Category: Wisdom
Subject: Wisdom
Sermon: Making Wise Decisions
In Genesis 13, Lot is recorded making a poor decision in pitching his tent toward Sodom. We too can make unwise life decisions if we are not careful. The lesson contains suggestions to follow to help make wise decisions.
Sermon: Ways of the Wise
Based in part on Ephesians 5:15-17. The sermon discusses the ways of the wise. A wise man: Receives counsel; Guards his tongue; Flees from evil; Is prepared; and Obeys God.
Note: Powerpoint file created by Jeremiah Cox.
Sermon: Walk in Love, Light and Wisdom
An exegesis of Ephesians 5:1-21, discussing the exhortations of Paul to the church at Ephesus to walk in Love, Light and Wisdom.
Sermon: Prove yourself a man
David’s charge to his son Solomon is examined in 1 Kings 2 as a means of encouraging manliness. Prove yourself a man:
* Take heed to your counselors
* Take heed to your goals
* Take heed to your relationships
* Take heed to your character
From the Preacher’s Pen: Chronological Snobbery
I mentioned last Wednesday night a phrase coined by C.S. Lewis, as he considered his prejudice against the Christian faith early in his life. He called it his “chronological snobbery.” He defined the concept as, “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our own age, and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that count discredited.”
Such chronological snobbery is certainly characteristic of American culture today. The acceptance of homosexuality, and the willingness to redefine marriage; the toleration of all types of sexual promiscuity; the characterization of abortion as a moral and ethical practice, and the villainizing of those who oppose it; the promotion of the “big bang” theory as an explanation of origins of the universe. All of these, and a multitude of others are promoted as the enlightened product of our age, with proponents looking down their noses at the “superstitions” and “outmoded thinking” of the past.
Of course, every generation perceives itself as enlightened and superior. And, every generation has its own illusions and wrong thinking. In contrast to this, we have God’s will, revealed and accessible through the Holy Scriptures. It stands in stark contrast to the failed philosophies and ideas of men. It is as relevant today as when it was first written. As the Psalmist wrote, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Paul wrote, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
C.S. Lewis put it this way, “Whatever is not eternal, is eternally out of date.” To that we say, AMEN.
Sermon: The Best Way to Live Your Life
The wise man of the book of Ecclesiastes describes the despair of a life lived without God, the best way to be content while living upon the earth, and his final conclusion concerning the best way to live your life, for God (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13).
Sermon: The Nature of Paul’s Preaching
In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, the apostle Paul declared that his preaching in their presence was characterized by the power of God rather than the wisdom of men. It is unfortunate that in many cases today, preachers place too much emphasis on the words of men rather than keeping proper attention to the words of God.
Invitation: Wisdom of Men VS Wisdom of God
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
Jeremiah uses the text of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 to emphasize that our preaching should not be based in or heavy on illustrations, quotes and the wisdom of men. Effective preaching and teaching has its basis in God’s word!
Sermon: Listen to the Preacher
The book of Ecclesiastes shows the wisdom to be found in listening to the preacher. The preacher is the man who studies and discerns God’s word, and has the capability to share that word with others. He is the one who has the answers to the important questions of life.
Sermon: Rehoboam – A Failure in Leadership
Using the text of 1 Kings 12, and examining the events which led to the rebellion against Rehoboam, we see his culpability in the division of the kingdom, and make applications to our own lives.
Sermon: The Weakness and Foolishness of God
The lesson text is from 1 Corinthians 1:18-ff. A proper explanation of the concept of God’s “weakness” and “foolishness” is given, with proper applications.
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:5-8
James here explains that wisdom is obtained through prayer. Therefore, a distinction must be made between mere knowledge, derived through study, and wisdom, which can be expressed as the proper application of that knowledge. The world is full of men and women who have knowledge, and yet lack the perspective and ability to use it properly.
Wisdom is also gained through experience and maturity, but here we are given the promise that a petition to God will be effective in garnering this gift directly from Him.
But, we must act in faith. When we petition God, we are placing our trust in His willingness and ability to grant our petitions. Doubting casts aspersion upon either His integrity or sovereignty. Neither is acceptable to God.
God answers prayer. But, he only answers the prayer that is offered effectively, and by the righteous (cf. James 5:16). Otherwise, “let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord.”
Do you want wisdom? Ask God, without doubting, and you will receive the bounty you desire.
Sermon: The Importance of Wisdom
The lesson uses passages from Proverbs to explain the importance of wisdom. The lesson is especially beneficial to the young.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: How Should You Choose Your Friends?
This sermon is directed especially to young people, and indicates that as Christians we must avoid evil companions. It gives Biblical examples of those who chose foolishly (Solomon and Rehoboam), and those who chose wisely (Christ and Paul), and gives suggestions on how to choose good companions.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
From the Preacher’s Pen: Harmless as Doves
In Matthew 10, our Lord prepared his disciples for their preaching efforts among the Jews by saying, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves” (vs. 16).
To put it simply, Jesus told his disciples to be aware of the ungodliness of men. Men can act as wolves. They can be destructive, mean and scheming. In the next verse, Jesus said, “But beware of men. . .”
We too need to beware of men. We need to know of their ability to hurt us, and their willingness to do so. At the same time, while such wisdom is required of us, it must be emphasized that such actions have no place among God’s people. While we are aware of the potential evil in others, may it be that none of us here at West Side are ever guilty of the same. Instead, we are to be “harmless as doves” toward our brethren.
Stan
