Gospel Pursuit of the Wisdom of the Proverbs - Part 2
As we venture into the Proverbs, we will undoubtedly face conviction through the Spirit as He reveals ways that our lives don't line up with the wisdom of God. In that moment, we must understand the Gospel if we are to respond rightly to how God is wanting to graciously mold and shape us.
Here are some "gospel principles" we looked at last week to help us pursue the wisdom of the Proverbs rightly...
We pursue wisdom because we ARE accepted, not in order to be accepted! (Ephesians 5:1) Christ is our perfect wisdom, and our boast is in Him. Therefore we are accepted unconditionally before God through the perfections of Christ. This understanding truly frees me to pursue God's wisdom for my life, because I am not trying to earn God's favor by doing well, nor am I afraid of losing His favor when I fail.
We pursue wisdom as new creations! (2 Corinthians 5:17) Conviction comes from the reality that you are a new creation at the core of your being who delights in and desires the wisdom of God for your life.
We pursue wisdom in the power of the Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 3:16) When God brings conviction, the answer isn't "Go and try harder and good luck!" Rather, we rest and labor in the wondrous power of the the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Remember, an entire book of wisdom at the heart of the scripture, is a gift of God's grace to bless us, not a book of the law to condemn us...