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This is the first sermon in our three-part Winter Warmers series on Proverbs. This sermon is “Wisdom”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-20
This is the first sermon in our three-part Winter Warmers series on Proverbs. This sermon is “Wisdom”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-20
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
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.
By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
CONNECT: Whatʼs one practical way that you can grow in your devotion to praying missionally?
WARM-UP
What is the biblical definition of wisdom?
On your frontlines, what actions or values are considered as ʻwiseʼ and something to pursue? What things could you ʻaffirmʼ and what things are against the wisdom of God?
Read Proverbs 3:1-12
According to the opening chapters of Proverbs, how does one begin to gain wisdom? What does this mean in practise?
What sort of things is the author calling us to do in these verses and what things are the fruit of these actions?
If we live according to these ways does this mean that we will live perfectly healthy and wealthy lives? Why/why not?
In what times and areas of your life do you find it easy or hard to trust in the Lord? Why? How do we know that God is trustworthy?
What are some ways in which we might be tempted to follow our own wisdom rather than Godʼs?
What does this passage tell us about when we face hardship or discipline? Why shouldnʼt we be trying to link these with sins? Why do we face them?
When life gets hard or tricky, how does this impact your relationship with God?
Read Proverbs 3:13-20
If the world was to finish the following sentence, what would they add? “Blessed are those who...”
What is the value of wisdom in this passage? Why does nothing of this world compare to the wisdom of God?
In your life, do you value wisdom? How does this work out in practice?
What is the wisest thing that a person can do?
APPLY: How could you grow in your appreciation and living out of Godʼs wisdom this week?
Loving Father, thank you that you have given us your word and your wisdom. Help us to pursue your wisdom, to fear you, to be in awe of you, and to live our lives in your wisdom. Through our lives, may people see your wisdom at work in us and come to know you. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities will you have to proclaim the gospel this week? If youʼre not sure - ask a friend!
Listen, Watch, and Read:
Listen: “On Life” by Simon Manchester
SERIES Resources:
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
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