The favor of God brings light to even the darkest night.
This is the fourth message in Pastor Sharris’ series on the Favor of God where she explores the role of wisdom as it relates to God’s favor in our lives.
Key scripture for this series:
Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
What Wisdom is
Proverbs 3 is a great place to start when it comes to the subject of wisdom. Wisdom increases our maturity, and helps us walk in the consistent increasing favor of God. Immaturity is an enemy to Favor of God in our lives.
Wisdom is the proper interpretation and application of knowledge:
Knowledge + Understanding = Wisdom.
Proverbs 13:15 says, “Good understanding leads to favor.”
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
— Proverbs 3:13-16
Wisdom has 2 hands – one for length of days and the other for riches, favor and honor.
Increasing in Wisdom
Wisdom is the ability to discern times, seasons, and situations we face in life. It is the ability to resolve a problem. Wisdom has the answer to difficult issues, along with sound judgment concerning good and evil.
How do we increase in Wisdom?
Ask God – Solomon is our example. When he became king over Israel he asked God for wisdom. (2 Chronicles 1:6-12) James tells us flat out to ask God for wisdom if we lack it. (James 1:5-8) God gives to all liberally!
Be a student of scriptures – Base your decisions on the Word. Here’s why:
- God’s word is true
- You will begin to make better judgment calls
- The power in the word is profound.
- Let the Word make decisions for you! Submit to the Word!
- We need to be in unity in the Word and we can do what God has called us to do.
- Hebrews 4:2 – The word + faith = wisdom
Walk with wise people – ask others for counsel who have been where you are! We are all ignorant about things so surround yourself with people who know what you don’t. We have blind spots and need counsel in areas we don’t know things about. There are parts of our body that we can’t see. Sometimes we are grateful for it!
Search and seek for doing good, and right– you will find favor. If you seek evil or wrong it will find you. Malice is a dangerous thing, you will fall into malice. Haman is a great example. What about malice toward your boss?
Do the right thing no matter how uncommon it seems. Lack of common sense is far too common in the world. Knowledge alone causes arrogance and deceit. It must be coupled with understanding.
Listen
You can listen to this week’s message online via the player below.
Or if you prefer, you can download the MP3. (Right click on that link and save the file on your local computer.)
