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Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWisdom is a recurring theme, emphasized by God eleven times in the early chapters of Ecclesiastes, highlighting its importance in living by faith. Success in life hinges on the choices one makes, and Ecclesiastes guides us through the experiences and conclusions of the wisest man who ever lived, urging us to use our faith to follow what God commands. For those to whom God has revealed Himself, life holds meaning and purpose, as the sovereign God is personally involved in our lives, leaving nothing to chance. To be in His image, we must strive to be as careful as possible, learning to leave nothing to chance through time and experience. Proverbs 4:4-9 teaches that we should retain God's words and commands to live, urging us to get wisdom and understanding without forgetting or turning away from His teachings. Wisdom is the principal thing; we must pursue it and understanding with all we have, for they will preserve and honor us when embraced, delivering grace and glory. Wisdom and understanding are so vital that no price short of death is too high to obtain them at the highest level possible. Proverbs 2:1-5 further instructs that if we receive God's words, treasure His commands, incline our ear to wisdom, and apply our heart to understanding, seeking it as silver or hidden treasure, then we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. This pursuit requires hard work and active participation with God, as wisdom does not come effortlessly but through diligent effort, observation, prayer, and meditation. The process involves gathering knowledge with concentrated effort, meditating and seeking counsel, and applying it practically, which is the essence of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:2-5 defines wisdom as skill in living according to God's Word, not merely sagacity, but a practiced ability to navigate life's events with prudence and insight. Understanding involves a process of distinguishing and comprehending circumstances through thoughtful consideration. Wisdom, as skill in living, and understanding, as the capability to distinguish, are supreme, and we are to pursue them even at great cost. Ultimately, wisdom is about making the right choices at the right time for the right reasons, ensuring success in life through alignment with God's principles.
Knowledge and Wisdom (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordSolomon urges us to seek wisdom as we would seek for buried treasure. Wisdom is more valuable than any physical treasure chest full of gold Eagles.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Sermonette by Mike FordThe wise of the world are fools in comparison to those who find and protect godly wisdom, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
Seeking God (Part Two): A Foundation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians need to have a conscious plan in seeking God. Here are several essential qualities that must be included in any successful course of action.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn answer to the question, 'How can a mere human being fulfill the difficult expectations of God?', Jesus instructs us to 'Ask, seek, and knock.'
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Thirteen): Confessions
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAs he closes Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon makes a confession about the search for wisdom, saying that, even to him, true wisdom remained beyond his grasp.
Get Understanding
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.
What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe parables of the leaven and the treasure hidden in the field show two sides of the same coin. The hidden treasure is the God-given solution to the leaven.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fourteen): A Summary
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAlong with the central paradox of Ecclesiastes 7, the chapter emphasizes the importance of an individual's lifelong search for wisdom.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBy not revealing everything immediately, God has been employing teaching techniques that have taken the educational community thousands of years to discover.
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasProverbs 25:2 says, 'It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.' God hides certain things to make us dig deep because the focused effort engraves the lessons.