True Wisdom: Humility and Divine Guidance in Life

 

Summary

In reflecting on the state of humanity, it becomes evident that the wisdom and prudence of modern man are often misguided. Despite the pride in intellectual achievements and advancements, the world remains in turmoil, with wars, moral decline, and existential confusion. The wisdom that many boast of is superficial, lacking the depth needed to address the fundamental questions of life: the meaning of existence, the nature of humanity, and the path to true peace and happiness. True wisdom is not found in human intellect alone but in understanding how to live a life of integrity and purpose.

The pride of intellect leads to a dangerous self-confidence and self-satisfaction, which ultimately results in rebellion against God. This rebellion is rooted in the belief that humanity can exist independently of divine guidance, a notion that has been proven false throughout history. The humanist perspective, which dismisses the need for God, is a manifestation of this pride. It is a perspective that has led to moral decline and societal decay, as seen in the historical patterns of civilizations that have risen and fallen.

The Bible pronounces a woe upon those who are wise in their own eyes because this pride blinds them to the truth of their condition and the need for salvation. The refusal to accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ is the most tragic consequence of this pride. Despite the evidence of history and the clear message of the Gospel, many continue to reject the divine solution to humanity's plight.

Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is only by acknowledging our limitations and turning to God that we can find true understanding and deliverance. This is the path to overcoming the folly of human pride and embracing the wisdom that leads to life.

Key Takeaways:

1. True wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but understanding how to live a life of integrity and purpose. It involves recognizing the limitations of human intellect and the need for divine guidance. [31:14]

2. The pride of intellect leads to self-confidence and self-satisfaction, which result in rebellion against God. This rebellion is the root of humanity's moral decline and societal decay. [37:41]

3. Humanism, which dismisses the need for God, is a manifestation of pride that has historically led to moral decline. Despite claims of morality, humanism lacks the foundation of divine truth. [41:22]

4. The Bible pronounces a woe upon those who are wise in their own eyes because this pride blinds them to the truth of their condition and the need for salvation. [34:54]

5. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Acknowledging our limitations and turning to God is the path to true understanding and deliverance. [51:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:47] - The Test of Wisdom
- [28:32] - Modern Man's Pride
- [29:16] - The Illusion of Understanding
- [30:01] - The Meaning of Life
- [31:01] - True Wisdom and Living
- [32:35] - The Failure of Human Solutions
- [34:54] - The Consequences of Pride
- [36:23] - The Danger of Self-Confidence
- [38:06] - Rebellion Against God
- [39:45] - Moral Decline and Humanism
- [42:01] - The Consequences of Rejecting God
- [44:20] - The Refusal of Salvation
- [46:12] - The Calamity of Human Pride
- [51:11] - The Beginning of Wisdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
2. Romans 1:22-25 - "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
3. John 3:16-19 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are some consequences of being "wise in one's own eyes"? [34:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between human pride and rebellion against God? [37:41]
3. What examples from history does the sermon use to illustrate the failure of human wisdom without divine guidance? [44:35]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "true wisdom"? [31:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" in the context of modern society's challenges? [51:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that humanism has contributed to moral decline? [41:22]
3. How does the sermon connect the rejection of God's salvation with the pride of intellect? [45:07]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of divine guidance in achieving true peace and happiness? [31:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied solely on your own understanding. How did that situation turn out, and what might you have done differently with divine guidance? [31:14]
2. The sermon discusses the danger of self-confidence leading to rebellion against God. Can you identify areas in your life where self-confidence might be leading you away from God? [37:41]
3. How can you cultivate a "fear of the Lord" in your daily life to gain true wisdom? What practical steps can you take this week? [51:11]
4. Consider the ways in which humanism might subtly influence your worldview. How can you ensure that your beliefs are grounded in divine truth rather than human wisdom? [41:22]
5. The sermon warns against being "wise in one's own eyes." How can you remain humble and open to God's guidance in your decision-making processes? [34:54]
6. How can you actively seek God's wisdom in areas of your life where you feel existential confusion or moral uncertainty? [31:14]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the refusal of salvation. How can you share the importance of accepting God's offer of salvation with someone in your life who may be struggling with pride or self-reliance? [45:07]

Devotional

Day 1: True Wisdom and Purposeful Living
True wisdom transcends mere intellectual knowledge; it is about understanding how to live a life of integrity and purpose. In a world that often equates intelligence with wisdom, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of human intellect. True wisdom involves acknowledging that our understanding is incomplete without divine guidance. This wisdom calls us to live with integrity, aligning our actions with a higher purpose that goes beyond personal gain or recognition. It is about seeking a life that reflects the values and principles that lead to genuine fulfillment and peace. [31:14]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying solely on your own understanding? How can you invite God's wisdom into these areas today?


Day 2: The Perils of Intellectual Pride
The pride of intellect can lead to a dangerous self-confidence and self-satisfaction, resulting in rebellion against God. This rebellion is not just a rejection of divine authority but a refusal to acknowledge our need for guidance beyond ourselves. When we place our trust solely in human intellect, we risk becoming blind to our limitations and the deeper truths of our existence. This pride can lead to moral decline and societal decay, as history has shown time and again. Recognizing this danger is the first step toward humility and openness to divine wisdom. [37:41]

"Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (Proverbs 26:12, ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a time when your own pride led you away from seeking God's guidance? How can you cultivate humility in your pursuit of knowledge?


Day 3: Humanism and the Illusion of Independence
Humanism, which dismisses the need for God, is a manifestation of pride that has historically led to moral decline. Despite its claims of morality and progress, humanism lacks the foundation of divine truth. This perspective assumes that humanity can exist independently of God, a notion that has been proven false throughout history. The illusion of independence blinds us to the reality of our condition and the need for salvation. Embracing divine truth is essential for a life that is truly moral and meaningful. [41:22]

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How does the belief in self-sufficiency manifest in your life? What steps can you take to acknowledge your dependence on God today?


Day 4: The Consequences of Pride
The Bible pronounces a woe upon those who are wise in their own eyes because this pride blinds them to the truth of their condition and the need for salvation. Pride creates a barrier between us and the divine, preventing us from seeing our true state and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Despite the evidence of history and the clear message of the Gospel, many continue to reject the divine solution to humanity's plight. Recognizing our need for salvation is the first step toward overcoming the blindness of pride. [34:54]

"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways has pride prevented you from accepting God's truth in your life? How can you open your heart to His salvation today?


Day 5: The Beginning of Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Acknowledging our limitations and turning to God is the path to true understanding and deliverance. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep reverence and respect for God's authority and wisdom. It is the foundation upon which true wisdom is built, leading us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. By embracing this wisdom, we can overcome the folly of human pride and find the path that leads to life. [51:11]

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? What changes can you make to prioritize His wisdom over your own understanding?

Quotes


"Modern Man rarely understand himself does he understand the meaning of life what is life what is this modern man who was so proud of his wisdom and of his Prudence what does he really tell us about life what's what is life according to him is it a big thing or a little thing is it a grand thing or something ignorable what is it where is his understanding where does he show his prudence and his wisdom what is the whole meaning of the world what is history is there any design in it all is there purpose in it all or is it all just a bag of nonsense and anything may happen pointless purposeless just blundering along in any direction and nobody knows where nor what nor how where's the wisdom in all this what does man know about the most important things" [00:30:08]

"but you know you don't solve a problem by describing it you don't improve a situation simply by painting it the business of the moralist is to solve the problem problem is to get us out of the predicament we don't need any more description we know all about it the Bible's full of that there's no need for anybody to write a book to tell us how men sin it's all here and not only is it all here anybody who's lived at all he knows something about it you don't need to get novels and films and dramas and all these things simply telling you how people do things we know all about it what we want to know is how to get out of it how to stop it how to be delivered" [00:32:49]

"it pronounces a woe upon it not only because it's a lie but because of that which it produces it denounces it because of that to which it leads this is worse than what I've been talking about this is really the serious thing well what is it well first and foremost Pride itself pride is the greatest of all sins Pride is more prolific in causing trouble than anything else in the world tonight Pride it's the ugliest of the S pride and ambition what heoc pride has caused in the long history of the human race and this is nothing but pride of intellect it leads to despising all have' gone before and M men's very fond of doing that nobody's known anything until he arrived on the scene despises his forefathers you get it in every realm of department they dismiss all previous books all previous knowledge everything's out of date nothing's of any value" [00:35:14]

"Rebellion against God this is the essence of humanism the humanist is a man who says I don't believe in God and I'll tell you why I don't need him I can carry on perfectly well without him there is no God the fool hath said in his heart says the 14th Psalm first verse the fool ha said in his heart there is no God but you know I know many people who think that nobody had ever said that until this Century the fool have said in his heart there is no God that's a humanist there David says that in Psalm 14 and in the first verse it was true at that time that was a thousand years before Christ was born nearly 3,000 years ago there were men who were saying there is no God and David says yes the fool says that that's the humanist he doesn't believe in God why will because there's no need of God" [00:38:06]

"and that is the whole condition of the human race tonight it is a rebellion against God the caral mind is enmity against God is Not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be and that is always an immediate consequence of this Rebellion against God the moment a man thinks he's wise is and Rebels against God you know what happens he begins to go wrong morally the thing is very subtle because man in his folly doesn't realize that his real objection to God is that he's going to obey him that God is a God of Justice and of righteousness and of Holiness and the Bible tells us that God made man in his own image and he meant him to live in a some sort of man are like God himself but man doesn't want to live like that man doesn't want to live an upright and a pure and a disciplined life and a holy life he wants to give Reign to his passions and his lusts desire" [00:39:45]

"but there has never been humanism without a moral decline now the humanists I know they claim to be moral and in their own personal lives many of them are very moral people but this is what I'm saying the teaching of the Bible is that in every period when humanism has been in the ascendant your morality has gone down invariably professing themselves to be wise they became fool says Paul and then what happened well then you see the moral declension came in they changed the glory of the uncorruptible god into an image made like to corruptible men and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own Hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator who is blessed forever for this cause God gave them up unto vile affections" [00:41:22]

"and yet in this very situation when the gospel of Christ is offered to him which can deliver him and set him free and save him he refuses it why because he he is sufficient because he thinks he's wise because he thinks he's prudent because he still thinks he can do it why doesn't he read history why doesn't he read his own books history proves that man cannot deliver himself try as he will with all his might and Main all your great civilizations have gone down and the present civilization is going down but man still refuses the offer of the Gospel he still spurns The Voice Divine he still laughs at Christ and ridicules the cross and spits into the face of God and says he doesn't need it this Pride this is the thing that's the trouble with men it is his pride of intellect he says I won't believe unless I can understand he wants to understand God he thinks he's so big that he can measure God himself" [00:44:20]

"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved he that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God and this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and Men love Darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil God pronounces a wo and I See This calamity coming upon this present of generation here is men today more than ever standing up pride in his own wisdom wise in his own eyes and prudent in his own sight saying he doesn't need God saying he can order his own Affairs saying he can perfect his world standing up and saying all this refusing the gospel ridiculing it blaspheming it" [00:46:12]

"but God said thou fool this night thy Soul shall be required of thee and what if some of these great leading scientists today are right and this universe hasn't got another 10 years to go what then where's your wisdom where's your learning where's your knowledge where's your understanding where's it all When God says now this night you've got to go out of this world you've got to die whether of a virus infection or an atomic bomb it doesn't matter but you've got to die this night thy soul shall be required of thee what then my friend where's your wisdom where's your learning where's your understanding do you know where you're going do you know what happens to you after death can you tell me what happens in that great unknown Beyond here is wisdom what am I how do I live how do I die what happens to me afterwards where's your wisdom where's your knowledge what you boasting of you've got nothing nothing at all" [00:51:11]

"and he does so in a very terrifying manner let me just read to you a few verses before I close out of the Book of Revelation which is the last book in the Bible and the book which tells us of this day that is coming when God will arise and say this night this is what will happen let me read in the 18th chapter of Revelations beginning at Verse 18 and the Great Men of the earth we are told cried when they saw the smoke of her burning this great City Babylon civilization they cried saying what city is like unto this great City and they cast dust on their heads and cried weeping and wailing saying alas alas that great City wherein were made Rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness for in one hour she is made desolate Rejoice over her thou heaven and ye Holy Apostles and Prophets for God has Avenged you on her and a mighty Angel took up a stone like a great mil Stone and cast it into the sea saying thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more at all" [00:54:59]

"but thank God it isn't the last word in spite of this Insanity of men in spite of the fact that men is such a fool a blind fool God has mercy upon him there is an answer to it all you know what it is here it is the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom that's the thing man has got to be awakened he's got to realize it he's got to see what I've been trying to say that he's a fool that he's a failure that it's going to lead to a fatal" [00:51:11]

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Transcript
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