Sermon by Al Neumann
Colossians 2:2-3: "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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Recently, I have prayed for clarity on the subject of wisdom. Truly I feel the Holy Spirit has magnified wisdom's value in my life. I have always been intrigued with wisdom because it continues to be my inspiration. My imagination in wisdom is way too small for wisdom's true value.
The purpose of my sermon is the process of wisdom. The New Bible Dictionary describes wisdom as: "Basically, an act of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain desired results. God's wisdom is complete knowledge of every realm of life." That grabbed my attention. Wisdom's seat is (where wisdom's authority is exercised) is the heart, the center of moral and intellectual decision. Wisdom in the fullest sense belongs to God alone. There is a choice of two kinds of wisdom, worldly or Godly wisdom. One is becoming obsolete.
Following are three points about wisdom.
1. How can we attain God's wisdom?
2. Is there a ceiling on the value of wisdom?
3. What makes wisdom absolute?
POINT #1: How can we attain God's wisdom? One way is humility. Godly wisdom is not earned and is not our doing. A simple process takes place as we learn about wisdom.
1 Timothy 1:17: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Paul saw God's mercy in his treacherous ways and in his doxology and praising. Wisdom in the fullest sense, belongs to God alone. God is the only one that is wise.
Psalm 113:5-6: "Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?"
God shows us: Humility which is an attitude of love with His exalted dignity, He exalts the poor and needy.
Philippians 2:8: "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
Christ shows us: Humility which is an attitude of love and He became a willing servant. No one forced Him to be a servant.
Ephesians 3:8: "Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
Paul shows us: Humility because Paul believes he is least of all the saints. He is a human example of God's wisdom in action and shows God's wisdom. The Holy Spirit shows us so much evidence that it is the gift that teaches.
1 Corinthians 2:12: "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us."
The Holy Spirit is not from the world, but God's Spirit. It is not from man's wisdom but God's Spirit teaches. Paul was imparting wisdom. Nothing is hidden from the Holy Spirit. Paul was being taught by the Holy Spirit. For out glory is the insight of hope. The leaders of this world are coming to nothing. Not only is Christ revealed to us, but Christ is revealed in us. Paul prays that God will give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
The eyes picture the heart looking, with spiritual understanding. The heart is the seat of wisdom and where wisdom is exercised. Paul prayed for their heart to see the spiritual wisdom. Our relationship with God, with Christ and with each other calls for us to do the same. We can see humility begins the process of wisdom and the Holy Spirit is the gift that teaches wisdom.
POINT #2: Is there a ceiling on the value of Wisdom?
Job 28:12, 15, 20, 21, 23, 27: "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? ...It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed in silver. ...Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? ...It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. ...God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells...then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it."
The answer is obvious it is loaded with treasure and riches beyond measure. Humility, respect and reverence is a workable frame of mind. Pride is the culprit of evil that we should depart from. Wisdom is like a hidden treasure. The unsearchable riches of Christ are the riches of His grace, riches of His glory, riches of wisdom and knowledge of God.
Colossians 2 reveals, what this hidden treasure is. Ephesians speaks of the Christian being in Christ. Colossians speaks of Christ being in the Christian. Is there a ceiling on the value of wisdom? When you go outside look up at the sky. That is God's ceiling on the value of wisdom making it priceless. There is no price that can be put on wisdom. The power of wisdom even gets better.
POINT #3: What makes wisdom absolute?
Proverbs 3:13-18: "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed."
With man's wisdom it is impossible to understand God's wisdom. Try nailing jello to a tree. Jello nailed to a tree is like man's wisdom having nothing to hang onto. God gives believers something to hang onto. The one nailed to the cross. The crucifixion made wisdom absolute.
2 Timothy 1:12: "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."
All wisdom is tied to Christ. Paul said: I know whom I have believed, meaning absolute knowledge about Christ. At the crucifixion, God the Father made Jesus Christ the Son our wisdom. Where your treasure is, God finds our heart attached. Humility opens the door for the Holy Spirit to expand wisdom's meaning. Like Paul; let's pray for each others hearts, to see the spiritual Godly wisdom.
Sermon summary prepared by local Glendora church member Charlie Schreiner.