Wisdom - Chapters 1-2 - #3
INTRODUCTION: Over the past 2 weeks, we identified some important truths about wisdom.
1. There are many different definitions on what it means to be wise.
2. Wisdom is more than having and applying a value system.
3. We need a wisdom system, and Jesus has become for us Wisdom from God.
4. We need to pursue the M&M’s of wisdom, and the pursuing the Maturity & Mystery of
Wisdom is seeking to know, understand, and learn about Jesus.
5. The teacher and reveal of God’s Wisdom is His Spirit.
TRANSITION: This morning, I want us to answer two questions.
A. Why do people resist God’s Wisdom? Proverbs 1:20-33
1. They love their foolishness. Proverbs 1:22
· “I am having just too much fun living in my sin and foolishness.”
· “Listen, this just feels too good to give it up.”
· “Hey, people enjoy it when I am a cynic, a critic and a mocker. I like the attention I am getting from others.”
· There is soo much “Truth” out there, how can I say the Bibles truth is the only REAL Truth?
· Read QUESTION and NOTE from the margin of the bible on Vs. 22.
2. They are lazy. Proverbs 1:7b
· Discovering and applying wisdom takes discipline.
· Discovering and applying wisdom is often hard work.
3. They are short sighted Hebrews 11:24-26
· The fun of sin is a season of life that ends. Vs. 25 – Sin lives on credit, eventually the bill comes due with interest!
· The benefits of wisdom are future rewards that have a lasting impact. Vs. 25 – Wisdom invests today for tomorrow.
4. They do not want to give God a place in their lives. Proverbs 1:7
· When people genuinely give God a place in their lives, it means that they need to reevaluate how they are living.
· When people genuinely give God a place in their lives, it means that they need to reevaluate how they are thinking.
· Giving God a place in our lives means we are willing to embrace the changes He will bring.
5. Here is the sad conclusion to the person who rejects God’s Wisdom. Proverbs 1:27 & ff.
Sorrow, regret and words of apology will be too late to fix what they did wrong and too late alter the consequences
of their actions. (SI Article about the paraplegic guys.)
B. What does Wisdom Promise? Proverbs 2:1-11
1. Understanding of what it means to “Fear The Lord.” Proverbs 2:5a
· The “Fear Of The Lord” is not an issue of fright or terror but it has a lot to do with having an Awe, Reverence,
Respect and possessing a sense and understanding of rightness with and before God.
2. Knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:5b
· Wisdom promises to help us to delve into and discover who God is.
3. God’s Protection.
· Proverbs 2:6-8 are the promise
· Proverbs 2:9-11 are the means, culminating in vs. 11. (Through Vs. 11 is also how God protect us in vs. 12-22)
4. Look at the Additional Benefits of Wisdom in Proverbs Chapter 3.
CONCLUSION:
Read Proverbs 4:7-9 and then finish by reading the note/comment on the right.
Why do people resist God’s Wisdom?
1. They love their foolishness.
2. They are lazy.
3. They are short sighted
4. They do not want to give God a place in their lives.
Proverbs 1:22 (NIV)
“How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 1:7b (NIV)
…fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Proverbs 1:7a (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…
What does Wisdom Promise?
1. Understanding of what it means to “Fear The Lord.”
2. Knowledge of God.
3. God’s Protection.
4. Additional Benefits of Wisdom in Chapter 3
Proverbs 2:5a
then you will understand the fear of the Lord…
Proverbs 2:5b (NIV)
then you will … find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:6-7 (NIV)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
Proverbs 2:8-11 (NIV)
8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Proverbs 4:7-9 (NIV)
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”