Walking in Wisdom Pt. 1Sample

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

In this final reflection, we confront the greatest obstacle to walking wisely: the re-emergence of our old, natural wisdom, which starkly opposes God’s wisdom. This struggle is vividly depicted in James 3:13-18, where two kinds of wisdom are contrasted. The wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic breeds jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every evil thing. In sharp contrast, the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy. The battle we face is choosing between wisdom that aligns with our fleshly desires and the wisdom taught by the Spirit of God.

Another formidable challenge arises from worldly philosophies that undermine the sufficiency of Scripture. Colossians 2:6-8 warns against being captivated by human traditions and principles that deviate from Christ’s teachings. The world often suggests that the truth we find in Christ and the Bible is inadequate for life, be it in marriage, parenting, or any other realm. The world tempts us to seek supplements or alternatives to Scripture, subtly implying that the Bible alone is not enough.

However, we have been made complete in Christ. He is the head of all rule and authority; in Him, we have everything we need for life and godliness. This sufficiency of Christ and His Word is a central theme in our spiritual growth. Christian growth involves exploring, discovering, and applying all that we have received in Christ.

As Scripture describes, the fool’s life is marked by a lack of reverence for God, an unwillingness to be taught, and a prideful dismissal of eternal truths. In contrast, walking in wisdom means living each moment aware of God’s presence, humbly and cautiously aligning our lives with His will, and continually submitting to His truth.

We might not always feel wise, but through Christ, we have received everything necessary for a godly life. Our task is to discover and apply these truths, resisting the temptations of fleshly wisdom and the world’s deceptive philosophies.

As we conclude this series, let us embrace the wisdom that is ours in Christ, applying it diligently in every aspect of our lives. May we remain vigilant against the allure of earthly wisdom and cling steadfastly to the truth that has been revealed to us in Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ.

This devotional was based on a sermon by Richard Caldwell. To listen to this sermon and an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast related to this message, visit our website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTJCpJvNDyA