Choosing Godly Wisdom Over Jealousy and Despair
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound contrast between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom, particularly through the lens of the biblical characters King Saul and David. I delved into the destructive nature of jealousy and the peace that comes from choosing Godly wisdom, humility, and trust in the Lord's timing.
I began by recounting the story of David and Goliath, highlighting David's rise to national hero status and the subsequent jealousy that arose in King Saul's heart. This jealousy, I explained, is a dangerous and destructive force that scripture warns us against, likening it to cancer in the bones. I emphasized that jealousy is not just harmful but is considered earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, leading to disorder and every evil practice.
I then contrasted Saul's jealousy with David's humility and trust in God. Despite being anointed as the next king and having the favor of the Lord, David found himself in hiding, running for his life from Saul. Yet, he did not respond with jealousy or take matters into his own hands. Instead, he trusted in God's timing and plan, even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul and claim the throne. David's refusal to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed, demonstrated his deep respect for God's sovereignty.
I also addressed the issue of contentment, urging the congregation to be content with what God has blessed us with and to avoid the trap of comparing ourselves to others. I pointed out that someone else's success does not equate to our failure, and we should celebrate the victories of others rather than letting jealousy take root in our hearts.
As we approach Easter, I encouraged the congregation to invite others to join us for the various services planned, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the love of Christ.
Finally, I shared the joy of witnessing the impact of our ministry on the youth, with several students dedicating their lives to Christ and feeling called to ministry. I concluded with a call to salvation, inviting those who do not know Jesus to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
Key Takeaways:
- Jealousy is a destructive force that can consume our lives, leading to bitterness and a loss of God's blessing. We must actively reject jealousy and instead embrace contentment, celebrating the successes of others as our own. [49:14]
- True wisdom is not about achieving personal success or recognition but about seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness. When we choose Godly wisdom, we experience the peace and blessings that come from living in alignment with God's will. [01:06:15]
- Trusting in God's timing is essential for living a life of humility and faith. Like David, we must resist the urge to take matters into our own hands and instead rely on God's perfect plan for our lives. [59:26]
- Inviting others to experience the love and salvation found in Christ is a crucial part of our mission as believers. As Easter approaches, let us be intentional about reaching out to those who are lost and in need of the Savior. [01:23:39]
- The transformative power of encountering Jesus is evident in the lives of those who come to Him. Regardless of our past or present circumstances, Jesus offers forgiveness, new life, and a future filled with hope. [01:17:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 18:6-9 (NIV)
> When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
2. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
> A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
3. James 3:14-16 (NIV)
> 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, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
### Observation Questions
1. What event led to King Saul's jealousy towards David? ([44:54])
2. According to Proverbs 14:30, what is the effect of envy on a person’s body?
3. How does James describe jealousy and selfish ambition in James 3:14-16?
4. What was David’s response when he had the opportunity to kill Saul? ([01:01:53])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Saul's jealousy grew after David's victory over Goliath? ([45:30])
2. How does the Bible describe the nature and consequences of jealousy in Proverbs 14:30 and James 3:14-16?
3. What does David’s refusal to kill Saul, despite having the opportunity, reveal about his character and trust in God? ([01:01:53])
4. How can the contrast between Saul’s jealousy and David’s humility be applied to our own lives? ([01:03:50])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt jealous of someone else's success. How did it affect your thoughts and actions? ([46:09])
2. In what ways can you actively reject jealousy and embrace contentment in your daily life? ([49:52])
3. How can you celebrate the successes of others without feeling threatened or diminished? ([56:18])
4. What steps can you take to trust in God’s timing and plan for your life, especially when things are not going as you expected? ([59:26])
5. How can you invite others to experience the love and salvation found in Christ, especially as Easter approaches? ([01:23:39])
6. Think of a person in your life who has been successful. How can you show genuine support and encouragement to them this week?
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with contentment. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God’s provision? ([53:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Rejecting Jealousy, Embracing Contentment
Jealousy is a corrosive emotion that can erode the foundations of our spiritual life, leading to bitterness and a loss of the blessings intended for us. It is a trap that distorts our perception, making us believe that the success of others diminishes our own worth or achievements. Instead, one is called to cultivate a heart of contentment, recognizing that each person's journey is unique and orchestrated by God. Celebrating the victories of others is not only an act of love but also a declaration of trust in God's provision and plan for our own lives. By rejecting jealousy, we open ourselves to a life of gratitude, where we can genuinely rejoice with those who rejoice, and foster a community of encouragement and support. [49:14]
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt jealous of someone else's success. How did it affect your relationship with God and with that person? How can you transform those feelings into prayers of thanksgiving for their blessings and for the blessings in your own life?
Day 2: Seeking Godly Wisdom Above All
True wisdom is not measured by personal accolades or the accumulation of knowledge but by the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness. This wisdom is characterized by peace, humility, and a life lived in alignment with God's will. It is a wisdom that prioritizes eternal values over temporal achievements, guiding one to make decisions that reflect the character of Christ. By choosing Godly wisdom, one experiences the profound peace and blessings that come from a life attuned to the divine. This wisdom is not of this world but is a treasure that is cultivated through a relationship with God and a commitment to His word. [01:06:15]
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have pursued worldly wisdom over Godly wisdom? How can you begin to seek God's wisdom in these areas, and what changes might that require in your daily life?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
The essence of humility and faith is found in trusting God's timing, even when it contradicts our own desires or understanding. Like David, who waited for God's timing to ascend to the throne, we too are called to resist the urge to rush God's plan or take matters into our own hands. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's perfect plan for our lives, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways. In the waiting, there is an opportunity for growth, character development, and deepening faith. Trusting in God's timing means surrendering control and embracing the journey, confident that God's timing is always perfect. [59:26]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you are struggling to trust in God's timing? What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to God and wait on His timing with patience and faith?
Day 4: The Mission to Share Christ's Love
As believers, one of the most profound missions is to share the love and salvation found in Christ with others. With Easter approaching, it is a poignant time to reach out to those who are lost, extending an invitation to experience the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection. This mission is not just a duty but a privilege to be part of God's redemptive work in the world. It is an act of love and obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations. By inviting others to join in the celebration of Easter, one participates in the spreading of hope and the offer of new life found in Jesus. [01:23:39]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who has not experienced the love and salvation of Christ? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week, perhaps inviting them to an Easter service or sharing your own testimony?
Day 5: Encountering Jesus Transforms Lives
The power of encountering Jesus is undeniable and transformative. It is a power that transcends past mistakes, present circumstances, and offers a future filled with hope and purpose. When one comes to Jesus, they are met with forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternal fellowship with God. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of becoming more like Christ. It is a journey marked by grace, where every step is an opportunity to experience the depth of God's love and the reality of His presence in one's life. The call to salvation is open to all, inviting them to step into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. [01:17:05]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflection: Reflect on your own journey with Jesus. How has encountering Him changed your life? What is one way you can share the impact of this transformation with someone else this week?
Quotes
"Do the right thing, y'all hear me? I know it sounds simple, but Pastor Ryan, I came out here to hear a word from the Lord. Do the right thing all the time. Make the decision to have Godly wisdom, to love one another, to serve others, and make the decision to do the right thing. It's always the right time to do the right thing." [01:12:28]
"God proved his faithfulness and the good news for us is the same anointing and blessing is available to all of us. The Bible is full of promises that God makes to each and one of us... 'I took you from the ends of the Earth, from its farthest corners I called you... Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.'" [01:13:50]
"You can't let that jealousy and that bitterness and that envy come up. You got to say, 'God, thank you for the family I've got, thank you for the vacations I get to go on, thank you for the church I get to go to, thank you for my kids, thank you for what you've done in my life,' and I'll give you praise for it, amen." [01:16:26]
"David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands... David could have easily responded in the same way Saul did with jealousy, but David... chose Godly wisdom." [58:12]
"David could have given in to jealousy and selfish ambition and taken out his enemy, Saul, but he didn't... David and his men... find Saul asleep... 'Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't strike him twice.'" [01:00:01]
"But David said to Abishai, 'Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives,' he said, 'the Lord himself will strike him; or his time will come and he will die; or he will go into battle and perish.'" [01:01:53]
"Saul recognized David's voice and said, 'Is that your voice, David my son?' David replied, 'Yes, it is my Lord the king.' And he added, 'Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? Now let my lord the king listen to his servant's words.'" [01:02:27]
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