For July 25, 2010
One of the things we may hope for in our spiritual lives is the wisdom to make good choices. This is another way to look at last week’s examination of discernment. We will start with some words from the writer of Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:17-19 I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
1. How would you describe wisdom, how do you know it when you see it? Is there a difference between wisdom and knowledge? Are the two interconnected? What are some typical ways in which we increase both of them in a secular setting?
2. What specific wisdom does the writer pray we would have? Why do we need to get to know God better?
3. What are the three things the balance of the scripture tells us come from knowing God better? When have any of these things been important in your life?
4. Do you think that your faith life has increased your wisdom? In what ways?
Wisdom for Spiritual Health
Ephesians 5:15 Take care how you live. Do not live like people who are not wise, but live like people who are wise.
1. What are some criteria you use to select role models? What parts of your life have benefitted from role models? Can role models be helpful in some areas but the same person bad in others?
2. What happens when a role model lets us down? Is it inevitable?
3. When have you been a role model for others? Should this be something we should endeavor to do?
16Make good use of time because people live in very wrong ways these days.
17So then, be wise and understand what the Lord wants.
1. How do you interpret the writer’s comment about the way in which people live? What are some things that cause us to waste time?
2. What resources do you use to address and solve problems, set priorities, make important life choices? What is the recommendation here?
3. How do we come to “understand what the Lord wants”? Will we always receive clear direction or does it happen in other ways? Can you think of specific example of being guided by what you think God wanted for you?
18Do not get drunk with wine. That is living in a wrong way. But be filled with the Spirit.
1. What are some reasons many people become victims of substance abuse? What is this suggesting as an alternative? Do you know of examples of people whose faith helped them overcome some type of addiction?
2. Do you like being around people who seem to be ‘filled with the Spirit’? How does it manifest itself? What do you think causes this type of behavior?
3. Have you ever felt ‘filled with the spirit’? Did you share the experience with anyone?
19Speak to one another by the songs in the holy writings, and songs of praise, and Christian songs. Sing and make a joyful noise in your hearts to the Lord.
1. What is your take away from this advice? Should we stop listening to the Rolling Stones?
2. What are some ways in which we can incorporate this advice into our lives? Have you experienced the benefits of taking this advice?
20Always thank God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Why is it important to give thanks to God for the things that happen in our lives? Who is giving thanks most important to? Why?
2. How is it possible to thank God when bad things happen? What might we thank God for in these circumstances?
Fear and Wisdom
"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom," appears in one form or another several times in the Old Testament. Read the commentary on fear below and reflect on the duality of its meaning:
FEAR: " 'Yara' is the common word for fear in the OT and has a basic two-fold range of meanings: (1) 'dread; terror' (Deu 1:29; Jon 1:10), (2) 'to stand in awe' (1Ki 3:28), (3) 'to revere; to respect' (Lev 19:3). With the LORD as the object, it captures the polar opposites of shrinking back in fear and drawing close in awe and adoration. Both categories of meaning appear in Exo 20:20 (where the LORD descended upon Sinai amidst geophysical convulsions); Moses encouraged the Israelites to not be afraid of God arbitrarily striking them dead for no reason ('Do not fear!') but informed the people that the LORD revealed himself in such a terrifying manner to scare them from sinning ('God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him in you so that you do not sin'). The fear of the LORD is expressed in reverential submission to his will -- the characteristic of true worship. Agora Bible Commentaries
1. How do you think that we should approach and understand God in seeking wisdom? Have you had some practical experiences which contribute to your “fear” of God?
Closing Litergy
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant for ever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures for ever. From Psalm 111
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