BUILDING A WISE INTELLECT
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Intellect
a) The influence that motivates us to obey God is intellect. God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are... my thoughts higher than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
b) Yet we also read, "Come, let us reason together says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). God has given us intellect. We are capable of considering his thoughts, so our faith and obedience to him is an intelligent choice.
c) God does not want mindless faith and obedience. He expects us to reason with him, to think things through, to apply our intellect to his word, that we might reach the personal conviction that his ways are right.
2. Building A Wise Intellect
a) How can we ensure that our intellects are leading us to faith and obedience toward God? How can we prevent our intellects from becoming darkened and foolish?
b) There are at least three measures.
i) Pray for wisdom from above (James 1:5-8, James 3:13-17).
ii) Let your mind dwell on good things (Philippians 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).
iii) Enlighten the intellect and convince it with the revealed word of the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17, John 1:1-4, 9).
The End ...
1. Intellecta) The influence that motivates us to obey God is intellect. God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are... my thoughts higher than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
b) Yet we also read, "Come, let us reason together says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). God has given us intellect. We are capable of considering his thoughts, so our faith and obedience to him is an intelligent choice.
c) God does not want mindless faith and obedience. He expects us to reason with him, to think things through, to apply our intellect to his word, that we might reach the personal conviction that his ways are right.
2. Building A Wise Intellect
a) How can we ensure that our intellects are leading us to faith and obedience toward God? How can we prevent our intellects from becoming darkened and foolish?
b) There are at least three measures.
i) Pray for wisdom from above (James 1:5-8, James 3:13-17).
ii) Let your mind dwell on good things (Philippians 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).
iii) Enlighten the intellect and convince it with the revealed word of the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17, John 1:1-4, 9).
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