Choosing Wisdom: Aligning Decisions with God's Will

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call to wisdom that is woven throughout the Bible. We began by reflecting on the story of the wise men who visited Jesus after His birth, pondering what made them wise. This led us to consider the importance of making wise decisions in our own lives. Using the analogy of a coin toss, we discussed how knowing the best strategy doesn't always translate into making the right choices, much like how we often know what is wise but fail to act accordingly.

The Bible is rich with wisdom, yet many of us struggle to align our actions with its teachings. We examined the cycle of building and destroying in our lives, urging a shift towards consistent growth and wise decision-making. The call to wisdom is not reserved for a select few; it is a mandate for all Christians. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom is supreme, and we are encouraged to seek it earnestly.

We delved into the lives of biblical figures like David and Esau, who made unwise choices despite their potential for greatness. David's story illustrates how a single unwise decision can lead to a cascade of negative consequences, affecting not only oneself but also those around us. Similarly, Esau's impulsive decision to sell his birthright for a meal serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of short-term gratification.

In contrast, Joseph's life exemplifies the power of wise choices. His decision to flee from temptation and his foresight in preparing for famine highlight the benefits of wisdom. Joseph's story encourages us to avert danger before it arises and to make decisions that secure our future well-being.

Ultimately, the message challenges us to examine our desires and the choices we make. We are presented with two paths: one that offers fleeting pleasures at the cost of lasting peace and joy, and another that requires sacrifice but leads to enduring fulfillment. The invitation is to choose wisely, aligning our lives with God's wisdom and finding true satisfaction in Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Call to Wisdom: Wisdom is not an exclusive gift but a call for all believers. Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom, which is essential for living a life that aligns with God's will. We are encouraged to pursue wisdom actively, recognizing its supreme value in guiding our decisions and actions. [08:11]

2. The Consequences of Unwise Decisions: The stories of David and Esau illustrate how unwise choices can lead to significant negative consequences. David's decision to remain idle led to a series of tragic events, while Esau's impulsive sale of his birthright resulted in lost blessings. These examples remind us of the importance of considering the long-term impact of our decisions. [36:22]

3. Joseph's Example of Wisdom: Joseph's life demonstrates the power of wise decision-making. His choice to flee from temptation and his strategic planning during times of plenty showcase the benefits of foresight and integrity. Joseph's story encourages us to make decisions that protect our future and align with God's wisdom. [41:56]

4. The Cost of Short-Term Gratification: We are often tempted to choose short-lived pleasures over lasting peace and joy. The message challenges us to evaluate what we truly desire and to make choices that prioritize long-term fulfillment over immediate gratification. This requires a conscious decision to align our lives with God's wisdom. [39:41]

5. Aligning Our Lives with God's Wisdom: Making wise choices is not only about bringing glory to God but also about securing our own well-being. The invitation is to embrace wisdom, which calls us to make decisions that lead to peace, joy, and a fulfilling life. By choosing wisely, we align our lives with God's purpose and find true satisfaction. [41:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:35] - The Coin Toss Analogy
- [04:19] - The Winning Strategy
- [05:39] - Wisdom in the Bible
- [06:50] - The Cycle of Building and Destroying
- [07:38] - The Call to Be Wise
- [08:11] - Wisdom is for Everyone
- [10:15] - Seeking Wisdom
- [11:45] - Defining Wisdom
- [14:45] - The Importance of Wisdom
- [16:42] - Proverbs 9:11-12
- [18:28] - Living in Service to God
- [19:38] - The Cost of Unwise Decisions
- [20:38] - Wisdom vs. Foolishness
- [22:33] - David's Unwise Choices
- [24:22] - The Consequences of David's Actions
- [27:53] - Idleness and Temptation
- [29:16] - The Story of Bathsheba
- [30:00] - The Importance of Running from Temptation
- [32:47] - Esau's Impulsive Decision
- [36:22] - The Aftermath of David's Sin
- [37:56] - Absalom's Rebellion
- [38:56] - Esau's Lost Blessings
- [39:41] - The Cost of Short-Term Gratification
- [41:01] - Choosing Wisely
- [41:56] - Joseph's Wise Decisions

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 4:7 - "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
2. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
3. Proverbs 9:11-12 - "For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Proverbs 4:7 suggest about the value of wisdom in a believer's life?
2. How does the story of David illustrate the consequences of unwise decisions? [36:22]
3. What actions did Joseph take that exemplified wise decision-making? [41:56]
4. How does the analogy of a coin toss relate to the concept of making wise choices? [02:35]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that wisdom is accessible to all believers, not just a select few? [08:11]
2. How do the stories of David and Esau serve as cautionary tales about the cost of short-term gratification? [38:56]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between wisdom and foresight, particularly in Joseph's story? [41:56]
4. How does the sermon challenge listeners to evaluate their desires and the choices they make? [41:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How might seeking wisdom have changed the outcome? [08:11]
2. Consider a time when you chose short-term pleasure over long-term fulfillment. What were the consequences, and how might you choose differently in the future? [39:41]
3. Identify an area in your life where you tend to rebuild and destroy. What steps can you take to pursue consistent growth instead? [06:50]
4. How can you actively seek wisdom in your daily life, and what resources or practices might help you in this pursuit? [10:15]
5. Think of a situation where you might be tempted to make an impulsive decision. How can you prepare to respond wisely when the moment arises? [38:56]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to align your life more closely with God's wisdom? [41:01]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to value and seek wisdom in their own lives? [08:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Universal Call to Seek Wisdom
Wisdom is a divine gift available to all believers, not just a select few. Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the supreme importance of wisdom, urging everyone to seek it earnestly. This call to wisdom is a mandate for Christians to align their lives with God's will. The Bible is rich with wisdom, yet many struggle to apply it in their daily lives. The challenge is to actively pursue wisdom, recognizing its value in guiding decisions and actions. By doing so, believers can live a life that reflects God's purpose and brings glory to Him. [08:11]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's wisdom more earnestly? How can you make this pursuit a daily practice?


Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Unwise Decisions
The stories of David and Esau serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of unwise choices. David's decision to remain idle led to a series of tragic events, affecting not only himself but also those around him. Similarly, Esau's impulsive sale of his birthright for a meal resulted in lost blessings. These examples highlight the importance of considering the long-term impact of our decisions. Unwise choices can lead to significant negative consequences, underscoring the need for discernment and foresight in our actions. [36:22]

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. What were the long-term consequences, and how might you approach similar decisions differently in the future?


Day 3: Joseph's Legacy of Wise Choices
Joseph's life exemplifies the power of wise decision-making. His choice to flee from temptation and his strategic planning during times of plenty showcase the benefits of foresight and integrity. Joseph's story encourages believers to make decisions that protect their future and align with God's wisdom. By prioritizing long-term well-being over immediate gratification, Joseph secured not only his own future but also the future of many others. His life serves as a model for making wise choices that honor God and lead to lasting fulfillment. [41:56]

"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." (Hosea 14:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a temptation you face regularly. How can you follow Joseph's example and make a wise choice to avoid it?


Day 4: The True Cost of Short-Term Gratification
The allure of short-lived pleasures often tempts us to choose them over lasting peace and joy. The message challenges believers to evaluate their desires and make choices that prioritize long-term fulfillment over immediate gratification. This requires a conscious decision to align one's life with God's wisdom, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from Him. By resisting the temptation of short-term gains, believers can experience the enduring peace and joy that come from living in accordance with God's will. [39:41]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a short-term pleasure you often choose over long-term peace. What steps can you take to prioritize lasting fulfillment in this area?


Day 5: Aligning Life with God's Wisdom
Making wise choices is not only about bringing glory to God but also about securing one's own well-being. The invitation is to embrace wisdom, which calls believers to make decisions that lead to peace, joy, and a fulfilling life. By choosing wisely, individuals align their lives with God's purpose and find true satisfaction. This alignment requires intentionality and a commitment to living according to God's wisdom, trusting that His ways lead to the best outcomes for our lives. [41:01]

"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to align with God's wisdom? How can you begin to trust Him more fully in this area today?

Quotes

"Imagine if we just, we would stop making a wise decision. We haven't even started doing anything yet. We just stopped making. I want to see how our lives are going to be. I didn't know. I like painting. You can do the big ones. Okay. I look at my life and I'm saying, oh, it's rebuilding and rebuilding and rebuilding. When am I going to build? I rebuild, then I destroy. Then I rebuild, then I destroy. Then I rebuild, then I destroy." [00:06:20] (29 seconds)



"The Bible calls us to be wise in many, many instances. You know, the price we are sending. It's the same as it says. I'm sending you like sheep among the wolves. Therefore, be wise and serve. And take all the stars. But we are called to be wise. And this is not something that is a, you say, oh, he has a gift. Or she has a gift. She's wise. The rest of us are not. I think as a Christian, it should be a given that we are." [00:07:54] (34 seconds)



"James 1 verse 5 says, if you let me stand and ask, ask for it, to give to us. around so we don't have to show wonder why we sometimes act unwise before i wonder why i must take the time but then i've been using this worldwide but what does it mean to be wise does anyone want to try yeah i think solomon was very wise so he is knowing the right thing what do you want to do at the right set of time the right thing at the same time does anyone want to try before i uh show you mine it's not like mine is the correct one." [00:10:21] (79 seconds)



"I think wisdom is the ability to proceed ….. danger a mile away and if you are very difficult turn away from acting in a way that you don't even have to kill that problem i think that's recent i mean if you think through your life and agree through mine i think about all the the problems i had and some of that we could have foreseen in many many years in advance but i think yes being wise is averting danger before it even presents itself dealing with danger before it even comes to you and that's what i hope that we do from now if there is any resolution that you make this year let it be that you are one and this is to deal with the dangers before i think it needs way little effort compared to weightless effort than you you would need to even solve the problem here but if you're falling into that but at least there's this 11 i don't even know if people know that these faces are the bible i think it's very obscure it's a um ship your brain across the sea after many days you may receive them." [00:12:18] (79 seconds)



"Decisions are wise and decisions are unwise. It's not like, you know, when you go online, you find some, you found some hidden wisdom. All the wisdom is available to us and to everybody. And anybody who applies wisdom in their life, whether Christian or not, their life ends up well. So then if we know what it means to be wise, then why don't we be wise? Why don't we make wise decisions?" [00:19:09] (33 seconds)



"We know what's wise and not the sorrow that comes by unwise decisions. But we keep on making them. And I think it's because of what Proverbs 20 says here. It says that, you know, poor gains, bread of the city speaks to a man. After all, it's his mouth. But after all, it's his mouth shall be filled with gravel. I don't know if you can imagine having a." [00:19:54] (24 seconds)



"Solomon yeah solomon's decision is what to his children because of his unwise decision. It's ironic that he was the writer of the Book of Kings, saying he was the wisest before all who came. He was the wisest among all who came before him, and they actually assumed that he was the wisest even after that. But he made so many mistakes, Let's find out. Despite my failures, what happened to me as a man after his own death?" [00:22:33] (47 seconds)



"remain or not. It's not a thing to remain. Oh, sorry. Oh, next one. But the point is, yes, he started it out right. He choosing to remain was neither right nor wrong, but it was definitely unwise because he made himself idle. And we know how idleness breeds temptation and patience. But it is coming now. We are going to have around 40 days doing nothing at the residence where he was, I don't know. But he was not wrong. He was definitely unwise." [00:27:53] (48 seconds)



"Though I became a great nation, he did become a great nation. That's something that we have to acknowledge. But he lost so many of the blessings that would have come to him had he not sold his birthright, huh? All right, let's just look at what he should have done or what he did and what he should have done. I'm just going to read here. I'm looking at the time. It says when he was coming from the field, he found his brother Jacob had made some soup. And he says, look, I'm about to die." [00:39:28] (28 seconds)



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Transcript
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