Embracing Divine Wisdom Amidst Human Opinions

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth found in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God declares that His thoughts and ways are far beyond our own. This passage is crucial for our generation, which often elevates personal opinions and subjective truths above divine wisdom. We live in a time where everyone is eager to share their thoughts, often valuing them over the timeless truths of Scripture. Yet, God reminds us that His thoughts are as high as the heavens, infinitely beyond our limited understanding. This calls us to humility, urging us to seek His wisdom rather than relying on our own.

We also delved into the reality of God's wrath, a topic often avoided in modern discourse. The Bible contains over 600 references to God's wrath, emphasizing its significance. In Revelation, we see worship in heaven that acknowledges God's righteous judgment. This challenges us to confront our discomfort with divine wrath and recognize it as an integral part of God's holiness. The reluctance to discuss God's wrath stems from a desire for popularity and acceptance, but true faith requires us to embrace the full counsel of God's Word, including the parts that make us uncomfortable.

Furthermore, we examined the prophetic nature of Scripture, noting how current events align with biblical prophecies. The advancements in technology and global events suggest that we are living in significant times, possibly nearing the fulfillment of end-time prophecies. This realization should prompt us to live with urgency and readiness, understanding that Christ's return is imminent.

Ultimately, the message calls us to a deeper reverence for God's Word, urging us to tremble at His truth and align our lives with His will. It challenges us to rise above the cultural norms that prioritize personal opinions and instead submit to the divine wisdom that surpasses all understanding.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Thoughts vs. Human Thoughts: God's thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours, as emphasized in Isaiah 55:8-9. This truth challenges us to humble ourselves and seek His wisdom rather than relying on our limited understanding. In a world that values personal opinions, we must prioritize God's eternal truths. [00:56]

2. The Reality of God's Wrath: The Bible speaks extensively about God's wrath, yet it is often neglected in modern teachings. Understanding God's wrath is crucial to comprehending His holiness and justice. We must not shy away from this aspect of God's character but embrace it as part of His divine nature. [19:09]

3. Prophetic Fulfillment: Current global events align with biblical prophecies, suggesting that we are living in significant times. This awareness should prompt us to live with urgency and readiness, recognizing that Christ's return is imminent. We must be vigilant and prepared for the fulfillment of God's promises. [32:34]

4. Embracing the Full Counsel of God's Word: True faith requires us to embrace the entirety of God's Word, including the parts that challenge us. We must not be selective in our beliefs but submit to the full counsel of Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives and understanding of God. [42:24]

5. Living with Urgency and Readiness: The realization of prophetic fulfillment and the reality of God's wrath should lead us to live with urgency and readiness. We must align our lives with God's will, understanding that His return is imminent and that we are called to be faithful witnesses in these times. [53:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - God's Thoughts vs. Human Thoughts
- [01:40] - The Age of Opinions
- [02:36] - The Infinite Distance
- [03:39] - Humility Before God
- [05:19] - Guarding Our Words
- [08:22] - Trembling at God's Word
- [11:02] - A Vision of Heaven
- [15:40] - The Deadly Lies of Our Time
- [19:09] - Worship and Wrath
- [22:36] - Overlooking God's Wrath
- [30:18] - Prophetic Fulfillment
- [32:34] - Urgency and Readiness
- [39:53] - The Call for Modern-Day Noahs
- [52:51] - Embracing God's Full Character

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 55:8-9
2. Revelation 19:1-3
3. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Isaiah 55:8-9, how does God describe the difference between His thoughts and ways compared to ours? Why is this distinction important for us to understand? [00:56]

2. In Revelation 19:1-3, what is the response of the multitude in heaven to God's judgments? How does this passage challenge our understanding of worship? [18:27]

3. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 advises us to guard our steps when approaching God. What specific behaviors does it warn against, and why might these be significant in our relationship with God? [05:19]

4. The sermon mentions the reluctance to discuss God's wrath in modern teachings. What reasons are given for this reluctance, and how does it contrast with the biblical portrayal of God's character? [21:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the understanding that God's thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) influence the way we approach decision-making and seek wisdom in our lives? [00:56]

2. Revelation 19:1-3 describes worship in heaven that acknowledges God's righteous judgment. How does this perspective on worship differ from common perceptions today, and what can we learn from it? [18:27]

3. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 emphasizes the importance of listening over speaking in God's presence. How can this principle be applied in our daily spiritual practices and interactions with others? [05:19]

4. The sermon discusses the prophetic nature of Scripture and current events aligning with biblical prophecies. How should this awareness impact our sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return? [32:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision where you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom. How might Isaiah 55:8-9 encourage you to approach similar situations differently in the future? [00:56]

2. Consider your current attitude towards God's wrath. How does the sermon challenge you to embrace the full counsel of God's Word, including the aspects that make you uncomfortable? [21:44]

3. In what ways can you cultivate a heart that trembles at God's Word, as described in Isaiah 66:2? Identify one practical step you can take this week to deepen your reverence for Scripture. [08:59]

4. How can you live with a greater sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return, as suggested by the alignment of current events with biblical prophecies? What specific changes might this require in your daily life? [32:34]

5. The sermon highlights the danger of valuing personal opinions over divine wisdom. Identify an area in your life where you might be prioritizing your own thoughts over God's truths. How can you realign your perspective? [04:36]

6. Reflect on a time when you avoided discussing a challenging aspect of God's character, such as His wrath. How can you grow in courage to share the full message of the Gospel with others, even when it's uncomfortable? [21:44]

7. The sermon calls for modern-day "Noahs" who are willing to stand firm in their faith. How can you be a faithful witness in your community, and what steps can you take to prepare for this role? [39:53]

Devotional

Day 1: The Supremacy of Divine Wisdom
God's thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours, as emphasized in Isaiah 55:8-9. This truth challenges us to humble ourselves and seek His wisdom rather than relying on our limited understanding. In a world that values personal opinions, we must prioritize God's eternal truths. The passage reminds us that our understanding is limited and often clouded by personal biases and cultural influences. By acknowledging the supremacy of divine wisdom, we are called to a posture of humility, recognizing that God's perspective is far beyond our own. This humility should lead us to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives, trusting that His ways are ultimately for our good and His glory. [00:56]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom? How can you begin to prioritize His eternal truths today?


Day 2: Embracing the Holiness of God's Wrath
The Bible speaks extensively about God's wrath, yet it is often neglected in modern teachings. Understanding God's wrath is crucial to comprehending His holiness and justice. We must not shy away from this aspect of God's character but embrace it as part of His divine nature. God's wrath is not arbitrary or capricious; it is a righteous response to sin and injustice. By acknowledging this, we gain a deeper understanding of His holiness and the seriousness of sin. This understanding should lead us to a greater appreciation of His grace and mercy, as well as a commitment to living in a way that honors His holiness. [19:09]

"Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it." (Isaiah 13:9, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding God's wrath change your perspective on sin and holiness? What steps can you take to align your life with His holiness today?


Day 3: Living in the Light of Prophetic Fulfillment
Current global events align with biblical prophecies, suggesting that we are living in significant times. This awareness should prompt us to live with urgency and readiness, recognizing that Christ's return is imminent. We must be vigilant and prepared for the fulfillment of God's promises. The realization that we may be witnessing the unfolding of prophetic events should inspire us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency. It calls us to be watchful and prepared, ensuring that our lives reflect the values of the Kingdom and that we are actively participating in God's redemptive work in the world. [32:34]

"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves." (Luke 21:25, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take to live with a sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return? How can you actively participate in God's work today?


Day 4: Submitting to the Full Counsel of God's Word
True faith requires us to embrace the entirety of God's Word, including the parts that challenge us. We must not be selective in our beliefs but submit to the full counsel of Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives and understanding of God. This means engaging with the difficult and uncomfortable parts of Scripture, trusting that they are there for our growth and understanding. By submitting to the full counsel of God's Word, we allow it to transform us, leading to a deeper and more authentic relationship with Him. [42:24]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: Are there parts of Scripture that you find challenging or uncomfortable? How can you approach these passages with an open heart and mind, allowing them to shape your understanding of God?


Day 5: Urgency and Readiness in Faithful Witness
The realization of prophetic fulfillment and the reality of God's wrath should lead us to live with urgency and readiness. We must align our lives with God's will, understanding that His return is imminent and that we are called to be faithful witnesses in these times. This involves living out our faith in tangible ways, being a light in the darkness, and sharing the hope of the Gospel with those around us. By living with urgency and readiness, we demonstrate our commitment to God's Kingdom and our desire to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven. [53:11]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a faithful witness in your community today? What specific steps can you take to share the hope of the Gospel with those around you?

Quotes



Listen to what God says he says 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. I think this is so so big for this generation for us in this room for the church to understand today that God says his thoughts are not the same as our thoughts. [00:38:32]

We live in a time when everyone wants to get on Twitter and share their thoughts because they believe their opinions and their way of thinking is so profound and everyone believes they have something to say. Many of you maybe even came here today going man I wish I could get on that stage because I have some things to say. Everyone has this Facebook page where they put their thoughts. [01:22:18]

God says the way that I think my thoughts that's how much higher my thoughts are than yours that's why this book is so important and so precious to me because when I get alone in the morning I don't sit there and just think out of my own mind or my own heart or my own desires why would I do that God says my thoughts are infinitely beyond yours and my ways are not your ways. [03:04:47]

We need to humble ourselves I know this is a generation that has a real struggle with the idea of truth because they believe that they can find their version of truth and they believe their own thoughts and they value their own thoughts and that's why I love that passage God reminds me that the next time someone goes hey you want to know what I think I just gone not really. [04:00:20]

God is in heaven and you are on earth therefore let your words be few he says let's be careful when we come into the sanctuary of God when we come into the presence of God we live in a time when everyone is quick to speak and like that verse says they offer the sacrifice of fools they just start talking because they don't know that they are doing evil. [06:04:40]

I want us to bow to this book because sure like I said yes say I can come here and give you some thoughts and a lot of them may be good and maybe a little bit better than yours or whatever but we didn't come here for that we came to come before God and his thoughts Isaiah 66 2 says that second half of that verse but to this one I will look to him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at my word. [08:22:42]

We live in a time when we don't understand that God's ways are different from ours that he's a completely different being and so he thinks differently than us and it's for that reason that there's been a statement that's flying around a lot where people say well if God is a loving God then how could he ever punish this is so deadly because people they define love however they define it. [15:54:20]

Do you know that there are over 600 passages about the wrath of God just in the Old Testament do you realize that 600 passages about God's wrath and with when I was reading this morning was um I'll just read it to you this isn't on the screen but that are pretty fast revelation 19 revelation 19 in verses 1 1 through 3 it says this after this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven crying out hallelujah salvation and glory and power belongs to our God for his judgments are true and just. [17:41:07]

It's worship going on in heaven they're saying hallelujah but what are they saying hallelujah about his judgment his wrath they're singing Hallelujah the smoke from her rises up forever and ever they're praising God because of his route that has fallen and I thought does anyone in 2019 ever praise God for his wrath when's the last time we sang a song like that I don't know if that's on the new album you know is it because we who wants to sing a song about wrath yet in this book it's over and over. [19:35:50]

I want to be one of those Noah's I want you to be one of those No the Lord needs more Noah's on this earth willing to step up and not be embarrassed and actually in God doesn't wort like I don't warn my kids because I hate them why do I tell my kid might like my son the other day someone bought him these ninja swords and I'm like why what are you gonna do with those but then one day Lisa was gone and I had all the kids and try and think of something to do I go I don't wanna do well grow the market and we'll ask for all of the rotten fruit and we'll play fruit ninja in real life. [39:55:23]

Why does God warn us about his own wrath saying look this is Ted I love you he says he doesn't take pleasure in the death of the wicked but this is his word and we are supposed to preach the whole counsel of his word and that includes his wrath and I'll be honest I've spent a few years embarrassed of his wrath and I'm just I feel like I'm just being freed of that and saying you know what my God is an amazing God he's a God of love but he's also a holy God and part of that holiness has to do with his wrath. [42:24:54]

I pray that you are not storing up wrath for yourself but that today if you hear his voice that you'll turn to this kind gentle and forgiving God because of loving God according to his word can also be a god of Wrath and there will come a day I hope you've at least seen it in his word today father right now from heaven give us the wisdom to just stop listening to all the lies in the world to stop being embarrassed of who you are you're an awesome God hallelujah you are going to come back and you are going to destroy and there is a day when the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever and the angels will be worshiping Lord so give us that heart help us to understand your wrath in such a real way that we can learn to worship you for it not in spite of it and give us courage to warn the people we love. [53:11:54]

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Transcript
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