Where Do We Go From Here? - Wise Up

February 14, 2021
Chris Seidman, Sr. Minister

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Proverbs 27:14 (NIV)
If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

What Is “Wise” In This Context?

Living wisely is making the most of an opportunity as a follower of Jesus.

Living wisely–making the most of an opportunity–involves understanding the Lord’s will.

Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit … .

Living wisely means recognizing “the path” we’re getting on in the decision we’re making.

1 Kings 3:5 (NIV)
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

1 Kings 3:9-13 (NIV)
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.

I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both wealth and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.”

Proverbs 2:6, 9-15 (NIV)
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding … . Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart … . Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and devious in their ways.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV)
Blessed are those who find wisdom … for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Proverbs 4:5-8 (NIV)
Get wisdom, get understanding … . Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

When It Comes To Decision-Making, Wising Up Involves …

Asking God for it regularly.

James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Finding some wise men and women to walk with consistently.

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Following Jesus closely.

1 Corinthians 1:24 (NIV)
… Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:1-2 (NIV)
… Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption … . For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Communion

Are you walking with a wise person or two?