1. This verse shows how Jesus grew in 4 areas [note that wisdom is first]. 2. In addition to growing in wisdom Himself, the Lord wants His followers to grow in wisdom. 3. In our lesson we are studying a number of passages that will help us to follow the Lord's example.
Discussion:
I. LET US EXAMINE 2 POINTS OF INFORMATION PRESENTED IN PROVERBS 4:7 CONCERNING WISDOM
A. First, Solomon said, "wisdom is the principal thing." 1. This is another way of saying that wisdom is a matter of great importance. 2. Solomon also explained why wisdom is the principal thing. a. Wisdom is valuable. 1) It "is better than rubies" (Proverbs 8:11). 2) It is also better than gold and silver (Proverbs 16:16). 3) In addition to being valuable, . . . b. Special blessings are associated with wisdom. 1) Those who find it are "happy" (Proverbs 3:13). 2) Those who attain it will be preserved and kept (Proverbs 2:10-11). 3) Those who get it love their own souls (Proverbs 19:8). 3. Solomon stated that wisdom is the principal thing, and he showed why. B. Second, Solomon said, "therefore get wisdom." 1. This is another way of saying that God's people are to attain wisdom. 2. Solomon showed repeatedly how God's people are to get wisdom. a. It is to be gotten and not forgotten (Proverbs 4:5). b. It is to be bought and not sold (Proverbs 23:23). 3. To get wisdom we must go to the Lord for it (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5).
II. LET US EXAMINE 6 ADMONITIONS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CONCERNING WISDOM
A. 3 negative admonitions: 1. We must avoid the mistake of the Gentiles -- they rejected God in favor of their own wisdom that turned out to be foolishness (Romans 1:20-23). 2. We must not be wise in our own conceits (Romans 12:16c). 3. We must not compare ourselves to ourselves (2 Corinthians 10:12). B. 3 positive admonitions: 1. We are to demonstrate wisdom as we sojourn here on earth and understand the Lord's will (Ephesians 5:15-17). 2. The Lord's Word is to dwell in us richly in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16a; also, see 2 Timothy 3:15). 3. We are to demonstrate wisdom in our dealings with other people, especially when we speak Colossians 4:5-6).
Conclusion:
1. We began by reading Luke 2:52. 2. In vs.42-51 we read about the Lord's trip to Jerusalem when He was 12. 3. According to Luke 3, Jesus was baptized and began His ministry when He was 30. 4. During that 18-year span Jesus grew in 4 areas, one of which was wisdom. 5. Let us heed the statement made by Moses in Psalm 90:12.
