Embracing Divine Wisdom: The Call of Christ
Summary
In my recent teaching, I explored the profound wisdom found in the first nine chapters of Proverbs, where King Solomon imparts life-giving instruction to his son. This wisdom is personified in the character of Lady Wisdom, who calls out to the people, urging them to seek true wisdom over the fleeting pleasures of the world, such as the pursuit of dishonest gain and casual sexual encounters. These temptations, while alluring on the surface, ultimately lead to destruction and chaos. I emphasized that true wisdom is not found in these temporary delights but in the pursuit of God and His ways.
Solomon assures his son that if he seeks wisdom diligently, it will be granted to him by God. This wisdom is protective, instructive, and delivers one from evil. It is the antithesis of the folly that led Adam and Eve to trust in the serpent's lies over God's command, resulting in their fall and the entrance of death into the world. Solomon's plea to his son, and to us, is to not rely on our own understanding but to fear the Lord and seek His wisdom.
I then drew a parallel between Solomon's wisdom and the wisdom of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who is greater than Solomon, embodies this divine wisdom in the flesh. His teachings often addressed those who were unjustly wealthy or sexually immoral, offering them a wisdom that surpasses the empty promises of wealth and lust. Jesus, like Lady Wisdom, calls us to turn from our sins and promises to fill us with His Spirit of Wisdom when we ask, seek, and knock.
The wisdom of Jesus is not just a moral guideline; it is a transformative power that leads to true happiness and fulfillment, far beyond what can be found in material wealth or human relationships. By trusting in Jesus with all our hearts and submitting to His ways, He promises to make our paths straight. This is the good news of God's wisdom, which is fully embodied in Jesus Christ, and it is this wisdom that I urged the congregation to embrace.
Key Takeaways:
- True wisdom is not self-generated but is a gift from God that comes when we earnestly seek it. Solomon's assurance to his son that wisdom will protect and instruct him is a reminder that divine wisdom is not passive; it actively guides and shields us from the consequences of folly. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply relational, rooted in the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of His presence. [01:53]
- The story of Adam and Eve's fall is a cautionary tale about the cost of rejecting God's wisdom. Their decision to trust in the serpent's deception over God's command is a powerful illustration of the destructive nature of folly. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own choices and the importance of heeding God's wisdom above our own desires or understanding. [01:53]
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, surpassing even Solomon, the wisest of the old covenant. His life and teachings provide a clear and tangible expression of God's wisdom in human form. As followers of Christ, we are called to look to Him as our model and source of wisdom, recognizing that in Him we find the fullness of truth and life. [03:15]
- The temptations of easy money and casual sex are deceptive paths that promise happiness but lead to spiritual death. Jesus' teachings confront these illusions, offering a wisdom that leads to true and lasting joy. His call to seek first the kingdom of God is an invitation to find our deepest satisfaction not in the transient things of this world but in the eternal riches of His love and grace. [00:49]
- The Holy Spirit is the agent through which we receive the wisdom of God. Jesus' promise to give the Spirit of Wisdom to those who ask, seek, and knock is an assurance of ongoing guidance and enlightenment for believers. This indwelling Spirit empowers us to live wisely, making decisions that align with God's will and reflect His character in our lives. [03:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 1:20-33
2. Proverbs 3:5-6
3. Matthew 12:42
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the main temptations that Lady Wisdom warns against in Proverbs 1-9? ([00:49])
2. How does Solomon assure his son that wisdom will be granted to him? ([01:53])
3. What parallel does the sermon draw between Lady Wisdom and Jesus Christ? ([03:15])
4. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of pursuing easy money and casual sex? ([00:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom diligently? How does this relate to the protective and instructive nature of wisdom? ([01:53])
2. How does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate the destructive nature of folly? What lessons can be drawn from their decision to trust the serpent over God? ([01:53])
3. In what ways does Jesus embody the wisdom that Solomon speaks of? How does Jesus' wisdom surpass that of Solomon? ([03:15])
4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Wisdom provide ongoing guidance and enlightenment for believers? ([03:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted by the allure of easy money or casual sex. How did you respond, and what were the consequences? How might seeking God's wisdom have changed the outcome? ([00:49])
2. Solomon urges his son to not rely on his own understanding but to fear the Lord. How can you apply this principle in your daily decision-making? ([01:53])
3. Jesus promises to fill us with His Spirit of Wisdom when we ask, seek, and knock. What steps can you take this week to actively seek the wisdom of Jesus in your life? ([03:15])
4. The sermon mentions that true wisdom leads to happiness and fulfillment beyond material wealth or human relationships. Identify one area in your life where you are seeking fulfillment outside of God's wisdom. How can you redirect your focus towards Jesus? ([03:15])
5. The story of Adam and Eve is a cautionary tale about rejecting God's wisdom. Can you identify a recent decision where you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance? What was the outcome, and how can you learn from it? ([01:53])
6. Jesus' teachings often addressed those who were unjustly wealthy or sexually immoral. How can you apply Jesus' wisdom in your interactions with people who may be struggling with these issues? ([03:15])
7. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live wisely. What specific actions can you take this week to align your decisions with God's will and reflect His character in your life? ([03:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Wisdom: God's Protective Gift
True wisdom is a divine gift that offers more than knowledge; it provides guidance and protection. It is not something one can simply conjure up through personal effort or intellectual pursuit. Instead, it is a treasure bestowed by God upon those who earnestly seek it with humility and reverence. This wisdom is not static; it actively works in one's life, offering discernment in the face of life's complexities and safeguarding against the snares of folly. It is deeply relational, requiring a connection with the Creator, and is rooted in a healthy fear of the Lord—a reverential awe and respect for His power and authority. By embracing this wisdom, one finds a path that leads away from destruction and towards a life marked by God's presence and peace [01:53].
Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV)
"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, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
Reflection: How can you actively seek God's wisdom in your daily decisions, and in what ways might you need to cultivate a deeper reverence for the Lord?
Day 2: The Peril of Ignored Wisdom
The story of Adam and Eve serves as a stark reminder of the perils that come from ignoring God's wisdom. Their choice to trust the serpent's lies over God's explicit command demonstrates the destructive power of folly. This narrative is not just a historical account but a mirror reflecting our own tendencies to choose our desires over divine instruction. It challenges us to consider the consequences of our decisions and the importance of aligning our actions with God's wisdom. By learning from their mistake, we can avoid the pitfalls of deception and live in the freedom that comes from obedience to God's will [01:53].
Genesis 3:6-7 (ESV)
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked."
Reflection: In what areas of your life might you be compromising on God's wisdom, and how can you begin to realign those areas with His truth?
Day 3: Christ, Our Wisdom Incarnate
Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, surpassing the insights of even the wisest of old covenant figures like Solomon. His life and teachings provide a tangible expression of God's wisdom, offering a model for how to live in alignment with divine truth. In Jesus, we find the fullness of life and the epitome of wisdom that guides us in righteousness. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example, drawing from His teachings to navigate the complexities of life. In doing so, we discover the transformative power of wisdom that leads to genuine fulfillment and purpose [03:15].
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV)
"That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: How can you more intentionally model your life after the wisdom of Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to incorporate His teachings into your daily routine?
Day 4: The Illusion of Worldly Temptations
The allure of quick financial gain and casual sexual encounters is a deceptive mirage that promises happiness but ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and death. Jesus confronted these illusions with a wisdom that points to a joy that is both deeper and more enduring. His call to seek first the kingdom of God is an invitation to find our truest satisfaction not in the fleeting pleasures of this world but in the eternal riches of His love and grace. By prioritizing the values of God's kingdom, we can navigate life's temptations with discernment and choose a path that leads to lasting joy and peace [00:49].
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What worldly temptations are you most susceptible to, and how can you actively pursue the treasures of God's kingdom in their place?
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit of Wisdom
The Holy Spirit is the divine agent through whom we receive the wisdom of God. Jesus promised that those who ask, seek, and knock would be filled with the Spirit of Wisdom, ensuring believers have access to ongoing guidance and enlightenment. This indwelling Spirit empowers us to live wisely, to make decisions that align with God's will, and to reflect His character in our lives. As we remain open to the Spirit's leading, we can trust that our paths will be directed in a manner that honors God and furthers His kingdom [03:15].
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV)
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,"
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life, and what steps can you take to foster a deeper sensitivity to His wisdom?
Quotes
"Lady Wisdom is a character that functions as the embodiment and public declaration of Solomon’s wisdom. Lady Wisdom encourages the nation of Israel to pursue after her and to avoid foolishness and its inevitable consequences. In the first interruption, Lady Wisdom shouts at the entrance of a large city. She encourages its citizens to look for wisdom in her rather than the allure of the markets and entertainments inside." [00:49]
"Both Lady Wisdom and the Father warn that money gained dishonestly, and casual sex are far more costly than they appear. While both are enticing on the surface, they always lead to death, destruction, and chaos. Easy money and easy sex should be avoided because of the foolishness that they inspire." [00:49]
"Over and over again Solomon promises his son that if he seeks wisdom, he will find it. If he searches for wisdom, God will grant it. Wisdom will fill him, will protect him, instruct him, and deliver him from evil. True wisdom is found in running from evil and running towards God." [01:53]
"Adam and Eve rejected God’s wisdom because the forbidden fruit looked good to eat (like easy sex and easy money often do). But its end was death. They trusted the promise of foolishness and did not heed the call of Lady Wisdom. That’s why the Father pleads with his son to not trust his instincts, understanding, or his own wisdom, but instead to fear the Lord." [01:53]
"Jesus is unapologetic that he is wiser than Solomon. He rebukes a large and unbelieving crowd by reminding them that the Queen of Sheba came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. Jesus is Solomon’s wisdom in the flesh. Jesus is Lady Wisdom." [03:15]
"Jesus’ wisdom to them is that he and his kingdom are better than easy money and easy sex. And just as Lady Wisdom calls Israel to turn from their sin so that she can place her spirit in them, Jesus promises the same. Anyone who asks, seeks, and knocks after him will be given the Spirit of Wisdom." [03:15]
"While easy money and easy sex falsely promise the straightest path to happiness, Jesus’ wisdom promises we will have more in him than we could ever find in a bank account or a relationship. Jesus invites us to trust in him 'with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight'." [03:15]
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