Principle of the Path

Please Note: this material was derived in large part from a book by Andy Stanley titled “The Principle of the Path.

Introduction: Read Proverbs 7.

I. Principles of the Path

Paths are obvious if we want to see them.

We are not normally conscious of getting on the wrong path.

Your path determines your destination.

You can choose your path, but you cannot choose your destination.

Your STATED intentions don’t determine your path, your direction shows what your actual intention was.

Each step I take is down one path or another

Hard times (calamity) reveal, to all, the path one has been traveling.

II. How to change paths:

First I have to be honest with myself.

The real reason I do this/did this is/was…

Don’t listen to yourself – listen to God!

Change direction – take the next step.

Put action to your words.

True confession and repentance

Don’t think you are the exception!

III. Hindrances

More interested in what we perceive to be our current happiness.

We deceive ourselves!

Be honest with yourself

The real reason I…is…

It’s hard!

IV. How to stay on the right path

Go to the word of God for instruction.

Seek counsel from others who are delighting in the instruction of God.

Seek counsel from others who are farther down the path than you.

V. How to determine the right path

Has God already spoken on this matter?

What outcome am I expecting from this decision? Does this option naturally lead to that outcome?

What’s the wise thing to do?

VI. Motivation to take the right path