Wisdom From Above

Jesus sent the twelve disciples out and "...He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." (Matthew 10:1) In doing so, Jesus knew that as ambassadors for Him, they would come in contact with some hostile people. Concerning this, He tells them, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) So what does it mean to "be wise as serpents?" Jesus was using a serpent as an example because they are cunning. (Genesis 3:1) He tells his disciples, they needed wisdom in the midst of a world that would seek to take their lives. However, we also need to keep in mind that there are two type of wisdom. 

The Apostle James tells us, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:13-17) So, naturally, we will be talking about "the wisdom from above," the Wisdom from God. But why would Jesus not tell them to use the knowledge that they had received while listening to His words and while observing His actions? Surely, they must of acquired much knowledge being with Jesus day and night.

Wisdom shows us how to use knowledge effectively. For instance, people know it is not good to smoke, but they smoke just the same. They know it is not good for their body to stay up late at night, get little sleep day in and day out, yet they do it anyway. They know they should not make a glutton of themselves, nor eat or drink certain things, yet they do it with little regard. They know that they  should not exceed the speed limit on the highway and yet, with no regard, they do this also. They know, but they are not using their knowledge. Why? Are they being obstinate? Is it that they just don't care? Could it be that they enjoy the adverse consequences that come with such neglect or poor behavior? No, not at all. They simply lack wisdom. If they were wise, they would cut out all these things that they know are or could be harmful. So, with that said, let's look at the Word of God spoken through Solomon...

"Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge." (Proverbs 1:20-22) These are strong words, but also a warning that we should listen and adhere to. If we know something, such as shown in the examples above, and refuse wisdom to use the knowledge that we have, then we are fools and we hate knowledge. Notice, what Wisdom continues to say, "Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you." (Proverbs 1:24-27)

Just observing the few examples above, we can see why so many believers struggle in life. They know but they refuse wisdom and reject the counsel that wisdom brings and therefore will deal with calamity and the storms, distresses and anguish of life that could have been avoided, simply by adhering to wisdom's "...rebuke..." and letting the "words of wisdom be known to you." (Proverbs 1:23) When wisdom is rejected we also see in the time of calamity, "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. (Proverbs 1:28-32) Could this be a reason why so many believers struggle with sickness, disease, financial woes and broken relationships? Could this be a reason why we see very little expressions or experiences of God's Kingdom, Power and Glory in His church and among believers? 

Although this may sound hard, there is wonderful news. Wisdom also say, "But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) PTL! Solomon goes on to tells us, "My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5) So, not one believer has to ever struggle in this life having knowledge but not applying wisdom " For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) I want to encourage you to finish reading and meditate on all of Proverbs chapter two. In it you will find some wonderful promises that the Lord has for those who diligently seek wisdom.

Finally, I want to leave you with this encouraging word also from God through Solomon, "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22) Can we just imagine the abundant and successful life that we can live now in this life, if we were to have a greater love for God's Word? If we seek after God's Wisdom, we are actually seeking after God Himself. Remember what the Apostle John tells us concerning the Word, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) To have a love for God's Word is to love God. He and His Word are one. "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one." (1 John 5:7) So, let us daily seek after God, "For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Amen...   

Dethroned!!!

Prior to the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul telling us of Christ being raised from the dead and seated in the highest position in the heavenly places and that we are seated with Him, he said, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:17-18) In many sectors of the church today, believers tend to not understand Jesus’ complete defeat over Satan. It is apparent that many believers today need to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Christ, the eyes of their understanding enlightened.

Having the eyes of our understanding enlightened is the wisdom of God, that God wants each believer to have. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "We do discuss 'wisdom' with those who are mature; only it is not the wisdom of this world or of the dethroned Powers who rule this world, it is the mysterious Wisdom of God that we discuss, that hidden wisdom which God decreed from all eternity for our glory." (1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Moffatt) WOW!!! Verse 6 tells us that Satan has been dethroned. The wisdom of the mature believer whose understanding has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit is that Satan has already been dethroned and the believer has victory over him in Christ.

In other words, Satan has been removed from his throne of authority. Jesus has already accomplished this for every believer. Satan has no authority over the believer, unless the believer gives him the authority. This may occur through ignorance, the lack of knowledge of God's Word, disobedience, or simply a failure to exercise his/her rights in Christ. I believe the greatest effort on Satan’s part is to keep believers from knowing their identity, position and authority in Christ.

The fact that Satan has been dethroned and stripped of his authority is the wisdom the Holy Spirit wants every believer to fully understand, "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." The wisdom of God is that believers simply stand in, uphold and enforce Jesus' victory over the devil because we are in Christ. The Apostle Paul reveals to us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10) The Apostle John tells us, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith." (1 John 5:4) When we truly see that  Jesus' victory over the devil is our victory also any arguments or thoughts of the church living in defeat or even being militant will simply find no place.

This is why believers do not need to live in defeat, failure or even make war on the enemy, because he is already defeated, dethroned, brought to nothing, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Apostle James tells us, "The worlds wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:15-16) The wisdom of the world is that believers still have to struggle and war against the hosts of darkness in an effort to try to defeat and overcome them, but remember, James tells us, the wisdom of the world is earthly, sensual, demonic.

However, we need to keep in mind, that Satan still maintains his authority over unsaved people because they do not know of Jesus’ triumph over him. The wisdom of the world or Satan's wisdom still rules in their affairs. Paul tells us, "whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4) Another aspect of the wisdom of God that those who are spiritually mature in the Word will see and understand, is the knowledge of the inheritance that God has already prepared for them in Christ; it is the wisdom of knowing who they are in Christ.

The wisdom of God is that believers only need to stand against demons in the victory that Jesus Christ already accomplished for them. If believers would begin to stand in their position in Christ against a foe that has already been defeated and dethroned, it would solve so many of their problems. The wisdom of God is the wisdom of His Word. Solomon tells us, "My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:1-6)

Again, we find God’s wisdom in His Word and when His Word becomes a part of us, as James says, “receive with meekness the implanted, the engrafted Word of God” (James 1:21) there will be no more questioning our identity, position or authority, in Christ. Also, let’s keep in mind, as Peter tells us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Every believer will still need to stand their ground with the Word of God against Satan because his wiles are deceptive, and he will try to blind your eyes to make you think he has power and authority over you. The devil works against the flesh trying his best to get you out of the realm of faith in God's Word by making you doubt the Word, through either fear, doubt or unbelief. That is why Peter goes on and says, "resist him, steadfast in the faith...." (1 Peter 5:9) So, always remember, the fight against the devil and all demons is in the arena of faith. Faith in God and His Word, because Satan and all his kingdom of darkness has been dethroned by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. PTL...

Wise as Serpents

When Jesus commissioned the twelve to go out before Him, He told them, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) 
Wisdom is defined as, the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; the ability to use knowledge correctly. Although wisdom is defined as such, we must understand, as there is God's Kingdom of light and life, there is also Satan's kingdom of darkness and death. This means that wisdom can come from only one of these sources.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells, us, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:13-17)

So we can see, the wisdom that is in the world is not from God, but "earthly, sensual, demonic." This simply means, that every person on planet earth, that is not born again, uses earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom to use their knowledge correctly. However, the truth is, as they use this type of wisdom to promote their knowledge, the results are, bitter envy and self-seeking in their hearts, they lie against the truth and their world is filled with, envy, self-seeking, confusion and every evil thing. Simply look at any society, people group or person who does not know God or His Word, and we clearly see that these things are quite evident. For example, creation, God's wisdom, whereas, evolution is, earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom. For the believer, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3) For those who are not of God, there is still debate, vain discussions and differing opinions of how everything came into being.

The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Colossi reveals another interesting point concerning wisdom, "...that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9) The Holy Spirit tells us through Paul, that believers can be filled, (to make full, to fill up, to fill to the full) with the knowledge (precise and correct knowledge) of God's will (His will is His Word and His Word is His will) in all wisdom (from above, which is pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy) and spiritual (things of the Holy Spirit) understanding (the correct use of knowledge, moreover, the knowledge of His will, His Word). PTL

Think about this. If believers have God's ability and His wisdom, and we do, and if we were to let them loose, what limitlessness there will be in the church as well as in the believers ministry. It is not a problem of education, but of letting God loose in us, liberating Him in us so He can reveal Himself through us to others. Again, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30) Simply put, Jesus has been made wisdom from God to and for every believer.

Going back to the Apostle James, we see, "And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him.
But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. A person of that sort must not expect to receive anything from the Lord such a one is a man of two minds, undecided in every step he takes." (James 1:5-8 WEY) However, I summit to you, that you have the knowledge of the life of God that is in you. You have the knowledge of the power and authority of His Word. You have the knowledge of your legal right to use the Name of Jesus in your combat against spiritual forces. You have the knowledge of the fact that God is actually in you, because you have the wisdom of God in you! So, now you are going to use these mighty facts to bless humanity. Amen!

The Holy Spirit, the greater one Who is in us, is no longer imprisoned, but is now set free to use us as He pleases. We are no longer hidden. People know who we are. The Father is glorified, the Name of Jesus is Magnified, the Holy Spirit is working mightily through us and the Word of God is growing and prevailing mightily. So, declare with me, "I have let God loose and have given Him the freedom to do through me the works that He did through Jesus to bless the world." "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)

Wise as Serpents

Jesus sent the twelve disciples out and "...He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." (Matthew 10:1) In doing so, Jesus knew that as ambassadors for Him, they would come in contact with some hostile people. Concerning this, He tells them, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) So what does it mean to "be wise as serpents?" Jesus was using a serpent as an example because they are cunning. (Genesis 3:1) He tells his disciples, they needed wisdom in the midst of a world that would seek to take their lives. However, we also need to keep in mind that there are two type of wisdom. 

The Apostle James tells us, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:13-17) So, naturally, we will be talking about "the wisdom from above," the Wisdom from God. But why would Jesus not tell them to use the knowledge that they had received while listening to His words and while observing His actions?  Surely, they must of acquired much knowledge being with Jesus day and night.

Wisdom shows us how to use knowledge effectively. For instance, people know it is not good to smoke, but they smoke just the same. They know it is not good for their body to stay up late at night and get little sleep day in and day out, yet they do it. They know they should not make a glutton of themselves, nor eat or drink certain things, yet they do it with little concern. They know that they  should not exceed the speed limit on the highway, yet, with no concern, they do this also. They know, but they are not using their knowledge. Why? Are they being obstinate? Is it that they just don't care? Could it be that they enjoy the adverse consequences that come with such neglect or poor behavior? No, not at all. They simply lack wisdom. If they were wise, they would cut out all these things that they know are or could be harmful. So, with that said, let's look at the Word of God spoken through Solomon...

"Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge." (Proverbs 1:20-22) These are strong words, but also a warning that we should listen and adhere to. If we know something, such as shown in the examples above, and refuse wisdom to use the knowledge that we have, then we are fools and we hate knowledge. Notice, what Wisdom continues to say, "Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke. I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you." (Proverbs 1:24-27)

Just observing the few examples above, we can see why so many believers struggle in life. They know but they refuse wisdom and reject the counsel that wisdom brings and therefore will deal with calamity and the storms, distresses and anguish of life that could have been avoided, simply by adhering to wisdom's "...rebuke..." and letting the "words of wisdom be known to you." (Proverbs 1:23) When wisdom is rejected we also see in the time of calamity, "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. (Proverbs 1:28-32) Could this be a reason why so many believers struggle with sickness, disease, financial woes and broken relationships? Could this be a reason why we see very little expressions or experiences of God's Kingdom, Power and Glory in His church and among believers? 

Although this may sound hard, there is wonderful news. Wisdom also say, "But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) PTL! Solomon goes on to tells us, "My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5) So, not one believer has to ever struggle in this life having knowledge but not applying wisdom " For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) I want to encourage you to finish reading and meditate on all of Proverbs chapter two. In it you will find some incredible promises that the Lord has for those who diligently seek wisdom.

Finally, I want to leave you with this encouraging word also from God through Solomon, "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22) Can we just imagine the abundant and successful life that we can live now in this life, if we were to have a greater love for God's Word? If we seek after God's Wisdom, we are actually seeking after God Himself. Remember what the Apostle John tells us concerning the Word, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) To have a love for God's Word is to love God. He and His Word are one. "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one." (1 John 5:7) So, let us daily seek after God, "For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Amen...