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Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWisdom is of utmost importance in living a successful life of faith, as it is inseparable from faith itself. Success in life is determined by the choices one makes, and wisdom guides us to choose the path that aligns with what God says. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, we must strive to get wisdom, and in all our getting, get understanding. It is so vital that no price short of death is too high, nor any sacrifice too great, to obtain them to the highest level possible. Wisdom and understanding are closely linked, working together as a team with one mind, and are essential to perceiving the truths that lead to the knowledge of God. To gain wisdom, one must receive God's words, treasure His commands, incline the ear to wisdom, and apply the heart to understanding. This requires diligent effort, seeking wisdom as silver and searching for it as hidden treasures, which then leads to understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God. Acquiring wisdom is not a sudden gift but a process of hard work, requiring participation with God through trials and lessons. It demands concentrated effort to gather knowledge, meditation, seeking counsel, and practical application. Wisdom, in this context, means skill in living according to God's Word, and like any skill, it requires determined practice to perfect. It involves acting circumspectly, with prudence and insight, to deal carefully with life's events. Ultimately, the purpose of wisdom is to make right choices at the right time for the right reasons, ensuring success in life. Wisdom and right choices are so intertwined that one can say wisdom is making right choices, and making right choices is wisdom.
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.
Biblical Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile Greek culture rendered wisdom mostly mental and contemplative, it is not truly biblical wisdom unless it follows through with a specific behavior.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Nine): Wisdom as a Defense
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe type of wisdom Ecclesiastes teaches is not of the purely philosophical variety, but is a spiritual sagacity combined with practical skill in living.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.
Sovereignty and Choice
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSome theologians see law and grace at the opposite ends of a continuum. They cannot imagine how God's sovereignty and man's free moral agency can co-exist.
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.
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.
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Elements of Motivation (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom does not give us complete understanding into the ultimate purposes of God, but when accompanied with faith in God, it will brighten our countenance.
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.
The Whole Truth
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidWe have heard the courtroom mantra, 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.' Behavior shows that many shy away from 'nothing but the truth'!