Pastor Matt started of the new series in Proverbs by reminding us that you'll learn nothing if you start in the wrong place ... but if we start in the right place, using God's wisdom, we can get it right the first time.
MY STORY
Describe a lesson you learned the hard way.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1-7)
Pastor Matt defined the terms in this passage ...
Understanding is the ability to grasp truth
Prudence is the capacity to see reason behind things
Knowledge is where our word science comes from... it simply means skill to distinguish
Discretion is our ability to understand and come up with a plan
Learning is grasping with our mind
Guidance literally means to steer a ship - it has the idea of moving in the right direction.
Why are each of these things needed when it comes to practicing wisdom? What happens when you take one away?
According to Proverbs 1:1-7, what is the purpose of knowledge ... who is capable of gaining from knowledge? In contrast, what are some other reasons you can think of that people seek knowledge?
What are the limits of knowledge? What good is knowledge without wisdom? What's good is wisdom without obedience?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said that "Wisdom was having the competence to grasp the meaning of a situation and understand what to do with it, how to do it, the right way at the right time"
Define the significant words in this statement: competence, meaning, understanding, the right way, at the right time.
How do all of these things together add up to wisdom?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "The purpose of wisdom was to navigate this life skillfully and successfully in our relationships and our responsibilities."
Where do you need the wisdom most in your current relationships?
Where do you need the wisdom most in your current responsibilities?
What specific thing can you do this week to move closer to wisdom in these two areas of your life?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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