Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
Seeking the Wisdom of God
“Over four billion online searches are made every day. But are we any wiser? Do we know how to wisely use that knowledge? Technology cannot deliver to us what God can. God is the source of wisdom, and the Bible shows us that when we trust Him, we too become wise.”1
We live in a time of unprecedented access to information. Internet queries return hundreds of thousands of websites to search. The rate of knowledge continues to increase. What people could never have imagined is now common knowledge. For those over 40 years old, the science of today is the science fiction of our childhood. Advances in information and technology continue at a breathtaking pace. But, is this enough?
The Apostle James exhorted the early Christians how to gain wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously.”2 If wisdom is ours for the asking, let us ask, and let us ask boldly!
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
Historically, Christians have recognized a distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the ability to accumulate data or facts. Wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge in a way that pleases God. One might be a genius in astrophysics, yet lack basic spiritual wisdom. Another might be illiterate, yet a giant in the Spirit.
The Proverbs, for instance, were written “for learning what wisdom and discipline are.”3 There is a correlation between God and wisdom. Wisdom is not the ability to recite folksy sayings or give good advice on car buying. Wisdom brings people into God’s way for us to think and live. A truly wise person knows how to steer people toward God. Wisdom promotes godliness among all it touches.
If asking is the “how” of getting wisdom, then where do we get wisdom? “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”4 If we want wisdom, we must go to God to get it. Wisdom comes not from human effort, but from divine provision.
Two basic ways God provides wisdom for us:
1. Through people who are wise. “Walk with the wise and become wise.”5 The biblical model of making disciples is for those who are wise and walking with God to share wisdom with those who are less mature in the faith. Paul had Timothy, Jesus had the Twelve. Who among us has not benefitted from a mature believer’s wisdom? This is not accidental. God planned for wisdom to be shared from believer to believer.
2. Directly from God’s Word. The other way to get wisdom is directly from the Word of God. Through prayer and diligent study, the Holy Spirit will illuminate our minds to the truth. Then, knowing the truth, we apply it to the various circumstances of life. In this application of knowledge, wisdom is revealed.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
1– Bible Studies for Life, Beyond Belief, Freddy Cardoza
2– James 1:5 (HCSB)
3– Proverbs 1:2a (HCSB)
4– Proverbs 2:6 (HCSB)
5– Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Unforgiveness: The #1 Obstacle to Spiritual Revival
Almost every person has been affected by unforgiveness in some way or another. Either we have held a grudge or known a relationship hindered by someone who refused to forgive. Friendships and fellowship have been ruptured by wounds, unforgiveness and bitterness.
As I have pastored local churches for over 35 years, I am convinced that the #1 obstacle to spiritual revival personally and in the church, is the sin of unforgiveness. Nothing has built a taller, deeper, and thicker wall in the hearts of people and in the churches of our land.
Thank God, He forgives us
Human relationships fractured by unforgiveness are damaging, to be sure. What about our need for God’s forgiveness? Is God forgiving? Can anything be done if we have offended Him?
Thankfully, God has not left us in the dark. Yes, we have offended God, and yes, He will forgive.
The Bible is clear in both the Old and New Testaments that humans have sinned against God. Jeremiah laments on behalf of his kinsmen in Israel, “Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers, from the time of our youth even to this day. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”1 The Psalmist wrote even more broadly, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, who seeks after God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.”2
Yet, God forgives us. We are grateful!
How can God ever forgive?
We are not let off the hook in the New Testament. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.”3 Humanity has a problem, and that problem is the sin that separates us from God.
How can God ever forgive? Only through the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. As Peter and John told the religious leaders of their day, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.”4 As Freddy Cardoza puts it, “The debt we owe God because of sin is beyond our ability to pay. But God provided a way for the debt to be paid through the death of His Son. God always forgives the sins of those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.”5
What about those who have already accepted Christ? Is there forgiveness for the manifold sins we commit between the time we are saved and the time we leave this earth? Does God forgive the forgiven? Thank God, the answer is yes.
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”6 Those of us who have believed in Christ are forgiven at salvation and forgiven as we are made more and more like Christ. This is one reason we are encouraged to forgive others. We need to experience the ongoing forgiveness of God that restores our fellowship with Him.
Therefore, Forgive Others
Since God so freely and sacrificially forgives us, we should forgive others. Friends, never let anyone outside of your circle of love. Forgiveness is imperative in the life of a Christ-follower.
Therefore, walk in forgiveness toward others.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
1– Jeremiah 3:25
2– Psalm 14:2, 3
3– Romans 5:12
4– Acts 4:12
5– Bible Studies for Life, Beyond Belief, Freddy Cardoza
6– 1 John 1:9
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.