Tag: wise
Wise for salvation
Scripture reading for July 7: 1 Corinthians 1
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because you are in Christ Jesus, Who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”“ (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Paul had founded the church in Corinth and preached there for about a year and a half. He and his ministry team along with Pricilla and Aquila saw great numbers of Gentiles come to the Lord in this pagan city, known for its idolatry and sensuality. Consequently, this church experienced many problems that Paul would address in this letter. He began by reminding them of their original place in that culture. Not many were among those considered wise and powerful. Many were counted as nothing and possibly were slaves. Others may have been sickly or invalids, considered as the weakest of that culture. The world view prevalent in that culture valued wisdom, strength, and powerful positions and titles. It was very similar to this day and our culture.
But Paul reminded them that God specialized in choosing the weak and powerless and marginalized and giving them a place in His eternal kingdom. In fact, in Christ Jesus, they had received wisdom from God as their Father. He had declared them righteous before Him and set them apart as those marked to rule in His eternal kingdom. They may have had nothing to boast about in the culture of the world they lived in, but in God’s kingdom they could boast that they now knew the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who created all things. In fact, they were now adopted into His forever family! This knowledge unlocked wisdom for salvation and eternal riches beyond all earthly gold and silver or power and position.
As you consider you own life and how you are perceived in this culture, are you among the wise, those considered ‘valuable’, or the powerful? If you could boast about anything you have or have accomplished, what would it be? Do you have the wisdom offered through Jesus Christ for eternal life?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Son Jesus Christ. My world view has been expanded and my place in Your kingdom has been revealed. I give myself to You to be used to further Your eternal kingdom and purposes. My boast is in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Amen!
A workman approved!
Scripture reading for January 13th: 2nd Timothy 2
Key Scriptures: 2nd Timothy 2:8-10;14-15 “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my Gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the Word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” . . .”Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth.”
Paul’s reminder to Timothy continues as he wrote to him from prison in Rome and would soon suffer martyrdom. He calls to his remembrance Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, son of David, Son of God. Paul had unashamedly preached Jesus Christ and was now suffering and bound by chains. But Paul reminded Timothy not to be ashamed of his imprisonment or to fear his own. The Word of God was not chained and was producing the fruit of salvation and eternal glory in those who would receive. Paul encouraged Timothy to preach clearly the Word of God to his hearers and to continually present himself to God as His workman. God’s grace would enable him to rightly preach the whole truth and not be ashamed at Christ’s appearing. He wanted Timothy to hear “Well done, faithful servant!”
Psalm 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I will endure suffering for the sake of sharing the Seed of Your Word bringing salvation and eternal glory to those lost and in darkness. Keep my mind and heart focused on You alone! May the “unchained” Word go forth from me turning many to You!
Daniel 12:3 “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Walking in Love!
Scripture reading for June 10th: Proverbs 14-15, Romans 14
Key Scriptures: Romans 14:15-19 “For is your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Everything we do as believers should be motivated by love. If we have a brother or sister that believes that something we are eating is defiled and harmful, we must be mindful of their beliefs and not cause them to stumble. We should help them to see that God’s kingdom is not based on rules and regulations, but righteousness through faith in Christ Jesus. As we rest in Christ Jesus and His righteousness, we can enjoy peace with God and the joy of sins forgiven.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to walk in love towards my brothers and sisters today in all that I do and say. I have kingdom joy and peace today from resting in Jesus Christ for my righteousness.
Proverbs 14:15-16 “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.”
Avoid divisive people!
Scripture reading for July 4th: Romans 16, Psalm 133, Proverbs 9
Key Scriptures: Romans 16:17-19 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Paul warned the church to avoid people who were divisive and created controversy that opposed sound doctrine. The dividers were serving their own appetites and not the Lord Jesus. Paul then complimented them for their obedience and encouraged them to be wise about doing good and innocent concerning evil and division. This wisdom can be applied in every area of life and living.
Faith Confession: Thank You for the wisdom given me by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to be wise for good and innocent concerning evil. Help me to avoid divisive people and stand in sound doctrine.
Proverbs 9:10-11 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by Me your days will be multiplied and years will be added to your life.”