Sermon Outlines - Godly Wisdom is Greater than Riches 1-3-10

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Posted by: Pastor Van Buskirk	1/16/2010 6:52 AM
1 Kings 3:9 Godly Wisdom is Greater than Riches The world teaches, “Take the money and run.” Wall Street blew it big time in 2009, but they convinced the Government to bail them out or else they threatened to ruin the life savings of the little guys as well. The Government succumbed to the blackmail and consequently Wall Street got billions in taxpayer-financed bonuses. Were they in the least bit ashamed? Not hardly. They even scrambled to get out of the TARP restrictions in order to get even bigger bonuses, all for betting the farm and nearly destroying the world’s economy. Is this justice? Is it even capitalism? It is easy to see the sin in Wall Street’s greed, but what about us? How many of us put our money down on lottery tickets dreaming of becoming rich, schedule ourselves for extra overtime knowing that we will miss church services and family time, or do whatever we have to, including lying and stealing, to get an extra buck? “Not us” you say. “We would never do that.” But, how many of us go down on our knees regularly and ask God to give us His wisdom through the Holy Spirit and His guidance in dealing with day-to-day challenges? Rather, most of us rely upon our human thinking which is sinful by nature. And in spite of all of our plotting and scheming, things really do not go that well for us. Our lives and relationships are often in ruins. King Solomon was wise. He asked God for wisdom: “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?" (1 Kings 3:9 ESV) That is the kind of king we need! And so he was. God rewards those who seek His wisdom. 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." (1 Kings 3:10-14) Seek God’s wisdom through His Word of grace and truth. And He will give you something much greater than riches – an understanding of His heart and grace beyond measure. Amen. Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX www.rlcbaytown.org
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