Introduction

Wisdom for Life

 Introduction

God does not just expect us to obey his commands, he also asks that we use our brains and live wise lives. He wants us to do the hard work of making decisions that aren’t clear cut by applying the wisdom we find in his word and the priorities he says we need to let shape our life.

We often talk about godliness in relation to the commands he gives us, but not so much about godliness in relation to the wisdom he wants us to live by.  These studies will help us to think through those questions and decisions that are not so clear cut.  You have an important role to play in making these studies work – and that is to speak the TRUTH – in LOVE.  Be honest.  Be understanding.  Listen.  Reflect.  Agree to disagree if you need to.  Do this and these studies will bring great reward to you and your group.

While this is essentially a topical series on wisdom, it draws heavily from the book of Proverbs.  So it is important to remember how to read such a book.  Proverbs are not a list of commands from God to obey, but a collection of sayings on how to live in a world God has made with order.  If you look at Proverbs 26:4-5you will see two conflicting proverbs.  What this tells you is that you don't read proverbs like commands. None of the sayings will hold 100% of the time.  You read them as wise sayings that don't apply in the same way to all circumstances.  Proverbs expects you to read proverbs with wisdom.  This will be important to keep in mind, as we will spend much time in the book in these studies.  They are just observations on how life generally works under the authority of the God who made it.

It is really important in these studies to make sure that you spend bulk time working through the application questions and scenarios.  In conjunction with the sermons in this series it should provide much opportunity for vibrant discussion as, together, we seek to apply God’s wisdom into our lives.

As before, the leaders notes are in bold italics.  Please enjoy these studies.  May God use them to help you live as his child.

Greg