Embracing Wisdom: The Fear of the Lord
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, particularly focusing on the teachings of Solomon. Solomon, known for his extraordinary wisdom, sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of gaining wisdom and instruction, understanding words of insight, and receiving guidance. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," signifies not just knowledge but applied skill, akin to the expertise of artisans and builders. This wisdom is practical and should inform the way we live and move in the world.
A key aspect of wisdom, as Solomon describes, is having a posture of learning and listening. This growth mindset is essential, especially in a culture like ours where we often pride ourselves on being the best and the brightest. Solomon invites us to adopt a learner's mentality, regardless of our achievements or status. This humility is crucial for true wisdom.
We also discussed the various fears that govern our lives, whether they stem from traditional or modern cultures. Traditional cultures often emphasize collective honor and avoiding shame, while modern cultures focus on individual freedom and self-expression. Both can lead us to fear losing control, security, or being labeled a failure. Solomon, however, points us to a higher authority—the fear of the Lord. This fear is not about terror but about reverence and awe, recognizing God's supreme authority in our lives.
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the story of Jesus calming the storm, illustrating that true wisdom and peace come from surrendering to God's authority. Jesus, who commands even the wind and waves, is both powerful and compassionate. He invites us to trust Him, to let go of our fears, and to center our lives around His wisdom and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Wisdom as Applied Knowledge: The Hebrew word "chokmah" signifies wisdom as applied knowledge or skill, much like the expertise of artisans and builders. This practical wisdom should inform our daily lives, guiding our actions and decisions. True wisdom is not just theoretical but deeply practical, shaping how we live and interact with the world. [03:39]
2. Posture of Learning: Solomon emphasizes the importance of having a learner's mentality, a posture of listening and receiving guidance. This growth mindset is essential for true wisdom, especially in a culture that often values being the best and the brightest. Humility and a willingness to learn from anyone, regardless of our achievements, are crucial for gaining wisdom. [05:48]
3. Fears that Govern Us: We often live under various fears, whether from traditional or modern cultures. Traditional fears might include the fear of bringing shame to our family, while modern fears might focus on losing control or being labeled a failure. These fears can govern our lives and decisions, but Solomon invites us to a higher fear—the fear of the Lord. [19:50]
4. Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is about reverence and awe, recognizing God's supreme authority in our lives. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, guiding us to live in a way that honors God above all other voices and influences. Surrendering to God's authority brings true wisdom and peace. [17:02]
5. Jesus as Wisdom Personified: Jesus embodies wisdom and demonstrates both God's power and compassion. The story of Jesus calming the storm illustrates that true peace and wisdom come from trusting in Him. Jesus invites us to surrender our fears and center our lives around His love and authority, showing us that God is both powerful and deeply caring. [32:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Introduction to Wisdom Tradition
[02:21] - Solomon's Teachings on Wisdom
[03:39] - Understanding "Chokmah"
[04:17] - Posture of Learning
[05:48] - Growth Mindset and Humility
[07:03] - Marriage Workshop Illustration
[10:20] - Learning and Unlearning
[12:04] - Steph Curry's Shooting Form
[14:05] - Human Paradoxes and Wisdom
[16:26] - Fear of the Lord
[19:50] - Traditional vs. Modern Fears
[24:17] - Who or What Do You Fear?
[27:35] - Personal Reflection on Fear
[30:40] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[32:19] - Jesus as Wisdom Personified
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
> "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
2. Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
> "That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Hebrew word "chokmah" mean, and how is it different from mere knowledge? ([03:39])
2. According to Solomon, what is the beginning of knowledge? ([03:00])
3. How did Jesus demonstrate His authority over nature in the story of calming the storm? ([30:40])
4. What are the two types of cultures mentioned in the sermon that influence our fears? ([18:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon emphasize the importance of having a learner's mentality and a posture of listening? How does this relate to gaining wisdom? ([04:59])
2. How does the fear of the Lord differ from the fears that govern us in traditional and modern cultures? ([17:02])
3. In what ways does Jesus embody wisdom, and how does His calming of the storm illustrate this? ([32:19])
4. How can the story of Jesus calming the storm help us understand the relationship between God's power and His compassion? ([30:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you have a posture of learning and listening, or do you find yourself often thinking you know it all? How can you cultivate a learner's mentality this week? ([05:48])
2. Identify a specific fear that governs your decisions. Is it a fear of losing control, security, or being labeled a failure? How can you begin to surrender this fear to God? ([19:50])
3. Think about a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or out of control. How can the story of Jesus calming the storm encourage you to trust in God's authority and compassion in similar situations? ([30:40])
4. In what ways can you practice the fear of the Lord in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to honor God's authority above all other influences? ([17:02])
5. Consider the different voices and influences in your life. Who or what do you give authority to? How can you shift your focus to give God the rightful place of authority? ([26:06])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt like you had everything figured out. How did that impact your ability to learn and grow? What steps can you take to remain humble and open to learning? ([10:20])
7. How can you apply the practical wisdom of "chokmah" in your daily decisions and interactions? Identify one area of your life where you can start applying this wisdom. ([03:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom as Applied Knowledge
Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is not merely theoretical knowledge but practical skill that guides our daily actions and decisions. The Hebrew word "chokmah" signifies this kind of wisdom, akin to the expertise of artisans and builders. This wisdom is deeply practical and should inform the way we live and interact with the world. It is about applying what we know in a way that is skillful and effective, much like a craftsman uses his tools to create something beautiful and functional.
In our daily lives, this means that wisdom should shape our choices, our relationships, and our work. It is not enough to know what is right; we must also do what is right. This applied wisdom helps us navigate the complexities of life with grace and effectiveness. It calls us to be intentional in our actions, ensuring that our knowledge translates into skillful living. [03:39]
Proverbs 24:3-4 (ESV): "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to apply your knowledge more skillfully? How can you begin to practice this applied wisdom today?
Day 2: Posture of Learning
Solomon emphasizes the importance of having a learner's mentality, a posture of listening and receiving guidance. This growth mindset is essential for true wisdom, especially in a culture that often values being the best and the brightest. Humility and a willingness to learn from anyone, regardless of our achievements, are crucial for gaining wisdom.
In a world that often celebrates individual achievement and expertise, adopting a learner's mentality can be challenging. However, true wisdom requires us to be open to learning and growth, no matter our status or accomplishments. This humility allows us to receive guidance and insight from others, enriching our understanding and helping us to grow in wisdom. [05:48]
Proverbs 1:5 (ESV): "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were quick to assert your own knowledge. How might adopting a learner's mentality have changed the outcome?
Day 3: Fears that Govern Us
We often live under various fears, whether from traditional or modern cultures. Traditional fears might include the fear of bringing shame to our family, while modern fears might focus on losing control or being labeled a failure. These fears can govern our lives and decisions, but Solomon invites us to a higher fear—the fear of the Lord.
These fears can be powerful motivators, shaping our actions and decisions in significant ways. However, they can also be limiting, preventing us from living fully and freely. By recognizing and addressing these fears, we can begin to live more authentically and in alignment with God's wisdom. [19:50]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a fear that has been influencing your decisions recently. How can you begin to surrender this fear to God and trust in His guidance?
Day 4: Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is about reverence and awe, recognizing God's supreme authority in our lives. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, guiding us to live in a way that honors God above all other voices and influences. Surrendering to God's authority brings true wisdom and peace.
This reverence for God shapes our values, priorities, and actions. It calls us to live in a way that reflects His character and honors His authority. By placing God at the center of our lives, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and peace, knowing that we are guided by His perfect wisdom. [17:02]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: How does recognizing God's authority change the way you approach your daily decisions? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your life?
Day 5: Jesus as Wisdom Personified
Jesus embodies wisdom and demonstrates both God's power and compassion. The story of Jesus calming the storm illustrates that true peace and wisdom come from trusting in Him. Jesus invites us to surrender our fears and center our lives around His love and authority, showing us that God is both powerful and deeply caring.
In the midst of life's storms, Jesus offers us peace and wisdom. By trusting in His authority and love, we can find the strength and guidance we need to navigate challenges and uncertainties. Jesus' example shows us that true wisdom is found in a relationship with Him, where we can experience His power and compassion in our lives. [32:19]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus more fully? How can you begin to center your life around His wisdom and love today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. See, this statement is what Solomon's gonna come back to again and again, that what stations the wisdom from a Judeo-Christian principle over and against other kinds of philosophies and manners of approaching the world is the fear of the Lord, is that we're willing to surrender, willing to be a listener, that we're willing to get guidance, but we're willing to do so from a, from a supreme authority that transcends us." [16:26] (838 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is it that governs my life and begins to shape the way that I live and move and inhabit the world? Now, notice there were two words that were underlined that I wanted to bring attention to, because again, someone's bringing about, what is the posture of what wisdom looks like? And now notice he uses words like receiving instruction. And notice what he writes. He says, let the wise listen. High five your neighbor and say, listen. That's right. And add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance." [04:17] (-78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus also comes into the world to demonstrate just how loving he is, how reliable he is. And Jesus comes into the world as the exact representation of God as what it says in the scriptures. And Jesus comes into the world to lay down his life for you and for me, show us and to demonstrate to us that there is a God who would go to any length so that you and I might be able to trust this God." [32:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Wisdom is not just simply these ethereal ideas that we talk about around a campfire. It's basically something that begins to inform the way that I go about my world. What is it that governs my life and begins to shape the way that I live and move and inhabit the world?" [04:17] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The moment when I think that I've got everything figured out, Jesus says, the moment you think you've found your life, you'll lose that. But the moment you've lost your life, that's when you find it. In other words, whenever I'm in a discipline, this position where I say, Jesus, I need you. I am not the master of my own universe. I'm not the captain of my own life. You are." [11:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What Solomon is saying is the posture of what wisdom looks like is someone who has the disposition of a learner. In other words, someone who has a growth mindset. I'm continually learning and growing and being shaped and looking for growing in this thing we call wisdom. Now, this is really difficult to have, especially if you're someone who's really smart and you know it all and you've got multiple degrees and you figured it out and you make a lot of money and you've got a lot of friends that also have done the same." [05:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What we know might actually mask what we don't know and impede our ability to learn and perform. In other words, what we know, we know that kind of life works a certain way and this is the best way to do things. But that might be the greatest hindrance for us to actually learn new skills. And what she contends and what she invites people to do is to continue to be a rookie, to continue to learn." [10:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What Solomon is basically inviting is he's saying, will you take the posture of someone who's willing to learn and even unlearn what might be keeping you from going to greater levels of maturity? You know, as I was thinking about this kind of aspect, I was thinking of one of my favorite NBA basketball players. His name is Steph Curry." [11:33] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest thing to fear is the God of the universe, is the one who created all things. And the question for me and for you is, will you give God this rightful place? Because Solomon, throughout the book of Proverbs, he's saying what wisdom truly looks like is to submit and to fear the greatest authority of all." [26:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Who or what do you fear? Who or what has authority in your life? Who or what is shaping the way that you go about relationships, the way that you handle money, the way that you go about your career, the way that you show up in spaces like this? Who or what do you fear? Who or what do you give authority to in your life?" [25:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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