God with their decisions, and not to second-guess themselves or dwell on past choices. By relying on Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit, believers can make wise decisions that glorify God, and benefit themselves and others.

Consider the impact of decisions on one’s relationship with God and others, as well as personal growth and maturity.

Joseph suggested asking several questions to help guide decision-making, such as whether the decision will help or hinder one’s relationship with God, love for Jesus, and ability to live on mission. He also prompted consideration of whether the decision would be beneficial or harmful, and whether it would lead to growth and maturity as a disciple of Jesus.

In the context of student ministry, Tucker emphasized teaching students to make wise decisions by considering how their choices would affect their relationships with others, including parents, friends, coaches, and teachers. He also noted the importance of guiding students towards maturity by encouraging them to make decisions that promote growth in their faith and relationship with God.

By considering the impact of decisions on one’s relationship with God and others, as well as personal growth and maturity, believers can make choices that honor God and lead to a fruitful life of discipleship.

Personal decisions should be guided by asking questions like:

• Will this help me know God more?
• Will this help me love Jesus more?
• Will this enable me to obey the Spirit more?

Ministry decisions should be focused on essential truths, such as knowing the Gospel, having a biblical worldview, understanding spiritual disciplines, pursuing personal holiness, grasping the sovereignty of God, knowing what you believe and why, and having healthy relationships.

Teaching students to make wise decisions involves guiding them through the process of head, heart, and hands decision making.

Key Reminders on Biblical Decision Making

1. “Know God, love Jesus, obey the Spirit, and make him known.”

2. “Our actions flow out of our affections.”

3. “Will this help me walk in love, walk in light, walk in wisdom, and walk in the spirit?”

4. “He’s given us Jesus. He’s given us his Word and he’s given us his spirit. Right? And those are more than sufficient to make a wise, informed decision about anything.”

5. “Without counsel, plans fail. But with a multitude of counselors, if you’ve got Godly advisors, you’ll succeed.”

6. “Make the decision. Trust Him. Walk in obedience.”