Dr. Ronald Powell

Walking in the Wisdom of God

Proverbs 2:1-11

"If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."

Wisdom of God

W-Write God's Word on your heart

I-Increase your understanding of God's ways

S-Seek supernatural insight-Pray for discernment.... v. 3

Without ceasing, earnestly appeal to God for His insight and understanding regarding circumstances in your own life as well as in the lives of those you are counseling.

D-Dig for the treasure of truth-Study the Bible.... v. 4 Engage in extensive inductive Bible study, digging out deeper truths from the Word of God. Through word studies and prayer, seek to discern the relevancy of those truths to your life.

O-Open your heart to receive wisdom

M-Marvel at God's provision-Give the credit to God.... v. 6Acknowledge that wisdom resides in the Lord and that He is the one who graciously gives it to you. You receive knowledge and understanding from Him alone.

O-Observe God's victory!-Give the glory to God.... v. 7Literally, praise Jesus for the total and eternal victory He has secured for you in His death and resurrection. Thank God for giving you constant protection from the evil one.

F-Focus on God's faithfulness

v. 9

After pursuing wisdom God's way, patiently wait on the Lord to give you understanding of what is right and just and fair for yourself and for those you counsel.

O-Operate out of your identity in Christ-Rely on the Lord.... v. 10Christ is wisdom to you. In faithfully pursuing a deeper relationship with Him and understanding of Him, His wisdom and knowledge will be released in you and through you.

D-Delight in God's protection-Trust in the Lord.... v. 11 Put a seal over your mouth and conscientiously practice discretion, and you will be protected. Likewise, apply the understanding God gives you, and it will guard you.

 What Needs to Change?

Change is always both the by-product and the goal of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer. The Bible calls it "transformation." Change is the expected outcome for all Christians as they are led by the Lord. God's plan is that every child of His be conformed to the image of Christ... that we take on His moral character and accurately represent Him to the world. In this way, we will "glorify the Lord."

"The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all... are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

• Change your negative mind set.... That's repentance.
• -Wrong thoughts keep us captive to wrong habits but anyone can change what they dwell on.
     "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)
• Change your negative actions.... That's obedience.
• -A changed mind produces changed conduct.
     "We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2)
• Change your negative attitude.... That's compliance.
• -Adopt an attitude of cheerfulness, gratefulness, and a willingness to comply.
     "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:16-17)
• Change your bitter feelings.... That's forgiveness.
• -List the sins your offender has committed against you and release the pain into the hand of God, and then release your offender to God.
     "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)
• Change your negative words.... That's confession.
• -Words have the power to either change the situation or the way you look at the situation, which will actually change you.
     "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it." (1 Peter 3:10-11)
• Change your negative thoughts.... That's renewal.
• -Develop the ability to think about your situations in the same way as God sees them.
     "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

 NEXT SERVICE: 

1:00 Pm - This Sunday @ Crosswinds International

109 Westfaul Dr

Macon, Ga. 31216

478-254-3143