Leading with Humility: Seeking Wisdom and Growth
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the humility of King Solomon, who despite his position, referred to himself as God's servant and acknowledged his need for wisdom to lead God's people. The sermon emphasized that leadership is not about power, but about the people one is leading. I was encouraged to avoid the pride of self-sufficiency and to recognize my need for help, just as Solomon did. The sermon also highlighted the importance of spiritual and relational growth, which can be fostered through participation in various church groups.
The sermon also addressed the issue of shame and how it can prevent us from seeking wisdom from God. It was emphasized that our past does not dictate our future and that we should not let our past mistakes prevent us from seeking God's wisdom and blessings. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on God's character, recognize our need for help, request wisdom and forgiveness from God, and receive His blessings.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership is not about power, but about the people one is leading. It's important to lead with humility and recognize the need for wisdom. [16:10]
- Spiritual and relational growth can be fostered through participation in various church groups. This is not about what the church wants from you, but what it wants for you. [17:34]
- Our past does not dictate our future. We should not let our past mistakes prevent us from seeking God's wisdom and blessings. [38:25]
- Communion is an opportunity for believers in Jesus Christ to reflect on and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross on our behalf. [39:50]
- God's character is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we choose that which is right, God blesses us. [33:52]
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the role of parents in shaping this understanding in their children is emphasized. This understanding is crucial in navigating the cultural pressures and challenges of our time. [23:07]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of community and the dangers of self-sufficiency. It encourages believers to seek help and wisdom from others, recognizing that we all suffer and struggle in different ways. [24:50]
3. The sermon underscores the importance of prayer and seeking wisdom from God. It emphasizes that wisdom is not just about knowing God's best, but also acting upon it. [28:27]
4. The sermon addresses the issue of shame and how it can hinder us from seeking wisdom from God. It reminds us that our past does not dictate our future and that through Christ's sacrifice, we have forgiveness and a new identity. [38:25]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Psalm 127
2. 1 Kings 3:5-14
3. John 1:29
4. Hebrews 9:22
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 127 teach us about the role of parents in shaping their children's understanding of their identity in Christ?
2. How does 1 Kings 3:5-14 illustrate the importance of seeking wisdom from God?
3. What does John 1:29 and Hebrews 9:22 reveal about the significance of Christ's sacrifice for our identity and freedom from shame?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our identity in Christ help us navigate cultural pressures and challenges?
2. In what ways does the community play a role in our spiritual growth and understanding of God's wisdom?
3. How does the sacrifice of Christ on the cross address our feelings of shame and unworthiness?
Application Questions:
1. How can we as a small group help each other understand and live out our identity in Christ?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to seek wisdom from God and from others in the community?
3. How can we apply the truth of Christ's sacrifice in our daily lives, especially when dealing with feelings of shame and unworthiness?
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Character
Solomon's prayer begins with recalling God's character, his goodness, grace, and steadfast love. This is a reminder for us to start our prayers by acknowledging who God is and what He has done in our lives. This helps us to keep our focus on God and not on our problems or desires. [07:40]
Bible passage: Psalm 103:8 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
Reflection: Reflect on the character of God. How have you experienced His goodness, grace, and steadfast love in your life?
Day 2: Recognizing Our Need
Solomon recognized his need for wisdom. We too need to recognize our need for God's wisdom in our lives. This requires humility and an understanding that we don't have all the answers. [15:25]
Bible passage: Proverbs 2:6 - "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's wisdom? How can you seek His wisdom in these areas?
Day 3: Requesting Wisdom
Solomon requested wisdom from God. We too should ask God for wisdom in all areas of our life. God is generous and will give wisdom to those who ask. [31:07]
Bible passage: James 1:5 - "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."
Reflection: How often do you ask God for wisdom? How can you make this a regular part of your prayer life?
Day 4: Receiving Wisdom
Solomon received wisdom from God. When we ask God for wisdom, we must be ready to receive it and apply it to our lives. [31:44]
Bible passage: Proverbs 2:10 - "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."
Reflection: How have you seen God's wisdom at work in your life? How can you apply this wisdom to your current circumstances?
Day 5: Reaping Blessings
Solomon reaped blessings from God's wisdom. When we live according to God's wisdom, we too will reap blessings. This doesn't mean we won't face challenges, but we can have peace and joy knowing we are living in God's will. [41:31]
Bible passage: Proverbs 3:13 - "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding."
Reflection: How have you experienced blessings from living according to God's wisdom? How can you continue to seek His wisdom in your life?
Quotes
1. "God give me wisdom in this decision. God fill me with wisdom as I seek to parent. God show me your wisdom and what I should do in this situation. Do you see how simple it is? It just simply asking." - 30:21
2. "Solomon shows spiritual over material. How many of us would do that? And because he chose spiritual over material, it pleased God and God provided wisdom for him. And God will provide wisdom for each and every one of us here today." - 31:44
3. "We don't want to protect our kids from culture, we want to prepare our kids to engage with culture. And if we as parents don't have a Biblical worldview, how are we going to teach a Biblical worldview to our teenagers?" - 23:45
4. "What if God, the creator of all things, were to say to you 'ask what you want and it will be given to you'? What would be your response?" - 02:15
5. "Solomon understood that leadership, the position of leadership, wasn't about power but it was about the people. Do we get that? Your leadership in your family, your leadership in your business, your leadership here in the church, it's not about power but it's about the people." - 16:10
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