Firm Decision And Self Control

Puget Sound Bible Students
Convention 2007

"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection..." 1 Cor 9:26-27


1 In both decision and self-control, why is fixity of will and purpose important for anyone? (R3914)
2 What is God's purpose for us (the Church) during this Gospel age?
3 What are a few touchstone principles and character traits that help fasten the ideal (God's Standard) in our minds? (R4256:1:top-2) (R5958 mentions a few principles that help in decision, but don't stop there.)
4 Even small decisions can have an affect over time. In the end, our decisions will eventually prove to God what we love most. We may deceive ourselves, but not God. (Gal. 6:7)
a) What will Satan attempt to get us to sow? What are some of his tactics?
b) What are some of the many pitfalls/deceptions of our perilous day? (R5413)
c) What are few clear-cut ways to recognize self-will?

5 It is one thing to recognize pitfalls and self-will, but it is another to bring ourselves into submission to the will of God: (1 Cor 9:26-27, R5001)
a) What are some practical ways to gain self control? Include effective examples. (R2411, R5488:1:2-2:1, R5652) (July 6 Songs In The Night)
b) How can the manner in which we deal with our own mistakes assist in self-control? (Especially consider mistakes even partially involving the "will" R5440:1:1-4, F148:2-F149) (R5459:2:3-4)
c) How can we do "b" without losing sight of the Standard? (R3739:2:1-3 [corrected reference] (R4445:2:1-5)

6 In what ways might we sacrifice in the interest of others in our decisions?
7 Consider the range of decisions made in the course of a day from easy to difficult:
a) Once the Lord's will is seen, why is prompt firm decision important? (Sept 28 Manna, R2950)
b) How should we handle the following kinds of decisions?
. Those that the Lord would not have one way or another.
. Those that are quickly understood via God's purpose for the Church & the Standard
. The more difficult matters. (R4467:2:5-R4468:1:5)
c) When should or should we not change a decision?
d) In what ways should we learn to rely upon the Lord in our decisions?

8 Considering the fact that we cannot become perfect in the flesh, what does it really mean to overcome?
Please note that the references given are only intended as a starting point.