Sermon On Seeking Truth & Wisdom

Seeking truth and wisdom usually culminates in a more meaningful, authentic, and purposeful life, resulting in better decisions, inner peace, personal growth, and the ability to navigate complexities with clarity, integrity, and empathy. Thomas Gray, an English poet in his poem: “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College” remarks: "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." Ecclesiastes 1:8 reminds us: “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

The above quote suggests that sometimes, not knowing unpleasant maxims leads to greater happiness, and it's foolish to seek out knowledge that will only bring sorrow, a personal sentiment explored as Gray reflects on his carefree school days. Seeking truth and wisdom isn't a single fact but a personal journey of finding denotation through impermanence, growth, and connection, with common themes embracing change, focusing on the present, learning resilience through challenges, and discovering impetus through experiences, relationships, and self-discovery. Core truths often highlighted include that time is finite, change is constant, and finding inner peace involves self-acceptance and contribution beyond oneself, often leading to a focus on gratitude, compassion, and living authentically.

Seeking truth is generally considered a fundamental well-being for personal growth, societal trust, and understanding reality, leading to authenticity, better decision-making, and wholeness, though some philosophical debates exist about when "white lies," self-deception, or painful truths might conflict with other values like pleasure or social harmony, suggesting a nuanced approach is sometimes needed. It builds credibility and purpose, but balancing truth-seeking with compassion and wisdom is key, as some truths can be destructive if not handled carefully. Jesus promised His disciples that after His ascension, the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth) would come to guide them into a fuller understanding of all truth, not speaking His own words but revealing what He hears from God, and disclosing future events, acting as a divine interpreter and teacher for believers. It signifies continuous divine revelation, deeper insight into God's will, and ongoing spiritual growth beyond what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry. John 16:13 reminds us: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Wisdom and candour fundamentally entwine with truth serving as the foundation (what is) and wisdom as the skillful application (knowing what to do with what is), involving deeper understanding, judgment, and insight to navigate life's complexities, leading to flourishing outcomes rather than just knowing facts. A wise person recognizes and applies truth, even when difficult, understanding context, compassion, and the bigger picture, making wisdom the applied form of truth. The most famous Bible story about wisdom centers on King Solomon, who asked God for an "understanding heart" to govern, rather than riches or long life, pleasing God, who granted him immense wisdom, famously displayed in the Judgment of Solomon where he discerned the true mother of a baby by proposing to cut the child in half, revealing compassion. Solomon's request and God's subsequent blessing illustrate seeking divine guidance for discernment and leadership.

1 Kings 3:4-15 reminds us: “And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.”