Empoweredનમૂનો

Empowered with Wisdom

In our previous sessions, we have seen how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify, live in unity, and express love. Today, we focus on how the Holy Spirit empowers us with wisdom.

The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers with Wisdom

Background / Context

In Acts 6:1-10, we see the early church facing a challenge due to the rapid increase in the number of disciples. The Grecian Jews complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. To address this issue without neglecting the ministry of the word of God, the apostles chose seven men filled with the Spirit and wisdom to handle the matter. This decision allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry, leading to the continued growth of the church.

Gaining an Understanding of the Issue

Acts 6:2-4 (NIV) "So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

The apostles first sought to understand the issue before providing a solution. They gathered the disciples to address the complaint and emphasised the importance of their primary mission.

In any situation, gaining a clear understanding before acting is crucial. For instance, in a workplace conflict, taking the time to listen to all sides before making a decision helps ensure a fair and informed outcome.

How can you ensure you fully understand a situation before acting? You might ask questions to gather more information, seek advice from trusted individuals, or take time to reflect before making a decision.

Skilfully and Rightly Applying God’s Word

Acts 15:13-20 (NIV) - "When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: “ ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’— things known from long ago. “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.”

When another dispute arose about whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish laws, the apostles and elders gathered to discuss. James applied God's word to provide a clear and wise resolution.

Applying God's word in our decisions brings clarity and wisdom. For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, referring to biblical principles helps us choose the right path.

If you're unsure how to handle a situation at work, you might study scriptures related to honesty, integrity, and kindness to guide your actions.
How can you apply God’s word to your daily decisions? Reflect on scriptures that speak to your current situation, pray for guidance, and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit to apply biblical principles appropriately.

Application and Reflection

1. Understanding the Issue:

Listen Carefully. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Ensure you understand all aspects of a situation before forming an opinion or taking action.
Seek Clarity. Ask questions and gather all necessary information. Be alert to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Avoid Snap Judgments. Don’t be led by emotions but seek knowledge and understanding.
In a family disagreement, take time to listen to each person's perspective and seek to understand their feelings and concerns before responding.

2. Applying God’s Word:

Study Scripture. Regularly read and study the Bible to gain wisdom and understanding. This helps you apply God's word in various situations.
Use Scripture in Decisions. Let God's word guide your decisions. Pray for insight and wisdom to apply biblical truths correctly.
Let Scripture Speak. Allow the Bible to inform your actions and decisions without twisting its message to fit your desires.
When deciding how to respond to a difficult coworker, reflect on scriptures about loving your neighbour and showing kindness even when it's challenging.

Reflection Questions:

• How can you ensure you fully understand a situation before acting?
• In what ways can you apply God’s word to your daily decisions?
• How can you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit when faced with challenges?

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit empowers us with wisdom to navigate life's challenges, ensuring we make decisions that honour God and reflect His love. By seeking understanding and applying God's word, we can bring harmony, joy, and growth to our lives and communities.

Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." If you desire wisdom in your life, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you in all your decisions. Trust in God’s wisdom to lead you on the right path.