God created us in His image so we could relate to Him and He could express Himself through us. This means that our lives are important and it’s imperative that we learn to live wisely. Dr. Stanley explains how wisdom is viewing things from God’s perspective and responding to them on the basis of the truth of the Word of God.
Sermon Outline
The book of Proverbs instructs us, “Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!” (4:5). And with good reason. Few things in life are as essential as this. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley shares eight specific and practical ways for us to seek and grow in this essential quality.
Key Passage: Proverbs 2:1-7
Supporting Passages: Proverbs 4:10-11; Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 8:17; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 19:20; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Ecclesiastes 10:10; James 1:5
God has a good plan for each believer’s life. But how can we discover what it is and live it out?
We find God’s plan for us when we …
Seek wisdom.
Understand that He is the ultimate expression of who we are meant to become.
► “God says, ‘You want to be wise? Seek Me, and you’ll discover what wisdom is all about.’”
There are eight ways we acquire wisdom:
1. Seek it.
This requires listening to God to hear what He’s saying (Prov. 2:2).
We must rely on the Spirit to enable us to understand what God is communicating.
Wisdom isn’t found in people; it is a gift from God (vv. 6-7).
He has promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him (8:17).
2. Meditate on God’s Word.
The Bible is God’s guidebook, which gives us a pathway though life (vv. 10-11).
Without the Bible, we wouldn’t know how to identify wisdom.
3. Pray for it.
God has promised that if we ask Him for wisdom, we will receive it (James 1:5).
We should ask each morning for wisdom; He can guide us through the events of our day.
4. Observe how God works in the world.
The entirety of creation, from the largest elements to the smallest details, will show us what God values and how He operates (Prov. 6:6).
► “Nobody has all the answers. Every one of us should be open to counsel.”
5. Heed godly counsel.
When we think we can manage on our own, we’ll refuse godly advice, and there are always consequences to that (12:15).
The Lord may send someone into our life to advise us. This could be someone we don’t want to listen to, but He will use whomever He chooses.
6. Accept discipline.
Though correction is not pleasant, it is for our good.
We must make the necessary changes because this is how we grow (19:20).
7. Associate with wise people.
Our friendships reveal our aspirations. We become like those we spend time with (13:20).
Seek out people who contribute to your obedience and godliness and who in turn benefit from your good influence on them (Eccl. 8:1).
8. Receive it as a gift from God.
When we find favor with the Lord, He gives us wisdom as a gift (2:26).
Living with godly wisdom, you will …
Experience joy, peace, contentment, and success.
Fulfill God’s simple and perfect plan for your life.
After Watching
What specific changes would you like to make today to search for wisdom? Consider choosing one of the eight ways Dr. Stanley listed and contemplating how to apply it this week.
It’s easy to remember to seek wisdom in important or consequential moments, but what about seemingly small ones? Is there a “commonplace” decision where you can apply what you heard today and learn to trust God for His insight into your life?
