Sermon Outline: How to Live with Wisdom in a Complex World
Series Introduction
- Beginning new series: Uncommon Sense – Lessons in Proverbs
- Series runs through end of May, followed by Galatians in the summer and Acts in the fall
Context of Today’s World
- Information overload and difficulty discerning truth
- Rapid technological and societal changes
- Breakdown of community and relationships
- Shifting definitions of truth, love, freedom, and identity
- Rising mental health struggles and financial stress
- Conclusion: We need wisdom to navigate this complexity
Solomon’s Example of Wisdom
- Story of two women and one baby (1 Kings 3) – wisdom over DNA testing
- Solomon asks God for wisdom above riches or success
- Solomon’s wisdom is preserved in the book of Proverbs
Understanding the Book of Proverbs
- Proverbs are parabolic, practical, memorable, not technically precise
- Not divine guarantees but general truths
- Purpose: Train especially the young in wise living
Reading of Proverbs 1:1–7
Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:2–6)
- Wisdom: Skill for godly living
- Instruction: Discipline, focus to apply wisdom
- Insight: Discernment between right and wrong
- Prudence: Moral judgment and fairness
- Target Audience: The simple, the young, and the wise
Foundation of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
- Reverence, awe, and deference to God’s authority
- Without this foundation, true wisdom is impossible
Two Life Paths Presented
- Path 1: Fear God → Receive wisdom
- Path 2: Reject God → Reject wisdom
- No middle ground
Five Characteristics of Wise People (from Proverbs 1)
- They Receive Instruction (v.3)
- Humble, teachable, open-hearted
- Welcoming correction from God, parents, godly community
- They Increase in Learning (v.5)
- Lifelong learners of God’s Word
- Seek truth, develop critical thinking, grow in impact
- They Obtain Guidance (v.5)
- Don’t do life alone
- Seek counsel, feedback, accountability
- They Fear God (v.7)
- High view of God’s holiness and Word
- Desire to obey, defer to God’s wisdom, not self
- Fear God → Fear nothing else
- They Don’t Despise Wisdom (v.7)
- Illustrated by Esau’s foolish trade (Genesis 25:34)
- Wise people cherish God’s instruction, don’t scoff at it
Final Challenge
- Make a commitment to live wisely
- Practical step: Read one chapter of Proverbs daily (31 chapters total)
- Live skillfully and godly in a complex world
Closing Prayer
- Repent from foolishness
- Revere God, trust in Jesus
- Receive instruction, seek guidance, never stop growing
Outline for Teaching Video on Mark 16: The Tabernacle of God
I. Introduction
- Excitement about exploring Mark 16
- Thesis: Mark 16 reveals the tomb as the tabernacle of God — the most dangerous and most pleasurable place
II. The Incomparable Presence of God
- Illustrations of Danger and Value:
- Fort Knox – immense protection due to immense value
- Sun – proximity means danger, even at a fraction
- God’s Presence as Danger and Delight:
- Exodus 33:20 – no one can see God and live
- Isaiah 6 – “I am disintegrated” in God’s presence
- Psalm 16:11 – eternal pleasures at God’s right hand
III. Mark 16 as the Tabernacle
- Initial emotions: trauma – Mark 16:5, the women were alarmed
- Then ecstasy – Mark 16:8, “trembling and bewildered” rooted in ecstasis
IV. Background on the Tabernacle
- Purpose: God desires to dwell with His people
- Design:
- The veil – marked separation, guarded by cherubim
- The mercy seat – place of atonement via sacrificial blood
V. Three Historical Tabernacles
- Mount Sinai:
- God on mountain, people below
- Moses as intercessor
- Storm as veil, people afraid
- Garden of Eden:
- God’s presence, man’s hiding (Gen 3)
- Storm-like presence of God
- Animal sacrifice and cherubim guarding access
- Mark 16:
- Present tense language – draws reader into current reality
- Jesus grants free access to God’s presence
VI. Tabernacle Elements in Mark 16
- Mountain: Jerusalem on Judean hills
- Garden: John 19:41 – tomb in a garden
- Veil: The stone rolled away (Mark 16:4)
- Angels:
- Sitting, not guarding – access is safe
- Contrast with Eden where cherubim guarded with flaming sword
- High Priest: Jesus as intercessor (Hebrews 9)
- Sacrificial Lamb: Jesus’ blood fulfills atonement
- Mercy Seat: Tomb represents throne where justice and mercy meet
VII. The Empty Tomb: A Theological Statement
- Jesus is not there — He’s gone ahead (Mark 16:7)
- God’s people are also not there — Jesus is out gathering them
- The tabernacle is open, but the world has yet to enter
VIII. Present-Day Implications
- Hebrews 4:16 – confidence to approach God’s throne
- Ephesians 3 – church reveals God’s wisdom to heavenly beings
- Believers now have:
- Safe access to God’s presence
- Full joy and eternal pleasures
- Responsibility to go global with this good news
IX. Conclusion: Reflective Questions
- Who is Jesus to you?
- Do you live in the freedom of God’s presence?
- Are you overwhelmed by His pleasure and peace?
- Are you going global with the message of Jesus?
X. Final Exhortation
- The tomb is open, the throne is accessible
- God invites all to enter — safely, fully, forever — through Jesus
