Proverbs 1 - 1.21.26
Scripture: Proverbs 1:5 - “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”
Observation: The author of this portion of Proverbs, Solomon, is letting his audience know from the outset his purpose in sharing these proverbs. The purpose of the sayings in this book is to help us to gain wisdom. A couple good definitions I've heard for wisdom are applied knowledge and skill in living.
In this verse he invites the wise to listen along with the simple. These wise statements are not only for the fool but for those who are already wise and discerning. Wisdom cries out, “Come to me and I will teach you!” And to anyone who would respond to the invitation - wise or foolish, discerning or simple, old or young - wisdom is available.
Application: First of all, I’m reminded that I’ve got a lot to learn! I wouldn’t be quick to identify myself with the wise. I still make mistakes, I still make dumb decisions, I still have struggles in my life that are a result of my actions. And, it’s not because I’m trying to sabotage my own life. It’s because I’m desperate for wisdom! Solomon, who wrote these proverbs, was extended the most incredible invitation from God in Scripture: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:4) Imagine God said that to you. What would you ask for? Solomon asked for wisdom. He recognized his desperation for wisdom. We would be wise to recognize the same. It will do us no good to read through the rest of the book of Proverbs unless we first recognize our need for wisdom.
Second, I’m reminded of the source of wisdom: God.
Job 32:8-9 - “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.” Wisdom does not come with age. There are plenty of old people living like fools. Neither does wisdom come with experience. It’s possible for us to have experiences and rather than learning from them, we just continue making the same mistakes. Wisdom comes from God. And since it comes from God alone, there is only one place to turn when we need it.
James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
If our desire is the same as Solomon’s, then we have a promise from God that he will fulfill that desire. If any of you lacks wisdom ask God and he’ll give it to you!
Follow Solomon’s example and respond to God’s invitation in James by asking for wisdom! As we continue through Proverbs, be teachable and open, reading with an awareness of need and an expectation to gain wisdom.
Prayer: God, I humble myself before you. Uproot any pride in my life and notion that I have it together. Thank you so much for your invitation and promise to grant wisdom to each of us who ask. So today we ask - Please fill us with wisdom. As we continue to read your word, speak to us. And may it not just be head knowledge, but give us the strength to apply it to our lifes. Amen.
- Levi Thompson
1 Corinthians 3 - 1.20.26
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, their builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, their builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved - even though only one as escaping through the flames.”
OBSERVATION: Paul exhorted all spiritual leaders to build only on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Jesus told Peter, “I will build My Church, and the forces of Hades will not prevail against it”. (Matthew 16:18). The Church is victorious because Jesus built it! According to Paul, we are ALL to be involved in building up the body of Christ. (Eph 4:16).
APPLICATION: So what does it mean to build on the True foundation? It simply means to faithfully live our lives in accordance and obedience to God’s Word, and to become mature by allowing ourselves to be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christ-followers, we become mature by following Jesus’ example. In order to build well, we must have proper motives that are in accordance with God’s Word. If our motives aren’t pure, the quality of our work won’t measure up to God’s standard.
One day we will all stand before God to give account of our ministry motives and faithfulness. It is very important that we build on God’s plan, not our own! God’s plan is symbolized as gold, silver and costly stones. The self-centered and sinful plan is built on wood, hay and straw.
PRAYER: I pray we will depend on God to help us build according to His divine plan, and that we will be obedient to follow the example that Jesus lived out. Thank You Lord for the rewards You give to those who follow after You, and who build their lives on You! And thank You that our best and greatest rewards await us in eternity.
- Robin Orefice
1 Corinthians 2 - 1.19.26
S - Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:12
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (NIV)
O - Observation
Paul is describing the contrast between worldly beliefs and divine wisdom to the Corinthians, who are more likely to believe in the worldly ways. This is difficult in today's age. I often want people to believe in God's words and ways, and it is difficult for us to see spiritual transformation due to the worldly distractions that are going on around us. Human thoughts vs. divine wisdom.
A - Application
So my goal would be to read more of the Bible. By reading the Bible more, it opens the door for true spiritual understanding and a better relationship with God. He can't use me if I'm not participating. By participating, praying, reading, and listening, it is inviting the Holy Spirit to guide me.
P - Pray
Lord, I pray for more divine encounters with you and guidance in understanding that you are in control. Please give me your supernatural guidance in all human encounters. Amen
- Brian Moen