Wise Community

Sermon Introduction

God desires His church to grow in wisdom and understanding. Therefore, as a church community, we should pray for wisdom in faith, and we should seek understanding from His word, especially the wisdom books. Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Proverbs to guide our community.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

Proverbs 18:1-2 NASB

1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire;
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
But in revealing his own mind.

Proverbs 18:13 NASB

One who gives an answer before he hears,
It is foolishness and shame to him.

Proverbs 18:17 NASB

The first to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:21 NASB

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Notes

God desires His church to grow in wisdom and understanding. Therefore, as a church community, we should pray for wisdom in faith, and we should seek understanding from His word, especially the wisdom books. Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Proverbs to guide our community.

1. Stay connected to the community. Do not isolate yourself. The one who isolates is not wise. In our church community, we must always stay connected with our growth groups or house churches.

   One who separates himself seeks his own desire; 

   He quarrels against all sound wisdom (18:1).

2. Learn to listen and try to understand. It may take more effort and patience, but that is what we do in the community. Do not be the fool who is only concerned about speaking his or her mind.

   A fool does not delight in understanding,

   But in revealing his own mind (18:2).

3. Do not be quick to form an opinion or conclusion, and do not be hasty to speak your mind. First, listen and listen well. Otherwise, you will do something shameful and foolish.

   One who gives an answer before he hears,

   It is foolishness and shame to him (18:13).

4. Do not easily believe in the first to report an issue. The first to report seems right unless someone cross-examines. Always verify the validity of complaints, statements, or gossip.

   The first to plead his case seems right,

   Until another comes and examines him (18:17).

5. Watch your tongue. You can speak life or death to those around you, especially those close to you. Speak encouragement and appreciation instead of condemnation. Let our corrections also be constructive.

   Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

   And those who love it will eat its fruit (18:21).

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why is it important to stay connected to our Church community through

   growth groups?

2. What does a fool delight in according to Proverbs 18:2? And does not delight

   in according to the same verse? Would you enjoy being with a fool? How can

   you make sure that you are not the fool?

3. Who is foolish and who is shameful according to Proverbs 18:13? Why do you

   think so?

4. How should we behave and act in front of someone who utters a complaint or

   one who expresses a sentiment? Use Proverbs 18:17 as your guide.

5. How may we use our words to sow life to the other members of our

   community?