Untitled Sermon (17)

The Wisdom of God

Romans 11:33 ESV

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Defining Wisdom

Wisdom refers to the way someone uses knowledge and experience. Dictionaries describes it as the ability to judge rightly, and then follow the soundest course of action.

God’s Wisdom

God’s wisdom is the perfect divine judgment and insight arising from his infinite knowing—and this wisdom is something he shares with his creatures according to their need and for their good.

To believe actively that our heavenly father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well-being brings to the soul a veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart.

There is a better way, it is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with the full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him

A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy

How has God revealed His Wisdom to us?

Through Creation

Psalm 19:1 ESV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 104:24 ESV

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Ps 104

Wisdom Displayed through Creation

Ecosystems display divine planning

Planetary systems and Galaxies display God’s majesty

The human body

Through Providence

Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe.

Psalm 33:10–11 ESV

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

Psalm 66:7 ESV

who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

ps 66:

Matthew 5:45 ESV

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Through Redemption

Mark 10:45 ESV

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Colossians 2:15 ESV

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Colossians 2:3 ESV

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

col

col

Through Christ, His Son

1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

1 Cor 1:

James 3:17 ESV

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James

How do we respond to God’s Wisdom?

Live Wisely

Ephesians 5:15–17 ESV

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Eph

Living Wisely begins with Reverence for God

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Living Wisely grows as we receive God’s word

Ps 119:97-101

Psalm 119:97–101 ESV

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.

2 Tim,

2 Timothy 3:15–17 ESV

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Living wisely requires asking for it

James 1:5–7 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

Living Wisely involves learning to trust God completely

God’s almighty wisdom is always active and never fails. All his works of creation and providence and grace display it, and until we can see it in them we just are not seeing them straight. But we cannot recognize God’s wisdom unless we know the end for which he is working…God’s wisdom is not, and never was a pledge to keep a fallen world happy, or to make ungodliness comfortable. Nor even to Christian has he promised a trouble free life, rather, the reverse. He has other ends in view for life in this world than to simply make it easy for everyone

J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Proverbs 3:5–7 ESV

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.

Application:

Come before God daily seeking His wisdom

Do Life in community

Be on Mission

The wisdom of God tells us that God will bring about the best possible results, by the best possible means, for the most possible people, for the longest possible times

Dr. Charles Ryrie,

Romans 11:

Romans 11:33–36 ESV

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.