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
