John 16:33
Psalm 34:19
Ephesians 1:7-10
Romans 3:27
1 Kings 3:3-15
Job 28: 28
Psalm 111: 10
Job 32: 7
Proverbs 4: 7
Hosea 14: 9
1 Corinthians 2: 6, 12: 8
2 Timothy 3: 15
James 3: 17
1 John 2: 20
Proverbs 2: 1-5
Ephesians 1: 17-21
Colossians 1: 9
Luke 2: 40
Luke 21: 15
Proverbs 26:12
Wisdom for the ages
With Rev. Brian Moseley
Introduction
In this world bad things, struggles, and attacks are going to happen to everyone. More so to those who are followers of Christ. God’s good world was corrupted by sin and rebellion. We know that He has plans to redeem it and cleans it upon his second coming, but what are we instructed to do as His representatives of the Kingdom in this world until then? In John 16:33 it says “33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” And Psalm 34:19 it says, “19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” The difference is that we have the authority in Jesus to overcome all things and God be glorified. This is the “Kingdom on earth” perspective that we are taught to live in.
Ephesians 1:7-10 says “7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known[a] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” And In Matthew 6:9-10 in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus instructs us “9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.[a] 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done,[b] on earth as it is in heaven.” This means NOW! So, what do we do? We are to live by the law of Faith! In Romans 3:27 Paul teaches “27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.”
Even though the law of Faith is available to us, we are instructed to seek Wisdom.
1. Godly Wisdom:
- Is a refuge and solace for the obedient, to help us avoid many of the attacks and iniquitous corruption against us.
- We are taught in 1 Kings 3:3-15 about the wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon.
“3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
- Solomon Wrote most of the book of Proverbs. It is a guide for life, inspired by God, to teach us how we are to live in this world.
- Chapters 1-9: pursue wisdom and avoid folly. Discuss virtue, integrity and generosity.
- Chapters 10-29: life, the wise versus the foolish. Right and wrong ways to live.
- Chapters 25-29: justice, the wicked, rich and poor, righteous leadership, the value of wisdom in daily life.
- Chapter 30: creation and divine power.
- Chapter 31: virtuous woman.
2. Facets of godly wisdom:
- wisdom cannot exist without the fear of God. Job 28: 28, Psalm 111: 10
The fear of God is respect and awe.
The fear of God is the realization of God’s power and authority.
- Wisdom is learned. Job 32: 7
- Wisdom is the supreme acquisition and our highest priority. Proverbs 4: 7
- Wisdom comprehends divine truth. Hosea 14: 9
- Wisdom lays a permanent foundation. 1 Corinthians 2: 6, 12: 8
- Scripture is the source of wisdom. 2 Timothy 3: 15
- Wisdom is full of spiritual fruits. James 3: 17, 1 John 2: 20
- Wisdom is gained through prayer. Proverbs 2: 1-5, Ephesians 1: 17-21, Colossians 1: 9
- With wisdom comes God’s favor. Luke 2: 40
- Wisdom is promised. Luke 21: 15
3. The antithesis of Godly wisdom: Proverbs 26:12
- Godly wisdom is based on truth.
- Worldly wisdom is limited to Physical works, and it’s based on observation and opinion of truth.
- Worldly wisdom goes against God’s word and is self-serving.
- Worldly wisdom seeks to replace God and place man on his throne.
- Worldly wisdom is arrogant and relies on man’s flawed logic and reason.
- Worldly wisdom is solely based in the physical and has no relation to the Kingdom of God.
- Worldly wisdom always results and destruction.
4. How to receive and function in Godly wisdom:
- Godly wisdom is only obtained by prayer, discipleship, and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- Godly wisdom will sharpen our sensitivity to the spiritual realm, and discernment and prophecy follow.
- Wisdom is to be used and pursued in daily life. It results in blessings and prosperity.
- Wisdom brings confidence in the face of lies, not fear.
- Wisdom is peace.
- Humility, self-control, and love of God are pillars of active wisdom.
- Wisdom is proactive. Foolishness and fear are reactive.
Operating in wisdom is spiritual warfare that moves the hearts and minds of people.
It counters worldly logic, reason and intellect.
Closing
Finally, wisdom is the preemptive tool that lifts the shield of faith, and actualizes the implementation of truth. I pray that we all will become proactive members of the Kingdom of God here on earth. My hope is that all sons and daughters of God will be proactive, sober and vigilant in seeking the glory of God in the midst of all of these circumstances By courageously and obediently exercising Godly wisdom.
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