By Steve A. Hamilton

1 Corinthians 1:20-29

Introduction: Conventional wisdom tells us that the earth is billions of years old; that spanking is harmful to children; that global warming is caused by humans; that drinking wine is good for the heart; that homosexual behavior is natural; that religion is foolishness and that Hilary Clinton will be our next president.  I find it interesting that what we call wisdom is anything but wise. 

I. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. 

          A. A good friend once told me that smart is learning by experience where wisdom is learning from those who are smart.  The wise apply knowledge so they don’t have to learn from experience. If I know a stove is hot, wisdom will tell me not to touch it.

          B. Wisdom is not just the accumulation of knowledge.  Wisdom is evident in our conduct (Jas. 3:13, 17). 

II. Wisdom is not normally found in the learned or great among people.

          A. Age nor stature in life is any indication of wisdom (Job 32:9).

          B. Do we see the leaders of this world as people who possess great amounts of wisdom (Eccl. 4:13)?  It is better to be young, poor and wise than great.

          C.  If rulers were known for their wisdom, how many of them would be Christians (1 Cor. 2:7-8; John 7:48)?  If they were wise they wouldn’t have crucified Christ.

          D. Few Christians are found among our wise, noble or great (1 Cor. 1:26).

          E. God has rather chosen to reveal His mysteries to babes (Matt. 11:25). 

III. Conventional wisdom is misleading.

          A. Wisdom that misleads or is self serving and envious is an earthly wisdom (Jas. 3:14-16).

          B.  The wise among us think they are always right (Prov. 12:15).  The truly wise will listen and take advice.

          C. Most people don’t even know how to lead their own lives (Prov. 14:12). Yet, nearly everyone thinks they possess wisdom.

          D. Conventional wisdom is foolishness with God (1 Cor. 1:18-21).  

IV. True wisdom is found in Christ.

          A. The Lord will give wisdom for the asking (James 1:5).

          B. The wise will understand God’s will (Eph. 4:15-17).

          C. True wisdom is a blessing (Prov. 3:13-18).

Conclusion: Wisdom will tell us that Jesus is our Lord and Savior; that Christ came and died for our sins; that salvation can only be found by obedience to His will; that there is only one true church and that only a few will make it to heaven.  Wisdom will also tell you that you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:16).

Last modified: 05/02/08