Pastor Rob Wheeler

January 17, 2010

Finding and Benefitting from God’s Wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-11

I. The prerequisite for acquiring wisdom (1-4)

A. Store up God’s Word once you’ve accepted it (1)

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. NIV

Ps 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV

B. Seek to hear wisdom and apply your heart toward understanding (2)

Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. NIV

C. Strive prayerfully to get understanding (3)

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.. NIV

D. Search for wisdom as you would silver or hidden treasure (4)

Matt 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. NIV

II. The provision of wisdom is from the Lord (5-8)

A. Secures understanding fear of the Lord and knowledge of God (5)

B. Source of wisdom is the Lord (6)

1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. NIV

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. NIV

C. Stores up sound wisdom for the upright and shields them (7)

Prov 2:7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, NASB

D. Stands guard over the just, & protects the faithful (8)

III. The products from wisdom for our life (9-11)

A. Sort out what is right, just, fair, and every good path (9)

B. Soul will find fulfillment as wisdom enters your heart (10)

C. Stand strong in discretion and understanding (11)