Thou Shalt Do as Occasion Serve Thee
God demands that we use our sanctified common sense and judgment to make decisions, trusting in His guidance and faithfulness.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of using our sanctified common sense in decision-making, as illustrated in the story of Saul and the guidance given by Samuel. He highlights that while God can reveal our paths, He often expects us to exercise our judgment in everyday situations. Meyer draws a parallel with Peter, who, after being freed from prison, was left to make his own decisions, demonstrating the value of personal discernment. The sermon encourages believers to weigh their options, seek divine guidance, and act in faith without second-guessing their choices.
Text
Thou shalt do as occasion serve thee. 1 Sam. x. 7.
THIS is an example of how God demands of us the use of our sanctified common‑sense. Samuel sketches to Saul the course of events during the next few days; showing how clearly our lives lie naked and open to the eyes of God, and how easily He can reveal them when necessary. But whilst the various incidents are told, the prophet does not feel it incumbent to tell this goodly young man how he should behave in any given instance. "When these signs are come upon thee, thou shalt do as occasion serve thee."
We are reminded of a parallel in the life of Peter. The angel of God unbarred the prison‑doors, and led him forth, because nothing short of Divine power would avail. He led the dazed Apostle through one street, because he was too bewildered to realize what had happened. But, as soon as the night‑air had brought him to his senses, the angel left him "to consider the meitter" ‑‑ to use his own judgment. The result of which was, that he went to the house of Mary.
One of the divinest of our faculties is the judgment, before which the reasons for and against a certain course of action must be adduced, but with which the ultimate decision lies. It is a tendency with some to depreciate the use of this wonderful power, by looking for signs and visions to point their path. This is a profound mistake. God will give these when there are complications in which the exercise of judgment might be at fault; but not where it is sufficient. Where no sign is given, carefully divest yourself of selfish considerations, weigh the pros and cons, ask for guidance, dare to act; and having acted in faith, never look back or doubt.
Sermon Outline
- God demands the use of our sanctified common sense
- The role of judgment in decision-making
- Dependence on signs and visions
- God gives signs when judgment is insufficient
- Selfish considerations hinder decision-making
Key Quotes
“When these signs are come upon thee, thou shalt do as occasion serve thee.” — F.B. Meyer
“Carefully divest yourself of selfish considerations, weigh the pros and cons, ask for guidance, dare to act; and having acted in faith, never look back or doubt.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should rely on our judgment when making decisions, trusting that God is guiding us.
- We should avoid looking back or doubting after making a decision, trusting that God is faithful.
- We should carefully divest ourselves of selfish considerations when making decisions, seeking guidance and trusting in God's wisdom.