Embracing Wisdom: A Pathway to Protection and Salvation
Summary
Wisdom is a precious gift from God, and it is essential for navigating the complexities of life. Today, we explored the profound benefits of wisdom as outlined in the scriptures, particularly in James 1:5-6 and Proverbs 4. Wisdom is not just an abstract concept; it is a practical tool that offers protection, promotion, and answers to life's challenges. Proverbs 4:6 reminds us that wisdom will protect us, and the measure of safety in our lives is directly related to the amount of wisdom we possess. Wisdom is a safeguard, a shield that keeps us from harm and guides us through trials.
Moreover, wisdom promotes us. It elevates us to greatness and honor, as stated in Proverbs 4:8. In the world, promotion often comes from those in authority who recognize the value of wisdom. Wise individuals are sought after because they make life easier for those around them. Wisdom is not just about making the right decisions; it is about being a good steward of the opportunities and responsibilities we are given.
In times of trial, wisdom is our most needed resource. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, especially when we face challenges. Trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. God uses these moments to impart wisdom that goes beyond the immediate situation, offering insights that can transform our entire lives.
Pride is a significant barrier to receiving wisdom. It blinds us to our need for guidance and makes us believe we already know enough. True wisdom is marked by humility, as described in James 3. It is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy. To receive God's wisdom, we must be willing to acknowledge our limitations and seek His guidance with an open heart.
Finally, wisdom is not just for personal gain; it is a pathway to salvation. As Paul wrote to Timothy, the Scriptures are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It is wise to put our faith in Jesus, and it is foolish to ignore the gift of salvation. Today, we have the opportunity to embrace wisdom by putting our faith in Christ and living a life that reflects His teachings.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom provides protection and safety in life. The more wisdom we have, the more we can shield ourselves from harm and make sound decisions that lead to peace and security. [03:54]
- Wisdom promotes us to greatness and honor. It is a key factor in being recognized and elevated by those in authority, as wise individuals are valuable assets in any setting. [13:57]
- Trials are opportunities for growth in wisdom. When we face challenges, we should seek God's wisdom to navigate them, as these experiences can lead to profound insights and personal transformation. [06:42]
- Pride is a barrier to wisdom. True wisdom is marked by humility, and we must be willing to acknowledge our need for guidance and seek God's wisdom with an open heart. [16:41]
- Wisdom leads to salvation. The Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, and it is wise to embrace the gift of salvation and live a life that reflects His teachings. [31:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:17] - The Importance of Wisdom
[03:54] - Wisdom's Protection
[05:22] - Growing in Wisdom
[06:42] - Wisdom in Trials
[08:18] - The Barrier of Pride
[09:41] - Wisdom in Relationships
[11:13] - Ignorance and Vulnerability
[12:26] - The Value of Wisdom
[13:57] - Wisdom's Promotion
[15:17] - The Wise Rise
[16:41] - Humility and Wisdom
[18:15] - God's Wisdom vs. Earthly Wisdom
[19:45] - Asking God for Wisdom
[21:06] - Timing and Wisdom
[22:25] - Spiritual Leadership and Wisdom
[23:45] - Wisdom Through God's Word
[25:20] - Personal Testimony and Wisdom
[28:56] - Wisdom Beyond Trials
[30:14] - Adjusting to Life's Seasons
[31:34] - Wisdom and Salvation
[33:08] - Invitation to Faith
[34:23] - Celebrating Wisdom
[35:51] - The Wise Decision
[37:25] - Let Wisdom Win
[39:02] - Walking with God
[41:51] - Prayer and Commitment
[43:28] - Closing Remarks
[45:02] - Tribute to Pastor Milton Davis
[48:20] - Prayer for the Davis Family
[50:09] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gift of Wisdom
Bible Reading:
- James 1:5-6
- Proverbs 4:5-9
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Observation Questions:
1. According to James 1:5-6, what should we do if we lack wisdom, and what is God's promise to us when we ask for it?
2. In Proverbs 4:6, what are the benefits of not abandoning wisdom, and how does it protect us?
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between wisdom and trials, and why is wisdom particularly important during challenging times? [06:42]
4. What role does pride play in hindering our ability to receive wisdom, according to the sermon? [16:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of wisdom as a protective shield in Proverbs 4:6 relate to the challenges we face in daily life?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that wisdom can lead to personal promotion and honor? [13:57]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between humility and wisdom, and why is humility essential for gaining wisdom? [16:41]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between wisdom and salvation, and how does this understanding impact our faith journey? [31:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you seek wisdom during that time, and what was the outcome? If you didn't seek wisdom, how might the situation have been different if you had? [06:42]
2. Identify an area in your life where pride might be preventing you from gaining wisdom. What steps can you take to cultivate humility in that area? [16:41]
3. Think about a decision you need to make soon. How can you actively seek God's wisdom in this decision-making process, and what resources (e.g., prayer, scripture, counsel) will you use?
4. Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from more wisdom. What practical actions can you take to apply wisdom in that relationship this week? [09:41]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of asking God for wisdom into your daily routine? What specific time or method will you use to ensure this becomes a habit? [19:45]
6. Reflect on the idea that wisdom leads to salvation. How does this perspective influence your understanding of faith and your relationship with Jesus? [31:34]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel vulnerable due to a lack of wisdom. What steps will you take this week to seek wisdom and protection in that area? [11:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom as a Shield
Wisdom is a divine gift that acts as a protective shield in our lives. It is not merely an abstract concept but a practical tool that offers safety and guidance. Proverbs 4:6 emphasizes that wisdom will protect us, suggesting that the level of safety we experience is directly related to the amount of wisdom we possess. By seeking wisdom, we can navigate life's complexities with greater confidence and security. Wisdom helps us make sound decisions that lead to peace and security, shielding us from potential harm and guiding us through trials. [03:54]
"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you." (Proverbs 2:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable? How can you actively seek God's wisdom to provide protection and guidance in those areas today?
Day 2: Wisdom Elevates
Wisdom has the power to elevate us to greatness and honor. It is a key factor in being recognized and valued by those in authority. Proverbs 4:8 highlights that wisdom promotes us, making us valuable assets in any setting. Wise individuals are sought after because they make life easier for those around them. Wisdom is not just about making the right decisions; it is about being a good steward of the opportunities and responsibilities we are given. By embracing wisdom, we position ourselves for growth and advancement in various aspects of life. [13:57]
"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a responsibility or opportunity you have been given. How can you apply wisdom to steward it well and potentially elevate your influence or impact?
Day 3: Trials as Opportunities for Wisdom
Trials are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth in wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, especially when facing challenges. These experiences can lead to profound insights and personal transformation. God uses trials to impart wisdom that goes beyond the immediate situation, offering insights that can transform our entire lives. By seeking God's wisdom during difficult times, we can gain a deeper understanding and emerge stronger and wiser. [06:42]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth in wisdom, and what specific steps can you take to seek God's guidance in this situation?
Day 4: Humility as the Path to Wisdom
Pride is a significant barrier to receiving wisdom. It blinds us to our need for guidance and makes us believe we already know enough. True wisdom is marked by humility, as described in James 3. It is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy. To receive God's wisdom, we must be willing to acknowledge our limitations and seek His guidance with an open heart. By embracing humility, we open ourselves to the transformative power of divine wisdom. [16:41]
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride may be hindering your growth. How can you practice humility today to open yourself to God's wisdom?
Day 5: Wisdom Leading to Salvation
Wisdom is not just for personal gain; it is a pathway to salvation. The Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It is wise to put our faith in Jesus and live a life that reflects His teachings. Ignoring the gift of salvation is considered foolish. By embracing wisdom, we align ourselves with God's plan for our lives and experience the fullness of His salvation. [31:34]
"And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Christ. How can you deepen your faith and live more fully in alignment with His teachings today?
Quotes
1. "The measure of how safe your life is, is directly proportionate to how much wisdom you walk with. So one of the things that wisdom does, so it says in verse seven, make sure you're getting wisdom. Make sure you get all the wisdom. It's the most important thing you can get. And then the next benefit of wisdom is in verse eight. Not only will wisdom protect you, it'll promote you. It says, if you love wisdom, she will make you great. And the next benefit of wisdom is in verse eight. Make you great. Embrace her and she'll bring you to honor. Verse nine says, she'll be your crown and glory." [05:22] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes you experience financial pain in life, not because you're lazy, but because you don't have financial prudence. Ignorance makes you vulnerable. I said ignorance makes you vulnerable. What you don't know, right here, what you don't know can hurt you. The Bible says, you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Let me say it again. You shall know the truth. And the truth shall set you free. What truth shall set you free? The truth you know. Oh, y'all missed that. You only get set free by the truth you know, which means ignorance is dangerous because I can't be free until I know what I need to know to be free." [11:13] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reason why people in authority will hire you or promote you when you're wise is because people in authority love to have wisdom around them. Nobody running anything wants unwise people around them because unwise people make you work more. So, when we see wisdom, we want to elevate that because that wisdom is going to make my life easier. That wisdom, you get promoted because of wisdom because they know you can handle and be a good steward of the next level." [13:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you need wisdom, right now, hey, we got to make a decision right now. God will give you wisdom in the moment. But sometimes you got to wait on wisdom. You got to wait on wisdom, not because God is trying to figure out what to do, but because wisdom is often connected to timing. And because wisdom is connected to timing, God, if God tells you the right thing to do, Benson, if he tells you the right thing to do, Doyle, and you do the right thing at the wrong time, now you're being foolish. So sometimes God will keep you in the dark about what to do until it's time to do it. Because as soon as we know something, we go with it. But doing the right thing at the wrong time is foolish." [21:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Most of the wisdom I've gotten in my life came from my pastor. I believe every person who's a believer needs a pastor. And I'm not even trying to tell you to make me your pastor. You need a pastor though. Because another way we're described in the Bible is as sheep. And all sheep need shepherds. You need a shepherd for direction and correction. I say you need a shepherd for direction and correction. You like direction, but you don't like correction. But sheep get all that and they need that." [22:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Your attacks are going to come connected to your calling. See, see, see that person who brings us that Christmas gift goes to either a DHL facility or a UPS facility or a FedEx facility to get the package and bring it to my house. Well, when we as pastors give y'all mail, we don't go to UPS. We don't go to FedEx. We go to God and we got to hear. So it makes sense that the attack would be on my hearing because the mail is so important. That's why you should pray for your pastor and your pastors that number one, they're protected, but number one, they're hearing right. Because if I'm going to open up my heart and my ears or somebody that's talking to me, I need to know that you're hearing right." [27:35] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Whenever you're in a trial, ask, instead of asking God, get me out of this, ask God, get, get out of this for me, what I'm supposed to get. Did I say that right? Let me get out of this, what I'm supposed to get. And oftentimes it's wisdom. See, God didn't just show me, you got to start dealing with specialists and stop dealing with generalists because when you got a special problem, the generalist can't fix you need to go there. That's a, that's a basic knowledge." [28:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "He said, you, you got to have a work rest rhythm that protects you from these kinds of crises because you make yourself vulnerable because you keep acting like you're still in your thirties. That was priceless for me. Now, first of all, it wasn't priceless at first because my pride fought it. Cause I'm like, I know you ain't see it. I'm still there. Dude, because pride can't get wisdom. So I, first of all, you trying to tell me I can't, but look, I used to could jump off the stage, but if I do it now, y'all won't see me for another three weeks. Like you have to know what season you're in and how to operate in this season." [30:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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