True Wisdom in God’s Eyes

Sermon Title: True Wisdom in God’s Eyes

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:19 NKJV Theme: The futility of worldly wisdom compared to God’s divine wisdom.

Introduction

Open with a story about a time when human wisdom failed but God’s wisdom prevailed. For example, the construction of the Titanic, which was deemed "unsinkable" by human standards, yet it sank on its maiden voyage.

Point 1: The Contradiction of Worldly Wisdom

Illustration: Steve Jobs’ Foresight When Apple introduced the iPhone, many industry experts criticized the idea, claiming no one would want a phone without a physical keyboard. Yet, Jobs trusted his vision. Similarly, God's wisdom often defies human logic but leads to ultimate success.

Application: Highlight how the world’s opinions and trends often mislead us, just as the critics of the iPhone were blind to its potential.

Illustration: Share a humorous example, like a person who gets lost while insisting they know the way, only to find they’re completely off track.

Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:20 – “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

Colossians 2:8 – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Application: Worldly wisdom often contradicts God’s wisdom because it is rooted in pride and self-reliance rather than faith and humility.

Point 2: The Trap of Human Craftiness

Illustration: Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme Madoff’s seemingly brilliant financial scheme ended in ruin, as he was caught in his own deceit. His craftiness brought temporary success but ultimate destruction.

Application: Human cunning, without God, often results in self-destruction. Encourage reliance on God’s honesty and truth rather than schemes.

Illustration: Use the story of the Trojan Horse—what seemed like a gift was actually a trap.

Application: Relying on human schemes instead of trusting God leads to being “caught in their own craftiness.”

Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Job 5:13 – “He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.”

Psalm 33:10 – “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.”

Point 3: God’s Wisdom is Eternal

Illustration: The Legacy of Mother Teresa Mother Teresa’s decision to serve the poorest of the poor seemed foolish to many. Why leave comfort for hardship? Yet her eternal perspective impacted millions and left a legacy of love and faith.

Application: God’s wisdom transcends time and earthly understanding, producing fruit that lasts forever.

Illustration: Share a story of a child asking profound questions about eternity, illustrating that God’s wisdom transcends time.

Supporting Scripture: James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”

Application: Embrace eternal perspectives by submitting to God’s wisdom in every decision.

Point 4: The Foolishness of the Cross

Illustration: The "Foolish" Sacrifice of Jim Elliot Missionary Jim Elliot and his companions were killed while bringing the Gospel to the Auca people of Ecuador. Many saw their sacrifice as foolish, yet their deaths led to the conversion of the tribe and inspired countless missionaries.

Application: The cross may appear foolish, but its power transforms lives and brings eternal glory.

Illustration: Talk about how people mocked Jesus on the cross, failing to see that it was the ultimate display of God’s wisdom and love.

Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Application: The cross demonstrates that God’s ways are higher, even when misunderstood by the world.

Point 5: Trusting God in the Face of Worldly Opposition

Illustration: Noah Building the Ark Noah built the ark on dry land, enduring ridicule from others. However, his trust in God’s wisdom saved his family and preserved humanity.

Application: When facing opposition, like Noah, trust God’s direction even when it doesn’t make sense to others.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Psalm 37:5-6 – “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”

Illustration: Share a testimony of someone who obeyed God despite worldly criticism and experienced His blessing.

Application: Trust in God’s wisdom requires faith, even when the world mocks or misunderstands.

Point 6: The Humility of Wisdom

Illustration: Albert Einstein’s Humility Despite being one of the greatest minds in history, Einstein admitted, “I want to know God’s thoughts; the rest are details.” His humility before the vastness of God’s creation reminds us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God.

Application: True wisdom involves humility, recognizing our smallness and God’s greatness.

Illustration: Use a story about a great scientist or thinker who acknowledged God’s greatness despite their achievements. For example, Isaac Newton’s humility before God’s creation.

Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Application: True wisdom begins with humility and reverence for God.

Point 7: The Reward of God’s Wisdom

Illustration: Chick-fil-A’s Business Model Chick-fil-A’s decision to close on Sundays seemed counterintuitive in the competitive fast-food industry. Yet, their faithfulness to God’s principles has resulted in immense success and influence.

Application: When we prioritize God’s wisdom and principles, He rewards us in ways that exceed worldly expectations.

Illustration: Share the story of Solomon, who asked for wisdom and received not only understanding but also wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Proverbs 2:6-7 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.”

Application: God rewards those who seek His wisdom above all else, blessing them in ways they could never achieve through worldly means.

Conclusion

Illustration: The Wright Brothers' Faith in Flight When others scoffed at their dream of human flight, the Wright Brothers persisted, believing in their vision. Their success revolutionized the world. Similarly, following God’s wisdom may seem foolish, but it leads to breakthroughs and eternal rewards.

Application: Challenge the congregation to trust in God’s wisdom, even when the world doubts or mocks.

Summarize the points, emphasizing the importance of rejecting worldly wisdom and embracing God’s eternal truth. End with a call to action: “Choose today to seek God’s wisdom in every area of your life.” Close with a prayer asking for God’s wisdom and guidance.

Optional Interactive Element:

Pass out small cards with James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Encourage the congregation to meditate on this verse throughout the week.