Who’s Wisdom Are You Going to Live By?
Sermon by Bill Chapman
As followers of Christ, we must ask ourselves: whose wisdom are we living by? Are we relying on our own understanding, the guidance of others, or the wisdom of God? This was the central challenge posed in today’s sermon.
A Church That Looks Like Jesus
What would a church that truly reflects Jesus look like? How would it act? What would it sound like? Our goal should be to cultivate a church that not only speaks about Jesus but also embodies His character in every way. This requires each of us to bring our gifts and talents together, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. The Holy Spirit’s ultimate purpose is to glorify Jesus, and when He is working in our lives, we will be guided, corrected, and motivated to be more like Him.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to change atmospheres. When we step into a room, people should sense Christ in us. This is the church that God is reviving, stirring back to life in a new season.
The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
For the church to fully represent Jesus, we must understand and embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us is like spiritual DNA, shaping us to reflect the character of Jesus:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
These fruits of the Spirit should be evident in our lives. But beyond these, God also equips His people with spiritual gifts that enable the church to thrive. These gifts include:
Administration
Apostleship
Discernment
Evangelism
Faith
Healing
Hospitality
Leadership
Mercy
Prophecy
Serving
Speaking in tongues
Wisdom
Miracles
Encouragement
When we ask God for spiritual gifts, we should expect Him to answer. We are called not just to speak about Jesus but to demonstrate His power and presence in tangible ways. A fully functioning church is one where both Word and Spirit are alive and active.
Developing Expectation and Obedience
What are your expectations of what the Holy Spirit can do through you? Do you truly believe He can use you, or do doubts and negativity hold you back? A critical culture can creep in, but we are called to cultivate a Holy Spirit culture—one that is filled with faith, expectation, and obedience.
God calls us to have simple faith and quick obedience. We don’t always need to understand everything, but we need to be willing to step out in faith and trust in Him. If we all embraced this calling, imagine the impact the church could have! Not just a few people doing God’s work, but the entire body of Christ actively fulfilling their God-given purpose.
Returning to Our First Love
Revelation 2:4-5 asks: Why have we drifted?
It’s a powerful question. Think back to when you first became a follower of Christ. Where is your heart now compared to then? Have you lost your first love? Is your heart still full of love for God and people? If not, it’s time to return to Him with fresh passion and devotion.
A Season of Refreshing and Restoration
Exodus 34 reminds us that God displays awesome power through His people—miracles, signs, wonders, and provision. God is refreshing and restoring His church, bringing fresh encounters through the Word and the Spirit. This is more than just a personal renewal—it is the energizing of a missionary movement to change the world.
Ephesians 1:15-23 encourages us to pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding. God’s work on earth happens through people like you and me. We must fan into flame the gifts God has placed within us.
Take Action
Have you asked God to speak to you?
Have you asked God to use you?
Are you making the choice to develop your gifts?
God is calling us to push into Him and embrace the wisdom that comes from above. Let us be a church that not only talks about Jesus but lives like Him in every way. Amen!