Seeking Godly Wisdom

Seeking Godly Wisdom

2 Chronicles 1:8-12

Introduction-

This morning I want to talk to you about wisdom, Godly wisdom.

I want you to see in Scripture there is a big difference between Godly wisdom and the wisdom of man.

We laugh when we watch shows like “so you think you are smarter than a fifth grader.” Why? Because we are excited that we can answer questions geared toward a 10 year old. I don’t laugh as much or as hard when I watch Brain Busters or Jeopardy, why? Because those questions are much harder to answer and I don’t get as many right.

In the game of life- when God asks us the tough questions;

We will have to look in the face of the camera and say “I am not smarter than God.”

2 Chronicles chapter 1-

Solomon son of king David establishes himself as a worthy king after his father died and he took the throne of Israel.

Solomon spoke eloquently to the leaders of Israel.

Continued to follow as his father did in the love of God.

He assembled his leaders in the Tent of Meetings just like Moses did in the desert.

Scripture tells us that Solomon offered 1000 burnt offerings and God appeared before Solomon.

2 Chronicles 1:7- That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

That statement is where dreams and movies are made of- ask whatever you want and I will give it to you!

Our minds go to all kinds of things from Aston Martin cars, new homes, clothing, jet setting events, rubbing shoulders with the wealthy.

If God said to you-“Ask me whatever you want and I will give it to you”- what would you ask for?

Here is Solomon response- 2 Chronicles chapter 1:8-12 (Text)

A couple things jump out to me with these verses-

When God asks you a question, answer it truthfully but make sure it God’s will that is the motive of the response.

Example- we are praying and asking God for help in a situation in your life, and God says to us “What do you want me to do”? Our usual answer would be bless us, cars, boats, houses, destroy the enemy that we believe is the thorn in our side. But what God is asking is…what can I do for you to accomplish what I have asked you to do. Our response should be wisdom and knowledge, guidance, direction, strength, give us the ability to discern and do what you desire.

Solomon was made king- God told him ask for whatever you want me to give you-

The correct response- wisdom and knowledge to do what you have called me to do.

We need to ask God the right questions with the right motive.

We need to answer his question, keeping in mind what God has asked us to do, and not treat God like a personal genie in a bottle.

Ask, Believe, Receive

That is a Godly principal

That is the principal of prayer.

Ask God….not doubting.

Believe…that God will do it.

Receive….from your Heavenly Father.

Provided that what you are asking, believing, and wanting to receive is the will of the Father.

(11) God’s response to Solomon-

“since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches, or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for long life, but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king. Therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you (He gives him a positive answer to his request) I can do that!

Continuing – And, I will also give you wealth, riches, honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (God give us a few of the wants and desires when we focus not on our wants and desires.)

Ask according to His purpose

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, and if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know we have the things that we have asked of Him.”

Most people are taught that we ask according to our purpose, but the Bible teaches it is according to His purpose.

“Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified.” Will God be glorified by answering your prayer?

God has not changed-

Because you have not asked for wealth.

Because you are not selfish.

Because you have a heart after God.

I will give you what you ask + things that you have not asked for!

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.