Pastor Michael Escamilla | Sept. 11, 2022
What Is Wise
Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Prayer
Paul prays the Gospel over the church in Ephesus.
Gospel: Good news
What is the wise thing for me to do?
Proverbs 14:15 (NIV)
The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
Don’t trade what you want most for what you want in the moment.
Proverbs 26:11 (NIV)
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
Proverbs 10:23 (NIV)
A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes …
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 9:7-8 (NIV)
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Correct the simple, and they won’t get you.
Correct the fool, and they will ignore you.
“Your foolishness has blinded you to your selfishness.”
Correct the mocker, and they will hate you.
Correct the wise, and they will thank you.
What is the wise thing for me to do?
Resources used and suggested for this message:
• “Ephesians” by N.T. Wright
• “How to Make Big Decisions Wisely” by Alan Elher
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear