The Wisdom of God

Personally knowing a

Dr. Ridge Orr

The Wisdom of God handout pdf | doc

Knowing God Series Index

Purpose:

Our biggest problem is not knowing how to make the best decisions but to know and understand Him who perfectly understands things! We need to master hearing from God if we are going to successfully live out our lives.

Willing to comply to His plans because they are best (Psalm 104:24)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33)

Wisdom defined

God’s wisdom is based upon acting for a right end
It consists in observing all circumstances for action; and in willing and acting according to the right reason, according to a right judgment of things.

Knowledge and wisdom are distinct perfections in God

All wisdom belongs to God alone, for fundamental wisdom is the essence of God.
God’s personal wisdom expresses most significantly in the Son, who opens for us the secrets of God. (1 Cor. 1:24) ; (Luke 7:35)
God’s wisdom is necessary, incomprehensible, eternal, universal, and perfect.

Arguments for God’s Wisdom

God must be wise or he could not be infinitely perfect.
God must be infinitely wise or he could not govern the world.
God’s supreme wisdom is evidenced as it moves and guides all creatures to work toward an ultimate purpose, yet unknown to them.
Wisdom found in his creatures points us to God as the source of all wisdom.

God’s Wisdom is found in creation, in government, and in redemption

In creation: In the variety of creation, in the beauty and order of creation, in the link of interdependence of created things, and in the fitness and end of all things made to be useful (Psalm 104:24) ; (Prov. 6:6-8)
In government: In the government of man as a rational and moral being (conscience), in the fitting of God’s revelation to the future (prophecy), and in the government of human actions for divine purposes, most especially in the encouragement to study and learn from God’s will.
In redemption: In the prevention of man’s corrupt actions and binding of sin, in bringing glory to himself and good to others through all things (Joseph, Job, etc.), and in the conversion, sanctification and glorification of the church (Ephesians 3:10)

Part of wisdom is to bring good out of evil, out of punishment, and out of sin.

God’s Wisdom compared to human wisdom

God’s wisdom cannot be discerned by mere human ability. (1 Cor. 1:20-21 ; 3:18-20) ; (Isaiah 47:10)

God’s Wisdom manifest in particular lives

God’s wisdom employs Kings, prime ministers, presidents etc.; as their actions serve a greater purpose than they intended.
God’s wisdom acts in divine providence through his servants.

Take Joseph or Daniel for example: (Gen. 40:8 ; 41:16) ; (Dan. 2:27-28)
Both, with God’s help, showed divine courage, as failure would mean death.
Both humbly gave the rulers of their time a strong mandate from God.
By their faithful witness, God’s wisdom achieved the saving of many lives. (Gen. 50:20) ; (Dan. 2:13-18) ; (James 1:5)

The Wisdom of God taught in Proverbs chapters 1-9

Wisdom is connected to understanding, knowledge, and discernment; making its abode among the upright in heart: those who are just, those with integrity, those showing self-discipline, and those seeking to keep the commandments of God. (Prov. 1:7, 20) (2:2, 6, 10) (3:7, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21) (4:5, 11) (5:1) (7:4) (8:1, 5, 8:11-36) (9:1-10)

The Wisdom of God made known in His divine plan of salvation

Hidden wisdom - (1 Cor. 2:6-8) ; (Col. 2:2b-3) ; (Ps. 51:6)
Mysterious wisdom - (1 Cor. 2:7) ; (Romans 11:33-34) ; (Col. 1:9b,10) (Eph. 1:7-10)

God’s wisdom ‘in Christ’ is a mystery which for ages had been hidden. Now it has been made known prominently in the ‘Gospel of Grace’. (Col. 1:9b, 10) ; (Rom. 11:33-34)

Discussion Questions:

In what ways have you experienced the wisdom of God active in your life?
Give one example where God’s wisdom worked through evil, or punishment, or sin to bring an ultimate good from it.