Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Lies Against God’s Wisdom • Many people who accept the Bible doubt that what God He says either applies to them or is the best thing. • The devil tells all sorts of lies, but ultimately his lies are against the character and nature of God • Satan’s lies & slander deceived
General Slanders against God’s Wisdom • Genesis 3: 5 - Satan slanders God’s wisdom in restricting them from the Knowledge of Good and Evil • Finite man tries to force the infinite God into the box with him and restrict God’s wisdom to his own.
General Slanders against God’s Wisdom • Man’s rationality is at best a flawed reflection of God, but starkly different - Isaiah 55: 9 • Satan slanders God’s wisdom by finding & feeding your sense of pride so that you think you know better
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Theology • Theologians err when intellectual pride pushes them to limit God by their own understanding • We strive to resolve theological tensions, but we cannot demand it (Matt. 13: 17; 1 Pet. 1: 10 -12; Deut. 29: 29) • Context is to control
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Creation • The academic world rejects it because of their philosophy is limited to their own wisdom • Some reject God altogether while others advocate a lesser god of their own imagination
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Creation • Tragically, many Christians subject their interpretation of the Bible to secular musings • They reject the God of the Bible for a lesser god they can understand according to their own wisdom
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Redemption • The wisdom of God operates on a different plane - Isaiah 55: 6 -9 • The wisdom of man rejects the gospel - 1 Corinthians 1: 21 -25 • Human wisdom demands that there must be some work on the part of humans to achieve favor with God
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Lying • Ephesians 4: 25 - Yet many professing Christians do routinely lie • Lies for personal convenience. • Why do we lack the courage to be honest and the grace to be loving?
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Lying • Lies to achieve goals and avoid problems • Satan’s slanders can make the prohibition on lying seem unwise & unloving • Man’s wisdom usually differs from God’s because the goals are not the same.
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Life’s Purpose • Matthew 6: 19 -21 • Few Christians actually subject their life goals to God's wisdom, most still pursue things of this world • Material possessions can quickly lose value, be destroyed or stolen • Fame is fleeting and the crowds’
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Life’s Purpose • Those in power are eventually replaced by those wanting that power / position • Pleasure is momentary and has a diminishing return • What would you sacrifice / compromise to gain the things in the world you want?
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Life’s Purpose • Worldly wisdom dictates making finances / the economy the priority. • Godly wisdom focuses on morality • Worldly wisdom dictates preserving your treasures by all means.
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Life’s Provision • Matthew 6: 19 -24 - man will be controlled by what he sets his heart upon • Matthew 6: 25 -32. God commanded us not to be anxious, for He cares & provides for all creation • Matthew 6: 33. We are to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first. He will take care of providing
Slanders Against God’s Wisdom Life’s Provision • Man’s wisdom compromises God’s kingdom and righteousness in order to provide for self. • Ephesians 6: 5 -8. Our real boss is Jesus Christ regardless of who signs the paycheck • Business ethics have rapidly degenerated because man’s wisdom has supplanted God’s wisdom
Discerning Godly & Worldly Wisdom • 1) Compare what is being suggested with what God says about the same subject in His word ➢If needed, spend the time researching the issue in the Scriptures to find its direction
Discerning Godly Wisdom & Worldly Wisdom • 2) Examine the behavior & deeds of those advising you and the outcome of following that advice - James 3: 13 -18
• Worldly wisdom • Godly wisdom • Jealousy • Peace • Selfish ambition • Gentleness • Arrogance • Reason • Hypocrisy • Mercy • Lying • Good fruits • Steadfastness • Sincerity
• Are you walking in submission to the Lord’s wisdom or trying to succeed on your own? • What marks your wisdom?
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
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