BIBLICAL WISOM SERIES PART 3
VIDEO SOURCES
No extra-Biblical sources were used for the wisdom series. Below is a summary of the primary scripture references throughout the video:
God’s wisdom is opposite worldly wisdom: Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 1:25-30
Worldly wisdom according to James: James 3:13-16
Godly wisdom according to James: James 3:17
Ask for wisdom: James 1:5; 4:2b
Seek wisdom from God’s Word: Proverbs 2:4
Plans fail without counsel: Proverbs 15:22
Pride goes before destruction: Provers 16:18
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be wiser: Proverbs 9:9
We hope this series is a blessing to you. God bless you!
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
SIMPLE STEPS TO GROW IN GODLY WISDOM
We’ve talked about the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation upon which wisdom is built. We’ve discussed the heavenly storehouse of wisdom that is available to us at any time. We’ve covered the secret and hidden wisdom of God that is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and how the Gospel is the pinnacle of God’s wisdom and demonstration of His love.
Hello everyone, my name is David Erhart and welcome to another Christianity Engaged video. Today, we are going to wrap up our series on wisdom by discussing the difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom, ending with practical, simple steps for you to grow in godly wisdom this year.
There is a massive difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. While both claim to offer insights and guidance, their foundations, values, and ultimate goals differ significantly. Godly wisdom is grounded in a personal relationship with God, and knowledge of His revealed truth and eternal principles. It always guides believers to live in alignment with God's will and often defies conventional human understanding, emphasizing humility and sacrificial love, for example, and an eternal perspective. In contrast, worldly wisdom relies on human intellect and lacks the depth and understanding that transcends beyond the physical and temporal. Additionally, it may prioritize success, wealth, and power at the expense of moral and Biblical principles.
The Apostle James presents a vivid distinction between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. He distills the root of worldly wisdom to a pair of foundational qualities: jealousy and selfish ambition. From these two, he says, come disorder and every kind of evil practice. Satan is most known for being the father of lies and prideful at his core. It’s no wonder that his influence on worldly wisdom flows from envy and being self-centered. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, is grounded in purity, a love for peace, gentleness, and impartiality, and produces sincere kindness, a willingness to submit, a demonstration of mercy, and a wide variety of good fruit.
The Apostle James was passionate about practical application, putting our faith and knowledge into action. Therefore, I want to end this series by providing you with practical, simple steps you can take to grow in godly wisdom this year:
First, as mentioned in a previous video, make your heart-felt desire to grow in wisdom known to God. Sometimes we don’t have simply because we don’t ask. So, ask God for wisdom and be as specific as you can. Faith is the key that opens the door.
Second, God’s wisdom is revealed in His Word. Accompany your desire and request for wisdom with action. Seek out the insights and principles from God’s Word that correspond to the specific areas of your life that you asked God for wisdom to make good decisions.
Third, “Plans fail without counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” You won’t reach your full potential without community. We need each other. So, seek godly counsel from mature believers with demonstrated success in the specific areas you are looking for guidance.
Fourth, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” In your pursuit of godly wisdom, remember to stay humble. Humility is one of the most important Christian characteristics and it is essential for us to maintain a teachable spirit, open to correction and instruction.
Fifth, wisdom is a gift from God. Just like our time, talents and treasures, we want to be faithful stewards of the wisdom, knowledge and understanding God provides. "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
And finally, growing in wisdom is a life-long process, not a one-time event. God’s timing may differ from yours. And from personal experience I can tell you that it usually does. Be patient and have confidence in His plan. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
In summary, while worldly wisdom may provide temporary success, it lacks God’s guidance and eternal significance, and it is founded on principles that are more in alignment with darkness than light. We want you to grow in godly wisdom, which is rooted in divine truth, results in a closer relationship with God, and will profit you in this life… and for all eternity. As you actively seek God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, counsel, humility, stewardship, and patience, you put yourself in position to grow in godly wisdom and receive from His abundant, infinite storehouse. May we all be like the wise man, who built his house on the rock, the one who hears these words, and puts them into practice.
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