Sermons on Wisdom
“Who Is the Greatest?” (Luke 9:46-48)
Who Is the Greatest? (Luke 9:46-48) We have come to the final accounts of Jesus’s Galilean ministry. Chapter nine has focused on the question: Who is Jesus? The answer is that “He’s the glorious and majestic Messiah.” Peter could say this, but then prove his ignorance about what this actually meant with regard to Christ’s ministry. The irony of this passage is that it follows after the display of the majesty of Christ in his authority (casting out a demon)…
Vanity of Vanities (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)
Introduction We have spent the past six months looking at a book that contains many things that are difficult to understand. It’s a book you should continue to read and meditate upon. It’s truths are appropriate for all ages, but especially postmodern Westerners. 12:8 summarizes the Preacher’s thoughts. If Ecclesiastes ended at 12:8, our interpretation would have been different. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Ryken If there is no God, then there is no Judge. If there is no Judge, then there…
The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
e filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Introduction Jesus has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry he is about to begin. The baptism was followed by a genealogy that concludes significantly (3:38). He wasn’t an alien (part God, part man). His temptation confirms his humanity. Great Privilege > Great Trial. Read Luke 4:1-13 Docestism = Jesus merely seemed human. If Jesus was going to suffer and obey in our place, his temptation…
A Word to the Young (Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:8)
Introduction As the Preacher draws towards his closing, he turns his attention to his young listeners. Maybe much of what he has said has gone over their heads or was difficult for them to see its application. But, he wants to ensure they hear him at this point. Children, do I have your attention? Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8 Here’s another call to enjoy life, but it’s couched in the reality of aging and death. How do we deal with growing old?…
Calculated Risk (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
Introduction The Preacher continues his study of wisdom, specifically economic wisdom, which will be followed by another commendation of joy next week. Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 In the past 20 years we’ve witnessed to of the biggest financial disasters in our nation’s history. We saw the dotcom crash of 2000 and the housing market collapse of 2008. In both cases, the market was saturated with inflated prices creating a bubble of instability. If we were anything like the generation that survived…
Wisdom is Better (Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20)
Introduction What’s the point of living? The Preacher has been breaking down the most common cultural strongholds: the pursuit of a comprehensive knowledge, the indulgence of worldly pleasures, and a general sense of self-sufficiency. In the Preacher’s study of wisdom he has come to the consistent conclusion that life is filled with frustration. It would be easy to see him as a hopeless fatalist, but he has challenged us to enjoy life despite the existence of injustice and unpredictability. Read…
Enjoy Life! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)
Introduction The Preacher has been looking at wisdom and cycling back around to the same conclusions, namely that we aren’t capable of grasping the knowledge we seek. His final three chapters are mostly positive, but we have another chapter that is mostlyfrustration. Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 Considering all the injustice and frustrations of life, is it even worth living? He’s done this before. In fact, this is the 6x the Preacher has called his readers to enjoy life. Why say it…
Who Is Like the Wise (Ecclesiastes 8:1-17)
Introduction Carrie and I recently watched Murder on the Orient Express. I’m sure Agitha Christie’s novel was better, but it had a pretty unbelievable ending that perfectly wrapped up every loose end. Unfortunately, the Preacher won’t be doing that for us in Ecclesiastes… We will be left with the same challenges. But struggling teaches us to trust in God even when we don’t have the answers. The benefits of wisdom are often paradoxical (funerals > birthdays). Wisdom limited (7:27-28). Read…
I Must Be In My Father’s House (Luke 2:41-52)
Introduction In the temple: Transitions from events when Jesus was 40d/o to an event that took place 12yrs later. Read Luke 2:41-52 How do Jesus’ human and divine nature work? Apocryphal gospels: Jesus molds clay doves and brings them to life. Jesus zaps some kids who were tormenting him. Luke emphasizes his human nature: Jesus had to study. Develops understanding of God’s Word through interaction. Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Jesus…
Living For Something Better (Ecclesiastes 7:1-12)
Introduction Things that leave us feeling anxious and ashamed. These frustrations are cyclical. 6:11 What is the advantage to man? Provides the answer in chapter 7. Wisdom literature = frequently shift subjects (Funerals > Rebuke > Oppression > Nostalgia). Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 Road Rage: I was recently cut off on the freeway by a person entering behind me. In order to get ahead of him, I had to cut off someone else. Think about a recent experience of suffering. What…
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