Dr. Stanley explains the difference between godly and human wisdom. Godly wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s viewpoint and respond according to biblical principles while human wisdom is earthly, natural, and demonic. When it comes to making wise choices and experiencing God’s best, obeying Him is always the best way to go.
Sermon Outline
Every day—sometimes every moment—we have a choice to make between God’s wisdom and worldly foolishness. And choosing well requires looking beyond the values of the world. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley exhorts us to look to the only One who can help us live a wise and blessed life.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:19-23
Supporting Passages: 1 Corinthians 2:4; James 3:13-17
Many problems we experience today are the result of poor decisions. Would you say the decisions you’re making are wise or unwise?
► “People make unwise decisions because they leave out the most important thing—the wisdom of Almighty God.”
We make unwise decisions by …
Not considering God’s will for our life.
Basing our decisions on what we want, how we feel, or the opinions of others.
Buying things we can’t afford, marrying for the wrong reasons, or indulging in destructive habits that hurt us and those we love.
Failing to stop and ask, Is this the wisest thing to do?
Godly wisdom …
Is the capability to view things from God’s perspective and respond based on the truth of the Bible.
Is found in His Word.
► “To say ‘I don’t have time to read the Bible, is to say ‘I choose to live a foolish life.’”
Human wisdom (1 Cor. 3:19-23) …
Is the way the world thinks (v. 19).
Has consequences (v. 19).
Is empty and inadequate (v. 20).
Is not for believers, as we belong to God (v. 23).
Has severe limitations, since none of us are omniscient.
Is made obvious in the brokenness around us.
What’s more, James 3:15 shows us human wisdom is …
Earthly—It is limited to man’s reasoning and ability.
Natural—It belongs to the part of ourselves that doesn’t want to obey God and is subject to temptation and desires.
Demonic—Its root is found in Satan.
When we’re living wisely, we …
Seek God’s guidance and rely on His omniscience.
Will more often be able to discern what is really going on.
Can walk through life’s deepest valleys and find a path forward, even when one isn’t obvious.
Are guided by God, step-by-step.
► “You can never go wrong by obeying God—never!”
Godly wisdom is (v. 17) …
Perfect.
A source of complete peace.
Given to us for our decisions if we seek the Lord.
The path to a different and infinitely better life.
After Watching
Take a moment to reread James 3:17. God’s wisdom is “pure … peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” Consider a decision you’re currently facing. Ask yourself, Will the choice I’m about to make bring about these good results or something else? If you’re not sure, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
The Greek word Paul uses for “wisdom” in 1 Corinthians 3:19 is sophia, which also translates as “clear” or “clarity.” Whenever you ask God for wisdom, imagine yourself putting on “spiritual glasses” that give you clearer vision regarding the situation at hand. And proceed only when you’re sure you’re seeing things rightly.
