The Marks of Heavenly Wisdom -- Zac Poonen -- April 6, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-marks-of-heavenly-wisdom River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that wisdom, which is superior to mere knowledge, is the greatest requirement for all areas of life, including personal, family, and church life. Wisdom is acquired through enduring trials, which test and build faith to produce endurance and completeness. Believers are encouraged to recognize their lack of wisdom and ask God for it in faith, knowing that He gives it generously and without reproach.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why wisdom is greater than knowledgeWisdom is a matter of life for our personal, family, work, and church life, whereas bible knowledge is merely a matter of intellect and memory.
The purpose of trials and asking without reproachGod uses trials to produce endurance and make us complete in wisdom, promising to give it generously and without ever rebuking us for our failures.James 1:2–5
What it means to ask in faithFaith is simply trusting that if earthly parents know how to give good things to their children, our heavenly father will give good things to those who ask.
The danger of jealousy and selfish ambitionShowing off in church or being jealous of others who are more gifted is proof of demonic wisdom rather than godly wisdom.
Rooting out the cancer of selfish ambitionJealousy and selfish ambition cause division and disorder in families and churches, requiring radical surgery from God to build a healthy body.
Pure and peaceableHeavenly wisdom is first pure, battling impurity in thoughts, and peaceable, striving to avoid arguments and strife in every situation.
Gentle and reasonableWise people are gentle in correction like Jesus and reasonable, meaning they are willing to listen to reason rather than being stubborn.
Full of mercy, unwavering, and without hypocrisyWisdom means forgiving everyone who has ever hurt you, refusing to show partiality among people, and being completely free from hypocrisy.
