Walking in Wisdom: Aligning with God's Purpose
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to worship and realign our hearts to the truth that there is no one like God. We were reminded of His sovereignty, His role as our provider, healer, and deliverer. We turned our attention to Him, especially in times of trials, knowing that He is in control. We also dedicated baby Sarai to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of dedicating our children to God and training them in His ways, as outlined in Deuteronomy 6.
We then delved into the concept of wisdom, defining it as the application of knowledge. We explored how wisdom is essential for living a life that pleases God. We looked at the example of Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to lead His people, and how God was pleased with this request. We also examined various scriptures, including James 1:5 and Proverbs 3, to understand the value and characteristics of wisdom.
We discussed six key aspects of wisdom from Ephesians 5:15-21: walking carefully, capitalizing on time, aligning with God's will, continually seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, corporately worshiping, and walking in gratitude. Each of these aspects helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God and effective in His service. We were challenged to remove anything from our lives that does not please God and to continually seek His wisdom and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Walk Carefully in Wisdom: Wisdom requires us to walk circumspectly, meaning carefully and thoughtfully. Just as we would tread cautiously to avoid stepping on scattered Legos, we must navigate life with intentionality and awareness, avoiding pitfalls and making choices that honor God. [14:32]
2. Capitalize on Time: The wise make the most of every opportunity, especially in sharing the gospel, because the days are evil. We must be vigilant and proactive in using our time to further God's kingdom, rather than getting caught up in trivial matters. [15:50]
3. Align with God's Will: True wisdom involves understanding and aligning with God's will. This means setting our minds to join together with His purposes, which primarily include the salvation of all people. Our actions and decisions should reflect this alignment. [23:36]
4. Seek Continual Filling of the Holy Spirit: Being wise in Christ means continually seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit of God's presence and power to live out His will effectively. [25:03]
5. Walk in Gratitude: A wise person walks in gratitude, recognizing and thanking God for His blessings, even in difficult times. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what God has provided, fostering a heart of worship and contentment. [31:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:50] - Turning Our Attention to God
[32:49] - Baby Dedication: Sarai
[33:53] - Difference Between Dedication and Baptism
[34:53] - Deuteronomy 6: Teaching Our Children
[36:06] - Encouragement to Parents
[37:10] - Prayer for Sarai
[38:17] - Worship and Praise
[40:34] - Worthy is Your Name
[46:35] - Acknowledging God's Faithfulness
[47:50] - Vision of the Church
[49:36] - Personal Testimony: Calling on God
[51:33] - God Sees Us in Our Need
[53:07] - Singing Holy to the Lord
[58:37] - We Need God in Every Aspect
[59:38] - Importance of Corporate Worship
[01:01:03] - Series: Brick by Brick
[01:02:49] - Removing What Doesn't Please God
[01:05:52] - The Brick of Wisdom
[01:09:28] - Definition of Wisdom
[01:12:49] - Ephesians 5: Walking in Wisdom
[01:14:32] - Walk Carefully
[01:15:50] - Capitalize on Time
[01:23:36] - Align with God's Will
[01:25:03] - Seek Continual Filling of the Holy Spirit
[01:28:15] - Corporate Worship
[01:31:02] - Walk in Gratitude
[01:34:15] - Submission and Trust in God
[01:36:13] - Applying God's Word
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:15-21: "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."
2. James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
3. Proverbs 3:13-18: "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5:15-21, what are the six key aspects of wisdom that Paul outlines? ([01:12:49])
2. In James 1:5, what does James instruct believers to do if they lack wisdom?
3. How does Proverbs 3:13-18 describe the value and benefits of wisdom?
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the importance of walking carefully in wisdom? ([01:14:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to "redeem the time" according to Ephesians 5:16, and how does this relate to the current state of the world? ([01:15:50])
2. How does continually seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit impact a believer's daily life and decisions? ([01:25:03])
3. What does it mean to align with God's will, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([01:23:36])
4. How does walking in gratitude, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:20, change our perspective during difficult times? ([01:31:02])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there areas where you need to walk more carefully and thoughtfully to avoid pitfalls? How can you start making more intentional choices that honor God? ([01:14:32])
2. Think about how you use your time. Are there opportunities you might be missing to share the gospel or serve others? What steps can you take to better capitalize on your time for God's kingdom? ([01:15:50])
3. In what ways can you align your actions and decisions more closely with God's will? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to seek His guidance more earnestly? ([01:23:36])
4. How can you make seeking the continual filling of the Holy Spirit a daily practice? What specific actions or habits can you incorporate to ensure you are constantly seeking God's presence and power? ([01:25:03])
5. Consider your attitude towards corporate worship. How can you make it a more integral and meaningful part of your spiritual life? What changes can you make to prioritize gathering with other believers? ([01:28:15])
6. Identify a recent situation where you focused on what was missing rather than what you had. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude in similar situations in the future? ([01:31:02])
7. Submission can be challenging. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God's authority or the authority He has placed over you? How can you work on building trust and humility in these areas? ([01:34:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Walk Carefully in Wisdom
Wisdom requires us to walk circumspectly, meaning carefully and thoughtfully. Just as we would tread cautiously to avoid stepping on scattered Legos, we must navigate life with intentionality and awareness, avoiding pitfalls and making choices that honor God. Walking carefully in wisdom means being mindful of our actions, words, and decisions, ensuring they align with God's principles. It involves a constant evaluation of our paths and a willingness to adjust our course to stay in line with God's will. This careful walk is not about fear but about reverence and respect for God's guidance in our lives.
In Ephesians 5:15-21, we are reminded to walk carefully, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This means being vigilant and proactive in our spiritual journey, seeking God's wisdom in every situation. By doing so, we can avoid the traps and snares that the enemy sets before us and live a life that is pleasing to God. [14:32]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's wisdom before making it? How can you ensure that your future decisions are more aligned with walking carefully in wisdom?
Day 2: Capitalize on Time
The wise make the most of every opportunity, especially in sharing the gospel, because the days are evil. We must be vigilant and proactive in using our time to further God's kingdom, rather than getting caught up in trivial matters. Time is a precious resource that God has given us, and we are called to use it wisely. This means prioritizing activities that have eternal significance and being intentional about our daily schedules.
In Ephesians 5:15-21, the emphasis is on making the best use of time because the days are evil. This involves recognizing the urgency of our mission as believers and not wasting time on things that do not contribute to God's purposes. By capitalizing on time, we can ensure that our lives are impactful and that we are fulfilling God's call to spread the gospel and serve others. [15:50]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Identify one area in your daily routine where you can better use your time to serve God's kingdom. What practical steps can you take to make this change starting today?
Day 3: Align with God's Will
True wisdom involves understanding and aligning with God's will. This means setting our minds to join together with His purposes, which primarily include the salvation of all people. Our actions and decisions should reflect this alignment. Aligning with God's will requires a deep understanding of His Word and a commitment to living out His commands. It involves surrendering our own desires and plans to embrace God's greater plan for our lives.
In Ephesians 5:15-21, we are called to understand what the Lord's will is and to align our lives accordingly. This alignment is not just about knowing God's will but actively pursuing it in our daily lives. It means being in constant communication with God through prayer and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. By aligning with God's will, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and effective in His service. [23:36]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to align with God's will. What steps can you take to better understand and pursue His will in this area?
Day 4: Seek Continual Filling of the Holy Spirit
Being wise in Christ means continually seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit of God's presence and power to live out His will effectively. The filling of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects Christ and enables us to fulfill God's purposes. It involves a daily surrender to God's control and a desire to be led by the Spirit in all aspects of life.
In Ephesians 5:15-21, we are encouraged to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This continual filling is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and effective in His service. It requires a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and studying God's Word. By seeking the continual filling of the Holy Spirit, we can experience God's power and presence in our lives in a profound way. [25:03]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit? What specific practices can you incorporate to ensure you are continually being filled with His presence?
Day 5: Walk in Gratitude
A wise person walks in gratitude, recognizing and thanking God for His blessings, even in difficult times. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what God has provided, fostering a heart of worship and contentment. Walking in gratitude involves a conscious effort to acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. It means being thankful for both the big and small blessings and trusting that God is working all things for our good.
In Ephesians 5:15-21, we are reminded to give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This attitude of gratitude is a mark of wisdom and a reflection of a heart that is aligned with God's will. By walking in gratitude, we can experience greater joy and contentment, even in the midst of challenges. [31:02]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Take a moment to list three things you are grateful for today. How can you express your gratitude to God and others in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We exist to get people to a place where they will acknowledge trust and lean on God daily. Come on say it one more time together we exist to get people to a place where they will acknowledge trust and lean on God daily we need him every single day every single day we need him without him we will not have success we may have what the world calls success but I want God's success." [47:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Don't underestimate the power of one encounter with God, because it changes everything. We've been in a series, and the name of the series is Brick by Brick. It's why there's Legos all over the place. And by the way, to the team of volunteers from Kids Ministry and above, I know there were so many people that took boxes home and painted them and made them, so thank you." [01:01:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you are in trouble, God help he's there it doesn't need fancy help he's there don't be afraid to call on him in your time of trouble call on him he will respond and father we thank you for when we call on you you are there for you are jehovah shama the god that is there for you are jehovah roy the god that sees us father even I think right now as we're praying when hagar was kicked out and was alone with her son and at a distance thinking that she was going to perish and her son was going to perish and that's where we see jehovah roy the god that sees you and god I thank you for right now you see us in the midst of our need in the midst of our circumstance in the midst of our trial you see us and we tell you god intervene we get out of the way for you to do the right thing and we get out of the way for you to do the right thing and what only you can do. God, work in our lives right now. Healing, deliverance, restoration. God, in Jesus' name." [51:33] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can have that intimacy with God at home or in every bathroom, because todos los baños son cristianos. Worship him. Call on him. Call on him, and he will respond every single time. Every day, throughout the day, he will respond. Thank you, God, for your faithful. There's something that happens when we corporately worship. When we worship, work corporately, seek his face. He shows up in such a powerful way." [59:38] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God wants and desires us to walk in wisdom. So let's define wisdom. I love this definition of wisdom. It's so simple, yet so powerful, and it's this, the application of knowledge. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. I'll give due where credit is due. That definition was given to me by Don about four years ago at a men's group on a Saturday morning, where we spoke about wisdom, and he said, I think the use of them like this, and that's the best definition I've ever had for that word, even when you look it up in the dictionary and all the things. It is the application of knowledge." [01:09:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are under? We're all under construction, including this guy. I'm under construction. And the manual for our construction is God's word. And we need to eat God's word, read God's word daily, continually. And if you've missed any part of the series, hey, fret not. You can go to our YouTube channel. There's a playlist. They're all there if you want to watch the videos. If you just want to listen to it, they're all on our Spotify and iTunes and all of those different things. On all those platforms, you can take a listen to it." [01:01:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The wise walk carefully. I looked up the word circumspectly because I didn't know what it meant. Sometimes you read things, you're like, okay, walk circumspectly, that sounds so good. What does it mean? Literally, it means carefully. This is the representation or connotation that it makes. Any of you have children that have played with Legos and left some on the floor? And you walk into that area barefoot and you go, ah, anybody been there? So what do you do after that? You're like, okay, hold on. Step there, step there. Is he trying to get to another spot? That's what it means to walk carefully, gingerly, because there's stuff all around." [01:14:32] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The wise capitalize on time. Now the verse says, because days are evil. So this isn't talking about, oh, I got to maximize my time. I got to use. Every moment to my best ability. What Paul is telling us is that the wise man in Christ is going to take every opportunity and not miss an opportunity to tell people about Jesus because the days are dark and evil. And guess what? Many times we're so caught up in what's going on that we don't tell people about Jesus." [01:15:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The wise align with God's will. What does that mean? So that word understanding is not a knowledge thing. The definition of that word understanding, when you look it up in the original language is this is what it means to set or join together in mind. And what Paul is saying to us is wisdom, wisdom is when you join together with God's will. And do you know what the Bible tells us God's will is? For all men to be saved. And in wisdom, I'm going to take opportunity, every opportunity I have to share the gospel." [01:23:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The wise will continually seek to be full of the Holy Spirit. Many people think I come to Jesus and I receive the Holy Spirit or I get the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that's it, I'm done. But the reality is that it's not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is a continual filling of the Holy Spirit. Now prove it to you in scripture. When you read Acts chapter number one, Jesus tells the disciples, don't go yet. You're going to go to Samaria, Judea and beyond, right? He says, don't go yet until you receive the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter number two, all 120 of them are together in the upper room. By the way, that was men and women. It was children and adults. It was all a range of people that were there that made that 120 people. And that 120 people, they were all together in the upper room. And they were when they were in unity in one accord and not the Honda, they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And they go out and Peter begins to preach and 3000 people get saved." [01:25:03] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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