- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
The Spirit of Wisdom
'The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom...' Isaiah 11:2
During His earthly ministry, Jesus needed the Spirit of wisdom to make all sorts of decisions, to the extent that He rebuked one of His own disciples Peter, for getting in the way of God, saying, '...Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works...' (Mark 8:32-34 TM).
As followers of Jesus, that same Spirit lives in us. James points out three kinds of wisdom in James 3:15 (look it up).
Firstly, earthly wisdom: this isn't always dependable because 'there's a way that looks harmless enough; look again-it leads straight to hell' (Proverbs 16:25 TM).
Secondly, sensual wisdom: based on emotions which can be confusing and lead to hurt and jealousy.
Thirdly, demonic wisdom which is selfish and ungodly. But Godly wisdom is altogether different and is 'first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere' (Gal. 5:22-23 NLT).
A few things to consider, then:
Are your motives pure or might you be embarrassed when a bit more light is shed on the matter? Are you willing to submit to what God wants, even if it's something that you desperately want? Is your conscience clear if you go ahead, or does it require deception and selfishness? Is it fair and impartial or is it favouring a particular group or person?
Our wise owl James says, 'If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help' (James 3:15 TM).
written by Bob Gass
'The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom...' Isaiah 11:2
During His earthly ministry, Jesus needed the Spirit of wisdom to make all sorts of decisions, to the extent that He rebuked one of His own disciples Peter, for getting in the way of God, saying, '...Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works...' (Mark 8:32-34 TM).
As followers of Jesus, that same Spirit lives in us. James points out three kinds of wisdom in James 3:15 (look it up).
Firstly, earthly wisdom: this isn't always dependable because 'there's a way that looks harmless enough; look again-it leads straight to hell' (Proverbs 16:25 TM).
Secondly, sensual wisdom: based on emotions which can be confusing and lead to hurt and jealousy.
Thirdly, demonic wisdom which is selfish and ungodly. But Godly wisdom is altogether different and is 'first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere' (Gal. 5:22-23 NLT).
A few things to consider, then:
Are your motives pure or might you be embarrassed when a bit more light is shed on the matter? Are you willing to submit to what God wants, even if it's something that you desperately want? Is your conscience clear if you go ahead, or does it require deception and selfishness? Is it fair and impartial or is it favouring a particular group or person?
Our wise owl James says, 'If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help' (James 3:15 TM).
written by Bob Gass
