Wise Counsel

The quality of our journey is profoundly influenced by our company. Who we have in our inner circle is of vital importance when we aspire to be like Christ?

In a multitude of counselors there is much wisdom. Wise counsel offers benefits others paid for.

The Request

1 Kings 12:3–5 “And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.”

Lighten our load

The Elders

1 Kings 12:6–8 “Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.”

Lighten their load - life is tough. People appreciate people who make it easier.

Serve them - we earn the right to speak into people’s lives by serving them.

Speak good words to them -

Pursue Wise Partnerships - Elders

Proverbs 13:20

Are your closest relationships drawing you closer to God or pulling you further away.

What wise counselors do you have access to?

How easy is it for someone to give you counsel?

Is this a lesson to learn, master, graduate from, or repeat as necessary?

Promote Deep Discipleship

Mark 3:13-15

Jesus appoints His disciples, inviting them into a close-knit community.

The Friends

1 Kings 12:9–11 “And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ ””

Prevent Poor Company

1 Corinthians 15:33 Despite good intentions, the people around us can inadvertently influence us negatively. Intentionally choose companions who uphold Christ-like values, leading to personal growth in holiness.

People we should have.

Cheerleaders

Truth tellers

Peers

Mentors

The Result

1 Kings 12:12–14 “So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.””

The people rebel and the Kingdom is split.

WiCounsel

Biblically sound - 2 Tim 3:15. Scripture makes you wise

Genuine concern - direction for your benefit

Spiritually mature - maturity keeps people safe

Aware of their blind spots and strengths -