Andy Stanley - The Best Question Ever Study Guide: A Revolutionary Way to Make Decisions

THE BEST QUESTION EVER STUDY GUIDE
published by Multnomah Books
A division of Random House, Inc .
2004 by North Point Ministries, Inc.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-30756-366-8

International Standard Book Number: 978-1-59052-462-6

Interior design and typeset by Katherine Lloyd, The DESK

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from:
The Holy Bible , New International Version
1973, 1984 by International Bible Society,
used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House

Other Scripture quotations are from:
New American Standard Bible ( NASB )
1960, 1977 by the Lockman Foundation
The Living Bible ( TLB ) 1971.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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v3.1

Taking Notes

When you see the pencil icon above, you may want to fill out your answers on a separate piece of paper or use the Notes functionality on your eReader.

If you are using a touch-screen reader or app, simply hold your finger over the first word in the line and then select Note to create a note and begin typing your answer.

If you are using a non-touch-screen reader, move your cursor up to the line where you want to enter an answer and then begin typing to create a new note.

You can then reference your answers anytime you are reading the eBook as they will be stored as notes on your device.

W eve all made dumb decisions. No matter who you are, this is something we all have in common. There are purchases we wish we hadnt made, loans we regret signing up for, people we wish we hadnt dated, parties we wish we hadnt gone to, jobs we wish we hadnt taken the list goes on. In some cases, the implications are more seriousmarriages we shouldnt have entered into, emotions we wish we had controlled, or drugs we wish wed never tried. Everybody has made choices they wish they could go back and undo.

In hindsight, its a little easier to see our mistakes. Oftentimes we vow never to make mistakes like that again. In some cases, we may wonder how we could have been so deceived. We look back and think, How could I have been so foolish?

It could be argued that were all a little farsighted when it comes to making dumb decisions. When we see someone else about to make a bad choice, its easy to see it coming. Its obvious. But somehow, when its up close and personal, the issues get foggy. Emotions cloud our vision. Circumstances pressure our thinking. And the next thing we know, we have made a decision we regret.

Imagine if we could learn to see clearly before we make some of our dumb decisions. Thats not only something we desire; its what God wants for us as well. And its not as unattainable as we might think. As were about to discover in the next several weeks together, wisdom is the key to foolproofing yourself against bad decisions. As youve probably learned by now, its not enough just to know the dos and donts of Scripture. When it comes to sorting out the complexities of each unique situation we face, only wisdom can reveal the best path. And once we learn how to find it, we will have found an approach to life that is foolproof.

Andy Stanley

Every time we make a decision, it is preceded by a series of questions. Sometimes we ask them out loud; sometimes we simply process them in our subconscious. We ask questions like How much can I afford? What are the risks? How will this feel? How much will I make? How much could I lose? What are my chances? Whether you realize it or not, the questions you ask yourself eventually determine your decision.

As a general rule, people operate by two primary tenets: First, we want to get the most out of life; and second, we want to avoid getting into trouble. Therefore, as we evaluate our options in a decision, we tend to focus on whether or not our choices will violate any rules or commandments. If they dont, we often assume they are acceptable. Whether its a financial decision, a moral choice, a business move, or a relationship, our tendency is to see how close we can get to the edgeand then make our decision accordingly.

But with this approach, many Christians simply ask the wrong questions. According to Scripture, the question is not whether something is moral, ethical, legal, or harmful. For Christians, theres another question thats even more important than those. In this session, well discover the Best Question Ever when it comes to making decisions that can impact our lives.

Imagine a major magazine is doing a celebrity profile of you. They are collecting interesting tidbits about you that capture who you are and how you think. They want to know your favorite food, your fondest memory, your philosophy for relationships, and your ideas on politics. As part of their brief bio, they ask you to name the three criteria you use to make all your personal decisions. How would you answer? Write these three criteria in the space below. Discuss your answers among the group.

(Example: 1. Does it leave the world better than I found it? 2. What does the Bible say about it? 3. Is it the right thing at this point in my life?)

1.

2.

3.

From the video message, fill in the blanks.

1. The question we must begin to ask is: Is it the _________________ thing for me to do?

Take a few moments to discuss your answers to these questions with the group.

1. We all make dumb decisions. Give examples of some of the really dumb decisions youve seen people make.