Acquiring Wisdom – Dr. Charles Stanley

Summary

In this message, Dr. Charles Stanley explores the importance of acquiring wisdom, emphasizing that while knowledge is abundant in today's world, wisdom—especially godly wisdom—is scarce. He outlines key steps to acquire wisdom, such as seeking it, meditating on God’s Word, obeying scriptural principles, praying for it, observing God's actions in the world, heeding godly counsel, and associating with wise individuals. Dr. Stanley highlights the essential nature of godly wisdom for making wise decisions in life, and stresses that true wisdom starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wisdom is the ability to see things from God's viewpoint and respond according to biblical principles.
• 😀 In today’s information age, there is an abundance of knowledge but a scarcity of true wisdom.
• 😀 Acquiring wisdom is a process that requires time and involves making wise decisions and observing their results.
• 😀 True wisdom begins with seeking it actively and persistently, recognizing its great value for life decisions.
• 😀 Meditating on God's Word is crucial to gaining wisdom as it helps integrate God's perspective into your life.
• 😀 Obeying the principles of scripture is essential for acquiring wisdom, as knowledge without action leads to foolishness.
• 😀 Wisdom is granted generously by God, and we must ask for it in faith, trusting that He will give it.
• 😀 Observing God's work in the world, such as the behavior of animals like ants, can teach us valuable lessons in wisdom.
• 😀 Wise counsel is invaluable; we should be discerning about who we turn to for guidance, ensuring they live according to God’s Word.
• 😀 Associating with wise people is a key way to gain wisdom. We become like those we spend time with.
• 😀 The ultimate wisdom involves recognizing the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers the way to eternal life.

Q & A

What is the central message of Dr. Charles Stanley's sermon on wisdom?

The central message of the sermon is the importance of acquiring godly wisdom, which is defined as the ability to see things from God's perspective and responding to them according to scriptural principles. Dr. Stanley emphasizes that while there is an abundance of knowledge in today's world, true wisdom, especially godly wisdom, is scarce.

How does Dr. Stanley define godly wisdom?

Godly wisdom is the capacity to see things from God's viewpoint and to respond according to the principles outlined in scripture. It is more than just knowledge; it involves understanding how God sees the world and living accordingly.

What does Dr. Stanley say about the current state of knowledge and wisdom in society?

Dr. Stanley observes that society has an overwhelming amount of information, but there is a lack of wisdom. Many people may have degrees, knowledge, and information, but they lack the wisdom to make good decisions and live a life that aligns with God's principles.

What is the first step in acquiring wisdom, according to Dr. Stanley?

The first step in acquiring wisdom is seeking it. Dr. Stanley emphasizes that if a person values wisdom, they must actively seek it through prayer, reflection, and diligence. Wisdom does not come by chance; it must be pursued intentionally.

How does Dr. Stanley suggest we acquire wisdom through meditation on God's Word?

Dr. Stanley suggests that by reading and meditating on God's Word, we take in the mind of God, which helps us gain wisdom. The Word of God reveals God's ways and plans, and as we meditate on it, it becomes an integral part of our understanding, guiding our decisions and actions.

What role does obedience to scripture play in acquiring wisdom?

Obedience to scripture is crucial in acquiring wisdom. Dr. Stanley explains that merely having knowledge of the Bible is not enough; wisdom comes when we act upon the principles found in scripture and live according to God's direction.

What does Dr. Stanley say about the role of prayer in acquiring wisdom?

Dr. Stanley highlights that prayer is essential in acquiring wisdom. He refers to James 1:5, which states that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously. However, simply asking is not enough; we must also observe the results of applying godly wisdom in our lives.

How does observing God's work in the world help us acquire wisdom?

Observing how God operates in the world helps us gain wisdom by learning from the consequences of actions. Dr. Stanley uses the example of the ant from Proverbs to illustrate how observing God's design in nature can teach us valuable lessons about diligence and responsibility.

What does Dr. Stanley say about the importance of heeding godly counsel?

Dr. Stanley stresses the importance of seeking godly counsel, explaining that wisdom often comes through listening to others who understand and apply the Word of God. He encourages discernment in choosing advisors, highlighting the difference between worldly wisdom and godly counsel.

What does Dr. Stanley mean by 'associating with the wise' as a way to acquire wisdom?

Dr. Stanley explains that associating with wise individuals who live according to God’s principles will help us grow in wisdom. He cites Proverbs 13:20, which states that walking with wise men leads to wisdom, while companionship with fools leads to harm.