Introduction
This session is about joining three dots.Dot 1: Wisdom
What do you associate with the idea of wisdom? Are those ideas accurate?
What Wisdom isn’t:
• having lots of information to hand
• being intellectual
• being moral
Yes, it might include these things, but it is much much more.
What Wisdom is:
• the BEST thing in the BEST way
• BEST THING: ability to sift the many possible/legitimate options for the most worthwhile
• BEST WAY: not just seeing the most worthwhile, but having the knack of getting on with it/achieving it
Wisdom is often being practiced right under our noses with little fanfare.How do you get Wisdom? Where can it be found?
Proverbs is a great place to start. Solomon was in the habit of taking little photos of wisdom and keeping them stored safely for us in this incredible Old Testament book. To read Proverbs in one go is too much. It is like concentrated juice (needs diluting and spreading out over time) or a boiled sweet (it requires time to absorb).
In the opening chapters Wisdom is pictured as a woman of great dignity calling out, offering her help to anyone who wants it:
Proverbs 1:20-22Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; [21] at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: [22] "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?"Proverbs 1:32-33For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."Proverbs 2:3-6,9-11and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, [4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding... [9] Then you will understand what is right and just and fair---every good path. [10] For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. [11] Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.Note that not only is God in the habit of offering it freely and openly, but Wisdom is good protection against the storms of life.
Dot 2: Friendship
Solomon was in the habit of taking little photos of wisdom and keeping them stored safely for us in the book of Proverbs. There are quite a few of these that focus on the area of friendship.
If wisdom is the best thing in the best way - then wise friendship is the best friendship in the best way.Wisdom FC (less F/more C)
Wise friendships are less fairweather and more constant.14v20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbours, but the rich have many friends.18v24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Wise friendships are less flattering and more compassionate.
29v5 Whoever flatters his neighbour is spreading a net for his feet.28v23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue.27v6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.Wise friendships are less full-of-your-self and more considerate.
25v17 Seldom set foot in your neighbour's house too much of you, and he will hate you.27v14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.25v20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart .26v18,19 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbour and says, "I was only joking!"Wise friendships are less floppy-flabby and more challenging.
27v17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.27v6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.What ‘shape’ are we in? What ‘shape’ are we being made into?
If the local Christian church community is open to God’s spirit and word then they can expect to see change. Two questions to ask about ourselves are:- What kind of friendship shapes do we embody?
- What kind of friendship shapes is God interested in forming in us over the coming months and years?
Dot 3: Jesus
To consider ideas of wisdom and friendship without reference to Jesus would be utterly foolish.
Look at these two passages from the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 1:23-2523 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.In both sections we have a clear view on the significance of Jesus Christ. He isn’t important, he is pre-eminent.
He isn’t important, he is pre-eminent. When Jesus died on the Cross and then rose victoriously, a knot was being tied in the line of history. A central point to which everything leads and from which everything gains it’s meaning. This is the Christian position. Jesus isn’t just an inspiring figure who gives us some helpful tips. He is the very Bread of Life.
If this is true then it has massive implications for how we view Wisdom and Friendship:
God’s greatest wisdom is perfectly expressed in Jesus.
God’s best friendship in the best way is defined by Jesus.
Part two of this series will examine how this works.
Here are my notes for part 2:
