The Walk of Wisdom

 By Andy Foster

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Turn to Ephesians 5:15-17 and worship together as we look at God’s holy word. As we look and meditate upon our scripture in Ephesians this morning, let us consider how these truths can change our lives and our church. The book of Ephesians is a storehouse of spiritual treasure for the Christian as it lays out who we are in Christ. In chapter 5, Paul exhorts the church at Ephesus to be imitators of God; avoid any hint of impurity or immorality, and to live as children of light. This brings us to our passage found in Ephesians 5:15-17 where the church is exhorted to live a life of wisdom. Let us consider these words penned by Paul and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Eph 5:15-17 15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

The church as a whole faces a world that bombards us with confusion, lures us in with it’s deception and leaves us to walk through a spiritual minefield. Churches are enticed with the latest fads, movements, philosophies and tactics to supposedly improve church health. As individuals, we are faced with finding our way through the same maze. We struggle as Christians with how to live in this world and not be of this world. While we know the truths God has given to us, we often struggle on how to live it out practically in a real and meaningful way.

As a church, we are a body of authentic Christians who are a truth seeking and truth loving people. But we are no less vulnerable to Satan’s attacks or deception. The most subtle and most crippling attacks can be on the very truths we hold and the attributes we cherish. If we say we are loving, then Satan looks divide, if we way we are authentic then Satan will entice into falling into a kind of external religion while the heart grows cold. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “You may be congratulating yourself, saying, “I have hitherto walked consistently; no one can challenge my integrity.” Beware of boasting, for your virtue will be tested. Satan will direct his engines against that very virtue for which you are the most known. If you have been a firm believer, it won’t be long until your is attacked. If you have been as meek as Moses, expect to be tempted to speak unadvisedly. The birds peck at the ripest fruit and wild boars dash their tusks at the choicest vines.”

How easy it is for us to rest on the shell of spirituality while the core is hollow and empty? That’s why it is imperative that we seek and follow God’s wisdom.

Be Careful…

Knowing the consequences of each decision we make and the ease at which we can make a misstep, God’s word calls us in verse 15, “to be careful”.

The term, “be careful”, carries the meaning to walk with precision, accuracy, and exactness. The Christian life is not a life left up to chance; it is a life of careful choices and forethought.

We can so easily go through our day without much thought to the condition of our spiritual faculties and without notice of the edge of the spiritual cliff that we may be approaching. We are called to be an alert people, not scouring the horizon to see our neighbor’s deeds, but inward to detect the first hint of spiritual numbness or decay. We are not to be a people that are aimless or casual, but should live life with purpose and direction. We are often careful about so many things, but how easy it is for us to become careless in the things that really matter.

Let us be a people who are careful in our plans and actions. Let us be careful in displaying Christ in our families, friendships and acquaintances, let us be careful in our speech and attitude, let us be careful in the handling of God’s word, and let us be a people that carefully approach God with awe, reverence and thanksgiving.

The search for wisdom

So how are we to live? The Holy Spirit shows us that we basically have two choices on how to live our lives. Either we walk it as unwise or wise.

To be unwise is to be foolish, or in other words senseless, aimless, and spiritually inept.

The world’s so called wisdom leads to foolishness.

So what is wisdom? Wisdom is the ability not only to know God’s truth but the ability to rightly apply God’s truth in a given situation. It’s the ability to take knowledge rooted in truth and apply it accurately and practically.

This ability to make right choices, detect the dangers of a deceptive world, and walk with precision comes through God’s wisdom. Wisdom is not reflected on how well you scored on the ACT/SAT, or how many degrees you have. Wisdom is demonstrated in places like the Wal-mart parking lot. It is there where your attitude and motives are tested, especially at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon.

It is important to note that knowledge differs from wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge rightly applied. Or we could say, wisdom is the application of knowledge. Obedience is the application of wisdom.

While our society has taken dramatic leaps in scientific, technological and other such knowledge, it has not displayed the same growth in common sense and spiritual wisdom.

This deficiency in Godly wisdom is summed up in 2 Tim 3:7 “always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”

Where does the world seek wisdom? (Dr. Phil, Oprah, O’reily factor, Hollywood, political leaders, learning institutions, self help books, and fortune cookies). Worldly wisdom is disguised as a noble pursuit of knowledge, when in fact it is a futile exercise in selfish ambition and pride. 1 Cor 3:18-20 says “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 20 and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."

Although we look at the world’s way of doing things with disgust, how easy it is for us to accept and follow the same patterns. How often is our utter disgust for the world’s ways, matched by fervor in prayer? In our disgust of the world’s wisdom, do we become so easily mesmerized by it that we neglect the careful study of God’s word.

So, wisdom is not merely stored knowledge but it is truth lived out. Rather than a storehouse of personal knowledge that sits in a vacuum somewhere in the dark corners of our soul, wisdom is God’s saving grace lived out in us in a practical way. Wisdom is to rightly and practically live out the truths and precepts found in God’s word. This is clearly stated in James 3:13-18 – 13, “who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

A.W. Tozer said, “Wisdom is always associated with righteousness and humility and is never found apart from Godliness and true holiness of life.”

The Origin of Wisdom

So where does wisdom originate? Prov 9:10 says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.

We could ponder what is to fear God for some time, but ultimately, to rightly fear God is to truly know him. It is to respond to God with reverence, awe, thanksgiving and praise.

Wisdom ultimately originates with “a fear of God”. In other words, wisdom is to have a right understanding and intimate knowledge of our creator and have an appropriate response. Each of us falls into one of the following categories of wisdom or the lack thereof. First there are people who have no fear of God and are at total enmity with him. Second, are those fear God’s wrath, but reject his redemption. Third, some truly care about their sin, but do not have a right relationship with God. Fourth are those who affectionately fear God with reverence and awe because God has redeemed them and they care greatly about minimizing the sin in their lives. A right fear of God brings intimacy with him.

Ps 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

Ps 147:11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Wisdom comes from truly knowing God, and is displayed by allowing Him to mirror his likeness in our lives. Without an intimate knowledge of our creator and his son Jesus Christ, we cannot know or practice wisdom.

To know wisdom is to know Christ. Without a relationship with Christ and allowing him to transform our lives, our attempts to live life with precision and accuracy are in vain.

Col 2:2-5 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

There is no other way to wisdom than to God himself.

Job 28:23-28 23 God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,

24 for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 25 When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, 26 when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, 27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. 28 And he said to man, “The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding".

Let us be careful not to deceive ourselves into a false sense of wisdom by counterfeiting it with lifeless knowledge, self made rules, expectations and ideologies. Ultimately, to know wisdom is to know Christ.

The Source of Wisdom

Now that we know where wisdom comes from, how do we get it? First, ask for it. James 1:5-6 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Do we ask for it as we make daily decisions at home, business or church?

Second, seek God’s word. Ps 19:7-14. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

As we seek the wisdom found in scripture, it is not merely a “how to” book on how to live. True words of wisdom are a window into God’s heart and a path of intimate knowledge of Him.

This intimacy comes in searching scripture. How do we look at scripture? Do we read and search the scriptures as we would a series of instructional books such as “how to live for dummies” or do we approach God’s Word the same way we drive into jiffy lube where we look for a quick fix and go.

Do we come to God’s word with awe, thirst and an anticipation of knowing the living God more intimately? Do we cling to every word anticipating what we might learn about our creator? A fear and right understanding God can only come through knowing him.

Scripture is not a litany of mere advice or principles, the words of scripture are the windows into Gods heart, the jewels upon which character shines, and the breath by which He speaks.

Do you remember getting love letters from the love of your life or maybe you still do? Did you put them down to read another time? Did you casually open it up and lazily read through it. Probably not. If you were like me when I received a letter from Heidi, you excitedly ripped into the letter wanting to see what your true love has to say. You would hang on every word, even if it’s just a daily itinerary, wanting to learn more about this person.

Do we desire to know God the same way and read of His character, love and power? As we have already read in Prov 9:10 10. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.

The Enemy of Wisdom

There are many enemies of Godly wisdom ready to divert us including the latest fads and gimmicks, movements and alliances, personal agendas, bias and hatred, distractions and amusements. However the greatest danger comes from self or pride.

The knowledge one gains does one of two things, it either puffs them up with pride and self reliance, or it reveals to us a great and sovereign God and our desperate need for him.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.”

To live as if we have true knowledge but truly lack it is most dangerous. To live a life foolishly is to ultimately choose self over God.

There are dire consequences to rejecting God’s wisdom.

Prov 1:22-33 - 22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you had responded o my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-- 27 when Calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, When distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28 "Then they will call to me but I will Not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. 29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, 30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

The consequence of rejecting God’s wisdom is not merely reflected in bad decisions, it is the loss of intimacy with the living God. It is God allowing our wrong actions take their course.

Isa 50:10-11 - 10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his

servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the

LORD and rely on his God. 11 But now, all you who light fires and provide

yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the

torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.

Do we walk in the light in our own fires? Do follow our own agendas? Do we seek the counsel of the almighty God in developing programs or ministries?

Let us be careful and walk wisely as a church that we do not put our plans and dreams before our relationship and adoration for God. Let us be cautious in our enthusiasm that we are joyful in the Lord not without Him.

The Effect of Wisdom

In verse 16, Paul speaks of “making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil”. We need the wisdom of God to control our lives because our time is short and opposition great. To live life with efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of life, we need work of Christ’s wisdom in our lives. In the prologue of Proverbs 1:1-6, we are given some essential benefits of wisdom. With wisdom comes: discernment, discipline, discretion, and ultimately an intimate knowledge of Christ. How we spend our time and energy is in direct proportion to the Godly wisdom we allow to permeate our souls

We are also warned in verse 17 not to fall into foolishness. Instead of guided by the steady hand of wisdom, we can easily fall into a frantic and panicked pace. To behave in a foolish manner is to try to function apart from God’s will which leads to frustration and ineffectiveness.

To end verse 17 Paul appeals to us to, “understand what the Lord’s will is.”. To understand the will of God for our lives comes from knowing him.

Does the knowledge we have cause us to fall in love with ourselves or with God. True knowledge and wisdom will give us a right view of ourselves and of God. It has been said “If God would concede to me his omnipotence (that is his infinite knowledge) for twenty four hours, you would see how many changes I would make in the world, but if he gave me his wisdom too, I would leave things as they are.” With wisdom comes a reliance in His will.

The conductor – We attended the Springfield symphony. As I watched the performance, I marveled at the timing and precision of the musicians, and lead of the conductor. Each of the musicians were attentive and focused on every movement of the conductor and relied on his instruction before striking the next note. They followed the conductors lead in the movement and nuance of each piece of music. They knew the conductor, their instruments were ready, they were attentive, they were obedient. Basically they had submitted to the will of the conductor.

In essence, this is a picture of wisdom which is to know and understand the will of God then follow it.

In conclusion

As we look forward with plans and goals, and the excitement of achieving them, let us not forget to be Christ dependent. Let us not forget our utter dependence on God our maker. Let us be attentive, ready, and obedient to His will. Let us be a people ready to follow the lead of our heavenly conductor. In this spirit of humility and obedience, there is wisdom.

If you do not know Christ, wisdom ultimately begins with repentance and the transformation of our lives through salvation. As a child of God then his Holy Spirit resides in you and illuminates the Word of God. This results in a renewing of your mind and ability to grow in God’s wisdom.

As we conclude with our look into God’s wisdom, let us encourage one another to seek His wisdom with all of our God given capacities and show His wisdom in all that we do and with all we have contact.

May we be spurred on to love one another, lift each other up in prayer and thanksgiving, just as Paul did for the Ephesian church.

Eph 1:15-19 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.