Luke 2:41, 52 “when Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee… and the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him…, ...Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” (Eph 4:11-16; 20-32; Rom 12: Phil 2:1-18; Col 3)
If anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask…
Interpreting these times, learning to live in a way that is fruitful and effective. Being confident in God’s using our current circumstances to grow us into what He desires. Knowing what to do and how to do it, when to do it, when not to do it, and why and why not. This all takes wisdom. Why wisdom? It is life. It is Jesus (Gen 2:8-9; Ps 51:6; Prov 2:1-6; 8:17; 15:3-4: 12:18; 1Cor 1:30; Rev 2:7)
Wisdom, why? Why wisdom? What is it about wisdom that we should desire it? If obedience is God’s love language, then wisdom is His instructions as to how to obey, how to love, both Him and others. (Job 28; Prov 1:1-19; 2; 4; 8)
Proverbs 3:1-26,35
Where does wisdom start?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of… knowledge and wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov 1:7; 3:7; 9:10; 19:23; Ps 34; 111:10; Ecc 12:13; Isaiah 8:12-22; Micah 6:9)
Wisdom, first, that we would see God’s intentions in our lives, for our good and the good of those lives around us
That He, God, truly does “...in all things works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose…” that we would ”be conformed to the image of His Son… that He is for us…” and that in Jesus “...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…” and that nothing “...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:28-39)
James 1:1-12; Romans 5:1-5
Hope...
We have a hope, not wishful thinking, but, a hope, and in fact, a living hope in Jesus....
So what then is hope? This hope has in it an air of certainty, an eager expectation and anticipation of what we are sure of, of what’s been promised, trusting the One who makes the promise. And living? That is the fervent life of God’s Spirit in us bubbling life. So this is a fervent life bubbling up in us by His Spirit, that awakens our soul’s spirit to an eager expectation of God’s working now and eternally in our lives bringing joy and confidence, or, hope.
So, have hope! Thankfully, not a hope we conjure up in our fragile and shaky hearts, but a true and living hope in God eternal, the One who loves us so, who is unchanging and sure - Our Father, through HIs Son, Jesus, by His life giving Spirit. Hope.
1Peter 1:3-9; Romans 5:1-5; Psalm 33:20-22; 102:25-28; Heb 1:12; James 1:17
Wisdom, second, that would act wisely
Trusting God’s truth: the Word and Spirit to guide and lead us. To instruct and correct as we go. Not only for our sake, but for the sake of others. We must not underestimate the Holy Spirit's ability to make Himself known to us - He Who “...helps us in our weakness…” Who, when we no not what to pray “...Himself intercedes for…” us. Rom 8:26-27
1Kings 3:5-15
Wisdom, third, that you would be held in high esteem by others
For the purpose of pride? No. But that others would see you, respect you, and honor you - and that, God in you as He has revealed Himself, Jesus, and come to you to seek your counsel, allowing you to share with them the reason for your wisdom and hope (1Sam 2:21,26; Prov 3:4; 8:35; 10:11, 21; 12:2; 13:15; 16:24; Luke 1:80; 2:41,52; James 3:17)
1Peter 1:1-7 (Rom 5:3-4) ; 1Peter 3:8-16
