Wisdom’s Cry, Part 2 I Intentionality

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S.O.A.P. – “Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer”

Do you generally feel powerful to make decisions over your life or do you generally feel powerless and unable to make decisions over your life?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly. Proverbs 5:21–23 NIV

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:2–4 NIV

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. Proverbs 24:8 NIV

Sermon Insights:

Starting point: don’t plan evil!

Intentionality begins by surrendering to the Lord.

Is there a hidden area of your life where you intentionally do wrong things? Like roadkill in a crockpot, sin only gets worse when you add the heated pressures of life and enough time.

What do we learn about God in these Scriptures?

What do we learn about ourselves and others in these Scriptures?

You have a choice—you can surrender to God and let him lead you down “paths of righteousness” or you can embrace and grow sin in your life until it takes over. What choice are you intentionally making…right now?

Lord, I am so full of insecurity and mistrust that I am sometimes very uncertain of what will happen if I truly surrender and follow you. But I am reminded that you have always been faithful in the past, and you have always been full of love and mercy in the present. I choose to trust you with my future!

Who or what does prayer change?

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV

The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 NIV

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Proverbs 15:8–9 NIV

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT

Sermon Insights:

Prayer is foundational to intentionality.

Why is prayer important?

What does humility have to do with sincere and effective prayer?

What is a proper heart and mindset for approaching God with prayer?

There is a popular and false idea about prayer that simply suggests that it is comprised of good thoughts in a private time of contemplation. Prayer is humbly and assertively communicating with your Creator as you have been invited to do by God himself through Jesus. It is one of the most humbling and powerful activities you can do because of the kindness and power of the God you are approaching. Will you make prayer a priority?

Lord, it is a privilege to come to you directly in the name of Jesus. Thank you for creating me, knowing my needs, and being my protector and provider. Teach me to humble myself before you as I look for your powerful hand at work in the world. Teach me to participate faithfully in the role you have given me so that I can enhance your plan and presence here on earth! May your Kingdom come and your will be done…on earth as it is in Heaven!

Are you generally surrounded by people who are more wise or less wise than you? Why?

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:22–23 NLT

Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. Proverbs 24:1–7 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Sermon Insights:

Intentionality requires good counsel.

One of the Maasai sayings is: “All wisdom is not contained in one head.”

How are you building your “network” of trustworthy advisers?

How are you building your “house”?

How do you value wisdom in your own life?

Who do you consider wise in your life? Who considers YOU wise in his/her life?

Lord, thank you for calling out to me with wisdom and surrounding me with plenty of opportunity to be in the presence of very wise people. Help me ask the right questions and humble myself so that I can find wisdom and live it out for the benefit of you, myself, and others.

Words cast long shadows into the future. Are you currently pleased with the shadows you are living in and creating for the future?

The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Proverbs 12:13–14 NLT

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4 NLT

If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:22–23 NLT

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 NLT

Sermon Insights:

Intentionality demands diligence.

What do you believe God is calling you to be diligent in your private life? Public life?

What are you better at—the planning or execution stage of a project?

Is there an area of your life that needs to go beyond mere talking to actually doing?

What do you want the eventual outcome of your life’s work to be?

Lord, thank you for teaching me to be diligent in planning well, working hard, and resting wisely. Teach me to walk your paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being “not flexible AT ALL” and 10 being “TOTALLY flexible,” where are you most of the time? Do you like that about yourself?

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20–21 NLT

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:1–7 NLT

Sermon Insights:

Intentionality requires flexibility.

Do you believe maturity means more or less flexibility?

Are you becoming more or less flexible, and are you happy with that?

“The Lord’s purpose will prevail” – are you living in alignment with God’s purposes?

Who are you influencing to become more open to God’s wisdom?

Lord, thank you for walking with me even when the road is rough. Thank you for creating stability in your truth and love even when my road is uncertain. Help me to be faithful as you are faithful.

Wisdom’s Cry, Part 2 I Intentionality

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