John 15:16 = “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit” Jesus makes the first move; the second is up to us.
Ephesians 2:8.9 = “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Matthew 22:14 = “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13,14 = “brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (a) God’s choice springs from his love, is applied by His Spirit, & culminates in sharing Christ’s glory. Salvation is purposed in the eternal past, carried out in the present, & fulfilled in the eternal future. (b) Even though salvation is solely of God, it still requires the preaching of gospel truth & belief when heard.
Questions:
* Can we responsibly & respectfully handle the heated topic of divine initiative vs human responsibility?
* Why emphasize predestination? Why emphasise free will?
* How are you encouraged/assured by the knowledge that God chose you?
1. How is your personal search for WISDOM progressing?
2. Philosophers were respected as people who could search out deep truth; but in contrast, how is Gospel truth discovered?
3. Why is wisdom so precious?
4. What is the conflict between wealth and wisdom?
Proverbs 4:5 = get wisdom, get understanding
James 1:5 = if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God … and it will be given
1 Cor 1:30 = Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption
Isaiah 11:2 = the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, power
Proverbs 16:16 = How much better to get wisdom than gold; to choose understanding rather than silver
Proverbs 8:10,11 = Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold ... for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her
TWO KINDS OF WISDOM – TWO KINDS OF POWER
Making a very good choice when it comes to wisdom and power
will have a positive impact on church unity and preaching.
