Embracing Wisdom and Inclusion in God's Love

Summary

On this Father’s Day, we gather to celebrate not only the dads and father figures among us, but also the God who parents us all with wisdom, truth, and radical love. Today’s readings from John and Proverbs invite us to listen for the Spirit—described as the Friend, the Spirit of Truth, and Lady Wisdom—who has been with God since the beginning and who continues to guide us into deeper understanding. The Spirit is not a relic of the past, but an active, living presence, leading us into new truths, nudging us toward justice, mercy, and a love that refuses to be silent in the face of hate.

The story of Enoch, who walked so closely with God that he was simply taken home, reminds us of the intimacy God desires with each of us. This is not a relationship frozen in time, but one that grows as we mature, as we learn to listen more deeply to the Spirit’s voice. Just as children cannot grasp every truth at once, so too are we invited to grow into the fullness of what God wants to reveal, trusting that the Spirit will guide us step by step.

Wisdom, as Proverbs paints her, is not hidden away but stands at the busiest intersections, calling out to all people—especially those who feel overlooked or excluded. She delights in the whole human family, celebrating our diversity and calling us to do the same. This is especially poignant during Pride Month, as we affirm that every person, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, is wonderfully made in God’s image. Inclusion is not an optional add-on to the gospel; it is the very heart of it.

God is still speaking—through scripture, through the cries for justice in our streets, through the voices of those who have been marginalized. We are called not to be gatekeepers of grace, but co-creators with Wisdom, participating in God’s ongoing work of love, justice, and transformation. Let us tune our ears to Wisdom’s cry, lean into the discomfort of truth, and practice a radical love that cannot be silent, even when hate is loud.

Key Takeaways

- The Spirit’s guidance is ongoing and dynamic, not limited to a single moment in history. God continues to reveal truth to us, meeting us where we are and leading us into deeper understanding as we grow and mature. This means our faith must remain open, humble, and attentive to the Spirit’s voice in the present moment. [06:51]

- Wisdom is not reserved for a select few, but calls out to everyone at the intersections of life, especially those who feel unseen or undervalued. She delights in the diversity of the human family and invites us to do the same, challenging us to expand our circle of love and inclusion. [08:29]

- Inclusion is not a side note to the gospel; it is its very core. To love as Jesus commands is to embrace all people, not despite their differences but because of them, recognizing the image of God in every person. This radical inclusion is a holy calling, especially in times when exclusion and hate are loud. [10:28]

- God is present in the cries for justice, in the protests, and in the holy disruptions that challenge the status quo. The Spirit speaks through those who demand equity, peace, and dignity for all, reminding us that our faith must be lived out in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized. [12:07]

- We are not called to be gatekeepers of grace or defenders of dead doctrines, but to be co-creators with Wisdom, participating in God’s ongoing work of love and transformation. This requires us to listen deeply, repent when necessary, and courageously practice a love that is bold, joyful, and unafraid to speak out. [13:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:46] - Proverbs Reading: Lady Wisdom’s Call
[02:31] - Wisdom’s Role in Creation
[03:05] - The Value of Wisdom
[03:31] - Wisdom Present Before Creation
[04:18] - Wisdom’s Joy in Creation
[05:35] - The Story of Enoch and Walking with God
[06:51] - The Spirit Guides Us Into Truth
[08:29] - Wisdom Celebrates the Whole Human Family
[10:28] - Inclusion as the Heart of the Gospel
[11:15] - God in Protest and Justice
[12:07] - Listening to the Spirit in Today’s World
[12:58] - Voices of the Marginalized
[13:51] - Co-Creating with Wisdom
[14:21] - Leaning Into Discomfort and Radical Love
[14:58] - Practicing Love When Hate is Loud
[15:29] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[17:53] - Closing and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Walking with Wisdom, Listening to the Spirit”

---

### Bible Reading

- John 16:12-15
(“I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of Truth, she will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is…”)

- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
(“Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madam Insight raising her voice?... Day after day I was there, and my joyful applause, always enjoying God's company, delighting with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.”)

- Genesis 5:21-24
(The story of Enoch, who “walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”)

---

### Observation Questions

1. In John 16:12-15, what does Jesus say about the Spirit’s role in guiding us? How does he describe what the Spirit will do for the disciples?
([06:51])

2. According to Proverbs 8, where does Lady Wisdom position herself, and who is she calling out to?
([01:46])

3. How does the story of Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24 illustrate the kind of relationship God desires with us?
([05:35])

4. In the sermon, what examples are given of where and how God is still speaking today?
([12:07])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus says, “I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now”? What does this suggest about how we grow in faith and understanding?
([06:51])

2. The sermon describes Wisdom as standing at the busiest intersections, calling out to everyone, especially those who feel overlooked. What does this image say about who God’s wisdom is for?
([08:29])

3. The preacher says, “Inclusion is not an accessory to the gospel. It is the gospel.” What does it mean for inclusion to be at the very heart of the gospel message?
([10:28])

4. The sermon mentions that God is present in protests and the cries for justice. How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of where God is at work in the world?
([12:07])

---

### Application Questions

1. The Spirit’s guidance is described as ongoing and dynamic, not limited to the past. How can you practice being more open and attentive to what the Spirit might be saying to you right now? Is there a specific area of your life where you sense God nudging you to grow or change?
([06:51])

2. Lady Wisdom calls out at the busiest intersections, especially to those who feel unseen. Who in your daily life or community might be feeling overlooked or excluded? What is one concrete way you could reach out to them this week?
([08:29])

3. The sermon lifts up Pride Month and affirms the image of God in every person, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community. How can you personally or as a group practice radical inclusion and celebrate the diversity of God’s family?
([10:28])

4. The preacher says, “We are not called to be the gatekeepers of grace, but co-creators with Wisdom.” What does it look like for you to co-create with God in your workplace, family, or church? Is there a place where you need to let go of being a “gatekeeper”?
([13:51])

5. The sermon challenges us to “lean into the discomfort of the Spirit’s truth.” Is there a truth or issue that makes you uncomfortable, but you sense God calling you to listen or act? How might you take a first step toward that this week?
([14:21])

6. The phrase “when hate is loud, love cannot be silent” was shared as a call to action. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to speak or act in love when it would have been easier to stay silent? What did you do, or what might you do differently next time?
([14:58])

7. The story of Enoch is about walking closely with God. What is one practice you could adopt this week to deepen your daily walk with God, even in the midst of a busy life?
([05:35])

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open ears to Wisdom’s call, courage to practice radical love, and hearts that celebrate the full diversity of God’s family.

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit Guides Us Into Ongoing Truth
Jesus promises that the Spirit of Truth will come to guide us, not just in the past but continually, leading us into deeper understanding as we are able to receive it. This means that God’s revelation is not frozen in history but is alive, dynamic, and unfolding in our lives today. The Spirit meets us where we are, taking us by the hand and helping us grow in wisdom, justice, and radical love, even when we are not yet ready for the fullness of truth. We are invited to listen for God’s voice—sometimes gentle, sometimes roaring—nudging us toward mercy and inclusion, reminding us that the gospel is for every moment and every person. [06:51]

John 16:12-15 (The Message)
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, she will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. She won’t draw attention to herself, but will make sense of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. She will honor me; she will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘She takes from me and delivers to you.’”

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to listen for new truth or deeper understanding, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar?


Day 2: Wisdom’s Call Is for Everyone
Lady Wisdom stands at the busiest intersection, calling out to all people—no one is excluded from her invitation. She offers good sense, insight, and the virtue to live it out, promising that those who seek her will find life, honor, and joy. Wisdom is not reserved for a select few but is available to everyone, regardless of background or status. Her voice is persistent and public, urging us to shape up, learn, and live well, reminding us that God’s wisdom is generous and inclusive, filling our arms with armloads of life. [03:05]

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 (The Message)
“Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madam Insight raising her voice? She’s taken her stand at First and Main, at the busiest intersection. Right in the city square where the traffic is thickest, she shouts, ‘You—I’m talking to all of you, everyone out there on the streets! Listen, you idiots—learn good sense! You blockheads—shape up! Don’t miss a word of this. I’m telling you how to live well.’ ...
‘God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic—before he did anything else. I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start. I arrived on the scene before Ocean, yes, even before Springs and Rivers and Lakes. Before Mountains were sculpted and Hills took shape, I was already there, newborn; long before God stretched out Earth’s horizons and tended to the minute details of soil and weather, and set Sky firmly in place, I was there. When he mapped and gave borders to wild Ocean, built the vast vault of Heaven, and installed the fountains that fed Ocean, when he drew a boundary for Sea, posted a sign that said no trespassing, and staked out Earth’s foundations, I was right there with him, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying his company, delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.’”

Reflection: How can you intentionally listen for wisdom’s call in the midst of your daily routines and busy intersections of life?


Day 3: Inclusion Is the Heart of the Gospel
The message of Jesus is not about loving people in spite of who they are, but because of who God made them to be. Inclusion is not an accessory to the gospel—it is the gospel. God’s love is radically inclusive, celebrating the full diversity of the human family, and calls us to do the same. We are reminded that loving our neighbor is not conditional; it is a command to love as we love ourselves, embracing all people, especially those who have been marginalized or excluded. [10:28]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: Who in your community or circle might feel excluded or unseen, and what is one concrete way you can extend God’s inclusive love to them today?


Day 4: God Is Still Speaking Through Acts of Justice
God’s voice is not only found in ancient texts but also in the cries for justice, peace, and equity in our world today. The Spirit speaks through those who protest oppression, advocate for the marginalized, and call us to care for our neighbors. Sometimes, those who do not claim the name of Christ embody Christ’s call to justice more than those who do. We are challenged to listen for God’s voice in unexpected places and to recognize that holy disruption and prophetic protest are ways God continues to move and speak in our world. [12:07]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Reflection: What is one injustice or need in your community that you feel God prompting you to notice or respond to this week?


Day 5: Radical Love Cannot Be Silent
When hate is loud, love must not be silent. We are called to practice a radical, bold, and proud love that reflects the heart of God. This love is not passive or quiet in the face of injustice or exclusion; it speaks up, acts out, and makes space for all. Practicing radical love means getting out of God’s way, letting God speak and act through us, and finding joy in being part of a living, growing, and changing body of Christ. [14:58]

1 John 4:18-21 (ESV)
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Reflection: Where do you see hate or exclusion around you, and how can you let your love speak loudly and boldly in response today?

Quotes