Unity and Humility: The Path to True Wisdom
Summary
In our exploration of Romans 12:16, we delve into the profound call for unity and humility within the church. The Apostle Paul urges us to "be of the same mind one toward another," emphasizing the necessity of harmony among believers. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep-seated alignment of hearts and minds, rooted in love and humility. Paul warns against two significant threats to this unity: pride and conceit. He cautions us against "minding high things" and being "wise in our own conceits," highlighting the dangers of intellectual pride and self-exaltation.
Intellectual pride, as we discussed, is a subtle yet pervasive sin. It was the sin of the devil and the root of humanity's fall. This pride is particularly insidious because it abuses God's greatest gift to humanity: the mind. Our intellect, meant to guide us in truth and righteousness, becomes a stumbling block when we inflate our own wisdom and knowledge. True wisdom, as opposed to mere knowledge, is characterized by humility and the ability to apply knowledge rightly. The world today, with its vast knowledge, often lacks this wisdom, leading to chaos and strife.
We examined the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, noting that knowledge is the accumulation of facts, while wisdom is the ability to apply those facts rightly. The tragedy of our age is the abundance of knowledge without the corresponding growth in wisdom. This imbalance leads to pride and self-deception, as we overestimate our understanding and abilities.
To combat this, we must cultivate true wisdom, which is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, and humility. This wisdom comes from above, from God, and stands in stark contrast to the earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom that leads to strife and division. By seeking God's wisdom, we align ourselves with the character of Christ, who exemplified meekness and humility.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in the Church: True unity among believers is rooted in humility and love. It requires us to align our hearts and minds, setting aside personal pride and ambition to foster genuine harmony. This unity is essential for the church to function as the body of Christ. [01:24]
2. The Danger of Intellectual Pride: Intellectual pride is a subtle sin that can lead to self-deception and division. It was the sin of the devil and the root of humanity's fall. By inflating our own wisdom, we abuse God's greatest gift to us: our intellect. [06:25]
3. Distinguishing Knowledge from Wisdom: Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, while wisdom is the ability to apply those facts rightly. The world today often lacks wisdom, leading to chaos and strife despite its vast knowledge. True wisdom is characterized by humility and the ability to apply knowledge rightly. [12:23]
4. Characteristics of True Wisdom: True wisdom, which comes from God, is pure, peaceable, gentle, and humble. It stands in stark contrast to earthly wisdom, which is characterized by pride, strife, and division. By seeking God's wisdom, we align ourselves with the character of Christ. [38:01]
5. The Example of Christ: Jesus exemplified true wisdom through his meekness and humility. Despite his divine nature, he depended entirely on the Father, demonstrating the ultimate example of humility and submission. By following Christ's example, we guard against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. [31:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 12:16
- [00:34] - Reacting to Others
- [01:08] - Blessing and Rejoicing
- [01:24] - Common Mind and Unity
- [02:36] - Dangers to Unity
- [03:15] - Minding High Things
- [04:04] - Wise in Your Own Conceits
- [06:25] - Intellectual Pride
- [08:21] - Abuse of God's Gift
- [10:15] - Knowledge vs. Wisdom
- [12:23] - Applying Knowledge
- [16:26] - The Folly of Self-Deception
- [21:25] - Harm of Conceit
- [26:36] - The Danger of Pride
- [30:33] - Christ's Example of Humility
- [33:34] - Walking Humbly with God
- [38:01] - True Wisdom from Above
- [45:09] - Seeking True Wisdom
- [46:50] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:16
- James 3:13-18
- Philippians 2:12-13
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by "be of the same mind one toward another" in Romans 12:16, and how does this relate to unity in the church? [01:24]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main threats to unity among believers mentioned in Romans 12:16? [02:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why is this distinction important? [12:23]
4. What characteristics of true wisdom are highlighted in James 3:17, and how do they contrast with earthly wisdom? [38:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does intellectual pride manifest in the church, and why is it considered a significant threat to unity among believers? [06:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus exemplified true wisdom, and how can believers emulate this in their own lives? [31:27]
3. How does the concept of "meekness of wisdom" in James 3:13 challenge common perceptions of wisdom and strength? [37:02]
4. What practical steps can believers take to cultivate the characteristics of true wisdom as described in James 3:17? [38:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you may have been tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [09:58]
2. Consider a time when pride may have affected your relationships within the church. What steps can you take to foster humility and unity in those relationships? [02:36]
3. Identify an area in your life where you have accumulated knowledge but may lack wisdom in applying it. What specific actions can you take to seek God's guidance in this area? [12:23]
4. How can you actively pursue the characteristics of true wisdom—purity, peace, gentleness, and humility—in your daily interactions with others? [38:01]
5. Think of a person in your life who exemplifies the "meekness of wisdom." What qualities do they possess, and how can you incorporate similar traits into your own life? [37:02]
6. Reflect on the example of Christ's humility and dependence on the Father. How can you incorporate this model of humility into your personal and spiritual life? [31:27]
7. What specific prayer or practice can you implement this week to remind yourself to walk humbly with God, as encouraged in Philippians 2:12-13? [34:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Through Humility
True unity among believers is rooted in humility and love. It requires us to align our hearts and minds, setting aside personal pride and ambition to foster genuine harmony. This unity is essential for the church to function as the body of Christ. Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:16 calls for believers to "be of the same mind one toward another," emphasizing that unity is not just about agreement but about a deep-seated alignment of hearts and minds. This alignment is rooted in love and humility, which are essential for maintaining harmony within the church. Pride and conceit are significant threats to this unity, as they lead to division and strife. By setting aside personal ambitions and focusing on the collective good, believers can foster a genuine sense of community and purpose. [01:24]
Romans 15:5-6 (ESV): "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have prioritized your own desires over the unity of your community. How can you practice humility to foster unity in that situation today?
Day 2: The Subtle Sin of Intellectual Pride
Intellectual pride is a subtle sin that can lead to self-deception and division. It was the sin of the devil and the root of humanity's fall. By inflating our own wisdom, we abuse God's greatest gift to us: our intellect. This pride is particularly insidious because it distorts the purpose of our intellect, which is meant to guide us in truth and righteousness. Instead, it becomes a stumbling block when we overestimate our understanding and abilities. The world today, with its vast knowledge, often lacks true wisdom, leading to chaos and strife. By recognizing the dangers of intellectual pride, believers can guard against self-deception and division within the church. [06:25]
1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (ESV): "Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know."
Reflection: Identify an area where you might be relying too heavily on your own understanding. How can you seek God's wisdom to guide you in this area today?
Day 3: Knowledge vs. Wisdom
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, while wisdom is the ability to apply those facts rightly. The world today often lacks wisdom, leading to chaos and strife despite its vast knowledge. True wisdom is characterized by humility and the ability to apply knowledge rightly. This distinction is crucial because knowledge without wisdom can lead to pride and self-deception. True wisdom, which comes from God, is pure, peaceable, gentle, and humble. By seeking God's wisdom, believers can align themselves with the character of Christ and navigate the complexities of life with grace and discernment. [12:23]
James 3:13-17 (ESV): "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply God's wisdom, rather than just your own knowledge, to make the best choice?
Day 4: Characteristics of True Wisdom
True wisdom, which comes from God, is pure, peaceable, gentle, and humble. It stands in stark contrast to earthly wisdom, which is characterized by pride, strife, and division. By seeking God's wisdom, we align ourselves with the character of Christ. This divine wisdom is not only about making the right decisions but also about embodying the qualities of purity, peace, gentleness, and humility in our daily lives. As believers, we are called to seek this wisdom from above, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds and guide us in our interactions with others. [38:01]
Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV): "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, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent interaction where you could have demonstrated more gentleness and humility. How can you seek God's wisdom to improve your future interactions?
Day 5: Following Christ's Example of Humility
Jesus exemplified true wisdom through his meekness and humility. Despite his divine nature, he depended entirely on the Father, demonstrating the ultimate example of humility and submission. By following Christ's example, we guard against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. Jesus' life and teachings provide a model for how believers can live in humility and dependence on God. By emulating Christ's example, we can cultivate a spirit of meekness and humility, allowing us to serve others selflessly and glorify God in all that we do. [31:27]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: In what ways can you follow Christ's example of humility in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to serve others selflessly this week?
Quotes
"Be of the same mind one toward another, mind not high things but condescend to Men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Now this is the third Sun Friday evening that we've been considering these are injunctions that are recorded here at the end of this chapter beginning at the 14th verse and going on to the end of the chapter." [00:19:48]
"Now I must remind you again that the two statements really the two verses that govern the whole of this section are verses 9 and 10 let love these say be without dissimulation abhor that which is evil leave to that which is good be kindly affectioned one to another with Brotherly Love in honor preferring one another now there are the controlling principles and from there on he goes on to work those out and to show us how they are to apply in the the particular details of Our Lives." [00:109:00]
"Be not wise in your own conceits now here is another most important thing the Apostle has already said this we've found it in the previous chapter, chapter 11 and verse 25 where he says I would not Brethren that you should be ignorant of this mystery lest you should be wise in your own conceits there he was telling these Gentiles not to become puffed up because the Jews were failing for the time being." [00:244:48]
"Now here is a great warning against intellectual Pride a man boasting of his wisdom proud of his wisdom glorying to himself in his own wisdom wise with himself concerning this matter now this is this is the most important subject the whole history of the church shows the damage that is accured as the result of Christian people not observing this particular injunction it is something against which we must always guard ourselves to the fullest possible extent." [00:341:60]
"Well it was the sin of the Devil Himself that was exactly the sin of the devil pitting his wisdom against that of God he was a created being and God had endowed him with a mind and understanding but he became proud of it he inflated it and his own idea of it and that was the cause of his downfall and as you remember it was the first sin of men the devil in his subtlety tempted Eve along that very line this idea that they could become as Gods knowing everything." [00:446:40]
"Knowledge is information awareness of things discovery of things becoming acquainted with things it is something that you can be taught and something that you acquire as the result of instruction in that way now there's no need for me to elaborate this because we're living in an age that is in a sense given to the acquiring of knowledge the age of encyclopedi the age in which people are listening to instruction which they get information in many different forms on the television and other places." [00:686:72]
"Now of course knowledge should lead to wisdom but it doesn't of necessity that is where we have to be careful in drawing this distinction the Learned men is not of necessity a wise men and the whole trouble in the world today is that it's exalting men of mere knowledge sometimes very clever men but a men can be very clever and yet lacking in wisdom and it is the fair to differentiate between these two things as I say that causes so many of our trouble." [00:907:36]
"Professing themselves to be wise they became fools and look at the world today and all its opposed wisdom has it ever been mder than it is today it burst of its understanding its knowledge its wisdom its capacity but look what it's doing and we we've seen it all haven't we so often in individuals men in the Learned professions and others men of great knowledge indeed men who can often give very good advice to other people their own lives are a tragedy the failure of wisdom." [00:1240:48]
"Don't be wise in your own conceits because if you do if you are it'll do you great harm it'll do you great harm did you notice how Paul puts it there in 1 Corinthians 8:1 knowledge puffeth up inflates but what does it inflate with what does inflate gas air it's not real it's not solid it isn't it it doesn't build up he says as love builds up knowledge puffeth up it appears to be very big but it's nothing but a balloon it's just an inflated Tire it's filled with air not with real substance." [00:1331:96]
"Any man who is wise in his own conceit is the exact antithesis of our blessed Lord and Master he was eternally different do you remember what he says take my yoke upon you and learn learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart that's how he puts it about himself and that was his character the bruised read he will not break the smoking Flex he will not quench here he is Son of God incarnate do you know what he said he said I know nothing of myself." [00:1837:919]
"Walk humbly with thy God remind yourself of the things I said at the beginning of what you don't know and the mistakes you have made you've made and your fallibility but above all walk humbly with thy God look unto Jesus follow him in this respect as in every other respect walk humbly with thy God what else well remember the injunction of Paul again in Philippians 2 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling fear and trembling now we've rather tended to forget this haven't we this hasn't been popular in the 20th century we are bright and Breezy Christians." [00:2025:679]
"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among them let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom but if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts Glory not and lie not against the truth this wisdom this gloring one descendeth not from above but is Earthly sensual devilish for where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work but the wisdom that is from above is first pure then Peaceable gentle easy to be entreated full of mercy and good fruits without partiality without hypocrisy and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." [00:2251:96]
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