Balancing Divine Wisdom and Worldly Stewardship
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we delved into the wisdom of Solomon and the teachings of Jesus, focusing on the balance between worldly wisdom and divine holiness. Solomon's Proverbs emphasize the importance of wisdom, instruction, and understanding, all rooted in the fear of the Lord. We prayed for various needs within our community, including intercession for Laverne Fletcher and her family, thanksgiving for the success of our outreach programs, and a petition for godly leadership in our nation.
We explored the concept of Jesus walking a "radical middle way," which is not about compromise but about embracing both divine and worldly wisdom. Unlike other philosophies that advocate moderation, Jesus was fully God and fully man, embodying both divine obedience and practical wisdom. This balance is crucial for living righteously in a complex world.
We examined the parable of the unrighteous steward from Luke 16, where Jesus teaches us to be shrewd and wise in our dealings with the world. The steward, though dishonest, was commended for his shrewdness. Jesus uses this parable to urge us to be wise in our use of worldly resources for eternal purposes. Wealth and other earthly gifts are temporary, but how we use them has eternal consequences.
We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, including our time, talents, and resources. Faithful servants use these gifts for God's glory and are entrusted with true riches, both now and in eternity. Unfaithful servants, on the other hand, squander these gifts and face severe consequences.
In conclusion, we must choose to serve either God or the world. Jesus warns us about the seductive nature of wealth and other earthly gifts, which can easily become idols. We are encouraged to be worldly wise but not to be captivated by the world’s temptations. Instead, we should strive to be children of the light, following Jesus' example of divine holiness and worldly wisdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Fear of the Lord as the Foundation of Wisdom: Solomon's Proverbs teach that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. This reverence for God is the starting point for understanding and righteous living. It is essential to seek wisdom and instruction, not just for personal growth but to live a life that honors God. [0:00]
2. Jesus' Radical Middle Way: Jesus walked a path that embraced both divine holiness and worldly wisdom. Unlike other philosophies that avoid extremes, Jesus was fully God and fully man, embodying both divine obedience and practical wisdom. This balance is crucial for living righteously in a complex world. [46:35]
3. The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward: Jesus uses this parable to teach us the importance of being shrewd and wise in our dealings with the world. While the steward was dishonest, he was commended for his shrewdness. We are urged to use worldly resources wisely for eternal purposes, understanding that wealth is temporary but has eternal consequences. [49:53]
4. Faithful Stewardship: We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, including our time, talents, and resources. Faithful servants use these gifts for God's glory and are entrusted with true riches, both now and in eternity. Unfaithful servants, on the other hand, squander these gifts and face severe consequences. [56:36]
5. Choosing Between God and the World: Jesus warns us about the seductive nature of wealth and other earthly gifts, which can easily become idols. We must choose to serve either God or the world. Being worldly wise does not mean being captivated by the world’s temptations. Instead, we should strive to be children of the light, following Jesus' example of divine holiness and worldly wisdom. [01:12:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:52] - Prayer for Laverne Fletcher
[34:32] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[35:14] - Prayer of Petition
[35:55] - Prayer for the Nation
[44:10] - Jesus' Radical Middle Way
[49:53] - Parable of the Unrighteous Steward
[56:36] - Faithful Stewardship
[01:12:44] - Choosing Between God and the World
[01:17:55] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 1:1-7
2. Luke 16:1-13
3. Matthew 6:24
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 1:1-7, what is the foundation of wisdom and knowledge? How does Solomon describe the benefits of wisdom?
2. In the parable of the unrighteous steward (Luke 16:1-13), what actions did the steward take to secure his future after being dismissed? Why was he commended by his master? [50:36]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "No servant can serve two masters" in Matthew 6:24? How does this relate to the parable of the unrighteous steward? [56:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the "fear of the Lord" serve as the beginning of wisdom according to Solomon? Why is this foundational for understanding and righteous living? [0:00]
2. Jesus walked a "radical middle way" that embraced both divine holiness and worldly wisdom. How does this differ from other philosophies that advocate moderation? [46:35]
3. What does it mean to be a faithful steward of the resources God has given us? How does this concept apply to our time, talents, and wealth? [56:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How do you seek wisdom and instruction? Are there specific areas where you need to grow in understanding and righteous living? [0:00]
2. Jesus' "radical middle way" involves embracing both divine obedience and practical wisdom. How can you apply this balance in your daily decisions and interactions? [46:35]
3. The parable of the unrighteous steward teaches us to use worldly resources wisely for eternal purposes. How are you currently using your resources (time, talents, wealth) for God's glory? Are there changes you need to make? [50:36]
4. Jesus warns about the seductive nature of wealth and other earthly gifts. Are there any "idols" in your life that you need to address? How can you ensure that you are serving God rather than being captivated by worldly temptations? [56:36]
5. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you consider both divine wisdom and practical wisdom in making that decision? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [46:35]
6. How can you be a faithful steward in your current vocation or role? Identify one specific action you can take this week to better use your talents and resources for God's purposes. [56:36]
7. Reflect on the concept of being "children of the light." What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of divine holiness and worldly wisdom in your community and relationships? [56:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fear of the Lord as the Foundation of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, as emphasized in Solomon's Proverbs. This reverence for God is the starting point for understanding and righteous living. It is essential to seek wisdom and instruction, not just for personal growth but to live a life that honors God. The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God but having a deep respect and awe for His power and majesty. This foundational principle guides us in making decisions that align with His will and purpose for our lives.
When we prioritize the fear of the Lord, we open ourselves to divine wisdom that surpasses human understanding. This wisdom helps us navigate life's complexities with discernment and integrity. It also fosters a heart of humility, recognizing that our knowledge and abilities are limited without God's guidance. By seeking wisdom through the fear of the Lord, we position ourselves to live a life that reflects His character and brings glory to His name. [0:00]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a deeper reverence for God? How can you seek His wisdom in your daily decisions?
Day 2: Jesus' Radical Middle Way
Jesus walked a path that embraced both divine holiness and worldly wisdom. Unlike other philosophies that avoid extremes, Jesus was fully God and fully man, embodying both divine obedience and practical wisdom. This balance is crucial for living righteously in a complex world. Jesus' life and teachings demonstrate that it is possible to navigate the challenges of this world while maintaining a deep connection with God.
By following Jesus' example, we learn to integrate our spiritual and practical lives. This "radical middle way" is not about compromise but about fully embracing both aspects of our existence. It calls us to be spiritually grounded while being wise and shrewd in our interactions with the world. This balance enables us to be effective witnesses of God's love and truth in every sphere of life. [46:35]
Colossians 2:3 (ESV): "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: How can you better integrate your spiritual life with your daily practical decisions? What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of divine holiness and worldly wisdom?
Day 3: The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward
Jesus uses the parable of the unrighteous steward to teach us the importance of being shrewd and wise in our dealings with the world. While the steward was dishonest, he was commended for his shrewdness. This parable urges us to use worldly resources wisely for eternal purposes, understanding that wealth is temporary but has eternal consequences.
The lesson here is not to emulate the steward's dishonesty but to recognize the value of shrewdness in managing our resources. We are called to be wise and strategic in how we use our time, talents, and treasures for God's kingdom. By doing so, we invest in eternal rewards that far surpass any temporary gains. This perspective shifts our focus from accumulating wealth for ourselves to using it as a tool for advancing God's purposes. [49:53]
Luke 16:9 (ESV): "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings."
Reflection: How can you use your resources more wisely for God's kingdom? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your wealth and talents are invested in eternal purposes?
Day 4: Faithful Stewardship
We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, including our time, talents, and resources. Faithful servants use these gifts for God's glory and are entrusted with true riches, both now and in eternity. Unfaithful servants, on the other hand, squander these gifts and face severe consequences.
Faithful stewardship involves recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and should be used to honor Him. It requires intentionality and diligence in managing our resources, ensuring that they are aligned with God's will. By being faithful stewards, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His purposes. This faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibilities and blessings, both in this life and the life to come. [56:36]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a more faithful steward of the gifts God has given you? How can you use your time, talents, and resources to serve others and glorify God?
Day 5: Choosing Between God and the World
Jesus warns us about the seductive nature of wealth and other earthly gifts, which can easily become idols. We must choose to serve either God or the world. Being worldly wise does not mean being captivated by the world’s temptations. Instead, we should strive to be children of the light, following Jesus' example of divine holiness and worldly wisdom.
This choice requires a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. It involves daily surrender and a commitment to live according to His principles. By choosing to serve God, we align our lives with His purposes and experience the true fulfillment that comes from walking in His light. This path may not always be easy, but it leads to eternal rewards and a deeper connection with our Creator. [01:12:44]
Matthew 6:24 (ESV): "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Reflection: What are the idols in your life that compete with your devotion to God? How can you make a conscious choice to serve God above all else today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And fools despise wisdom and instruction." [33:52] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Neither one of those candidates is a salvation of this nation. We need to pray that this nation will set their eyes on Jesus. We are at a critical crossroads. Our nation is almost a quarter of a millennium old 248 years. We celebrate this next year. If we are going to endure as a nation that stands for freedom and our brand of freedom is democracy, the rights of people around the world to have the freedom to worship, the freedom of self-expression. If we are going to continue to be that nation, we need to pray for godly leaders." [37:00] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus taught not a philosophy of intellectual enlightenment. Jesus didn't teach in the Sermon on the Mount nothing in excess. No, Jesus in fact walked a radical middle way. He in fact did not avoid some of the radical extremes. He wasn't part God and part man. He was radically fully God and fully man. Radically he was obedient. He did not hedge. He was obedient to death, even death on the cross." [46:35] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus the God-man came to redeem the world, not reject it. He came to save the world, not to condemn it. And he came to restore the world fully to God's original purposes for the world." [47:26] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to understand how the world works but we don't use its sinful methods. So today Jesus explains what this means in a parable. In the parable of the unrighteous steward." [49:06] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus rejected their artificial visible boundaries that they made between the world and the kingdom. It's not the world here and the kingdom here and kingdom people live over here. No kingdom people live in the world. And he illustrates that with the parable of the tares and the wheat. In Matthew the 13th chapter." [53:37] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to know how to deal with the world in practical ways. The implication I think or maybe another command would be to us wise up. Understand how the world works. Be worldly wise. Use this wisdom that we have in the world for the advancement of God's kingdom in ways that God approves." [57:44] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Those who use their wealth to help others will be welcomed by God. Now we have to be careful the way we understand that. But it's true. Those who use their wealth for others will be welcomed by God. It pleases God that our children and their families collected over $800 this week. Not to plow back into carpet, books, discipleship training modules. Although those are important. But to do what? To help children in Honduras who do not have clean water. God welcomes that." [58:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faithful servants are good stewards of all that God gives those people. They don't squander God's earthly gifts like the unrighteous steward. They acknowledge the master's sovereignty. They acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the sovereignty of God the Father Almighty over them and everything else. And what they do is they submit everything for the Lord's use. Everything that God has given them, they give back to Him for kingdom purposes." [01:09:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus encourages us to be worldly wise but he also warns us. Satan will use these good gifts. These good gifts of mammon that he intends to serve him he will use them to deceive and captivate us. He will use every form of unrighteous mammon to distract and make us unfruitful. And Jesus said and some seed fell among thorns and it grew up and it choked the plant so that it did not bear grain." [01:16:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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