The Need For Wise Counsel                Class  6

Précis: To demonstrate that the majority of Christians live far below their potential; show the sub-level of life which most are willing to settle for; point out the need for Godly counsel and to signal a clarion call for change.

Text: 2 Timothy 2:21-26

Introduction:

Truth is often difficult to accept. Confronting the harshness of reality is an unpopular process. We would much rather avoid the negative and live in a world of positive expectation. This resolute mind-set is most admirable, but when it becomes a denial of reality it is a sickness. We must live with a  confident outlook towards ourselves and the future, but we cannot avoid reality! It is therefore wise and prudent to examine the glaring inconsistency which exists between belief and being; theory and fact. What we believe to be our God given heritage is not commensurate with what we experience.

• Eph. 2:10 asserts that we are God’s workmanship created unto good works. Most Christians live defeated non-effective lives.

• 3 John 2 exhorts; Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Many are bound by sickness and lack.

• Jesus declared; I am come that you may have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant living is foreign to most.

• Matt. 16:18 underscores that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against us. The fact is that the slightest disappointment overwhelms us.

• Phil. 4:13 confidently announces that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Most are hesitant to attempt the slightest thing for Him.

• Paul assures us that God shall supply all our needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19) The majority of Christians are so bound by financial indebtedness, that they are unable to serve Him freely, joyfully and unabashedly.

• Peter pronounced that if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:8). Barrenness and unfruitfulness is evident everywhere.

Evidently, what we believe is not commensurate with what we experience.  Theory doesn’t measure up to Reality.

Lesson:             The Need For Wise Counsel

6.1 Examples Of  Wise Counsel

1. Joshua receives wise counsel from God – Joshua 1:8- 9

2. Solomon receives wise counsel from his father David – 1 Kings 2:2-4

3. Bathsheba & Solomon receive counsel from Nathan – 1 Kings 1:10-12

4. Paul instructs the leadership to instruct wisely – 2 Tim. 2:21-26

6.2 Everyone Has A Unique Calling

1. Every man hath received the gift …minister the same – 1 Peter 4:10-11

2. Therefore seeing we have this ministry – 1 Cor. 4:1

3. Specifically embroidered – Psa. 139:15-17

4. God’s workmanship created unto good works – Eph. 2:10

6.3 Major Cause For Misuse And Abuse Of This Calling

1. Lack of knowledge – Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13

2. Lack of proper priorities – 2 Chronicles 7:14

3. Lack of opportunity – Romans 13:15

4. Lack of training – 2 Tim 2:15

6.4 The Way of a Fool  Is To Reject Wise Counsel

1. Lack of obedience – 1 Kings 2:3

2. Lack of discipline – Mark 8:34

3. Lack of liberty – Gal. 5:1

4. Lack of maturity – Gal. 4:1-3