Finding the Wisdom of God - sermon summary

Finding the Wisdom of God There is a concept known as the “Knowledge Doubling Curve.” It is measured by the time that it takes the amount of knowledge in our world to double. Thanks to smartphones, television, better transportation, satellites, and the internet our knowledge is now doubling faster than ever before. For example, it took centuries for information to double in ancient history. It is evident by how little change occurred. How few discoveries there were in comparison to today. For thousands of years transportation was limited to boats, horse and wagons, and other basic forms of transport. In just a couple of centuries it has now gone from horse and wagon to man walking on the moon, airplanes, cruise ships, bullet trains, nuclear submarines, and who knows what is next. Before 1900 the accumulation of knowledge doubled every century. By the end of World War 2 it was every 25 years Today it is every 18 months. IBM predicts that within a few years, we will measure the doubling rate by the day or hour.1 But what has all of this technology and information really done for us? We still struggle with war, poverty, greed, disease, corruption, prejudice, immorality, human trafficking and much more. And that is not even including the sinful issues in our own hearts. Man’s information and learning can only take us so far. While great inventions are being made, the most profound questions and problems of life can only be answered by the One who brought us and our world into being. Only the Spirit of God can know and minister to the spirit of man. We must move beyond information and look for wisdom that can only be found in God. We find a story in John 21 that gives us an example of how a few men experienced the wisdom of God. This story took place in the days after Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus had already appeared to the disciples twice. As the story begins several of Jesus’ apostles had decided to go night fishing in the Sea of Tiberius, which was also known as the Sea of Galilee. They had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. It was now the early morning hours and they were probably tired and maybe even frustrated at their fruitless efforts. Their boat was about 90 meters from the shore when Jesus called out to them. They didn’t realize who he was at first. He asked if they had caught any fish and they said “no.” John 21:6 tells what happened next. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” It was then that they realized that it was Jesus. Simon Peter immediately put on his robe and jumped into the water, wanting to get to Jesus as soon as possible. The other disciples worked to bring the boat and the fish in to the shore. Jesus then invited them to come have breakfast at a campfire on the beach that had already been started. There they shared fish, bread, and fellowship; disciples with their teacher. As one thinks about this story he must observe several points of interest. We know from Luke chapter 5 that several of the disciples listed in this story had been professional fisherman before choosing to follow Jesus. They knew fishing and they knew the Sea of Tiberius. Even with all of their experience and knowledge they had fished all night and caught nothing. Then Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to let down their nets on the right side of the boat. They could have thought, “Who does this man think he is? What difference will the other side of the boat make? We are professionals and have already been fishing all night. It just is not a good night for fishing.” But instead they obeyed and because of it they caught more fish than they could handle. How is that possible? Because they had received instructions from the One who created the fish, who created the Sea of Tiberius, who created the laws of nature, who created man, and the One who knows all things. It was the wisdom of God and the obedience of man that made all the difference. It was the disciple’s willingness to humble themselves before Christ’s instruction that allowed the experience the wisdom of God. This story shows us just an example of what the wisdom of God did in one instance. For a fuller understanding of the wisdom of God we need to look to the full counsel of scripture. You can never get the full understanding of scripture from one verse. We can see in Genesis 1:28 that God instructed Adam and Eve how to live in their world. “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”” This was before the Fall of Man, before sin had entered the world and darkened the heart and understanding of man. This shows us that we were created to need God’s instruction and his wisdom even before sin ever entered the world. Dependence on God is in our makeup. God is the source and revealer of wisdom. Mankind was not created to conjure up wisdom. We are meant to be the receivers of it. We were created to walk intimately with the One who is wisdom and He will give us His wisdom as we need it. We see many examples of people who received the wisdom of God in the midst of their difficult situations. (John 8:1-11; 1 Kings 3:16-27; Acts 16:6-9; 1 Samuel 25:1-35) Like these, it may be today that you are in a situation where you need something more than logic or intellect. In the midst of life’s struggles we desperately need to hear a perspective that is distinctly different than anything that mankind can come up with. Would you say that you are a wise person? Would the people around you say that you are a wise person? Would the scripture count you as a wise person? As one reads through the letter from James in the New Testament one can see that these new believers in the early church were going through difficult times and were in need of greater wisdom and godly perspective on their situation. There was also a need to be able to recognize who to follow in the church and who was truly wise and who was not. It was essential that they know who to listen to and how to best incorporate the wisdom of God into their lives. James 3: 13-18 says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” This passage describes how to recognize one who is wise but surprisingly doesn’t mention education, knowledge, or intelligence at all. Instead it recognizes if a person is wise or not, based on the life that they live. Those who are truly wise will be characterized by living a good life and by deeds done in humility that come from the wisdom that they possess. Those who are not truly as wise, as they claim, will be characterized by bitter envy and selfish ambition in their hearts. This “false” wisdom is earthly, unspiritual (natural), and of the devil. This supposed “wise” man will also sow disorder and every evil practice. In verse 17 James then turns his attention towards the characteristics of the person who is truly wise. The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Discernment and knowledge will be present in a life of wisdom. If it is true wisdom it will filter down into the depths of the heart of the wise person. True Wisdom is proven true when it is fleshed out in everyday living. Otherwise it is only useless knowledge that leads to nothing more than empty words. James has now described the characteristics of worldly and godly wisdom. The true test of one’s wisdom is their life. This is because wisdom is more about being than doing. It is not just about knowing about truth, but having experienced Truth. It is more about the condition of one’s heart than one’s mind. But only Christ can change the heart of man. This deepest transformation of man must be ushered in by the work of Christ. Christ is our Wisdom. In Colossians 2:2-3 the apostle Paul writes, “ My purpose is that they (early believers) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - 26 states, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” This was one of the overarching themes of the book of James. Knowing Christ is transformational. For those who repent of their sin, and believe in Jesus Christ they will be saved and changed. One cannot claim to be wise in the things of Christ but then not have been changed by Him. So how do we receive the wisdom of God? We ask for it. James 1:5 tells us, “ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” First of all do we realize that we are lacking wisdom or do we believe that we are so self-sufficient that surely we can figure this out on our own? Second of all, when we do turn to Him for what are we asking? For His honor, His glory, His perspective, His wisdom or for our will, our comfort, our success and our reputation. James is calling us out of that selfish, self-sufficient way of thinking and calling us back to a faith in God for our deliverance. When we lack wisdom we can ask God for it, but God does place a condition on our request. In the following verses of James 1 we find these words, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” When I first read this I was puzzled by its meaning. Are any of us totally filled with belief? I myself relate more often with the father in Mark 9:24 who is remembered by his statement to Christ, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” So what is meant by “doubting, double-minded, unstable person who will receive nothing?” The words “double-minded” literally means “of two souls or minds.” It is one who is “supposedly” trusting in God while at the same time trusting in something else, such as themselves or the world. That is one who is still living in unbelief and has not put their faith in God. This person is described as “unstable in their ways.” They trust in God when it fits with their desires, their logic or their agenda, but if not they put their trust in themselves. A “civil war” is taking place in this person’s heart. Trust and distrust of God wage a continual battle against each other. This person is not walking by faith and will not receive the wisdom that has been requested. We all believe or put our faith in something. Some put their trust in God. Others put their faith in themselves and their own abilities or resources. Others put their faith in the government, or in education, or in money. As followers of Christ we are to put our faith in God and God alone. We cannot put our faith in God plus something else. Yes, God may use the tools of this world like money, education or other people to care for us, but God alone must be the One in whom we fully trust. If we base our belief and our lives on anything else but God we will be destined for a life of uncertainty. You must be willing to receive what God has for you. If you have not already decided to obey God, no matter what He says, then you are not ready to ask for God’s wisdom. You are wanting God’s input as long as it meets your approval. If that is how we relate with God then He really is not our Lord at all. At times we want God’s wisdom but we do not really want God. Therein lies the problem. God is wisdom. It is as we draw near to Him that He reveals more of His wisdom to us. So what do we do? In faith we ask God for wisdom. We ask for both faith and wisdom. Jesus Christ is the Author and Perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the One who grants both faith and wisdom. In the midst of our unbelief and our foolishness we ask. Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it in these words. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Much of the wisdom that we are looking for is already available in God’s Word if we would only seek it. Because of this be intentional in your seeking of wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Though it cost you time, sleep, money, reputation, etc. pursue the wisdom of God in the midst of God’s Word and God’s people. Some may reply, “I agree about my need for wisdom, but honestly in this moment my heart is not surrendered and practically I trust myself more than I trust God.” I want what God is offering. What can I do? The issue is in your heart. So the first question for you is “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?” Only God can grant us faith. Have you ever turned from your sin and selfishness and trusted in Jesus Christ? If not, you are wanting wisdom without wanting God. That is impossible. Today will you surrender your life to follow Jesus Christ? This is the beginning of finding God’s wisdom. For those who are followers of Jesus Christ, present your request to God. Confess to God the fact that your heart and your desires are not right with Him. Then ask God to give you a heart of surrender that will be ready to receive faith and His wisdom no matter what. Present your need before God and trust Him to bring a change in you. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Wisdom is built on knowledge. Knowledge is information but wisdom is the discerning use of it. This discernment comes from God. If you desire the wisdom of God ask for it and begin to read God’s Word daily. Seek God’s wisdom as a hungry person seeks for bread. Ask that God will give you an obedient heart and be ready for Him to keep His promise of wisdom to you. It might come through a scripture, through a friend’s comment, a sermon, a random thought, circumstances, a time of research or a time of prayer. Once our hearts are ready to receive, it is God’s responsibility to grant us wisdom in a way that we will understand it. Ask for faith and wisdom. Read your Bible. Be prepared to obey and receive the wisdom of God.