Wisdom on SermonAudio

Christians are called to engage politically with wisdom, biblical conviction, and confidence in Christ, not fear, outrage, or tribal loyalty. Dave Jenkins explains on this new Equipping You in Grace show how Scripture shapes the conscience, why political identity must never replace identity in Christ, and how believers can think carefully about voting in a fallen world. For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 161 Embracing God's Design to Shape the Next Generation: Intro Ephesians 6:1-4 #morningreflections #strength #wisdom #mentoring #family

Theme: Compare the battery way of envy to the better way of Christ. 1). Envy and Rotten Bones 2). Envying Sin 3). The Bottomless Pit of Envy

Why is it that people can have the truth standing directly in front of them and still fail to recognize it? In Matthew 13 and 14, we see a powerful principle: the condition of the heart can distort what the eyes see. When Jesus returned to His hometown, the people were astonished by His wisdom and mighty works, yet they could not get past their familiarity with Him. They knew His family. They knew where He had grown up. To them, He was still "the carpenter's son." Instead of allowing the evidence to change their perception of Jesus, they forced Jesus back into the category in which they had always placed Him. Their familiarity became a stumbling block that contributed to their unbelief. Then Matthew takes us immediately to Herod and Herodias. Herod hears about Jesus, but his guilty conscience causes him to conclude that John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herodias sees John not as God's prophet, but as a threat because John exposed the sin she wanted to protect. Herod himself knows the people regard John as a prophet, yet fear, guilt, political pressure, and the opinions of others influence his actions. Nazareth looked through the lens of familiarity. Herod looked through the lens of guilt and fear. Herodias looked through the lens of rebellion and unrepentant sin. Different lenses—but the same result: distorted perception. In this message, Pastor Brandon Holthaus examines how familiarity, pride, guilt, fear, past experiences, and unrepentant sin can cause us to misinterpret people and even miss what God is doing right in front of us. Matthew 13:53–58

We see that because Nehemiah feared the Lord he did not fear man

The sermon explores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in granting believers spiritual wisdom and revelation. It contrasts human decision-making based on past experience with divine salvation, which originates from God's eternal love and grace rather than human merit. The preacher emphasizes that individuals are spiritually dead until the Holy Spirit quickens their hearts, enabling them to receive Christ and understand the gospel. Key passages from Ephesians, Hebrews, and Isaiah illustrate how God writes His laws on believers' hearts and bestows the Spirit of wisdom upon them. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on this divine revelation for daily decisions and eternal hope.

The sermon contrasts earthly wisdom, characterized by selfish ambition and disorder, with the pure and peaceable wisdom from above. It emphasizes that true biblical wisdom is demonstrated not through intellectual achievement but through humble conduct and gentleness. The preacher illustrates how jealousy leads to destructive behavior while godly wisdom fosters mercy, sincerity, and peacemaking. Using agricultural imagery, the message explains that individuals reap the consequences of what they sow in their daily interactions and decisions. Ultimately, the text directs believers to look to Christ as the source of true wisdom and strength to live out these virtues.

This sermon defines biblical worship as the redeemed people's response to God's self-revelation, emphasizing that true worship is fundamentally God-centered rather than human-centric. The preacher argues that worship occurs when believers encounter God through His Word and Spirit, leading to a spontaneous exaltation of His glory in Christ. Key elements include humbling oneself before God's wisdom, proclaiming His attributes, and cultivating a deep desire for communion with Him. The message challenges congregants to focus on God's character and deeds rather than personal preferences or performance during services. Ultimately, beholding the glory of the Lord transforms believers into His image, making worship both an act of praise and a means of spiritual growth.

VaultAI Summary: The sermon explores the biblical doctrine of fearing the Lord as a gift of grace that produces reverence, awe, and obedience. It emphasizes that those who fear God receive inexhaustible mercy and fatherly pity, rooted in His knowledge of human frailty. The preacher argues that recognizing one's dust-like nature and Christ's sacrifice should lead to profound gratitude and praise rather than despair. This holy fear is presented as the foundation for wisdom and stability, distinguishing true believers from those who merely claim faith without reverence. Ultimately, the message calls believers to constantly remember God's benefits and bless Him for His enduring compassion.