Stating that Every Believer Becomes a Disciple -Mathew 28:19



Discipleship 1 Spiritual Growth

Disciple's Handbook 2, Growing With the Body 

Jesus' Cycle: Growth, Trials, and Triumph

Learning Christ, Partaking In His Ministry
 

The great questions of life that philosophers ask is:
"Who are we?  Where do we come from? 
Where are we going?

Where do we go to seek wisdom and answers to the mysteries of life? 
Do we inquire according to secular wisdom, or religious teachings? 
Or is there another?

How does Godly Wisdom contrast to secular wisdom?

How does Godly Wisdom contrast with "religious" wisdom?

3 PARADIGMS 
OF WISDOM AND TRUTH


The Paradigm of Worldly Wisdom Contrasted to Godly Wisdom

For it is written, I will destroy the  wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the  understanding of the prudent. 

(
1Cor:1:19:KJV)
For  after that in the wisdom of God the world by 
wisdom knew not God,
it pleased God by the  foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
(-1Cor:1:21:KJV )

THE PARADIGM OF WORLDLY WISDOM

Worldly wisdom extols and rewards self-exaltation and individuality Godly wisdom (the Truth) says deny yourself take up your cross, die to yourself.  In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom no man is "good


"Worldly wisdom is based upon observation and the appearance of things 
Godly wisdom (the Truth) The unseen things are eternal and have a substance yet to be known by human reason. 

Worldly wisdom is based upon "scientific" principle and measurable 
phenomena. Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that if you believe in the unseen you have faith and will see the results manifested. 

Worldly wisdom is characterized by the domination (rulership) of the strong and the mighty over the weak.

Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God chooses the weak and the insignificant to shame the wise and strong. 


Worldly wisdom devalues humans with few assets, (the poor) having childlike meekness and simplicity. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that the greatest in the kingdom of God are like children. Humble, trusting, and meek. 
 

Worldly wisdom values and rewards intellectual achievement and scholarship.

Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that the wisdom of man is  foolishness to him. 
Worldly wisdom recognizes classes as inferior or superior rank and class, this is respect of persons. Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that those who are  poor shall eventually receive the blessings of the kingdom. The proud and  the mighty he scatters and turns away. 


Worldly wisdom's view of the "vast timeless universe" diminishes or negates the need of a savior.

Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God created the heaven and the earth by wisdom and all things that are in it. And he called  his creation "good." 

Worldly wisdom features "self preservation" as a principle  Godly wisdom (the Truth) speaks of self sacrifice as a divine virtue 

Worldly wisdom believes life may well be over when one dies Godly wisdom (the Truth) we are eternal beings who retain our own soul's  personal identity forever. Some will inherit eternal blessings and others will  inherit eternal separation from God. 


Worldly wisdom presumes that God regards any and all religion or faith as valid (democratically.)

Worldly wisdom presumes that God does not favor any one nation over  another. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one nation is the chosen people of God. There is only one mediator between God and man.  Jesus the son of God, the king of the Jews. 

Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one nation is the  chosen people of God. The Bible established upon infallible promises, states that there is only one mediator between God and man.  Jesus the son of God, the king of the Jews. 

Worldly wisdom would suggest that (if there is a god) God is the same but is called by  many names.


Godly wisdom (the Truth) though there are many gods there is  but one God who is above all and we can hold no god higher than He. 


Worldly wisdom presumes that God is essentially impersonal. 


Godly wisdom (the Truth) says that we can become sons of God. Adapted 
into the family. We are called to inherit the blessings and partake in His  divine nature. 

Worldly wisdom (allowing religious belief) believes that all of the human race are automatically  "children of God"
Godly wisdom
(the Truth) Whoever believes on the Son  of God, Jesus Christ has eternal life. Whoever has not the son has no life but  the condemnation of God remains upon them. 

Paradigm of Religious Wisdom 

In the religious paradigm the religious life centers around a "church house
In the religious paradigm the church building is called the "Church"  
In the religious paradigm the traditional church features such elemests as:
pulpits and pews, stained glass windows, organs and 'sacred music'  solemnity and formalism, ecclesiastical garb, robes,
orders of service, ritual, - -  designated ranks of clerical authority
.
In the religious paradigm a formally trained priest or clergy "officiates" over 
the "services" 
In the religious paradigm a formal address or sermon delivered to the faithful is called "preaching" 

In the religious paradigm one or two hours a week meet one's religious requirements, involvement 

In the religious paradigm only the professionally trained clergy are qualified to "minister" 

In the religious paradigm there is "respect of persons" - - a heirarchy of spiritual rank or authority 

In the religious paradigm members may be totally disassociated in worship or prayer 

In the religious paradigm a person's spiritual life is largely governed, directed or sustained others 

In the religious paradigm the exploits of God and Saints are in the dim past 

In the religious paradigm people are taught how to please God with certain
deeds or obligations 
In the religious paradigm there are may be particular duties required to attain "good standing" 

In the religious paradigm one often does not experience God but only hears about God 

In the religious paradigm one often doesn't know if he/she qualifies for a heavenly reward, (is saved
)
In the religious paradigm Bible doctrine plus traditional teachings form core doctrines 

 

Paradigm of Godly Wisdom, (Modeled by Jesus) 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there are paradoxes to the natural  instincts or wisdom of man  the least shall be greatest; 

The first shall be last; 
many called but few chosen; we must die (to ourselves) in order to live; 

We must hate the things of this world; 
we must be like a child, God has hidden wisdom from the wise; 
the unseen things are a greater reality than the seen. etc. 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom man in his natural abilities (I can do nothing of myself) can do  nothing of value for the kingdom of God 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, the spiritual man is totally  dependant upon the guidance of the Spirit 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we are in a perpetual spiritual  battle for survival and dominance in life 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there is eternal life, promised  rewards and consequences 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model Jesus preached to those outside pertaining 
to the Kingdom of God and taught his followers 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom only those who are born of the 

Spirit and led of the Spirit are the Children of God 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom people are discipled; disciples are 
nurtured and matured and then charged with ministry 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom ministry is through the leading 
of the Holy Spirit 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom true worshipers worship in 
Spirit and in Truth 

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, wisdom and insight is hidden
from the double minded and the unredeemed

In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we could memorize the Bible and 
not fully know God
and the truth- only the Spirit reveals it. 

 

 

©1995-2006

As many that have received the gift,
minister it to one another, as good stewards of the Grace of God
1Peter 4:7

 


1995 - 2007