Navigating Life's Path: The Wisdom of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound truth that we are sons and daughters of the King, a gift that should fill us with gratitude and awe. We welcomed newcomers and shared updates about our church activities, including the EBC Kids Summer Blast and the Venture Young Adult Singles activity. We also discussed the importance of giving and the various ways to contribute to the church.
Our main focus was on understanding and applying wisdom in our lives, as outlined in Proverbs 3. Life is like a path, and each of us has a unique journey. To navigate this path successfully, we need wisdom, which is essentially skillful decision-making based on God's principles. We explored four key questions: What is wisdom? How do we access it? How does it develop? And how is it deepened?
Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is the ability to make skillful decisions that lead to abundant living. To access wisdom, we must live in the fear of the Lord, embracing His mercy and truth. This involves a God-directed, fully committed, scripturally focused, habitually practiced, and humbly obedient trust in Him.
We also discussed how wisdom develops through a deep, trusting relationship with God. This trust is demonstrated in our daily choices and actions, which shape us into either heavenly or hellish creatures. Finally, we looked at how wisdom is deepened through God's provision and correction. God's provision reveals what has our hearts, while His correction shows that we are in His heart.
By framing our difficulties and trials within the gospel narrative, we can see them as opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. This perspective helps us to run our unique race with patience, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Wisdom: Wisdom is not just knowledge but skillful decision-making based on God's principles. It is the ability to navigate life's path successfully, making choices that lead to abundant living. Wisdom is essential for a fulfilling life and is rooted in the fear of the Lord, embracing His mercy and truth. [29:52]
2. Accessing Wisdom: To access wisdom, we must live in the fear of the Lord, which involves a deep reverence and awe for God. This means aligning our lives with His mercy and truth, living in agreement with His order, and allowing His principles to guide our decisions. [38:37]
3. Developing Wisdom: Wisdom develops through a deep, trusting relationship with God. This trust is demonstrated in our daily choices and actions, which shape us into either heavenly or hellish creatures. A God-directed, fully committed, scripturally focused, habitually practiced, and humbly obedient trust in God is essential for developing wisdom. [46:36]
4. Deepening Wisdom: Wisdom is deepened through God's provision and correction. God's provision reveals what has our hearts, while His correction shows that we are in His heart. By ordering our lives according to God's principles and accepting His loving correction, we grow in wisdom and experience abundant life. [01:00:55]
5. Framing Difficulties in the Gospel Narrative: By framing our difficulties and trials within the gospel narrative, we can see them as opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. This perspective helps us to run our unique race with patience, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. [01:06:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:33] - Introduction and Announcements
[18:39] - Prayer and Reflection
[24:08] - Recap of Last Week's Sermon
[25:33] - Addressing Different Stages of Faith
[27:04] - Understanding God's Correction
[28:34] - Life as a Path: The Metaphor of Proverbs
[29:52] - What is Wisdom?
[31:36] - The Importance of Wisdom in Life
[34:21] - Wisdom as Skillful Decision-Making
[38:37] - Accessing Wisdom: Fear of the Lord
[40:21] - Living in Mercy and Truth
[43:24] - Jesus as the Example of Wisdom
[45:04] - Developing Wisdom: Trust in the Lord
[46:36] - Components of Trust
[48:00] - God-Directed Trust
[49:23] - Fully Committed Trust
[50:48] - Scripturally Focused Trust
[53:44] - Habitually Practiced Trust
[58:03] - Humbly Obedient Trust
[01:00:55] - Deepening Wisdom: Provision and Correction
[01:06:57] - Framing Difficulties in the Gospel Narrative
[01:14:04] - Encouragement to Trust in Jesus
[01:17:31] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:1-12 (ESV)
> My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
2. Hebrews 12:1-6 (ESV)
> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 3:1-12 say about the benefits of keeping God's commandments and trusting in Him?
2. According to Hebrews 12:1-6, what should we do to run our race with endurance?
3. How does the sermon describe the development of wisdom through a trusting relationship with God? ([46:36])
4. What are the five components of trust mentioned in the sermon that help develop wisdom? ([46:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "binding mercy and truth around your neck" (Proverbs 3:3) relate to living a life of wisdom?
2. In what ways does Hebrews 12:1-6 encourage believers to view their trials and difficulties?
3. The sermon mentions that wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is skillful decision-making based on God's principles. How does this understanding of wisdom impact daily life decisions? ([29:52])
4. How does the sermon explain the role of God's correction in deepening our wisdom? ([01:00:55])
### Application Questions
1. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. Can you identify a recent situation where you relied on your own understanding instead of trusting God? How might you approach it differently now?
2. The sermon talks about living in the fear of the Lord and embracing His mercy and truth. What practical steps can you take this week to align your life more closely with God's principles? ([38:37])
3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's correction. How did it shape your understanding of His love and wisdom? ([01:00:55])
4. The sermon suggests framing our difficulties within the gospel narrative. How can you reframe a current challenge in your life to see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper trust in God? ([01:06:57])
5. The sermon mentions the importance of a habitually practiced trust in God. What daily habits can you establish to strengthen your trust in God? ([53:44])
6. How can you demonstrate God's mercy and truth in your interactions with others this week, especially in challenging situations? ([40:21])
7. The sermon encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. What specific distractions in your life can you minimize to focus more on Jesus? ([01:11:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom as Skillful Decision-Making
Wisdom is not just knowledge but skillful decision-making based on God's principles. It is the ability to navigate life's path successfully, making choices that lead to abundant living. Wisdom is essential for a fulfilling life and is rooted in the fear of the Lord, embracing His mercy and truth. Wisdom is more than just an accumulation of facts or information; it is the practical application of knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will and leads to a life of abundance and fulfillment.
To truly understand wisdom, one must recognize that it is deeply connected to the fear of the Lord. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a profound reverence and awe for God. It involves embracing His mercy and truth, allowing these divine attributes to guide our decisions and actions. When we live in alignment with God's principles, we are equipped to make skillful decisions that lead to a life of purpose and joy. [29:52]
Proverbs 3:13-14 (ESV): "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's wisdom in that decision, and what was the outcome? How can you better align your future decisions with God's principles?
Day 2: Accessing Wisdom through the Fear of the Lord
To access wisdom, we must live in the fear of the Lord, which involves a deep reverence and awe for God. This means aligning our lives with His mercy and truth, living in agreement with His order, and allowing His principles to guide our decisions. The fear of the Lord is the foundation upon which wisdom is built. It is a posture of humility and reverence before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking to live in accordance with His will.
Living in the fear of the Lord requires us to embrace His mercy and truth fully. It means recognizing our dependence on Him and allowing His principles to shape our lives. When we align ourselves with God's order, we open ourselves to the wisdom that He freely offers. This wisdom is not just for making major life decisions but for guiding our everyday actions and choices. By living in the fear of the Lord, we position ourselves to receive the wisdom that leads to a life of abundance and fulfillment. [38:37]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to live in the fear of the Lord. What steps can you take today to align that area with God's mercy and truth?
Day 3: Developing Wisdom through Trust in God
Wisdom develops through a deep, trusting relationship with God. This trust is demonstrated in our daily choices and actions, which shape us into either heavenly or hellish creatures. A God-directed, fully committed, scripturally focused, habitually practiced, and humbly obedient trust in God is essential for developing wisdom. Trusting in God is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily practice that influences every aspect of our lives.
Our trust in God is reflected in the decisions we make and the actions we take. When we choose to trust God fully, we allow His wisdom to guide us, shaping us into the people He created us to be. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to be fully committed to God's will, focused on His Word, and obedient to His commands. As we cultivate this trust, we develop the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges and opportunities successfully. [46:36]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you need to deepen your trust in God. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate that trust in your daily choices and actions?
Day 4: Deepening Wisdom through God's Provision and Correction
Wisdom is deepened through God's provision and correction. God's provision reveals what has our hearts, while His correction shows that we are in His heart. By ordering our lives according to God's principles and accepting His loving correction, we grow in wisdom and experience abundant life. God's provision and correction are essential aspects of our spiritual growth and development.
When God provides for us, it reveals what truly holds our hearts. It shows us where our priorities lie and what we value most. On the other hand, God's correction is a sign of His love and care for us. It is through His correction that we learn and grow, becoming more aligned with His will. By embracing both God's provision and correction, we allow His wisdom to deepen within us, leading to a life of greater fulfillment and purpose. [01:00:55]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience of God's provision or correction in your life. How did it reveal what has your heart or show that you are in His heart? How can you embrace God's provision and correction to deepen your wisdom?
Day 5: Framing Difficulties in the Gospel Narrative
By framing our difficulties and trials within the gospel narrative, we can see them as opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. This perspective helps us to run our unique race with patience, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Life's challenges and trials are inevitable, but how we perceive and respond to them can make all the difference.
When we view our difficulties through the lens of the gospel, we recognize that they are not just random events but opportunities for spiritual growth. The gospel narrative reminds us that Jesus endured the ultimate trial for our sake, and in Him, we find the strength to face our own challenges. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can navigate our unique paths with patience and perseverance, trusting that God is using every trial to shape us into His image. [01:06:57]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think about a current difficulty or trial you are facing. How can you reframe it within the gospel narrative to see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper trust in God? What steps can you take to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during this time?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our church is just made up of broken, struggling people that love the Lord. We are thankful for His blood because He loves us. And so, we want to just say welcome." [15:33] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, if you've been in the news feeds this week, the world is on fire. Okay? Have you heard the word of God? Everything is falling apart. And God wants to make you resilient. And so that way you could be, go out in the world to be salt and light." [18:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What I'd like for you, what our church family would like to tell you is, hey, pursue Jesus because he is wonderful. Our hope is that we can answer your questions, but more than that, that you would come into a relationship personally with him, and so we hope that that'll be a blessing." [24:08] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You might feel like the father in Mark chapter 9, who came to Jesus. He had a son that had an unclean spirit, and he said, Lord, if you could heal my son. He said, well, if you believe, and the man, the father responded to Jesus. He said, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief." [25:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus said this. I've come to give life, that they may have it more abundantly. He said this. He said, in this world, you're going to experience trials. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." [01:14:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What I hope is that the message that you hear today would give you kind of a grid or an orientation around how to frame your difficulty, your trial, your burden in a way that helps you understand it, but you might ask questions about the Lord that just might send you down the wrong path. Here's what you need to know about God. God is not afraid of your questions. He welcomes your questions, and if you press through your questions from His Word, you'll discover that God is just a good God." [25:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Life is like a faith walk. And all throughout the book of Proverbs, there is this metaphor that the Bible gives us in order to help us understand our life, which is such a helpful metaphor. It's the metaphor that life is like a path. And every path is a little bit different. Paths, some paths are rough. Some paths are steep. Some paths are straight. Some paths are smooth. Every path, your, everybody's life is a little bit different." [28:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Wisdom is the ability to get all the knowledge together and press it through biblical principles in order to make skillful decisions right. So it's the ability to get all this information together press it through biblical principles in order to make skillful decisions for your life." [34:21] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and you want to write that down. You want to find that. You want to just remember that, because this is speaking, too, the attitude. Do we, the attitude that we have of God, how we view ourselves in light of God. Are we in awe of God? Do we adore God? Do we, do we fall down and, and worship God? Or are we in awe of ourselves? Or in awe of our ability? Do we depend on ourselves to do the next right thing?" [38:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every time you make a choice, you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all of your innumerable choices, all of your life long, you are slowly turning this central thing into either a heavenly creature or a hellish creature." [56:38] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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