“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Our format for this study is 4 parts:
1. Log In and Sign up
2. Watch the video and read the message
3. Do as much or as little as you can over the two week time frame
4. COMMENT!! It doesn’t matter if you spend 5 minutes reading or everyday delving deeper into the study, interaction is the key to our success and connection with each other.
Each section is highlighted in a contrasting color so you can easily choose what parts you want to participate in. Take as little or as much and come back as often as you would like to over the course of the study.
Video
SCRIPTURE
Listen, children to a father’s instruction,
and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.
Because I give you good instruction,
do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son to my father,
a tender only child before my mother,
he taught me, and he said to me:
“Let your heart lay hold of my words;
keep my commands so that you will live.
Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will guard you.
Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,
and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place a garland on your head;
she will bestow a beautiful crowns on you.”
Listen, my child, and accept my words,
so that the years of your life will be many.
I will guide you in the way of wisdom
and I will lead you in upright paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered,
and when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
protect it, because it is your life.
(Proverbs 4:1-13)
LESSON
As a child I was often reminded that there are “two ways”; a right way and a wrong way – an easy way and a difficult way. As age and experience have had their way, I often find myself yearning to go back to those simpler times where every decision or life circumstance is neatly hemmed between these two very black and white guideposts.
Thankfully, the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments provide us with just such a lens to view life! Jesus taught his disciples that there are two specific (albeit nuanced) ways to live;
“Enter through the narrow gate because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many enter through it. 14 But the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt 7:13-14)
As Christ-followers, we are challenged to see life in two surprising ways – first, the way that leads to wholeness and life; and second, the way that leads to despair and destruction. Sounds simple enough, right? Not so fast! Jesus reminds us that the way that seems easy, “spacious”, and smoother is actually a trap! God’s way can be painfully difficult, costly, and isolating…but the benefits are eternal!
There is a beautiful symmetry between Jesus’ teachings and the instruction given to the Hebrew people as they journeyed through the long and difficult period of wilderness wandering;
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction… This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Deut 30:15a, 19-20)
What does wisdom have to do with ‘the two ways’? EVERYTHING!! Wisdom serves two practical and important functions…First, it is a safeguard – a protector. When sought after, acquired, and lived out, God’s wisdom keeps us from the tempting snares of “the spacious,” “easy,” and “wide” ways which lead to despair. It is a sort of preemptive grace – a “garland upon our heads” - which liberates us from undue strife and struggle. Second, wisdom is a guide to us…an internal and moral compass which leads us up, over, and through the narrow gate.
As we continue our study, I pray that you would be intentional about acquiring and tuning your ear toward wisdom. May her voice be a safeguard for you and a guide to you!
Done?
If you are done with the study for this week and do not plan to go onto the optional sections, please consider commenting as your last act. Connecting with each other and our experiences in this journey is what will make this study great for all.
Scroll down to Prayer & COMMENTS if you are done (for now).
Want more? Or need to come back later?
Optional Areas of Study are below. Read on or use the menu plan to pick and choose what you want to do to add more to this study from the list below.
Questions for discussion
Can you think of a time where the “easy” way ended up being far more costly?
Do you find it tempting to ‘take the easy way’ even if you know it’s not the ‘best’ or ‘right’ way?
How could wisdom help us when we are faced with temptations to take the easy way?
Further Study
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, spoke of God’s grace working in three distinct ways. First, he said, grace is “prevenient” or “preventing”…it goes on ahead of us, gives us the first inkling that God exists and an initial thirst to please Him. Second, grace is justifying – that is to say it restores us into right relationship with God. And finally, grace is sanctifying; it grows us and helps move us to maturity and completion.
If we understand wisdom as being a byproduct or vehicle of grace, then we see how and why the wise sage from Proverbs 4 links it with life and living. Wisdom serves to help us see things in the right (true) perspective…in doing so, it keeps our “steps from being hampered” and our “feet from stumbling”. It works in a prevenient way– protecting us and guiding us on our journey. With wisdom, we see how short of God’s glory we fall, and cry out in repentance. And through the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit, we grow more deeply connected to the Creator.
Friends, please note that grace and wisdom alone are useless unless they are put to work…wisdom leads us to a decision, but it does not make one for us. Grace may lead us to repentance, but it does not perform the action of turning away. As you seek wisdom, put it to use…seek it desperately so that you may live well!
Questions for Reflection
How often and how frequently do you ask or seek wisdom?
Who or what do you turn to when a difficult decision needs to be made?
Prayer
Our Dear and Righteous, Wise and all knowing God:
We humbly come before you in our search for wisdom and righteousness to offer our thanks and unending gratitude for Your sacrifices and lessons in this life. We are acutely aware of our short-comings and our failures along the journey, we have identified the road less traveled and know that it is ours for the taking. We ask for Your forgiveness and understanding as we offer ourselves as vessels for the love and wisdom you share with others through us. We ask that You be ever-present in our search for self awareness, understanding, and wisdom. For these blessings as well as others unspoken and deep within our hearts and soul, we humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 1 - "Word to the Wise"
Our format for this study is 4 parts:
1. Log In and Sign up
2. Watch the video and read the message
3. Do as much or as little as you can over the two week time frame
Words of wisdom…we’re so familiar with the concept. Most of us grew up with those cute little expressions; “early to bed, early to rise; makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise” or “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” Likewise, you are probably familiar with the oft-quoted passage from Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7 of the wise and foolish builders.
Indeed, we are inundated with various expressions of wisdom. From colloquial wise-sayings to Biblical teachings to self-help books, wisdom seems to abound! But, you may ask, if wisdom is so available why is it that so many of us seem to lack understanding? That’s a great question, and one we hope you’ll explore with us in this study!
The scriptures remind us that there are two types of wisdom; a worldly wisdom and a spiritual wisdom – “street smarts” and spiritual discernment. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote that the two are often held in tension;
Allow me to point out, however, that Paul is not encouraging us to “check our brains at the door” when it comes to faith matters. Rather, he is reminding us that no amount of street-smarts or earthly shrewdness is enough to fully understand the deep mysteries of our lives in God. For this reason, we should seek spiritual wisdom rather than earthly intellect alone…Solomon tells us that (spiritual) wisdom is better than rubies and even the most desirable things cannot be compared to her. (Proverbs 8:12) See also Proverbs 7:4; “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding a close relative.” (NET)
Done?
If you are done with the study for this week and do not plan to go onto the optional sections, please consider commenting as your last act. Connecting with each other and our experiences in this journey is what will make this study great for all.
Questions for Reflection –
1. Log In and Sign up
2. Watch the video and read the message
3. Do as much or as little as you can over the two week time frame
4. COMMENT!! It doesn’t matter if you spend 5 minutes reading or everyday delving deeper into the study, interaction is the key to our success and connection with each other.
Each section is highlighted in a contrasting color so you can easily choose what parts you want to participate in. Take as little or as much and come back as often as you would like to over the course of the study.
Video:
Scripture:
Lessson:
Video:
Scripture:
Proverbs 1:1-7;
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Words of wisdom…we’re so familiar with the concept. Most of us grew up with those cute little expressions; “early to bed, early to rise; makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise” or “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” Likewise, you are probably familiar with the oft-quoted passage from Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7 of the wise and foolish builders.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matt 7:24-27 (NIV)
Indeed, we are inundated with various expressions of wisdom. From colloquial wise-sayings to Biblical teachings to self-help books, wisdom seems to abound! But, you may ask, if wisdom is so available why is it that so many of us seem to lack understanding? That’s a great question, and one we hope you’ll explore with us in this study!
The scriptures remind us that there are two types of wisdom; a worldly wisdom and a spiritual wisdom – “street smarts” and spiritual discernment. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote that the two are often held in tension;
18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” 20 And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.” 1Corinthians 3:18-20 (NLT)
Allow me to point out, however, that Paul is not encouraging us to “check our brains at the door” when it comes to faith matters. Rather, he is reminding us that no amount of street-smarts or earthly shrewdness is enough to fully understand the deep mysteries of our lives in God. For this reason, we should seek spiritual wisdom rather than earthly intellect alone…Solomon tells us that (spiritual) wisdom is better than rubies and even the most desirable things cannot be compared to her. (Proverbs 8:12) See also Proverbs 7:4; “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding a close relative.” (NET)
Done?
If you are done with the study for this week and do not plan to go onto the optional sections, please consider commenting as your last act. Connecting with each other and our experiences in this journey is what will make this study great for all.
Scroll down to Prayer & COMMENTS if you are done (for now).
Want more? Or need to come back later?
Optional Areas of Study are below. Read on or use the menu plan to pick and choose what you want to do to add more to this study from the list below.
Want more? Or need to come back later?
Optional Areas of Study are below. Read on or use the menu plan to pick and choose what you want to do to add more to this study from the list below.
Questions for Reflection –
- How do you define wisdom?
- What, in your estimation, are the primary differences between “worldly” and “spiritual” wisdom?
- How does one gain “worldly” and/or “spiritual” wisdom?As we begin our study, I hope you will continually revisit the above questions. You might find your suspicions confirmed, your observations challenged, or your definitions re-defined. Most of all, I pray that you will discover the treasure of wisdom and the companionship of understanding.
Background & Historical Connection:
Before we jump in with both feet, it would be appropriate to provide a little background into the significance of wisdom as a distinct genre in the Judeo/Christian tradition. In fact, the Old Testament canonizes (holds together) an entire section devoted to wise-teachings and sayings. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Songs, and a great many of the Psalms are distinct from the writings of Torah (Law) and the words of Israel’s prophets (Prophecy). Whereas Torah and Prophetic works consist primarily of narrative, legal code, and messages of rebuke/correction which set forth the fundamental beliefs and practices of Judaism, Wisdom literature contains ‘pithy’, practical, and day-to-day instruction for the reader. R.B.Y. Scott frames it this way;
In the New Testament we also find reflections on the wisdom tradition. Jesus quoted the Psalms profusely – even going so far as to state that Ps. 82:6 was “law!” (John 10:34) The Apostles Paul, Peter, and James encouraged and taught the early church with quotes from Psalms, Proverbs, and Job.
We should also note that Jesus’ preferred method of teaching (parable) is almost certainly more closely linked to the riddles of the Wisdom tradition than the historical narrative, legal, or prophetic traditions of the Old Testament. Dee Brestin put it this way; “this is what inspired me to interweave the themes of Proverbs with the parables of Jesus…the same Holy Spirit who prompted Solomon to tell ‘riddles’ inspired Jesus to tell ‘stories’.”
As we reflect upon our text for this week, I pray that you’ll make preparation(s) to receive the wise teachings from this rich tradition. I hope that you will be open to God using them to foster a spiritual insight and understanding that will benefit you in practical and imaginative ways!
Questions for Journaling
You can journal any and all of this study, even the reflection questions. Work at your own pace and take what you need each day. You can also utilize the Questions for Reflection (above) to journal.
Delving Deeper:
The following resources and references may assist you in going deeper into the study. This section will include bible texts, books/commentaries on applicable passages, and hyperlinks to websites for further study. Each lesson will have new and different information to broaden your horizons.
Dee Brestin in Proverbs & Parables: God’s Wisdom for Living (WaterBrook Press: Colorado Springs, 2010)
R.B.Y. Scott in The Anchor Bible – Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, (Doubleday Publishing: New York, 1981)
See Chart for a comparison of OT quotes in the NT
Before we jump in with both feet, it would be appropriate to provide a little background into the significance of wisdom as a distinct genre in the Judeo/Christian tradition. In fact, the Old Testament canonizes (holds together) an entire section devoted to wise-teachings and sayings. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Songs, and a great many of the Psalms are distinct from the writings of Torah (Law) and the words of Israel’s prophets (Prophecy). Whereas Torah and Prophetic works consist primarily of narrative, legal code, and messages of rebuke/correction which set forth the fundamental beliefs and practices of Judaism, Wisdom literature contains ‘pithy’, practical, and day-to-day instruction for the reader. R.B.Y. Scott frames it this way;
“The wise teachers have almost nothing to say about institutional religion…they make no direct appeal to the authority of a revealed religion, but through their exhortations to holiness presuppose an accepted belief. Consequently, the content of a book like Proverbs is closer to life in the secular world and the day-to-day problems of the ordinary person who is content to leave theology to the experts. At the same time, the Wisdom writers are also able to raise and discuss serious philosophic and theological problems.”
In the New Testament we also find reflections on the wisdom tradition. Jesus quoted the Psalms profusely – even going so far as to state that Ps. 82:6 was “law!” (John 10:34) The Apostles Paul, Peter, and James encouraged and taught the early church with quotes from Psalms, Proverbs, and Job.
We should also note that Jesus’ preferred method of teaching (parable) is almost certainly more closely linked to the riddles of the Wisdom tradition than the historical narrative, legal, or prophetic traditions of the Old Testament. Dee Brestin put it this way; “this is what inspired me to interweave the themes of Proverbs with the parables of Jesus…the same Holy Spirit who prompted Solomon to tell ‘riddles’ inspired Jesus to tell ‘stories’.”
As we reflect upon our text for this week, I pray that you’ll make preparation(s) to receive the wise teachings from this rich tradition. I hope that you will be open to God using them to foster a spiritual insight and understanding that will benefit you in practical and imaginative ways!
Questions for Journaling
You can journal any and all of this study, even the reflection questions. Work at your own pace and take what you need each day. You can also utilize the Questions for Reflection (above) to journal.
- What kind of wisdom or understanding do you most often seek?
- Is there a difference between seeking wisdom/understanding for your own benefit and seeking it for the benefit of others?
- Think of a misunderstanding or conflict that you’ve recently had…how would a sharp sense of wisdom and insight affected the interaction and/or outcome?
- How would the acquisition of wisdom make your life better in a spiritual sense?
- How would it make a difference in a practical sense?
The following resources and references may assist you in going deeper into the study. This section will include bible texts, books/commentaries on applicable passages, and hyperlinks to websites for further study. Each lesson will have new and different information to broaden your horizons.
Dee Brestin in Proverbs & Parables: God’s Wisdom for Living (WaterBrook Press: Colorado Springs, 2010)
R.B.Y. Scott in The Anchor Bible – Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, (Doubleday Publishing: New York, 1981)
See Chart for a comparison of OT quotes in the NT
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I praise You for your unending supply of Wisdom into my life. I thank You for the continued opportunities to serve and learn Your infinite Wisdom. Forgive my uncertainty and my often wandering direction to discover true Wisdom and apply it to my life. Direct me Lord, to Your desires and assist me in applying Your word through scripture and the interpersonal connections I foster in my life. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
Comments:
Please offer your feedback on any of the sections above. You can use anything from reflection or journaling questions, personal feedback, how you applied the study this week, and even feedback on the study itself. Want to see changes? More information or less? Leave a comment: it is the best way to connect to each other and to Christ in this journey.
Please offer your feedback on any of the sections above. You can use anything from reflection or journaling questions, personal feedback, how you applied the study this week, and even feedback on the study itself. Want to see changes? More information or less? Leave a comment: it is the best way to connect to each other and to Christ in this journey.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Getting Started!
(please click above to watch the welcome video first)
Don’t you just love new beginnings? Is there anything better than baby's first birthday or more exciting than a ‘first date’? Does it get much sweeter than sliding into a pair of spanking-new shoes and don’t you just love that new car smell? (new car smell toxicity notwithstanding)
Personally, I thrive on change...I'm invigorated by it and can't help but feel the warmth of limitless possibilities and dreams that come with it. As we enter into this new season of study, I hope that you'll be open to this "new" format, I pray that you would find it to be a place of contemplation and peace in the midst of a demanding schedule, and an opportunity to experience Christ in a new and refreshing way. Ready to get going?
How does this work?
• Each Monday at noon (starting October 3) we will post a video message and some introductory comments to get you started. These weekly posts will serve as an introduction to the lesson and will include the scripture text as well as discussion and personal application questions.
• As a participant, you can access the weekly studies by going to the homepage (http://jewelstudy.blogspot.com/) or by accessing the archives on the toolbar to the right. Please watch the video, read the introduction, and post your comments concerning that week’s lesson! (see below for instructions on posting comments) We will post our responses to your comments too!
• Each week’s video will remain on the blog indefinitely. This means each video can be accessed at any time by scrolling down through the blog posts on the main page or by accessing each post individually by visiting the archives (on the toolbar to the right hand side of the screen). Blog posts on the main page will be ordered by date, with the most current blog post first.
How do I participate?
There are a couple easy ways for you to get involved! First, if you have a Google, twitter, or Yahoo! account, you can join up by clicking the "follow" link on the right side of the screen.
You will be able to watch the video and read the text/comments as a visitor. To post a comment, double click the green "comments" link at the bottom of each blog post (if the comments link does not appear, you should see a "comments" box). Type your comment or response, then click on the "Select profile" box to proceed. If you have a Google, LiveJournal, WordPress, TypePad, or AIM account, you can post via that profile. If you do not have one of those accounts, please select "Name/URL" and type your FIRST NAME ONLY. If you have a website you'd like to link, type the address in the "URL" box, otherwise leave it blank. Hit "continue". Now you're ready to post that comment or question! Please note that you can preview your post before you submit it. Before you submit your post, you may see a "Word Verification" box...please retype the word into the box and hit "post comment." (Word verification helps us keep spammers off the blog)
Three things that will help you get the most out of J.E.W.E.L.s;
Openness - more than likely, this is your first attempt at a blogstudy...it's new for us too and will take some time to adapt. It is a near-certainty that we'll need to make some adjustments mid-course, and we welcome your input. It may feel a little awkward at first, but give it time and be open to God using this course to foster personal and spiritual growth.
Intentionality - I'm not sure if that's a word, but if it's not it should be! Our schedules can be so demanding that it seems like we have little time for reading, studying, or unwinding. And it's true; between the expectations and responsibilities our work, family, church, and culture place upon us, we just don't have time. How often do we find ourselves making emotional and spiritual "withdrawals" to keep our families/relationships going without ever taking the time to make a deposit? The result, far too often, is an overextension - or overdraft - of our souls. Friends, this is not God's plan, there is a better way! This study is designed to help you "plug in" and receive the spiritual nourishment you need to face life's demands. It will be a place that you can come to as your schedule permits to read, connect, converse, and participate - but a program (or blog in this case) is only as effective as the end-user allows it to be. Be intentional; know that your learning and growing is only limited by the time and effort you spend to nurture it. Carve out a sliver of time each day or a block of time each week to watch, read, reflect, and respond...you'll be glad you did!
Interaction - J.E.W.E.L.s differs from traditional Bible studies in medium only. We have built into it an interactive component so that you can be an active participant rather than a casual observer. Each week, we'll post a series of discussion questions to get the conversation started...it's up to you to keep it going. We encourage you to read, reflect, and respond...tell us how God spoke to you through the passage you studied, share your experiences in living out those precepts, and feel free to ask that burning question!
We hope that your study will be fulfilling and we welcome your feedback. Please direct any questions, suggestions, or help-related issues to us at jewelstudy@gmail.com
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