Finding Wisdom

The Wisdom of Christ: Our Guiding Light

Bible Passage: James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 1:24, Colossians 2:3

Summary: The theme of Christ's wisdom emphasizes the essential nature of seeking divine insight in our daily lives and the ultimate truth found in Him, which transcends worldly knowledge.

Application: This sermon helps Christians understand that true wisdom is found not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in a deep relational understanding of Christ. It encourages them to seek His wisdom in decision-making, relationships, and life challenges.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Christ embodies the ultimate wisdom of God, offering guidance and understanding in every aspect of life, contrasting worldly wisdom with the profound insights that come from a relationship with Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Scriptures, Christ is portrayed as the embodiment of God’s wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 8, where wisdom is personified. He fulfills the prophecies and teachings of the Old Testament, revealing the fullness of wisdom through His life and teachings.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider using your Logos library to explore the nuances of wisdom in biblical literature, particularly in Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus. Pay attention to the contrasting themes of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom, as well as the implications of seeking Christ as our source of understanding, which may also involve examining various translations and interpretations of key verses.

Throughout history, many leaders who sought wisdom from themselves—like famous kings and philosophers—often fell into folly. For example, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon sought his wisdom and power, only to be humbled by God. His story reminds us that self-reliance can lead to pride, yet true wisdom comes when we acknowledge our limitations and seek God's guidance.

Self Reliance can lead to pride and Pride leads to a fall

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

or for even a leader

1 Timothy 3:6 “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.”

Big Idea: True wisdom is found in Christ, who guides us through our complexities with His understanding and truth, enabling us to live lives that reflect His grace and insight.

1. Seek Wisdom Earnestly

James 1:5

seek God's wisdom through prayer, as James 1:5 promises that God gives generously to all who ask.

How do I get wisdom?

True wisdom starts with a humble acknowledgment of our need for divine guidance, and God’s readiness to provide it.

Many years ago, a wise philosopher known for his insights was asked by a young student how to attain wisdom. The philosopher invited him to join him for a walk. They strolled down to a river, where the philosopher suddenly submerged the student’s head under water. The young man struggled and gasped for air until finally the philosopher pulled him up. Breathless, the philosopher said, 'When you want wisdom as desperately as you wanted air, then you will begin to find it.' This teaches us that the pursuit of wisdom requires a relentless passion, much like our need for survival.

1 Kings 3:9–12 “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?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 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, 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.”

“SEEK WISDOM”

In doing so, illustrating how Christ, as the wisdom of God incarnate, exemplifies the perfect way to approach life's challenges with discernment and grace.

Matthew 7:7–8 ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Proverbs 3:5–8 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

2. Christ: Wisdom Embodied (Who is Wisdom?)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

EXEGETE THE TEXT vv18-31

To search for wisdom apart from Christ means not simply foolhardiness but utter insanity.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

Christ is the power and wisdom of God, contrasting worldly wisdom that often fails in eternal matters.

Philosophy is the love of wisdom, but if one loves wisdom that is not Christ (the Sum of all wisdom, Col. 2:3), he loves an empty idol.

Norman Geisler

believers should rely on Christ's wisdom for understanding life's complexities. By embracing Christ, who embodies wisdom, we transcend the limitations of human understanding and find strength and insight. This point can emphasize the importance of recognizing Christ’s authority and supremacy in all decision-making processes.

3. Uncovering Wisdom in Christ

Colossians 2:3

explore how all treasures of wisdom are hidden in Christ. Encourage believers to delve deeper into their relationship with Christ, who holds the ultimate key to true knowledge.

This mystery revealed in Christ should lead Christians to pursue a life centered around Him, reflecting His truth and wisdom in their daily lives. You could suggest that spiritual growth involves an ever-deepening understanding of the wisdom found in Christ, shaping a life of godly insight.

1 kings 3:16-28

There once lived a king who was known for his unparalleled wisdom. When two women came to him, each claiming to be the mother of a baby, the king proposed to cut the baby in half to solve the dispute. One woman immediately offered to give up her claim to save the child, revealing her true love as a mother. The king’s wisdom was in seeing beyond the surface to discern the truth. This story reminds us that wisdom often comes through understanding motives and caring deeply for others, rather than merely seeking to be right.

The Bible leads us to Jesus, the inexhaustible, the ever-unfolding Revelation of God. It is Christ “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” not the Bible, save as leading to Him.

George Macdonald (Scottish Novelist and Poet)