Class Lesson October 29, 2017

Choosing Christ-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World

Brushing your teeth has become second nature to you—an action so often repeated that it now exists in the realm of muscle memory.                                                                                                                         
In Christ, Christians are given a new nature, new desires, new tastes, and a new lifestyle. As we continue to grow in Christ, we will develop consistent patterns of living that are the spiritual equivalent of brushing your teeth—patterns of thinking, believing, and acting that become so ingrained in us that we scarcely even think about them.

Through the lives of seven biblical characters, this study will bring out some of those patterns that grow out of our belief in the gospel. We’ll be challenged to actively develop these character traits until they become second nature.

Last week we examined Caleb's Unwavering Faith and this week we'll look into Solomon's Unfailing Wisdom.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

In a single day, most of us can become well-informed in virtually any subject. The sleeping patterns of the aardvark; the inner-workings of a carburetor; the preparation of crème brûlée; the gravitational pull of Mars—thanks to the Internet, we can accumulate enough knowledge on any of these subjects to have a stimulating conversation at any dinner party. 

We’re flooded with information of all kinds, and we’re continually exchanging knowledge. Every second of every day, six thousand tweets are tweeted, over forty thousand Google queries are searched, and more than two million emails are sent. 

In short, we’re swimming in an ocean of knowledge while dying of thirst for wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are two very different things, and wisdom is by far the more valuable of the two. 

As we’ll see in the life of Solomon, relying on God’s wisdom must become second nature to us so that our lives, and not just our intellect, reflect who God is and who He has called us to be.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 

1 Kings 3:3-9 

3 Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?” 6 And Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to your servant, my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 “Lord my God, you have now made your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. 8 Your servant is among your people you have chosen, a people too many to be numbered or counted. 9 So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” 

As we open the Book of 1 Kings, we find Solomon freshly appointed as the new King of Israel. By taking that role, he followed in the footsteps of the greatest king the people had known. He inherited a throne his father had taken to the highest of heights. And all of this happened when Solomon was less than 20 years old. 

Talk about pressure! So, what does a young man do when he knows he’s in over his head? What does he do when he knows he isn’t up to the challenge? Solomon made many mistakes in his life, but in this moment, he absolutely did the right thing: he prayed. 

In his youth, Solomon was aware of something that often escapes us: we are utterly, completely, and inescapably dependent upon God. We can try to convince ourselves of our ingenuity, cleverness, and experience, but in the end, we are fragile and feeble creatures who only exist by the will and grace of our Creator. 

What’s the difference between 

wisdom and knowledge? 

Solomon also knew a bit about what he needed. So many times, when we find ourselves in over our heads in a given situation, our knee-jerk response is to pray for deliverance. We petition God to change our circumstances. We want to get out of whatever is making us feel uncomfortable. But Solomon did something different. Instead of asking God to remove the struggles and challenges he would face as king, Solomon asked instead for the wisdom and discernment to operate within those struggles and challenges. 

1 Kings 3:10-14 

10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this. 11 So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to administer justice, 12 I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again. 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no king will be your equal during your entire life. 14 If you walk in my ways and keep my statutes and commands just as your father David did, I will give you a long life.” 

When has God given you 

more than you asked for? 

The gravity of verse 10 should not escape us: the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request. Something about what Solomon asked, and how he asked it, touched the heart of God. 

Three things stand out about Solomon’s request for wisdom: 

• The request was made humbly. Solomon knew he couldn’t muster up the wisdom necessary to do the job he’d been given. So, he came to the Lord with a humble spirit and asked God to do for him what he could not do for himself. 

• The request made much of God. As Solomon was humbled, the Lord and His power were uplifted. When we humbly acknowledge our own deficiency, we simultaneously acknowledge the overflowing sufficiency of God. When God responds to our humble requests, we cannot make the claim of being wise or powerful or clever on our own. In the eyes of the world, God is lifted up and shown to be great, for His power is made perfect in our weakness. (See 2 Cor. 12:9.) 

• The request was for the sake of others. When Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom, it’s true that he was the recipient of that gift. But it’s equally true that Solomon did not want this gift purely for his own benefit. The entire community— and more—would benefit and be strengthened. 

I wonder, if we honestly evaluated our own prayer lives, how many of our requests would be purely for our own comfort, ease, or advancement. It delights the heart of God to see His children seeking good for others. 

The end result of Solomon’s prayer is that God granted his request. Thankfully, our God still delights not only in hearing from His people, but in giving them what they need. For that reason, when we approach the throne of God’s grace, we should examine ourselves to see if we’re asking humbly, in a way that makes much of God, and that will benefit others. 

Such an attitude in our prayers both demonstrates and produces wisdom in our lives. 

How do we gain and apply wisdom in our daily lives? 

1 Kings 4:29-34 

29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations. 32 Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005. 33 He spoke about trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also spoke about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34 Emissaries of all peoples, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. 

Wisdom doesn’t end with the person who receives it. Rather, God intends for wisdom to be pushed out through His people for the sake of others. We see that principle at work in the passage above. God’s gift of wisdom didn’t stay with Solomon; its benefits were spread out across the known world. 

In short, God expects His blessings to be shared, not hoarded. 

This is another way in which wisdom is different from knowledge. While knowledge can be accumulated simply for the purpose of having information or for being recognized as the resident expert, wisdom is meant to be exercised and used. 

In this way, the difference between knowledge and wisdom is like the difference between a body builder and a lumberjack. A body builder and a lumberjack are both strong. Both have built up their muscles. But the bodybuilder is building muscle only for the purpose of showing it off. A lumberjack is building muscle to put it to use and complete a task. Real wisdom is of little use until it hits the streets in real life. 

God has given us wisdom to share with the world. Our friends, neighbors, and communities all benefit when we make the Christ-centered choice of seeking that wisdom each day. 

What are some practical ways to communicate 

God’s wisdom in a positive way? 

LIVE IT OUT 

What steps can you take to seek out God’s wisdom this week? Consider the following suggestions: 

• Read. True wisdom is found in reading God’s Word. Commit yourself to read one chapter from the Book of Proverbs each day this month.                                                                                    
• Memorize. Memorize Proverbs 9:10, a proverb written by Solomon: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”                                                                                                                                                     
• Meet. Who is one person whose wisdom you could benefit from? Contact that person and request to meet one on one so that you can learn from his or her insights. Or consider being a mentor to someone who could benefit from the wisdom God has given you. 

Yes, knowledge is out there—more than you or I know what to do with. But while knowledge might increase our prominence or reputation, wisdom is to be more treasured than gold. Humbly pray for wisdom and trust the God who is generous in answering. 

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Teacher's Notes:

Solomon: Unfailing Wisdom - Thanks to the Internet, we can accumulate knowledge on any subject. Some would say, we’re swimming in an ocean of knowledge while dying of thirst for wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are two very different things, and wisdom is by far the more valuable of the two. 

What is wisdom? What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?

Knowledge                 Wisdom

• The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” 
• Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” 

Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. 

• Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. 
• Wisdom acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is applied knowledge. 
• Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. 
• Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. 
• Knowledge knows how to use a gun; wisdom knows when to use it and when not.
• Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. 
• Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him.
• Wisdom is a gift from God. 

James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him.

Christ-centered living chooses wisdom from God, not simply knowledge.

Introduction: Child custody cases are always difficult, but this one was harder than most, because it involved determining maternity. Two women stood before the judge, each claiming that a living baby was hers. No witnesses were available, and blood tests and DNA tests had not been invented. How could the judge determine which woman was the true mother? With insight and wisdom, he ordered, “Bring me a sword. I will cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” One of the women cried, “Please . . . give her the baby! Don’t kill him!” This woman’s response revealed to the judge that she was the true mother. His decision was a stroke of genius, some would say, but it was far more than that. It was true wisdom. The judge was Solomon, the king of Israel. His wisdom was known throughout the known world. People — common and royalty — came from far and wide to hear his wisdom. His wisdom did not come naturally; his wisdom was supernatural. In fact, it was a gift from God.

Turn with me to 1 Kings chapter 3 and let’s read what Solomon does to obtain this gift from God. 

I. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment                                       1 Kings 3:3-9 

3 Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?” 6 And Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to your servant, my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 “Lord my God, you have now made your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. 8 Your servant is among your people you have chosen, a people too many to be numbered or counted. 9 So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” 

Does anyone know how old Solomon was when he became king?

• He was less than 20 years of age.

So, what does a young man do when he knows he’s in over his head? 

• He prayed. He sought God’s help, approval, and guidance. 

If God offered to answer a request of yours, what would you ask for? 

What would you ask for? 

• Wealth? Who doesn’t want more money? Power? A larger kingdom? A bigger stake in the action? Who doesn’t want to be more in control? Personal beauty? A little vain, but who would turn that down? Long life? As long as good health goes with it, everyone wants that. A beautiful wife? A handsome husband? A special honor or award? Musical or athletic ability? You name it. Solomon could have it. 

What did Solomon ask for?

• He asked for an understanding mind, the ability to discern right from wrong. 
• If God says to you, “Ask whatever you want from me and I will give it to you,” ask for wisdom. Wisdom is better than wealth, power, beauty, a long life, and prestige.

What made Solomon’s request so different? 

• Solomon was aware of something that often escapes us: we are utterly, completely, and inescapably dependent upon God. 
• When we find ourselves in over our heads, our response is to pray for deliverance. We petition God to change our circumstances. We want to get out of whatever it is. But Solomon did something different. Instead of asking God to remove the struggles and challenges he would face as king, Solomon asked instead for the wisdom and discernment to operate within those struggles and challenges.

Points: 

1. God reveals Himself to those who love Him and worship Him regularly. 
2. Of all the attributes we may need to serve the lord, none is greater than a desire to hear clearly and obey completely His Word to us.

II. God will Give us Wisdom                                                          1 Kings 3:10-14 

10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this. 11 So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to administer justice, 12 I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again. 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no king will be your equal during your entire life. 14 If you walk in my ways and keep my statutes and commands just as your father David did, I will give you a long life.” 

Solomon asked for wisdom and God gave it. 

• He gave Solomon “a wise and understanding heart”. A wise and understanding heart is an attentive, obedient, responsive mind, able to listen to the truth and apply it. It sees beneath the surface and looks with insight into people, things, and God. Issues are rarely black and white; they’re usually a shade of gray. A wise and understanding heart enables one to see simplicity in the midst of complexities, to understand direction in the midst of uncertainty, and to see truth in the midst of confusion. The gift of a wise and understanding heart provides insight for effective living. It’s divine discernment. 

Look at verse 10: the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request. Something about what Solomon asked, and how he asked it, touched the heart of God. What was it?

1. The request was made humbly. Solomon came to the Lord with a humble spirit and asked God to do for him what he could not do for himself.                                                                                        
2. The request made much of God. When we humbly acknowledge our own deficiency, we acknowledge the overflowing sufficiency of God.                                                                                                                  
3. The request was for the sake of others. Solomon did not want this gift purely for his own benefit. The entire community— and more—would benefit and be strengthened. 

If we honestly evaluated our own prayer lives, how many of our requests would be purely for our own comfort, ease, or advancement?

• It delights the heart of God when we seek good for others. 

When we pray for God’s grace, we should examine ourselves to see if we’re asking humbly, in a way that makes much of God, and that will benefit others. 

Points: 

1. God is pleased when we focus our attention on godly things. 
2. God has expectations for how we are to live our lives. Faithfulness to His expectations may bring even more blessing.

III. Others Benefit When We Live According to God’s Wisdom         1 Kings 4:29-34 

29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations. 32 Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005. 33 He spoke about trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also spoke about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34 Emissaries of all peoples, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. 

What was the benefit? 

• Solomon’s wisdom became known throughout the world. People, including kings and nobles, came to learn from Solomon. He shared his insights and knowledge. In fact, we are privy to many of Solomon’s teachings today that are included in his book of wisdom called Proverbs. As the people came to Solomon to learn of his wisdom, we need to learn from the wisdom of others. 

What are we supposed to do with wisdom?

• God expects His blessings to be shared, not hoarded. 
• This is another way in which wisdom is different from knowledge. While knowledge can be accumulated simply for the purpose of having information or for being recognized as the resident expert, wisdom is meant to be exercised and used. 

Points: 

1. Anything in which we excel is to be considered a gift from the Lord. 
2. Whatever God gives us is to be used for the benefit of others.

God has given us wisdom to share with the world. Our friends, neighbors, and communities all benefit when we make the Christ-centered choice of seeking that wisdom each day.

How can you seek God’s wisdom as a matter of habit?

Why do believers turn quickly to the world’s wisdom (psychology, self-help programs, etc.) when God offers His wisdom?

• “Philosophy” comes from two Greek words meaning, “the love of wisdom.” Worldly philosophers are not so much in love with wisdom as they are with their own wisdom! They are not so much interested in how to live wisely before God, whose existence they question or deny, but rather in showing how wise they are in being able to win arguments.

How can you seek God’s wisdom as a matter of habit?

James 1:5-8 

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

1. Know that God is the source for all wisdom.

2. Know that God reveals His wisdom by His Spirit through His Word.

God’s wisdom does not come as a sudden revelation or impression that hits out of nowhere. You won’t find it in “Dear Abby” or Reader’s Digest, unless they accidentally say something that coincides with God’s Word. God’s wisdom comes directly from God and is revealed in His Word. It especially centers in the knowledge of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3; see also, Col. 1:9; Eph. 1:16-17). God reveals His wisdom by the Holy Spirit to those who are spiritual (1 Cor. 2:6-16). That wisdom has to do with knowing how to apply biblical truth to particular situations in life. Thus if you are not spending consistent time learning God’s Word, you will not have the wisdom that you need when trials hit. The time to seek wisdom from God is before the calamity hits (Prov. 1:20-33).

3. Know that God reveals His wisdom by His Spirit through His Word to those whose hearts are fully His.

James goes on to say that we must ask God for wisdom “in faith without any doubting” (1:6), and that the one who doubts is “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (1:8). The Greek word, literally, is a “double-souled” man. It refers to a man whose heart is divided between allegiance to God and the allurements of the world. In other words, he’s not sure that he wants to know God’s wisdom, because he isn’t fully committed to submitting to it. It would be nice to know God’s wisdom for his situation, but before he commits to obeying it, he needs to find out if he likes it. In other words, he’s shopping for answers that fit what he wants to do. If God’s wisdom sounds good, he’ll follow it. But if worldly wisdom sounds better, he’ll follow that. James says that such a person will not receive anything from the Lord.

Yes, knowledge is out there—more than you or I know what to do with. But while knowledge might increase our prominence or reputation, wisdom is to be more treasured than gold. Humbly pray for wisdom and trust the God who is generous in answering.

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan