Walking in Wisdom: Embracing God's Presence and Prosperity

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound truths found in Psalm 84 and Proverbs, focusing on the blessings and wisdom that come from walking closely with God. Psalm 84 beautifully illustrates that everyone, regardless of their situation, has a place in God's presence. We are called to open our hearts and praise Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. This sets the stage for a life filled with divine favor and protection.

We then delved into the story of Solomon from 1 Kings 3, where Solomon asks God for wisdom to govern His people. God grants him wisdom and adds riches, long life, and victory over his enemies. This story underscores the importance of seeking wisdom above all else, as it brings not only spiritual but also material blessings.

The sermon transitioned into practical teachings from Proverbs on financial prosperity. We discussed seven pillars of financial wisdom: work ethic, avoiding debt, generosity, seeking wisdom from others, avoiding get-rich-quick schemes, honesty in business, and honoring God with our wealth. Each pillar is rooted in biblical principles and offers a roadmap for living a life that reflects God's abundance and integrity.

The essence of these teachings is that true prosperity is holistic, encompassing not just material wealth but also relational and spiritual richness. By aligning our lives with God's principles, we can experience a fullness that transcends mere financial gain. This alignment begins with putting God first, honoring Him with our first fruits, and living a life of integrity and generosity.

### Key Takeaways

1. Everyone Has a Place in God's Presence: Psalm 84 reminds us that no matter our situation, we are not rejected by God. There is a place for each of us in His presence, and our role is to open our hearts and praise Him. This act of worship invites His favor and protection into our lives. [36:10]

2. Seek Wisdom Above All Else: Solomon's request for wisdom over riches or long life teaches us the value of divine wisdom. When we prioritize wisdom, God often adds other blessings to our lives. Wisdom helps us navigate complex situations and leads to a life of prosperity and peace. [46:35]

3. Work Ethic Determines Harvest: Proverbs emphasizes that a diligent work ethic leads to prosperity. Laziness, on the other hand, brings poverty. This principle is not just about financial gain but also about leaving a legacy of hard work and integrity for future generations. [51:23]

4. Avoid Debt and Be Generous: Debt, especially consumer debt, can enslave us and hinder our financial freedom. Proverbs advises us to avoid debt and instead be generous, especially to the poor. Generosity reflects God's heart and brings blessings back to us in unexpected ways. [55:57]

5. Honor God with Your Wealth: Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us to honor God with the first fruits of our increase. This act of putting God first in our finances is a declaration of our trust in Him as our provider. It aligns our hearts with His purposes and opens the door for His blessings to overflow in our lives. [01:16:14]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[36:10] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[39:17] - Psalm 84: Finding Our Place in God's Presence
[40:11] - Personal Story and Prayer Request
[44:18] - Recap of Previous Sermons
[46:35] - Solomon's Request for Wisdom
[50:09] - Seven Pillars of Financial Prosperity
[51:23] - Pillar 1: Work Ethic
[55:57] - Pillar 2: Avoid Debt
[01:00:27] - Pillar 3: Be Generous
[01:03:04] - Pillar 4: Get Wisdom from Others
[01:08:03] - Pillar 5: Avoid Get-Rich Schemes
[01:12:08] - Pillar 6: Walk in Honesty
[01:16:14] - Pillar 7: Honor God with Your Wealth
[01:24:29] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 84:1-4 - "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you."
2. 1 Kings 3:5-14 - "At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you.' Solomon answered, 'You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?' The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.'"
3. Proverbs 3:9-10 - "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 84, what is the significance of finding a place in God's presence? How does this relate to the idea that everyone has a place in God's presence? [39:17]
2. In 1 Kings 3, what did Solomon ask God for, and what additional blessings did God grant him? [46:35]
3. What are the seven pillars of financial wisdom discussed in the sermon, and how are they rooted in biblical principles? [50:09]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 84 illustrate the inclusivity of God's presence and the blessings that come from dwelling in His house? What does this mean for us today? [39:17]
2. Why did Solomon prioritize wisdom over other blessings such as wealth or long life, and what does this teach us about the value of wisdom in our own lives? [46:35]
3. How does honoring God with our wealth, as described in Proverbs 3:9-10, align our hearts with His purposes and open the door for His blessings? [01:16:14]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current situation. How can you open your heart more fully to God's presence and invite His favor and protection into your life? [39:17]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to seek wisdom above all else? How can you make this a priority in your daily decisions and long-term plans? [46:35]
3. Evaluate your work ethic. Are there areas where you can be more diligent to ensure a prosperous harvest, both materially and spiritually? [51:23]
4. Consider your financial habits. Are you currently in debt, and if so, what steps can you take to avoid consumer debt and move towards financial freedom? [55:57]
5. How can you practice generosity in your community? Identify one specific way you can give to the poor or support someone in need this week. [01:00:27]
6. Think about how you honor God with your wealth. Are you giving your first fruits to God? If not, what changes can you make to start doing this? [01:16:14]
7. Reflect on the seven pillars of financial wisdom. Which pillar do you find most challenging, and what practical steps can you take to strengthen this area in your life? [50:09]

This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s teachings and apply biblical principles to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and support each other in making practical changes.

Devotional

Day 1: Finding Our Place in God's Presence
Description: Psalm 84 reminds us that no matter our situation, we are not rejected by God. There is a place for each of us in His presence, and our role is to open our hearts and praise Him. This act of worship invites His favor and protection into our lives. The psalmist beautifully illustrates that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has a place in God's presence. By opening our hearts and praising Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness, setting the stage for a life filled with divine favor and protection. This truth is a powerful reminder that God's love and acceptance are not based on our circumstances but on His unchanging nature. [36:10]

Psalm 84:10-11 (ESV): "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How can you open your heart and praise Him today, inviting His presence and favor into your life?

Day 2: Seeking Wisdom Above All Else
Description: Solomon's request for wisdom over riches or long life teaches us the value of divine wisdom. When we prioritize wisdom, God often adds other blessings to our lives. Wisdom helps us navigate complex situations and leads to a life of prosperity and peace. Solomon's story in 1 Kings 3 is a powerful example of the importance of seeking wisdom above all else. By asking for wisdom to govern God's people, Solomon demonstrated his understanding of the value of divine guidance. In response, God granted him not only wisdom but also riches, long life, and victory over his enemies. This story underscores the principle that when we seek wisdom, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door to additional blessings. [46:35]

Proverbs 2:6-7 (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."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's wisdom today? How can you actively seek His guidance and understanding in those areas?

Day 3: The Importance of a Diligent Work Ethic
Description: Proverbs emphasizes that a diligent work ethic leads to prosperity. Laziness, on the other hand, brings poverty. This principle is not just about financial gain but also about leaving a legacy of hard work and integrity for future generations. A strong work ethic is a reflection of our commitment to God's principles and our desire to honor Him in all that we do. By working diligently, we not only provide for our needs but also set an example for others to follow. This principle extends beyond financial prosperity to encompass all areas of life, including our relationships, spiritual growth, and personal development. [51:23]

Proverbs 10:4-5 (ESV): "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame."

Reflection: Reflect on your current work habits. Are there areas where you can improve your diligence and integrity? How can you make a conscious effort to work as unto the Lord in all that you do?

Day 4: Avoiding Debt and Embracing Generosity
Description: Debt, especially consumer debt, can enslave us and hinder our financial freedom. Proverbs advises us to avoid debt and instead be generous, especially to the poor. Generosity reflects God's heart and brings blessings back to us in unexpected ways. By avoiding debt, we free ourselves from financial burdens that can limit our ability to serve God and others. Generosity, on the other hand, opens the door to God's blessings and allows us to be a conduit of His love and provision to those in need. This principle encourages us to live within our means, practice wise financial stewardship, and prioritize giving as an expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. [55:57]

Proverbs 22:7 (ESV): "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."

Reflection: Consider your current financial situation. Are there steps you can take to reduce or eliminate debt? How can you practice generosity in your daily life, even in small ways?

Day 5: Honoring God with Your Wealth
Description: Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us to honor God with the first fruits of our increase. This act of putting God first in our finances is a declaration of our trust in Him as our provider. It aligns our hearts with His purposes and opens the door for His blessings to overflow in our lives. Honoring God with our wealth is not just about tithing or giving offerings; it is about recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and using our resources in a way that reflects His priorities. By putting God first in our finances, we demonstrate our faith in His provision and our commitment to His kingdom. This principle encourages us to live generously, steward our resources wisely, and trust God to meet our needs. [01:16:14]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you honor God with your finances today? What steps can you take to ensure that your financial decisions reflect your trust in Him and your commitment to His kingdom?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Friends, I want to say to you so clearly this morning, there is a blessing that God wants to put upon our lives that when that blessing, comes it brings a richness into our lives and it does not bring sorrow. There are many people who have riches, but it's cost it's come to them at the cost of their children. It's come at the cost of their marriage. It's come at the cost of their journey and their relationship with God. The pursuit of riches in and of itself will always cost you something unless you pursue it. But according to the kingdom, because there is a blessing from God that makes you rich." [48:32]( | | )

2. "How can you reflect an abundant God if you never have more than you need to survive for the day? It's difficult. It's difficult. And yet God says there is, I can make you rich and I can do it without adding sorrows to you." [49:30]( | | )

3. "He who gives to the poor lends to God and God will repay him. There's something about the heart of God where generosity flows out of who God is. God so loved that he gave. John 3, 16. And being in a position where we overflow love, love and kindness, but we overflow in generosity to people who cannot ever repay us is part of our responsibility to be a reflection of who God is." [01:00:27]( | | )

4. "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of your crops. Honor the Lord with your increase, some translations put it, with the firstfruits of all your crops. And then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine. The essence of this scripture is it's a process that God has put in place so that every year on a regular basis our hearts are confronted with the question who is your source? Who is the source of your life and your provision? Is it you and your effort or is it actually God?" [01:16:14]( | | )

5. "God says, He says here, if you honor the Lord with your increase, with the first fruit, so in the Hebrew-Israeli culture, it was the first of the wheat, first of the corn, it was the first lamb that came out of the ewe, it was the first heifer, the first baby calf that came out of the cow. It's the first. And it was the first son that came from the womb. Now, not that you sacrificed that, but you brought a sacrifice in place of your son. But God says, every time the first comes, I want you to set your eyes on heaven." [01:18:11]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "So two weeks ago, let's just do a recap off the floor rather than me rapping. What did we do two weeks ago? Heart. So what was this? The scripture we spent the morning on? Proverbs chapter 4, verse 23. And what does it say? It says, Above. Sorry? What did that do? Defend, protect, and value your heart above everything else. Why? Because out of your heart come the issues of your life. The rivers of life, the dreams, the passion, the faith, the journey comes. It comes out of what's in us. And we looked at King David. And the scripture says David had a heart after God. So we looked at a couple of things in David's life that God says, I will like." [45:03]( | | )

2. "Friends, one of the things about becoming smart is understanding the physical seasons and understanding the spiritual seasons that actually will lead us to growth and prosperity. Chapter 13 verse 22. Good. This is an interesting one. Good people leave an inheritance to their children's children, but the wealth of the sinner passes to the God. So the principle here is that a good person puts his hand to the plow because the objective is to leave an inheritance for the grandchildren. Now, that inheritance needs to be understood multifaceted. We need to understand that's a legacy of righteousness first and foremost. It's a legacy that you have lived out your faith with conviction and with passion and commitment. Your children and your grandchildren have seen, man, my dad, he is just, my granddad, he is just one of those, I'll use the term, religious freaks. He just loves God. He loves God with everything about him. Well, what a great way for your grandkids to look at you all." [54:47]( | | )

3. "So the principle is have a field, plow your field, get your field planted, get whatever it is producing, get your career producing, get your skills functioning, get those things that are going to create multiple income streams working in your life and then worry about the comfort that you think you need, that you think, and then build your house. It's such a great business principle. I'm trying to track it down and confirm this. I'll quote it to you but I haven't got the reference for it. In many Jewish contexts, in Hebrew contexts, the father will start a business and he uses the profit to start the second one and he uses the profit of the second one to start the third and then out of the third he builds his house. Because he doesn't rely on one tree alone, one field alone to establish financial stability. So I'd encourage you, find ways to increase your income stream, your livelihood." [01:12:08]( | | )

4. "So the first one is your work ethic determines your harvest. That's not complex, is it? But your work ethic determines your harvest. It determines the favor and determines the increase that's going to come into your life. Proverbs 10, four says he who has a slack hand. In other words, he doesn't take it out of his pocket. Who never, who never gets to work, becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes him rich. So there's a direct correlation, direct connection between now we're talking hand here in the context of farming and skills. So it's not, it's not, it's, it's allegorical in one sense, but the picture is there. He was slack with his hand, becomes poor. Proverbs six, nine to 11, a little sleep, a little slumber, a little falling of the hands to rest. And I love this. And poverty will jump, jump out on you like a bandit, like an armed man. The interesting thing from that verse is sometimes people don't see poverty coming. They don't see it coming. And suddenly it grabs them. And they think, how did that happen? And it's because a little sleep, a little slumber, a little falling of the hands to rest. And this poverty has snuck up on you because you can look at what's in a bank account and think, oh, that's great. I've got something there. But you know what? If the supply into the bank account is not coming, that's very, very finite. If your field is not plowed and sowed, there's no harvest." [52:17]( | | )

5. "So the first fruit, if you're a farmer and I'm sure we've all seen this, you go outside and there's your field of wheat or barley or whatever and the first heads are just starting to bend over. And just remember, you've been eating dried wheat or corn for months and suddenly there's this fresh corn cob growing there and you think, oh, a bit of roasting and a little bit of butter and a bit of salt and lots of pepper. God says it's the first fruit. Because you see, what it does is it confronts our hearts with where am I actually looking to for provision of my needs. So God says, He says here, if you honor the Lord with your increase, with the first fruit, so in the Hebrew-Israeli culture, it was the first of the wheat, first of the corn, it was the first lamb that came out of the ewe, it was the first heifer, the first baby calf that came out of the cow. It's the first. And it was the first son that came from the womb. Now, not that you sacrificed that, but you brought a sacrifice in place of your son. But God says, every time the first comes, I want you to set your eyes on heaven." [01:17:34]( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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