Sermon Theme
They seem to be a special part of this time of the year – one year ends another about to begin We all have probably made them – we certainly have heard many of them – New Year’s resolutions
Resolutions to change something in our lives are not unique to New Year’s Eve; quit smoking, have more time for family, lose weight
What is common to these resolutions = to live life to the full – i.e. make the most of life
Question: How do we TRULY make the most of life? If we quit smoking, spend more time with family etc. does this lead to realizing life’s full potential Some mistakenly think & discover, only if they had more money life would be so much better… Quitting smoking etc – do these things of themselves lead to living life to its fullest potential?
If we were to make just ONE resolution what that really mattered – what would it be? If we were to say ‘to live wisely’ – what does that mean and why is this the one that really matters?
Sermon outline
- THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF WISDOM IN THE BIBLE
- WISDOM’S FOCUS IN GOD
- LIVING WISELY
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Psalm 90 (NIV84)
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”
4For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—
6though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.
7We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.
8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.
10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
12Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
17May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
Text
Psalm 90:12 (NIV84)
12Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
