Message Notes for January 5, 2025

Title: The Gift of Wisdom

The wisdom of God is a gift for each of us to walk with clarity, hope and purpose as we navigate the uncertainties of a New Year. 

Matthew 2:1-12 (The Wise Men)

James 1:5-6 ESV ^If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

God grants wisdom as a gift to all!

∙ First: Seek God as the true source of wisdom!

Proverbs 2:6-8 NLT For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.⁷ He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.⁸ He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

∙ Second: Treasure God’s wisdom!

Proverbs 3:13-15 ESV Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, ¹⁴ for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

∙ Third: Humble yourself under God’s wisdom!

Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. ⁸ It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

∙ Fourth: Ensure the decision is God honoring!

Proverbs 16:1-3 NLT We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.² People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. ³ Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

∙ Fifth: Measure your discernment with Christian counsel. 

Proverbs 11:14 ESV Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of January 5, 2025

Title: The Gift of Wisdom

• Share with each other how you go about making decisions. What advice can you give each other for the New Year?
• Read James 1:5-8.  What does James want to understand in this passage?  How would you describe wisdom?  How would wisdom from God be different from wisdom from the world?  What advantage does Godly wisdom have over the world’s understandings?  Why does James come down so hard on doubting the wisdom of God?  
• Read Romans 6:17-18 and John 16:13. What roles do Jesus and the Holy Spirit play in helping us with Godly wisdom and decision making?  What shifts could you make to be more engaging with the teachings of Jesus and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit in your decision-making process?  
• Read Proverbs 3:5-8.  What is this passage saying to you?  How have you been in alignment with this passage?  Where have you strayed from it?  What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this passage? 
• Read Proverbs 11:14. What is the role of Christian friends in honoring God with your decisions?  How can Christian friends be helpful or not helpful in discerning wisdom and decisions?  How have friends led you in a path that was not God honoring?  How have friends kept you in alignment with God? 
• The acronym H.A.L.T. stands for “hungry, angry, lonely, and tired”—four states in which we’re more likely to make poor choices. What are other times when decisions should be put on hold?  
• Read Galatians 6:7-9.  What is the wisdom of this passage?  How can your group and family help you live in a more God honoring way through 2025? 
• Gather in prayer for each other!