Wisdom on SermonAudio

Teenagers who have conflicts with their parents and their friends are quick to offer solutions (which, in most cases, are unwise and damaging). Wives struggle with their husbands, only to be given non-Biblical advice from friends, family, or ungodly psychiatrists. So how do we get the right kind of help when problems come? How do we recognize the best solutions that friends advise us with? Whom do we go to that has true wisdom that will help us? James asked these same type of questions and proceeded to give us the answers in today's passage.

1. Loving Truth Hates Gossip, Slander, and Backfiting 2. Loving Truth Avoids Jumping to Conclusions 3. Loving Truth Promotes Your Neighbor's Good Name

(Sunday Service) Ephesians 3:7-13: "Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."

The sermon contrasts the Sadducees' denial of spiritual realities with the biblical truth that God is the God of the living, not the dead. It emphasizes that human worth is established by the precious blood of Christ rather than earthly possessions or status. The preacher argues that rejecting parts of Scripture leads to error and ignorance of God's power, particularly regarding the resurrection. By examining Mark 12, the message highlights Jesus' correction of those who twist or ignore the Bible, affirming eternal life through faith in Him. Ultimately, the transcript urges listeners to search the Scriptures to find salvation and eternal life in Jesus Christ.

In Romans 16:19, Paul rejoices over the Roman believers' widely known obedience while urging them to remain wise concerning what is good and innocent concerning what is evil. This sermon challenges believers to pursue a guarded obedience that celebrates faithfulness in others, develops discernment toward what is good, and refuses participation in what is evil.

We see: 1. God appoints the message of the cross as His means of salvation (vv. 18-21) 2. Those perishing reject Christ crucified as a stumbling block and foolishness (vv. 22-23) 3. Those whom God calls receive Christ crucified as the power and wisdom of God (vv. 24-25)

False religion despises the true God. Rather than glorify Him, it glorifies man's supposed wisdom. Without God, man has no wisdom. It is sad that so many want to follow false religion rather than know the truth. Jesus was never stumped by foolish people's ideas. He always had the right answer for them. He is the eternal Son of God.

The sermon explores the life of King Solomon as a bridge to understanding the book of Ecclesiastes, highlighting his unique position as a man blessed with every earthly advantage yet ultimately finding them empty. It traces Solomon's tumultuous rise to power, his humble request for wisdom at Gibeon, and his subsequent reign marked by both divine favor and eventual spiritual compromise. The preacher emphasizes that despite Solomon's unparalleled wealth and knowledge, he concluded in his old age that all worldly pursuits are 'vanity of vanities' because they are transient and unsatisfying. By contrasting the fleeting nature of physical achievements with the enduring value of fearing God, the message underscores the biblical principle that true contentment is found only in spiritual realities rather than temporal gains. This reflection serves as a theological admonition to prioritize eternal truths over temporary pleasures, pointing ultimately to Christ as the source of lasting fulfillment.