Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey to True Power

Devotional

Day 1: Receiving God’s Wisdom as a Humble Gift

God’s wisdom is not a prize earned by human effort or intellect but a gracious gift freely given through Christ. Many believers miss this treasure because they do not recognize its value or remain unaware of its availability. To receive this wisdom, one must first acknowledge personal limitations and open the heart to the Spirit’s guidance, trusting that God’s ways surpass human understanding. This humility creates space for God’s wisdom to transform decisions, relationships, and identity, moving beyond mere knowledge to intimate experience.
When you embrace this gift, you begin to see life through God’s perspective, allowing His wisdom to shape your path and bring peace amid uncertainty. It is an invitation to trust fully, even when the world’s logic suggests otherwise. [37:16]

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:
What is one area in your life where you have relied solely on your own understanding? How can you practically open that area to receive God’s wisdom today by inviting the Spirit’s guidance?

Day 2: Walking the Path of Radical Obedience

Believing in God’s wisdom is only the beginning; the true test is acting on it, especially when His commands seem counterintuitive or costly. Radical obedience means choosing to follow God’s word and Spirit even when it appears foolish or difficult to the world. This obedience is the tangible expression of faith and trust in God’s perfect purposes. It leads to freedom, blessing, and alignment with God’s design for life.
This pathway requires courage to step beyond comfort zones and cultural expectations, embracing God’s wisdom as the foundation for every decision. It is through this obedience that believers experience transformation and the unfolding of God’s kingdom in their lives. [55:42]

Isaiah 1:19-20 (ESV)
“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Reflection:
Identify one specific command or prompting from God that you have hesitated to obey because it seemed difficult or unpopular. What is one practical step you can take today to begin walking in obedience to that leading?

Day 3: Embracing True Power Through Humility and Love

The world’s version of power often leads to control, manipulation, and division, but God’s power is revealed in humility and sacrificial love. True strength in God’s kingdom is found not in domination or self-promotion but in serving others and lifting them up. When believers choose humility, they participate in the transformative power of Christ’s love that heals, restores, and unites communities.
This power overcomes evil and brings lasting change because it reflects the heart of Jesus, who humbled Himself for the sake of others. Embracing this kind of power invites a redefinition of success and influence according to God’s kingdom values. [01:07:54]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Reflection:
In what ways are you tempted to seek power or recognition through control or status? How can you intentionally choose humility and love in your interactions with others today, reflecting the true power of God’s kingdom?

Day 4: Diving Deep into the Spirit’s Revelation

Many Christians remain content with surface-level faith, but the Spirit invites believers to dive into the deep things of God. This means moving beyond routine practices and shallow knowledge to seek revelation and understanding that surpass human wisdom. Cultivating a life of prayer and openness to the Spirit leads to transformation and guidance in every area of life.
Prayer becomes a living dialogue where God speaks and reveals His heart, not just a monologue of requests. This deep engagement with God’s wisdom is accessible to all who ask, seek, and listen, inviting a richer, fuller experience of God’s presence and guidance. [01:13:34]

1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (ESV)
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”

Reflection:
What is one habitual or routine spiritual practice you can deepen or transform into a more open, listening posture with God’s Spirit? How can you create space today to engage in this deeper dialogue with God?

Day 5: Recognizing God’s Wisdom in Unexpected Forms

God’s wisdom often arrives in ways that do not match our expectations or preferences. Like the son who missed his father’s gift because it looked different than anticipated, believers can overlook God’s guidance when it comes through unlikely means. Remaining open, attentive, and willing to receive is essential to recognizing God’s perfect timing and provision.
This requires humility to set aside assumptions and trust that God’s wisdom is always good and exactly what is needed for the journey ahead. Being ready to receive God’s unexpected gifts invites greater freedom and fullness in life. [01:25:01]

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (ESV)
“Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

Reflection:
Recall a time when God’s guidance or blessing came in a form you did not expect. How can you cultivate a posture of openness and trust today to receive God’s wisdom, even when it challenges your assumptions?

Sermon Summary

God’s presence is not just a theological concept or a Sunday morning experience—it is the very reality that changes everything about our lives. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive and active among us, offering us not only salvation but the fullness of God’s gifts, including His perfect wisdom. Too often, we settle for a partial experience of God, unaware that His wisdom is available to us in every moment, every decision, and every challenge. This wisdom is not like the wisdom of the world, which is limited, self-serving, and ultimately leads to division and destruction. Instead, God’s wisdom is pure, peace-giving, and leads to life, wholeness, and hope.

Scripture teaches that the wisdom of God is more precious than silver or gold, and it is a tree of life to those who embrace it. Yet, many believers live unaware of this gift, trying to navigate life in their own strength and understanding. The call is to move from simply knowing about God’s wisdom to experiencing it intimately—allowing it to shape our decisions, our relationships, and our very identity. This requires a radical shift: exchanging the foolishness of self-reliance for the wisdom that comes from trusting God fully, even when it seems countercultural or even foolish to the world.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us that what the world calls foolishness—Christ crucified—is actually the very power and wisdom of God. The cross redefines our understanding of strength, power, and success. True power in God’s kingdom is found in humility, love, and service, not in domination or self-promotion. We are invited to replace the world’s weak imitation of power with the true power of Christ’s love, which alone can heal, restore, and unite.

Finally, God’s wisdom is not meant to be a shallow pool we wade in, but a deep ocean we are invited to dive into. Through the Spirit, we have access to the mind of Christ and the deep things of God. This is not just for the spiritually elite, but for every believer who will ask, seek, and listen. Prayer becomes the gateway to this wisdom, not as a monologue but as a living dialogue with God, where we both speak and listen, receiving revelation for every area of life. God’s wisdom may not always come in the packaging we expect, but it is always available, always good, and always leads us into greater freedom and fullness.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Wisdom Is a Gift to Be Received, Not Earned The wisdom of God is not something we achieve through effort or intellect, but a gift made available through Christ. Many believers miss out on this gift simply because they are unaware of it or do not recognize its value. To receive God’s wisdom, we must first acknowledge our own limitations and open ourselves to the Spirit’s leading, trusting that God’s ways are higher and better than our own. [37:16]
2. Radical Obedience Is the Pathway from Foolishness to Wisdom It is one thing to say we believe God is wise; it is another to act on that belief, especially when His commands seem counterintuitive or costly. Obedience to God’s word and Spirit, even when it looks foolish to the world, is the practical outworking of faith in His wisdom. This kind of obedience leads to freedom, blessing, and a life that is aligned with God’s perfect purposes. [55:42]
3. True Power in God’s Kingdom Is Found in Humility and Love The world’s pursuit of power leads to control, manipulation, and division, but the power of God is revealed in the humility and sacrificial love of Jesus. When we embrace humility—choosing to serve rather than be served, to lift others up rather than seek our own status—we participate in the true power that transforms lives and communities. This is the power that overcomes evil and brings lasting change. [67:54]
4. The Spirit Leads Us from Shallow Living to the Deep Things of God Many Christians remain in the “shallow end” of faith, content with surface-level knowledge or routine practices. But the Spirit invites us to dive deeper, to seek revelation and understanding that goes beyond human wisdom. As we cultivate a life of prayer and openness to the Spirit, we are led into the mysteries and riches of God’s heart, experiencing transformation and guidance for every aspect of life. [73:34]
5. God’s Wisdom Often Comes in Unexpected Packaging—Be Ready to Receive Like the story of the son who missed his father’s gift because it didn’t look as he expected, we can overlook God’s wisdom when it doesn’t fit our preferences or assumptions. God’s answers and guidance may come through unlikely means, but they are always good and perfectly timed. The invitation is to remain open, attentive, and willing to receive, trusting that God’s wisdom is exactly what we need for the journey ahead. [85:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:11] - Resurrection Power and Testimonies
[34:29] - The Presence of God Changes Everything
[37:16] - Unawareness of God’s Gifts
[39:01] - Flesh vs. Spirit: The Battle for Our Minds
[40:48] - The Gift and Value of God’s Wisdom
[43:54] - The “Foolishness” of the Cross
[46:57] - Corinth’s Culture and Church Divisions
[48:37] - Human Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom
[50:13] - The Cross Redefines Power and Wisdom
[51:37] - Exchange Foolishness for Wisdom
[55:42] - Radical Obedience in Action
[57:04] - Generosity: God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom
[59:00] - Replace Weakness with True Power
[67:54] - Humility: The True Power of the Kingdom
[70:21] - Dive into the Deep Things of God
[73:34] - From Shallow to Deep: The Spirit’s Invitation
[75:30] - Personal Testimony: Encountering the Spirit
[81:14] - Daniel’s Prayer and God’s Revelation
[85:01] - The Gift May Not Look Like You Expect
[87:08] - Responding to God’s Wisdom
[93:45] - Benediction and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... (read full passage)

- Proverbs 3:13–18
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. For she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold... (read full passage)

- Romans 8:5–6
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Observation Questions

In 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, what does Paul say about how the world views the message of the cross compared to how believers see it?
According to Proverbs 3:13–18, how is wisdom described, and what are some of the benefits listed for those who find it?
In Romans 8:5–6, what is the difference between a mind set on the flesh and a mind set on the Spirit?
The sermon mentioned that many Christians are unaware of the gifts God has given them, including wisdom. What are some reasons given for this unawareness? ([37:16])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God’s wisdom is often seen as foolishness by the world? How does the cross challenge our normal ideas of power and success? ([50:13])
The sermon says that God’s wisdom is a gift to be received, not earned. What does it look like to “receive” wisdom rather than try to achieve it on your own? ([37:16])
How does radical obedience move someone from foolishness to wisdom, even when God’s commands seem countercultural or costly? ([55:42])
The sermon talks about moving from “shallow” to “deep” in our faith. What does it mean to “dive into the deep things of God,” and how is this different from just knowing about God? ([01:13:34])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to become aware of and receive God’s wisdom in every part of our lives. Is there an area where you’ve been relying on your own understanding instead of seeking God’s wisdom? What would it look like to invite God’s wisdom into that area this week? ([40:48])
Radical obedience was described as acting on God’s wisdom, even when it seems foolish to others. Can you think of a time when you felt God leading you to do something that didn’t make sense to the world? How did you respond, and what was the result? ([55:42])
The world’s version of power is about control and status, but God’s power is shown in humility and love. Where in your life are you tempted to seek power or recognition? What is one practical way you could choose humility or serve someone else this week? ([01:07:54])
The sermon said that many Christians stay in the “shallow end” of faith. What are some habits or routines that keep you in the shallow end? What is one step you could take to go deeper with God this month? ([01:13:34])
Prayer was described as a two-way conversation, not just talking but also listening. How would you describe your current prayer life? What is one way you could make more space to listen for God’s wisdom in prayer this week? ([01:19:22])
Sometimes God’s wisdom comes in unexpected packaging, like the story of the son who missed his father’s gift. Have you ever missed or overlooked God’s guidance because it didn’t look the way you expected? How can you stay open to God’s wisdom, even when it surprises you? ([01:25:01])
The sermon ended with a call to receive God’s wisdom as a gift. What is one area of your life where you need God’s wisdom right now? Would you be willing to share it with the group and pray together for God’s guidance? ([01:27:08])

Sermon Clips

And his wisdom to each one of us is a gift that we have access to because of Christ Jesus. And when we receive that gift of wisdom, we find something that is truly beautiful and glorious and good. Solomon describes it this way in Proverbs chapter 3. He says, Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. For she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She's more precious than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand and her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Those who hold fast to her will be blessed. [00:36:18] (42 seconds) Edit Clip

We try to accomplish things in our own strength and our own might and our own power, our own selfish desires, our finite vision, and it leads to death and division and destruction. But the good news is that the wisdom of God is what we are given access to. And this gift leads us to peace and life and limitless power and eternal vision and the passion of our King that actually accomplishes anything in our lives with everlasting and incomprehensibly good wisdom. Amen? [00:38:32] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Paul wrote it this way in Romans 8, those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace. And friends, can I tell you that because of what Jesus has done, we have access to life and peace for our minds. Does anybody by a show of hands need life and peace in their minds? Guess what? You have access. You have access. Access is granted and when our minds are set on the things of the spirit, our hearts are set on the desires of the spirit and we allow the wisdom of God to guide us over and against the wisdom and desires of our flesh and it leads us to life. This sounds familiar to you probably because Solomon in Proverbs 3 said something very similar. He said this, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding and all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. [00:39:10] (67 seconds) Edit Clip

Jews demand a sign, Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those whom God has called, both Jew and Greek, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. [00:43:54] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

The wisdom of this world, the power of this world cannot, will not, and will never be able to save us ever. The wisdom and power of this world will never be able to save us. The leaders in this world will never be able to save us. [00:49:54] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

The only thing that we have hope in is Christ. And his message looks like foolishness and weakness to this world. But can I tell you that this message of Christ crucified actually unifies all people. It crosses ethnic barriers. It crosses political and opinionated barriers. It allows us to see that the foolishness we think, the wisdom that we think, the power or weakness or whatever structures are redefined through the atoning work that Jesus did on the cross. [00:50:14] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

But God gives us the gift of receiving his wisdom and exchanging our foolishness so that we can be guided and shaped and directed into the fullness and abundance of life, emptying ourselves of the foolishness of this world so that we could receive the wisdom of the King of Kings and live in his good and perfect plan for our lives, amen? [00:55:08] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?