100630 Let’s Talk Choices 2
Choosing Wisely
Tim Franklin
Introduction:
· Just as there are laws of nature that govern the universe, so there are principles of life that govern our relationships. The laws of nature force us to respect rules for living. For example, the law of gravity.
· God has established laws/principles in His Word that if followed give us fruitful lives and if violated have consequences. Following God’s laws or principles are a choice. Just as Adam and Eve had a choice in the Garden of Eden to either follow God or disobey God. They chose to disobey, broke a law and activated harsh consequences—pain.
· Some do not understand this, and dislike following rules God has established. The rebellion or breaking of these rules ends up causing us and others pain in the long run.
· If I am going to make right choices I need wisdom or the proper usage of knowledge I have.
1. The Beginning of Wisdom
A. Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. NKJV
B. Name three wise people of the Old Testament. Solomon, Joseph, Daniel. Why were they considered wise? Solomon asked for wisdom from God. Joseph had the best interest of the people of Egypt in mind. Daniel studied the word of God and the prophets. Who are two people you know who are wise? Why do consider them wise?
i. “Wisdom is the right use or exercise of knowledge. It is making a right choice for a praiseworthy, excellent end.” Webster
C. Where does wisdom come from?
i. God/Gods Word. Proverbs 2:6For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; NKJV From the mouth of God—His words.
ii. Parents
a. Proverbs 2:1-2 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; NKJV
b. Proverbs 3:21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes — Keep sound wisdom and discretion; NKJV
c. Proverbs 23:15 My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice — indeed, I myself; NKJV
iii. Church
a. Ephesians 3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, NKJV
iv. Government 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. NKJV see James 3:17…the result of good government is the definition of wisdom in James.
D. “Everyone is under certain God-ordained authorities, such as parents, government, and the church. The purpose of God-ordained authority is to provide protection, direction, instruction, and provision. Authorities have a duty to do what is right, and should never ask someone to do evil. When this does happen, the one under authority should make a wise appeal, with right motives, as Daniel did when he was asked to eat the king’s food, but never do wrong (Daniel 1:8–16).” Bill Gothard
2. Get Wisdom
A. Read Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. NKJV
i. How do we get wisdom?
a. We ask. James 1:5 Share a time you asked someone for wisdom.
b. We listen especially to those we consider to be godly. Who you listen too makes all the difference.
c. We keep wise words near us. When we find wisdom do not let it get away from you. Love it.
d. We must know that wisdom is a key to life/living so we must seek it.
e. We must be taught wisdom. Proverbs 4:11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. NKJV
f. We must pay attention. Proverbs 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, NKJV What does it mean to pay attention?
B. If you had a choice between wisdom and rubies what would you choose? If you had a choice between wisdom and gold what would you choose?
i. Read 2Chron 1:10-12
ii. How is wisdom better than gold or rubies? Rubies and gold are self satisfying they are material with little depth. Motive becomes the issues. More interested in fame than wisdom which is/provides peace, purity, others, …see james 3:17.
a. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. NKJV
b. Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. NKJV
C. Describe a recent time you made a wise choice.
3. You choose
A. Read Dt 30:19-20. What was Moses hoping his people would do? Choose wisely and choose life.
B. What keeps you from choosing wisely?
i. Un-renewed mind Romans 12:2 We do not know what God says or thinks about a thing. If I do not know what God says then I can’t do what He expects or what will help me the most.
ii. Soul wounds/broken heart—breeds mistrust. When a parent/person hurts our heart it is harder to trust them the next time. Broken hearts usually result in anger and bitterness dwelling in our heart. When we have that anger or bitterness in our heart we choose not to act or speak wisely.
iii. Peer pressure/fear—we are more afraid of what others will think about us than what God thinks about us. Fear of what others think will often cause people to do things they do not want to do.
iv. I do not practice choosing wisely on a regular basis--habit. When we regularly make right choices it become easier to choose righteously. It is like learning a new habit.
Conclusion:
· The next few weeks we will be looking at other topics that involve choices. For example: choosing friends, a life mate, right words etc.
· Because these topics require choice to be made. We need wisdom. And David said, in all your getting get wisdom. If I can obtain wisdom in life I will be on my way to being empower to make the right choice.
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