Don’t Get Paralyzed In Hindsight

I. Introduction: When looking at the outcome of some decisions, people often assume that because something hurts now, it must have been wrong then. The saying is: “hindsight is 20/20.” Have you ever looked back at a decision—maybe a career move, or a relationship choice—and thought, ‘If I had known…?’ That’s hindsight trying to trap you.

A. Understand something. Some decisions we make in life end up having bad results. That does not make the decision wrong or sinful. Sometimes, we can even know the risk, make the decision, suffer the consequences, and yet the original decision is not wrong. Take marriage as an example…

1. Paul forewarned the saints in Corinth against marriage during the times they lived in (I Corinthians 7:1-9; I Corinthians 7:25-35).
2. Imagine how you’d feel about ignoring that counsel if your spouse was dragged to prison (Acts 8:3) or worse (Revelation 13:15).
3. What about if your spouse became as rottenness in your bones (Proverbs 12:4)?
4. Key takeaway: Painful outcomes, risks, or hardship do not automatically make a choice wrong. That principle will run throughout this lesson.

1. By sinful, I am meaning what the New Testament defines as sin: James 1:13-16, James 4:17, I John 3:4, and I John 5:17.
2. God’s word is not a buffet wherein one can pick and choose which instructions to obey. Such has never nor will ever be the case (Genesis 6:22, Deuteronomy 5:32, Jeremiah 7:23, Matthew 5:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20, and I John 2:3-6).
3. If a Christian is paralyzed by grief because of sin, the path forward is clear (Proverbs 28:13 and I John 1:9).
4. With those things in mind, let’s move forward.

1. Before the world was formed, He knew there would be a need for a Savior and chose Jesus beforehand (I Peter 1:18-20).
2. Yet, He still created mankind and called creation “very good,” knowing what would come (Genesis 1:31).
3. Later, He expressed grief over what man became (Genesis 6:5-6).
4. Yet, this did not unsettle or alter His nature or purpose:

1. He is not a man that He should repent (Numbers 23:19).
2. His gifts and calling are without repentance (Romans 11:29).

1. God knew beforehand this would happen and gave instruction for it in advance (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
2. God warned them that their desire was not good and would bring consequences (I Samuel 8:6-18)
3. Later, He expressed grief over what Saul became (I Samuel 15:10-11). God knew Israel would want a king, allowed it, warned about it, and still grieved how it unfolded. Foreknowledge did not prevent grief, and grief did not mean the decision framework was wrong.
4. Yet, this did not alter who God is or derail His purposes (I Samuel 15:29).

1. Yet, later Jesus approached Jerusalem in triumph (Luke 19:28) and wept over it (Luke 19:41-44).
2. Then He lamented its rejection and warned of coming judgment (Matthew 23:37-24:2).
3. Yet, God’s purpose was not overturned and His plan for redemption through Christ remained secure (Colossians 1:12-14).

1. We are to look forward (Philippians 3:12-15).
2. You cannot live in either the past or the future (II Corinthians 5:17 and James 4:13-16).