Have your bread and eat it!

Living Wisely in the Light of God's Provision

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Good morning, everyone.

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Today’s message, titled 'Have Your Bread and Eat It! Living Wisely in the Light of God's Provision' is deeply rooted in the rich wisdom of the Scriptures we heard earlier.

Before we dive into the heart of Godly wisdom, I’d like to share a little personal story with you. Some of you know that I’ve been spending some time in my garden, harvesting tomatoes I’ve grown. It’s been a rewarding experience, and it reminded me of a humorous piece of advice: 'Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad!' This little saying brings to light the difference between simply knowing something and truly understanding how to apply that knowledge in a meaningful way.

Just as it’s unwise to add a tomato to a fruit salad, it’s unwise to navigate life without God’s guidance. The wisdom we need goes far beyond mere knowledge—it’s about living in alignment with God’s will, making decisions that honour Him, and seeking His provision in every aspect of our lives. The passages we heard today from 1 Kings, Psalms, Ephesians, and John lead us into a deeper understanding of what it means to live wisely in the light of God’s provision. These Scriptures teach us not only to seek divine wisdom but also to cultivate a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving, to be filled with the Spirit, and most importantly, to partake in the true provision of life—our Lord Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.

1. Foundation for Future Blessings (1 Kings 2:10–12)

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Let’s start with the transition from David to Solomon in 1 Kings. David’s reign, with all its triumphs and trials, laid the groundwork for a peaceful succession to his son Solomon. This smooth transition wasn’t just about political stability; it was a testament to God’s faithfulness and the blessings that come from living a life anchored in His provision.

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David, despite his flaws, remained faithful to God’s calling. His reign set the stage for Solomon to inherit not just a kingdom, but also the legacy of a relationship with God that would be crucial for his rule. This reminds us that the decisions we make today, especially those grounded in wisdom and faithfulness, set a foundation for future blessings—not just for us, but for those who come after us.

Just as we recognise that a tomato belongs in certain dishes and not others, Solomon’s reign teaches us to apply the lessons of the past wisely, setting the foundation for future blessings by following God’s provision.

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As believers, we are called to trust in God’s sovereign plan for our lives. Just as David’s faithfulness prepared the way for Solomon’s wisdom, our own commitment to God’s principles can create a legacy of blessing for our families, communities, and even future generations.

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2. Prioritising Divine Wisdom (1 Kings 3:3–14)

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Now, let’s move on to Solomon’s request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3. Solomon had the opportunity to ask God for anything—wealth, power, long life—but he chose wisdom. This decision shows us what it means to live wisely by valuing what God values.

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Solomon understood that ruling justly over God’s people required more than human wisdom; it required divine insight. He asked for wisdom, understanding that knowledge alone—like knowing a tomato is a fruit—is not enough. He needed God’s wisdom to know how to govern his people rightly, just as we need divine guidance in our lives.His request pleased God, who granted him unmatched wisdom, as well as the riches and honour he didn’t ask for.

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This teaches us a vital lesson: when we prioritise divine wisdom in our daily lives—over material wealth, social status, or personal gain—we align ourselves with God’s heart. This is not just about making smart decisions; it’s about seeking to understand God’s will and applying it in every aspect of our lives.

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The world around us often values knowledge, but the Bible reminds us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). True wisdom is rooted in a deep reverence for God and a desire to live according to His ways. This wisdom ultimately points us to Christ, who is "our wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

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As Charles Spurgeon wisely put it, “Faith is the soul’s mouth, whereby the hunger of the heart is removed.” Just as we need bread to satisfy our physical hunger, we need divine wisdom—accessed through faith—to satisfy the deeper hunger of our souls. This wisdom sustains us in ways that worldly knowledge never can.

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3. Praise for God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 111)

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The next passage we reflect on is Psalm 111, which celebrates God’s works and faithfulness. This psalm is a call to live lives of thanksgiving and praise, recognising God’s mighty acts and His enduring righteousness.

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Wise living isn’t just about making good decisions; it’s about recognising the source of all wisdom and blessing—God Himself.

Psalm 111 invites us to remember and recount God’s faithfulness, not just in the grand narrative of Scripture, but in our personal lives as well.

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In a world that often encourages us to focus on what we lack, this psalm redirects our hearts to praise God for His abundant provision. It’s a reminder that our wisdom must be coupled with gratitude. As we acknowledge God’s faithfulness, our hearts are lifted in praise, and we are drawn closer to Him. This aligns with the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises, and thus, our ultimate reason for praise.

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In our lives, wisdom involves not just making the right choices but recognising and praising the source of all wisdom—God Himself. Just as we carefully choose how to use our knowledge, let us wisely choose to acknowledge God’s faithfulness in all things.

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4. Walking Wisely in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15–20)

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In Ephesians 5, Paul exhorts us to "be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise." He contrasts the life of indulgence with a life filled with the Spirit, encouraging us to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.

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Here, Paul is guiding us to live intentionally, making choices that reflect our commitment to God. To live wisely is to be filled with the Spirit, which equips us to discern God’s will and walk in it.

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The filling of the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continual process. It’s about being open to the Spirit’s guidance every day, allowing Him to shape our thoughts, our actions, and our words. Paul’s instruction to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit" isn’t just about worship; it’s about creating a community where God’s wisdom and grace are shared and celebrated.

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This kind of wise living is a powerful witness to the world. When others see the peace, joy, and discernment that comes from a life filled with the Spirit, they are drawn to the source of that wisdom—Jesus Christ.

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But here’s where we must be cautious. It’s easy, especially in today’s world, to fall into the habit of seeking information that only confirms what we already believe, rather than seeking true wisdom. We might think we are gaining knowledge, but if we’re only looking for what supports our existing views, we’re not truly learning—we’re just reinforcing our own biases.

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True wisdom, the kind that comes from God, often challenges us. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, invites us to reconsider our assumptions, and sometimes, it even contradicts what we think we know. This can be uncomfortable. But it’s in these moments of discomfort that we have the opportunity to grow. God’s wisdom calls us to a higher understanding, one that goes beyond our limited perspective and aligns us with His eternal truth.

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Each of us has areas where we find it difficult to fully grasp or accept certain truths, especially when they stretch beyond our current understanding. This is where humility plays a crucial role in our pursuit of wisdom. Being open to what God is revealing—through His Word, through prayer, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit—requires us to be willing to listen, even when it challenges what we thought we knew.

Walking wisely means letting the Spirit guide our decisions and actions. It’s like knowing not just that a tomato is a fruit, but when and where to use it, allowing the Spirit to help us discern the right path.

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A.W. Tozer once warned, “Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey.” Let us be careful that we do not fall into this trap. Instead, let’s seek to live in the light of God’s wisdom, allowing it to shape our actions and our hearts, rather than merely confirming what we already think we know.

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5. Eternal Sustenance in Christ (John 6:51–58)

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Finally, we come to the heart of today’s message in John 6, where Jesus declares, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven." This profound statement challenges us to consider what truly sustains us.

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In this passage, Jesus contrasts physical sustenance with the eternal sustenance He offers. The people were familiar with the manna their ancestors ate in the desert, but Jesus offers something greater—Himself. He is the Bread of Life, and whoever partakes of Him will live forever.

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Living wisely means recognising that true life comes not from what we consume in the world, but from what we receive from Christ. He is our source of life, our sustenance, our wisdom. To "have your bread and eat it" means to fully partake in what Jesus offers—to make Him the centre of our lives and to draw our strength and guidance from Him daily.

Just as we are careful about how we nourish our bodies, we must be even more diligent in how we nourish our souls. Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers us the ultimate sustenance—wisdom that leads to eternal life.

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Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “Christ as bread, yet not eaten, becomes Christ dishonoured.” This poignant statement reminds us that knowing about Christ is not enough. We must partake in Him, fully and truly, if we are to experience the life and wisdom He offers. This partaking is not just a symbolic act; it’s a daily reality. We are invited to feed on Christ through His Word, through prayer, through communion, and through living in relationship with Him. As we do, we find the wisdom and strength to navigate life’s challenges, and we are nourished with the eternal life that only He can provide.

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What Does It Mean to Us?

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So what does all this mean for us today? We’ve explored the theme of living wisely in the light of God’s provision, and now it’s time to consider how we can apply these truths in our own lives.

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Living wisely, as we’ve seen, involves seeking God’s wisdom, praising Him for His goodness, being filled with the Spirit, and partaking in the true provision of life—Jesus Christ. This is not just about understanding; it’s about embodying these principles in our daily walk with God.

As we seek God’s wisdom, let us be open to learning, even when it challenges our preconceived notions—whether it’s in the kitchen or in the depths of our spiritual lives.

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Five Practical Steps to Living a Life Pleasing to God:

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Seek God’s Wisdom Daily: Begin each day by asking God for wisdom in your decisions, relationships, and actions. Remember, wisdom is a gift from God, and He is generous in giving it when we ask James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

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Nourish Your Spirit with the Word: Just as we need physical food to sustain our bodies, we need God’s Word to nourish our souls. Make it a priority to spend time in Scripture every day, allowing it to guide and shape your life.

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Live with Intentionality: Be mindful of how you use your time, energy, and resources. Make choices that align with God’s will, and seek to make the most of every opportunity to serve and glorify Him.

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Cultivate a Community of Faith: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to live wisely. Engage in worship, fellowship, and mutual support, helping one another to stay focused on God’s purpose.

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Embrace Humility and Dependence on God: Recognise that true wisdom comes from acknowledging our need for God’s guidance. Lean on Him in every circumstance, trusting that His ways are higher than our ways.

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Personal Application:

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As we reflect on these truths, let’s also examine how we approach wisdom in our own lives. Are we seeking God’s wisdom with an open heart, willing to learn even when it challenges us? Or are we clinging to our own knowledge and understanding, only accepting what fits comfortably within our existing beliefs?

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Jesus, the Bread of Life, invites us to partake in the fullness of His truth. This may mean letting go of preconceived notions, being open to the ways in which God wants to reshape our understanding, and embracing the wisdom that leads to eternal life.

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Closing:

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As we leave today, may we remember that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about applying that knowledge in a way that honours God, just as we would carefully choose how to use a tomato in a recipe. Let us seek His wisdom, praise Him for His goodness, and partake in the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ, our Bread of Life.

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Prayer:

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Dear Heavenly Father,

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We thank You for the wisdom and provision You offer us through Your Word and through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to seek Your wisdom with open hearts, to be willing to learn and grow even when it challenges us, and to find our true sustenance in the Bread of Life.

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Guide us as we go forth, and may our lives reflect Your wisdom, love, and grace to the world.

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In Jesus' name we pray,

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Amen.

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