Encountering Jesus: The True Essence of Wisdom
Summary
In my sermon today, I explored the profound connection between wisdom and our relationship with Jesus Christ. I began by emphasizing the importance of wisdom as a means to encounter Jesus, not just as a tool for making good life decisions. Drawing from Ephesians 1:17, I highlighted that wisdom is a divine gift that allows us to know Jesus better. I then delved into the nature of Christ-centered wisdom, as described by James, and how it differs from worldly wisdom that is driven by selfish ambition and envy.
I explained that true wisdom from God is relational and impacts our interactions with others. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and bears good fruit. This wisdom is not just about knowledge but about embodying the character of Christ in our lives. I shared personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how wisdom enables us to serve others and align with Jesus' mission.
I also addressed the common fear of making wrong decisions and assured the congregation that wisdom from God is full of mercy, allowing us to make decisions without fear. I recounted a conversation with an Egyptian missionary facing a life-changing decision, using it to demonstrate that wisdom gives us the freedom to choose without fear of being outside God's will.
I concluded by inviting the congregation to seek Jesus for wisdom in their specific situations, emphasizing that wisdom is not just about principles but about encountering Jesus and allowing His presence to guide our decisions. I prayed for everyone to experience Jesus as their wisdom, leading to a greater understanding and a life lived in His fullness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Wisdom is not merely a tool for good decision-making but a divine encounter that brings us closer to Jesus. As we seek wisdom, we must open our hearts and minds to receive it as a revelation of Christ's presence in our lives, transforming our identity and our actions. ([45:15])
2. Christ-centered wisdom is inherently relational, impacting not only our personal lives but also our interactions with others. It calls us to live beautifully in relationship with others, reflecting the character of Jesus in every significant decision we make. ([48:59])
3. The fear of making wrong decisions can paralyze us, but wisdom from God is full of mercy, granting us the freedom to choose and the assurance that God is with us regardless of the path we take. This liberates us from the fear of failure and empowers us to live confidently in Christ's grace. ([58:16])
4. Encountering Jesus as our wisdom means experiencing His attributes—such as being a comforter, counselor, and provider—in a personal and transformative way. This encounter equips us with the supernatural ability to navigate life's challenges with divine insight and strength. ([01:09:36])
5. Seeking wisdom is ultimately about seeking Jesus Himself, who is the wisdom of God for us. As we pursue a deeper relationship with Him, we gain the wisdom to walk in the fullness of what He has for our lives, leading to greater abundance and victory. ([01:16:12])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:17 - "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
2. James 3:13-18 - "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:17, what is the purpose of receiving the Spirit of wisdom and revelation? How does this relate to knowing Jesus better? [44:05]
2. In James 3:13-18, what are the characteristics of wisdom that comes from heaven? How do these traits contrast with earthly wisdom? [48:00]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relational aspect of Christ-centered wisdom? How does it impact our interactions with others? [48:59]
4. How did the pastor describe the freedom that comes with wisdom from God, especially in decision-making? [58:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of wisdom as a divine encounter with Jesus challenge the traditional view of wisdom as merely good decision-making? [45:15]
2. Why does James emphasize that true wisdom is relational and impacts our interactions with others? How does this align with the character of Jesus? [48:59]
3. How can the fear of making wrong decisions hinder our ability to experience God's wisdom? What does the sermon suggest about overcoming this fear? [58:16]
4. What does it mean to encounter Jesus as our wisdom, and how does this experience equip us to navigate life's challenges? [01:09:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek wisdom for that decision? Did you consider it as an opportunity to encounter Jesus? How might this perspective change your approach to future decisions? [45:15]
2. Think about your relationships with others. How can you embody the characteristics of Christ-centered wisdom (pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit) in your interactions this week? [48:59]
3. Have you ever felt paralyzed by the fear of making a wrong decision? How can the understanding that God's wisdom is full of mercy help you overcome this fear and make decisions with confidence? [58:16]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need wisdom. How can you seek an encounter with Jesus in that area, rather than just looking for principles or answers? [01:09:36]
5. The pastor shared a story about an Egyptian missionary facing a life-changing decision. Have you ever faced a similar situation where you had to choose between two significant paths? How did you seek God's wisdom, and what was the outcome? [59:47]
6. How can you cultivate a heart that is pure and peace-loving in your decision-making process? What practical steps can you take to ensure your decisions glorify God and promote unity? [53:36]
7. Consider a time when you had to forgive someone. How did you approach the situation? How can the wisdom of forgiveness, as modeled by Jesus, transform your approach to future conflicts and relationships? [01:06:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom as Divine Encounter
Wisdom is often sought for practical decision-making, but its true depth is found in the divine encounter it facilitates with Jesus Christ. This wisdom is not a mere accumulation of knowledge or a strategic guide for life's choices; it is an intimate experience that draws one closer to the heart of Jesus, transforming one's identity and actions. As believers open their hearts and minds to receive wisdom, they are not just learning principles but are being shaped into the likeness of Christ, whose presence becomes more real in their lives. This transformation is not just internal; it radiates outward, influencing every interaction and decision with the love and grace of Jesus. [45:15]
"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a 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," Ephesians 1:17-18 ESV
Reflection: How can you open yourself up to wisdom as a divine encounter with Jesus today, allowing it to transform not just your decisions but your very character?
Day 2: Relational Wisdom Reflects Christ
True wisdom from God is not an isolated attribute but one that deeply affects relationships. It is characterized by purity, peace, consideration, and a willingness to yield, mirroring the character of Jesus in every interaction. This Christ-centered wisdom goes beyond intellectual understanding; it is a way of living that honors God and displays the fruits of mercy and goodness in relationships with others. It is about embodying the love of Christ in every significant decision, creating a ripple effect of grace in the community. [48:59]
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:17 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you practice Christ-centered wisdom in your relationships today, reflecting Jesus' character in your interactions with others?
Day 3: Wisdom Frees from Fear of Failure
The fear of making wrong decisions can be crippling, but the wisdom that comes from God is infused with mercy, offering freedom and assurance. This divine wisdom allows believers to make choices without the paralyzing fear of being outside God's will. It reassures that God's presence and grace accompany them on whichever path they take, liberating them from the fear of failure and empowering them to live confidently in the grace of Christ. [58:16]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a decision you've been hesitant to make out of fear? How can embracing God's merciful wisdom help you move forward with confidence?
Day 4: Encountering Jesus as Our Wisdom
Encountering Jesus as our wisdom is to experience His attributes—comfort, counsel, provision—in a personal and transformative manner. This encounter is not just about receiving guidance; it is about being equipped with supernatural insight and strength to navigate life's challenges. When Jesus becomes our wisdom, we are not merely informed but empowered, able to face complexities with divine perspective and resilience. [01:09:36]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17 ESV
Reflection: How can you seek to experience Jesus as your wisdom today, inviting His attributes into your current circumstances?
Day 5: Seeking Jesus, the Wisdom of God
Seeking wisdom is ultimately an act of pursuing Jesus Himself, who embodies the wisdom of God. As believers deepen their relationship with Him, they gain the wisdom to walk in the fullness of His plans for their lives, leading to a life marked by abundance and victory. This pursuit is not about acquiring information but about knowing Jesus more intimately, allowing His wisdom to guide and shape every aspect of life. [01:16:12]
"Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory." 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 ESV
Reflection: What does seeking Jesus as the wisdom of God look like for you today, and how can this pursuit change the way you live your life?
Quotes
"Wisdom is relational. Everything in this paragraph is about relationships with other people. In verse 13, he says, who is wise in understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life. That good word doesn't mean like good behavior. It literally means beautiful in relationship with others. The wise person, the wise follower of Christ, you can see it by how they live out their life with others." [48:59]
"It's not just relational with other people. It's relational with God. That's why he talks about this thing called false wisdom in verse 15. He says listen, wisdom that is earthly or unspiritual. That doesn't have the God factor. Proverbs 9, 10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." [51:37]
"You have a choice. You can go to Qatar. Or you can stay in Egypt. There is no wrong answer. If you go to Qatar. God will be with you. If you stay in Egypt. God will be with you. Because wisdom is full of mercy. And there is an identity where you go. I'm free in Jesus. And he's going to be with me whatever decision I make." [01:00:46]
"James teaches. When you have that love for peace. In your decision making. You open up the heavens. To have an encounter with Jesus. And get wisdom. He uses the word considerate. It means that you can discern. That you have an empathy. The one thing we love about being a Christ follower. And knowing the one. Is Jesus gets us." [54:37]
"Jesus I need you to be the wisdom. I need to know you as the wisdom. In this area. And you discover it. Whether it is forgiveness or finances. Or comfort or influence. You discover that. Now all of a sudden something supernatural takes place. And you not only know the wisdom. But you have the power. To live that wisdom out." [01:09:36]
"Peace. Patience. Faithfulness. Joy. What James is saying is that wisdom that is supernatural. Is more than knowledge. It's actually Christ in you. Something begins to transform in you. As you have this encounter. With Jesus and wisdom. For the decision making in your life." [01:01:51]
"When you put others first. In your godly decision making. What you discover. Is somehow supernaturally. Everybody wins. Everybody gets ahead. And James is saying when you do that. You're going to have an encounter with Jesus. And he gives us this list. Almost like a checklist." [57:10]
"Here's what wisdom is in you. It's full of mercy. Find yourself in a place of security. In his grace. That you're not afraid about making a bad decision. You're not afraid about making a wrong decision. Because there's mercy. Christ in you. And you have such a greater discovery. Of the freedom Jesus gives you." [58:16]
"Lord you see all these hands. That are lifted at every location. Where we are gathering. We need your wisdom Lord. To live out in the victory. And in the abundance. We need your wisdom Lord. But we thank you for your word this morning. That teaches us. It begins with you Jesus." [01:14:33]
"We seek you Jesus. And we know that with you. We will gather this wisdom. That will allow us to walk. In the fullness of everything you have for us. So right now Lord. I pray. I pray Lord Jesus. That you would give wisdom. Meaning yourself. To each and every person." [01:16:12]
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