Summer of Prayer 5: Praying for Wisdom- Pastor Bryan Thiel-Aquilina

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

• Having wisdom & having knowledge is not only a secret to success but offers us  a secret to our destiny.

  • 1 KIngs 3: 7-15 - Solomon asks for Wisdom

• Wisdom & Knowledge may be both recurring themes or topics in the Bible but they are not synonymous  with one another. 

  • Wisdom - The ability to discern or Judge what is true, right, & lasting.

  • Knowledge - Is information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.

• Knowledge can exist without wisdom  but Wisdom doesn’t exist without knowledge.

  • Wisdom is a God given gift.

  • Wisdom is knowledge that is gained when we learn of God….Wisdom loves HIM!

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

• Wisdom is about our…Heart

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 'Mark 9:24

“The starting line of wisdom is found in our HEALTHY fear of the Lord”

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10

• Fear of the Lord simply said is our loving reverence for God that is from our motivation to love & honor Him with everything we are & in everything we do.

• When we seek Him for Wisdom, it is that wisdom that leads us to our choices lining up with what His word says!  - Our Guiding light

Harbor Light #1 = The Word of God

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

• The Word of God lights our path enough to see our next step.

• The Spirit of God will never speak to us in a way that is contradictory to what He has already spoken or revealed in His Word.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord , you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.  Ps 34:8-10 NLT

Harbor Light #2 = Circumstances

I will lead blind Israel down a new path,
    guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
I will brighten the darkness before them
    and smooth out the road ahead of them.
Yes, I will indeed do these things;
    I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

• God cleared obstacles out of the way, and guided them on unknown paths as their light. He stayed with them every step of the way to their destination.

• If we will trust God, we will find guidance beyond measure from His light

The book of JOB 

• God challenges Job to consider that divine wisdom is far beyond human understanding.

• True Wisdom: Begins with humility before God.

Harbor Light #3 = The Internal Peace of God

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

• When it comes to our spiritual lives, God's peace is meant to make the final call. 

• When something in a decision, situation or circumstance disrupts our peace that is the alert or signal to reconsider the decision, situation or circumstance.

When peace rules our heart it enables us to move forward with the confidence that we are aligned in the will of God.

“Be Still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

• In our waiting God works. We can be still because He is active. We can rest because He is busy.

Main Points

1. Wisdom comes to those that have a humble dependence on God.

2. Wisdom comes with an expectation of God's loving faithfulness no matter what our circumstances look like.

3. Wisdom comes in the obedience of God's Word.

4. Wisdom comes with peace as its confirmation.

How Do We Pray for Wisdom & Guidance?

When it comes to praying for wisdom what is important is:

1. Ask with faith and bold confidence. 

2. Seek out God’s loving will and not just answers. 

3. Stay in God's Word and stay humble. 

4. “Be Still” & Listen.

5. Ask for discernment, not just direction. 

6. Walk in obedience. 

7. Remember peace is confirmation.