Wisdom on SermonAudio

Judges 4:1-5

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Stephen Seized 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

The sermon contrasts the accelerating accumulation of human knowledge with the enduring lack of true wisdom, arguing that intellectual prowess cannot save humanity from folly. It introduces the book of Proverbs as a practical guide for daily living, emphasizing that genuine insight begins with the fear of the Lord rather than secular achievement. The speaker highlights the contrast between the wise person who trusts in God and the fool who despises divine instruction. Ultimately, the message points to Jesus Christ as the embodiment of wisdom and the only source of salvation from spiritual foolishness. Believers are called to humble dependence on Christ for both eternal redemption and practical guidance in everyday decisions.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

For more information about FBC Chattahoochee, visit fbccatl.com.

Asking "why" is a profound part of our human reasoning and spiritual growth. There is a difference between sincerely seeking understanding and using the question to complain against or resist God's sovereignty. We see many examples where God in the Old Testament, and Jesus in the New Testament, asked "why?" When God asks "why?" we see that these questions are meant to expose unbelief, confront fear, and lead us toward repentance. God is never searching for information when He asks why, rather, God uses the question to reveal the condition of our hearts and call us to trust His perfect will. We must learn to rest in God's character and wisdom, accepting that some mysteries belong to Him alone while giving ourselves to the truths He has clearly revealed.

The sermon urges believers to abandon naivety and actively discern the reality of wickedness by observing its consequences. Drawing from Proverbs 21, it defines wickedness as a rejection of God's character and highlights Jesus' absolute hatred of iniquity. Using contemporary music as an example, the message illustrates how entertainment can mask destructive spiritual outcomes. It challenges the audience to cultivate a holy revulsion toward sin while resting in the complete righteousness found in Christ. The central call is to pursue wisdom through the conviction of the Word and the grace of Jesus.

The sermon argues that the cure for church division is not found in cultural relevance or human wisdom, but exclusively in the preeminence of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2, the speaker contrasts Paul's method of preaching with the Corinthian desire for eloquent rhetoric, emphasizing that true ministry relies on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than worldly appeal. The central message asserts that a church focused on activities or social success without the clear proclamation of the gospel becomes spiritually weak and indistinguishable from secular organizations. By examining the Trinitarian framework of Paul's approach, the text highlights that divine wisdom is hidden from the world but revealed to believers through the eternal plan of the Father. Ultimately, the preacher calls for a return to the foundational priority of exalting Christ as the sole source of spiritual strength and unity.