Growing in Wisdom, Perseverance, and Faith
Summary
In the exploration of spiritual growth and maturity, the focus is placed on the importance of wisdom, perseverance, and faith. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge but the application of that knowledge in a way that aligns with God's purposes. It is emphasized that wisdom is a key component of spiritual maturity, and it is something that can be sought from God. The scriptures, particularly the Book of Proverbs, are highlighted as a rich source of guidance on the pursuit of wisdom. Solomon, known as the wisest man to ever live, is cited as an example of someone who sought wisdom from God to lead his people effectively.
Perseverance is another crucial aspect of maturity. It is described as the ability to continue forward despite difficulties and struggles. The Book of James is referenced, which encourages believers to count it all joy when facing various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces perseverance. This perseverance is not about immediate gratification but about steadfastness over time, even when the results are not instant.
Faith is presented as the confidence in what is hoped for and the assurance of things not seen. It is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, as without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith involves trusting in God's plan and timing, even when it is not fully understood or seen. The message encourages believers to believe in outcomes that are not guaranteed and to trust in a God whom they cannot see physically.
Personal anecdotes are shared to illustrate the power of prayer and faith in action. The transformation of a family member who came to faith later in life serves as a testament to the belief that God answers prayers and works in people's lives in ways that may not be immediately visible or understandable.
The message also addresses the pitfalls of seeking wisdom from the wrong sources. It warns against relying on worldly wisdom or the advice of non-believers when it comes to understanding God. Instead, it encourages turning to God as the ultimate source of wisdom and discernment.
The importance of not becoming complacent in one's spiritual journey is underscored. Believers are called to continually grow in their faith, not to settle for a plateau or decline. The message challenges individuals to press deeper into their relationship with God and to pursue Him with their whole heart.
In summary, the message calls for a mature approach to the Christian faith that involves actively seeking wisdom from God, persevering through trials, and exercising faith in the unseen. It encourages believers to grow in their understanding and application of God's word, to trust in His plan, and to remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is the practical application of knowledge in ways that fulfill God's purposes. True wisdom is not inherent but can be sought from God, who gives generously to those who ask with faith. This wisdom is essential for making decisions that align with a life of spiritual maturity. [01:12:12]
- Perseverance is not about instant results but about enduring faithfulness through trials and adversity. It is through perseverance that maturity is developed, as believers learn to navigate the complexities of life while maintaining their faith and hope in God's promises. [01:01:13]
- Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It requires a trust in God's presence and work even when it is not visible. This faith is not blind but is built upon the experiences and testimonies of those who have witnessed God's faithfulness. [01:22:44]
- Prayer is a powerful tool that can influence the lives of others, even when changes are not immediately evident. The story of a family member's transformation is a reminder that persistent prayer can yield results in God's timing, reinforcing the need for patience and trust in God's plan. [01:31:33]
- Spiritual growth should be a continual process, not a static state. Believers are encouraged to constantly seek deeper understanding and relationship with God, rather than settling for past achievements or allowing their faith to stagnate. This growth is a sign of a vibrant and maturing faith. [01:20:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:2-8 (NIV)
> Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
2. 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.
3. Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV)
> Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does James say is produced by the testing of our faith? ([58:11])
2. According to Proverbs 1:1-7, what is the beginning of knowledge?
3. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith?
4. What did Solomon ask God for, and how did God respond? ([01:14:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize the importance of perseverance in the face of trials? ([58:11])
2. How does the Book of Proverbs describe the pursuit of wisdom, and why is it important for spiritual maturity? ([01:12:12])
3. What does it mean to have faith in things not seen, according to Hebrews 11:1-6? How does this apply to our daily lives? ([01:22:44])
4. How can Solomon's request for wisdom be seen as a model for our own prayers and desires? ([01:14:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you respond, and what did you learn about perseverance through that experience? ([58:11])
2. In what ways can you actively seek wisdom from God in your daily decisions? Are there specific areas in your life where you need more discernment? ([01:12:12])
3. Think of a situation where you had to trust in an outcome that was not guaranteed. How did your faith play a role in that situation? ([01:22:44])
4. How can you ensure that you are not relying on worldly wisdom but seeking God's wisdom in your life? What practical steps can you take to make this shift? ([01:06:07])
5. Identify a person or situation in your life that requires persistent prayer. How can you commit to praying for them consistently, even when you don't see immediate results? ([01:31:33])
6. What are some ways you can avoid becoming complacent in your spiritual journey? How can you continually grow in your faith and relationship with God? ([01:20:13])
7. How can you share the wisdom and experiences you have gained with others in your community or small group? What impact do you hope this will have? ([01:28:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom Beyond Knowledge
True wisdom is the practical application of God's word in daily life. It is not just about knowing what is written in the scriptures but living it out in a way that reflects God's character and purposes. To be wise is to discern and act according to God's will, seeking His guidance in all decisions. Wisdom is a treasure that must be actively pursued through prayer and reflection on God's word. [01:12:12]
Proverbs 2:6-7 - "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless."
Reflection: How can you actively seek God's wisdom in a decision you are facing this week?
Day 2: The Gift of Perseverance
Enduring faithfulness is the hallmark of a mature believer. Perseverance is not about quick fixes but about remaining steadfast in faith through life's trials and tribulations. It is through these challenges that one's faith is refined and strength of character is built. Embrace the journey of perseverance, knowing that it leads to a deeper, more resilient faith. [01:01:13]
Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: What trial are you currently enduring, and how can you view it as an opportunity to develop perseverance?
Day 3: The Substance of Faith
Faith is the bedrock of a believer's life, providing assurance for what we hope for and conviction for what we do not see. It is a trust in God's faithfulness and His promises, even when the evidence is not immediately apparent. Faith calls for a reliance on God's character and His word, anchoring us in times of uncertainty. [01:22:44]
Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Reflection: How can you exercise faith in an area of your life where the outcome is uncertain?
Day 4: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Prayer is not a one-time event but a continuous conversation with God that can transform lives. It is through persistent prayer that we align our hearts with God's will and witness the unfolding of His plans in His perfect timing. The power of prayer is not in its ability to change God's mind but to change us and those for whom we pray. [01:31:33]
Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Reflection: Is there someone for whom you can commit to pray consistently, trusting God to work in their life?
Day 5: Never Ceasing to Grow
Spiritual growth is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and commitment. It is not enough to rest on past experiences or knowledge; one must continually seek a deeper relationship with God. This pursuit of growth is a sign of a living and active faith, one that is always reaching forward to the fullness of life in Christ. [01:20:13]
Ephesians 4:14-15 - "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to deepen your relationship with God?
Quotes
1) "Wisdom is the application of knowledge and that happens usually by experiences and usually experiences are a combination of really good decisions and really bad ones." [01:15:49]
2) "If we lack wisdom, we can ask God. Wisdom is a key to mature spiritual maturity. God gives us wisdom but it must be coupled with faith." [01:18:23]
3) "Faith requires us to believe in an outcome that's not guaranteed. Faith requires us to put our trust in a god whom we can't see to accomplish the purposes that we can't yet understand." [01:23:20]
4) "God answers prayer. He does not do it I can get to hold him hostage and make him answer my prayers how I want. That's not God, that's Santa." [01:32:15]
5) "The deeper you press into God the more you discover who he is and we can continually be on that experience upward. We just got to stop keeping our eyes on the world and start putting them on Jesus." [01:20:13]
6) "Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the Assurance about what we do not see. Without faith, it's impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists." [01:22:44]
7) "Perseverance is not that instant gratification of immediate response. It's the stick-to-itiveness in the hard times, the difficulty of making it through even though everything isn't perfect." [01:01:13]
8) "Knowledge does not equal wisdom. As we jump into the Book of James, we talked about the fact that God calls us to maturity and in the process of doing that, he calls us not to get sidetracked." [56:52]
9) "We can learn stuff by experience, we can learn stuff by hanging around people who know what they're talking about, but the application doesn't become wisdom until it's applied in our lives." [55:41]
10) "We are called to maturity. If you have come to Christ, it's not about a prayer you prayed. It's about the transforming work of God in you and he calls us to maturity." [01:28:58]
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