Sermon: Wonderful Counselor

(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)

1. Icebreaker question: Who have you been able to turn to for advice at key moments of your life? How have they helped you?

2. The sermon examined the Messianic name/title, “Wonderful Counselor” (from Isaiah 9:6). What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?

3. Read Isaiah 55:6-9

a) How does God contrast His thoughts and ways with ours?

b) How should this affect our desire to hear His voice?

c) In what practical ways can we seek the Lord?

4. Read Acts 6:8-10

a) How is Stephen described in this passage? List his attributes.

b) Where did these attributes in his life come from?

c) What do you think it would look like for the Holy Spirit to supply you with more words of wisdom? How would this affect the people in your life?

5. Read 1 Kings 3:5-9

a) If God gave you any wish, what do you think you would ask for?

b) What specifically did Solomon request?

c) Now read 1 Kings 3:10-15. What was God’s response to Solomon’s request? What does this teach you about God and his desire for our lives?

d) Now read 1 Kings 10:1-9. In what ways was Solomon’s gift of wisdom used for good?

6. Read 1 Kings 11:1-12

a) How could Solomon turn away from the Lord like this when he had been so gifted with wisdom?

b) What can we learn from Solomon’s spiritual ruin? (see 1 Corinthians 10:12 and Matthew 26:41)

c) If earthly wisdom can’t keep us close to the Lord, what can? (see Hebrews 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, and John 10:28-29)

7. Spend some time praying that you would know Jesus better as the Wonderful Counselor. Ask for wisdom and direction in specific areas of your life. And pray for any needs in your group.