Summary of the Practical Sanctification Series – Part 5: Ask Wisdom

This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God to overcome sin, understand righteousness, and live a victorious Christian life. The speaker uses biblical examples, particularly King Solomon, and various scriptures to illustrate the points.

Key Themes and Teachings

1. The Struggle with Sin and the Need for Complete Sanctification

• Romans 7:15 highlights the internal conflict of wanting to do good but being unable due to the fallen nature.
• James 2:10 stresses that breaking one part of God’s law makes one guilty of all.
• The law reflects God’s entire character; sanctification requires a whole transformation into Christ’s likeness.
• Partial salvation or partial sanctification is not enough; it must be complete.

2. Righteousness by Faith and Victory Over Sin

• Righteousness is based on faith in Christ who has already defeated sin.
• Christians must rely on this victory to live holy lives.

3. Solomon’s Example of Seeking Wisdom

• Solomon, despite his father David’s failures, sought God’s wisdom with a perfect heart and willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9).
• Wisdom is obtained by wholeheartedly seeking God, not just performing rituals.
• Solomon’s humility (“I am but a little child”) expresses dependence on God for guidance.
• Wisdom is not just knowledge but the ability to discern right from wrong (1 Kings 3:5-9).

4. The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart

• Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked.
• Humans cannot trust their own hearts or thoughts fully; they must depend on God.
• The human mind needs the direct influence of the Holy Spirit to resist sin and Satan’s temptations.

5. Wisdom as a Gift from God

• God desires to give wisdom generously (James 1:5).
• Wisdom enables believers to discern good and evil, enabling righteous judgment (Ezekiel 44:23).
• It empowers believers to resist temptation and avoid sin (Proverbs 23:31-32; James 1:14-15).

6. The Three Categories of Sin (1 John 2:15-16)

• Lust of the flesh
• Lust of the eyes
• Pride of life
• Solomon chose wisdom over these sinful desires.

7. The Role of the Mind and Thoughts

• Thoughts act as gatekeepers of the heart and character (Proverbs 23:7).
• Believers are called to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) so that Christ controls their thoughts.

8. Christ as the Door to Spiritual Life and Wisdom

• Jesus is described as the door for entering salvation (John 10:9).
• Believers must let Christ be the gatekeeper of their minds, allowing Him to guard their thoughts.

9. Practical Steps to Obtain Wisdom

• Ask, seek, knock – God promises to give to those who earnestly seek Him (Matthew 7:7-11).
• Depend fully on God like a little child.
• Reject rebellion and a hard heart that blocks the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 5:23).
• Study, believe, and obey God’s Word.

10. Example of Healing at Bethesda Pool (John 5)

• Jesus asked an impotent man if he wanted to be made whole—representing spiritual wholeness and sanctification.
• The man’s response showed helplessness without help (“I have no man”).
• Christ enables believers to rise, walk, and sin no more—symbolizing victory over sin through divine power.

11. Power Given Through Christ

• All power in heaven and earth is given to Jesus to free people from sin (Matthew 20:18).
• Believers receive power as children of God by receiving Christ (John 1:12).
• This power enables freedom from slavery to sin.

12. The Danger of Falling Away

• Hebrews 6 warns about falling away after having received knowledge and enlightenment.
• Salvation involves ongoing choice and perseverance in sanctification.

13. The Necessity of Humility and Dependence

• Like Solomon, believers must approach God humbly, acknowledging their dependence.
• Wisdom leads to good behavior marked by meekness and humility (James 3:13).

14. Encouragement for Parents and Families

• Parents are urged to seek wisdom for raising children in righteousness.
• The challenge of generational sin requires reliance on God’s wisdom.
• The importance of guarding children’s minds against worldly influences is emphasized.

Conclusion

The sermon concludes with a call to:

• Seek God with a perfect heart and willing mind.
• Ask for wisdom as Solomon did.
• Trust in God’s promises to help discern right from wrong.
• Depend fully on Christ for victory over sin.
• Walk in wisdom daily through the Holy Spirit’s power.

The message encourages believers to study the Bible diligently, repent when falling short, and continuously seek God’s guidance for sanctification and righteous living.

Important Scripture References

This sermon emphasizes that true practical sanctification comes from humbly seeking God’s wisdom, relying on Christ’s power, and allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds completely.