(Text and Audio)
Title: Real Wisdom
Today’s introduction comes courtesy of the wisdom of Cory Finton:
The Cult of Oprah. Cory’s point that the conclusion point of almost every film in existence is that you should follow your heart to make yourself happy, no matter what. Any other examples of the difference between real wisdom and fake wisdom?
- What is Real Wisdom? (Three Points)
This is not Godly wisdom or judgement that is passed over. It is obviously a rebuke of worldly wisdom. We know this because of the numerous verses in scripture that praise Godly wisdom:
- In Exodus chapter 31 the LORD tells Moses: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship…”
POINT: Godly wisdom comes when God blesses us with it.
2. In Acts chapter six when the early church is deciding how to handle the ministry to the widows, we see the apostles instruct the church, “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…”
POINT: Believers have the ability to recognize Godly wisdom in other believers.
3. Finally, Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:13 “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
POINT: The Holy Spirit teaches wisdom. Whether through scripture, prayer, other believers, or life experiences, the Holy Spirit is always our guide.
- This is NOT an open invitation
We hear language all the time from churches that “salvation is in our hands” or that “we just have to chose to be with Jesus” or that “Jesus has offered salvation to everyone.”
I have no idea how you can reconcile that line of thinking with what Jesus says here. If there is one point I’d like to make an emphasis on this morning it is this: God is just as active in “hiding these things from the wise” as he is in “revealing them to babes.”
Just as it was with Noah, so it is with us, God chooses his own.
Just as it was with Abram, so it is with us, God chooses his own.
Just as it was with Israel, so it is with us, God chooses his own.
Just was it was with the calling of the 12, so it is with us, God chooses his own.
In his commentary on this passage, J.I. Packer says this:
God is sovereign in choosing those to whom He will reveal His truth. No one can know God by worldly wisdom and learning.
And he compares what Jesus says here to what Paul later re-emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
III. Okay, Why Then?
Question: Why would Jesus thank his father that he’s “hidden these things from the wise and prudent?”
It reminds us to always be humble, for who has given counsel to the Lord.
It seemed good in God’s sight. (God’s decision are never wrong, and always worthy of praise.)
It praises the selection of the meek over the prudent, thus amplifying God and not men.