How Do I Know If Something Is Right?

Christian Living

How Do I Know If Something Is Right?

Introduction

In our daily lives and in our spiritual walk, we face decisions that demand we choose between right and wrong. But how do we know what is truly right? Many in the world rely on feelings, popular opinion, or the example of moral individuals. Yet the Bible warns that these are unreliable guides. This lesson will explore the only sure way to determine what is right in God’s eyes: searching the Scriptures.

Right Is Not Determined by Feelings

Many believe they are saved because they feel it. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus warns of people who were confident in their salvation because of their works—prophesying, casting out demons, and performing wonders—yet He declares, “I never knew you; depart from Me.” Feelings can be sincere but still wrong, even in matters of eternal destiny.

Right Is Not Determined by What Seems Right

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Sincerity and human logic cannot override God’s commands. Practices such as altering worship, changing baptism, or minimizing God’s requirements may seem harmless but can lead to spiritual death. Romans 6:20–21 echoes this truth—what once seemed right brought shame and led to death.

Right Is Not Determined by the Majority

In Matthew 7:13–14, Jesus contrasts the wide road to destruction with the narrow path to life. The majority often chooses the easy way, as in Noah’s day when only eight souls were saved (Genesis 6–7). Counting numbers has never been a reliable measure of truth; God’s way is often followed by a faithful few.

Right Is Not Determined by Morality Alone

Morally good people can still be wrong before God. Cornelius in Acts 10 was generous, devout, and respected, yet he was lost until he heard and obeyed the gospel. If morality alone could save, Christ’s death would have been unnecessary. Salvation requires obedience to the truth, not merely upright living.

The Only Reliable Standard: God’s Word

Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for searching the Scriptures daily to see if teachings were true. Isaiah 8:20 warns that if a message is not according to God’s Word, there is no light in it. James 1:21–22 teaches that the implanted Word can save our souls—but only if we are doers, not hearers only.

The Gospel Plan of Salvation

Scripture clearly outlines the steps to be saved: hear the Word (Romans 10:17), believe in Christ (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10), and be immersed for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). This is not based on feelings, traditions, or majority opinion—it is grounded in the unchanging Word of God.

Sermon Outline – How Do I Know If Something Is Right?

• I. Introduction

  • The need for a clear standard of right and wrong

  • Feelings, opinions, and traditions are unreliable

• II. Feelings Are Not a Safe Guide

  • Matthew 7:21–23 – Many will think they are right but be lost

  • Sincerity can still be wrong

• III. What Seems Right May Lead to Death

  • Proverbs 14:12 – The way that seems right ends in death

  • Romans 6:20–21 – Sinful ways bring shame and death

• IV. The Majority Is Often Wrong

  • Matthew 7:13–14 – Few find the narrow way

  • Genesis 6–7 – Noah’s few against the world’s many

• V. Moral Goodness Is Not Enough

  • Acts 10 – Cornelius was moral but lost

  • Salvation requires obedience to the gospel

• VI. The Bible Is the Only Standard

  • Acts 17:11 – Search the Scriptures daily

  • Isaiah 8:20 – God’s Word is the measure of truth

  • James 1:21–22 – Be doers of the Word

• VII. Conclusion and Invitation

  • Obey the gospel plan of salvation

  • Follow the standard God has given—His Word

Call to Action

Do not trust your eternal soul to feelings, human reasoning, or the majority. Anchor your life in the Word of God, which alone reveals what is truly right. Today is the time to obey the gospel and live by the truth that will save your soul.

Key Takeaways

• Feelings can mislead (Matthew 7:21–23)

• What seems right may end in death (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 6:20–21)

• The majority often chooses the wrong path (Matthew 7:13–14)

• Moral goodness without obedience cannot save (Acts 10:1–6)

• The Bible is the only reliable guide for right and wrong (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20)

• The implanted Word can save if we obey it (James 1:21–22)

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 7:13–14, 21–23 – Warning against false confidence

• Proverbs 14:12 – The way that seems right leads to death

• Romans 6:20–21 – The fruit of sin is death

• Genesis 6–7 – Noah’s faith contrasted with the world’s unbelief

• Acts 10 – Cornelius’ example of obedience

• Acts 17:11 – Bereans searched the Scriptures

• Isaiah 8:20 – God’s Word is the standard of truth

• James 1:21–22 – The implanted Word saves

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Christian Living

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