Godly Wisdom – Pt 7
Proverbs 1:7 (AMP)
7 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.
Proverbs 28:26 (AMP)
26 He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,
But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.
Romans 7:21-25 (NLT)
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
I find Godly wisdom and counsel in God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
What?
So what?
Now what?
I find Godly wisdom and counsel from others.
Proverbs 11:14 (AMP)
14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm],
But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)
15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
Proverbs 13:10 (AMP)
10 Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.
Proverbs 19:20 (AMP)
20 Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction,
That you may be wise in the time to come.
Proverbs 18:1 (AMP)
He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
I find Godly wisdom and counsel from The Holy Spirit.
John 14:16-17, 26 (AMP)
16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.
26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
John 16:7-10, 13 (AMP)
7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; 10 about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me;
13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth[full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].
James 1:5 (AMP)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.
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COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: I know that I can find and receive Godly counsel in scripture, from others, and from the Holy Spirit.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12-13. Make a list together of practices you have used to study God’s word and apply it to your life.(Bonus: share any study tools you love to use.)
▶ Read Proverbs 11:14 (AMP). Who are some people you have given permission to bring counsel in your life? Is there any area you would like to add someone?
▶ Read John 14:16 (AMP). Which descriptor of The Holy Spirit feels most needed in your life right now?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.
Read James 3:13-17 in at least two translations. Consider the three questions as you read and share your insights.
– What? – What stands out to you?
– So what? – What might God be highlighting to you in whatever stood out?
– Now what? – What is a response you feel prompted to move on?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows. Pray that our hearts will be open to recognize how God is guiding us through His Word, His Spirit, and Godly counselors.