Sermon on 13 Jun 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Wisdom has nothing to do with age. No matter how old someone is, that person can behave foolishly. Conversely, a young person can be full of godly wisdom. Pursue wisdom.
Message
On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king - wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” — 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
King Solomon did not ask for wealth. He wanted only wisdom and knowledge to do God’s will, so that he could fulfil his calling. Only God can grant wisdom and knowledge. Man cannot do so. No one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). God looks at our hearts. He saw King Solomon’s heart and granted him not only wisdom and knowledge, but also riches and honour. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well.
There are 4 steps to pursue wisdom.
1. Ask God for wisdom
You need to seek Him diligently. You cannot have wisdom and knowledge from man. James 1:5 exhorted us that if we ask for wisdom because we need it, ask in faith. Let our hearts not be divided. Let our loyalty not be divided. Ask in faith, believe in Him, and God will give liberally without reproach. If we ask for something for our own pleasure, we will not receive.
Wisdom is the applied skill to live a godly life in this ungodly world. When we ask for wisdom, we are asking God for instructions on how to live.
2. Don’t mix worldly wisdom with divine wisdom
Don’t confuse human wisdom with divine wisdom. We live in an era full of information and we have access to it. But not all information will benefit your soul. Paul warned us not to be cheated by the deceit of man. Paul said one is a fool first before one can become wise (1 Corinthians 3:18). This is because human wisdom is foolish to God. Colossians 2:8 tells us not to be deceived by human tradition and the principles of the world, rather than looking to Christ.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. - Proverbs 3:7
True wisdom is fearing the Lord. True understanding is departing from evil. Draw near to Him. Divine wisdom is about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the author of all wisdom. Wisdom is personified in the perfection of Jesus Christ.
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. – Colossians 2:3
but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:24
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. - 1 Corinthians 1:30
3. Read the book of Proverbs
The key word for Proverbs is wisdom. We need to learn how to live a successful life.
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. - Proverbs 1:1-7
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. - Proverbs 3:13-15
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. - Proverbs 3:18
for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. - Proverbs 3:22-24
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10
When you have fear of the Lord, you will be motivated to do His will. Obedience is true wisdom. God desires obedience more than sacrifice.
4. Walk in wisdom
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. – Proverbs 28:26
What is meant by walking in wisdom? Jesus is wisdom. Walk in His way, His light, His love. Walking in wisdom is about walking in God’s strength (Proverbs 3:5), to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. Reject your own wisdom (Proverbs 3:6). In everything we do, acknowledge God. Walking in wisdom is fearing God and repenting evil (Proverbs 3:7). Forsake all wrongdoing.
Closing
Let us read the book of Proverbs. Listen to the instructions from God to live a godly life.
Comments