24 May 2010
Psalm 25; Prov. 10:1-12; 1 Tim. 1:1-17; Matt. 12:22-32

Wisdom isn’t just head knowledge, it is a life lived out according to that knowledge. Wisdom is important to the extent we live from it rather than living from impulse or desire. It is knowing what is truly desirable and true wisdom comes from only one source. We, however, tend to be like our first parents, seeking wisdom from sources other than the One source who truly knows everything. Our lives are meant to be lived according to the wisdom we have gained from Him. It is easy to lapse into worldly wisdom and seek the wrong ends, true wisdom is getting teleology right. Before we can use a thing rightly we must understand the end for which it was designed. If we keep our focus on the end, the glory of God, we can get true wisdom by asking Him what will accomplish that end.

Jesus makes a very logical argument. Does it make any sense that He could be working in the power of satan by casting out satan? That is the argument the Pharisees are making and Jesus quickly exposes its fallacy and dispatches it, leaving very few options for determining His true identity. What is this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? It is, in context, the attributing the works of God through the Spirit to the evil one. We are called to make right judgments and it is clear that it requires much prayer in order to do just that. Simon, in yesterday’s lesson from Acts, wanted the Spirit for personal gain rather than God’s glory. It is important in our judgment that we measure by the concept I spoke of in the first paragraph today, teleology. We must judge based on who gets the glory for the action, God or a man. Jesus and the apostles never seem to have profited by their deeds, Paul says he worked in order that he not be a financial burden to the churches, these men clearly did what they did for one reason, to bring glory to God.

Paul argues teleology concerning all things. The law is good, “if one uses it legitimately.” He encourages Timothy to counter false or misleading teaching with divine instruction if “the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.” Paul says he was the “foremost” sinner but even that had a purpose, that it would reveal the divine patience, that all sinners would know that if one like Paul could receive mercy and be saved then surely there was hope for them. What is the ultimate result of theology, doxology, the praise of God, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.