Rooted in the Wisdom of Jesus

This morning, we’re going to be studying Colossians 1:25-Colossians 2:7. If you want to grab the Bible under your chair, let’s turn to page 805. We’ll be diving into this passage of scripture this morning. Here it is: (Read Colossians 1:25-Colossians 2:7). Without raising any hands, let me ask you: How many of you are facing an important decision right now? Someone is like: Does deciding between Culver’s and McDonald’s count as important? No brainer if you ask David Sorn. Columbia researcher Sheena Iyengar has found the average person makes about 70 conscious decisions every day. That’s 25,000 decisions a year. 2 million over 80 years. It’s been said we are a sum total of the decisions we make in life. Pastor Craig Groeschel says it this way, “The decisions you make today determine the stories we tell tomorrow.” Isn’t that true? Decisions like McDonald’s or Culvers seem inconsequential. But decisions add up. The food you eat, where you go to college, what (or if) you study in school, who you date, the person you marry, the money you spend, the job you take, the place you live, the faith you pursue. Every decision today becomes the story we tell tomorrow. Some of you have already made a lifetime of decisions. The stories you’re living today are a direct result of the decisions you made the years before. There’s a wisdom you can pull from that others can’t. Others of you still got tens of thousands of decisions ahead of you. There is still a story to live and tell that will be directly affected by the decisions you make today. The question is: When faced with a decision, how do you find the wisdom to make the right decisions? We’re going to discover just how to develop this kind of wisdom by looking at Colossians 1:25-Colossians 2:7. The answer may come as a surprise. First, a quick story.

Several years ago, I was experiencing some discomfort in my teeth, but I was on my way to California with some friends and didn’t have time to get it checked out before we left. However, as soon as we landed, the pain became devastating. I was ready to go Tom Hanks Castaway on it and yank that tooth out myself. After tossing and turning most of the night, I emailed my dentist the next morning for help from California. She graciously responded with short-term solutions. When I got back to Minnesota, I went in and got the tooth looked at. After checking things over, she said, “You know, the best solution is to get that wisdom tooth removed.” Time out: I’ve always prided myself on the fact I still have all 4 wisdom teeth. I like it when the dentist peeks in and says, “Oh wow, still got your wisdom teeth, huh? That’s great; looks like plenty of room still.” It feels oddly affirming. So when she said it needed to go, I said, “Oh gosh, that’s going to be a problem. I’m speaking soon. (by soon, I meant 4 weeks from now). My schedule is hard to coordinate. I’ve got two kids at home. I’m just not sure I’m going to be able to get that done.” Her response: “You will literally be in and out in 15 minutes. It’s easy, simple, and you’ll be able to talk normal once the numbness wears off. It won’t even hurt.” First, that’s what all dentists say. Second, I still didn’t want to get that wisdom tooth pulled. But reluctantly, after putting off making the appointment for another 3 months, I finally got that two wisdom teeth removed (I’m hanging on to the other two for now).

Here’s what I’m wondering: Why do I refuse to listen to the expert? Why do I refuse to listen the one who has been trained, has my best interests in mind, and has the wisdom to know what the right decision is? Because I’m a huge wimp. But that’s not the only reason; it’s because I’m inclined to do what I think is best no matter what others who are wiser than I am think is best. Maybe I’m not the only one who does this. Study after study shows texting and driving is more dangerous than drinking and driving and yet how many of us still text and drive? Eat more fruits and vegetables, less sweets; don’t spend more than you earn; change your oil, sleep 7-8 hours a night, floss your teeth. And yet, we’re often inclined to do what we think is best rather than what someone with more expertise or wisdom thinks is best.

I tell this story to say: Paul, the author of Colossians, has the wisdom. He has the expertise. He’s someone to listen to. And yet, this group of churches in Colossae were in danger of listening to others with less wisdom. And here’s the secret to Paul’s wisdom that he’s STRENOUSLY trying to get across over and over: He's saying, listen, I know what I’m talking about. But I’m ultimately not the one you should listen to. Over and over, he’s saying one thing: It’s all about Jesus. Where do you get wisdom? Jesus. Why listen to me? Jesus. How do I grow in wisdom and make the right decisions and discern right from wrong? Jesus.

You might be thinking: Of course, this is a Christian church. Of course, the answer is Jesus. Duh. That’s the answer every time. You might be right. But the danger for every single person here, me included, is that we want to find wisdom (or answers or direction or guidance, fill in the blank) in everywhere else OTHER than Jesus. And Paul, who is quite possibly the FOREMOST expert on all things Jesus in the 1st Century, even he is like, the ONLY reason you should listen to me at all is because my wisdom is rooted in Jesus. At one point, he writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”

My hope and prayer is that you would make a decision to put your faith in Jesus. To trust that he died on the cross for your sins and rose again. But as incredible as that is, that you wouldn’t stop there. Because to have faith in Jesus is so much more than a one-time decision; it’s a life of daily choosing to follow him. That’s the answer to a life of decisions. It’s less about the specific decision you are facing and more about daily choosing to follow him. As we do, the wisdom of Jesus grows within us.

Again, let’s look at page _______ to walk through Colossians 1:25 – Colossians 2:7. Based on this, let me give you 4 ways the wisdom of Jesus is developed within us.

The first way to develop the wisdom of Jesus, is by serving.

Colossians 1:25, “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” From as young as I can remember, I’ve loved reading my Bible. I remember sitting with my grandparents at a really young age just being fascinated by the big RED letters of Jesus’ words. Even in 6th grade, I started leading a bible study for my friends where we’d order pizza and play capture the flag in this big field across the train tracks behind our house where I grew up. I say all that to say, despite loving the Bible, growing in faith, and even having a passion to lead others to Jesus, I never, ever thought I’d be a pastor. Truthfully, 25 years ago, I only thought of pastors as the people who wore the white collars and were boring, stuffy, and old. In other words, the opposite of someone like your senior pastor, David Sorn. Who is kind of fun, sort of young, and I’m not sure where on the cool scale – but that’s beside the point. The point is: For those who knew me in high school or college, I think they’re still shocked I became a pastor.

But in 2006, I felt an undeniable call from God to go into ministry. After I had graduated from college, I decided to scrape together every last penny I had to my name, even took a small loan from my brother, to go stay in hostels and backpack across Europe. While sitting in a café in Prague, by myself, having spent the night in some rat-infested hostile for 15 American dollars, it was there, in that café, where I felt like I understood what I was supposed to do with my life. I was reading the gospel of Mark, chapter 4, where Jesus is crossing a lake with the disciples in a boat. As they’re hit with a massive storm, the disciples start freaking out while Jesus sleeps through the whole thing! The disciples wake him up, and Jesus, because he is God in the flesh, silences and calms the storm, turns to the disciples and says: “Why are you so afraid? Do you really not have any faith?”

In that moment, I felt God speak to me through this scripture. In that moment, I knew I was called to be a pastor. I was called to serve the church. And as far as I can tell, as long as God allows, I’m going to be a pastor for the rest of my life.

But here’s what I’ve learned since then: The call is not to be a pastor; the call is to serve. The word Paul uses here for serve is like a word used for a busboy. The calling is not the job; the calling is to serve. To minister. To reach. To love. To point people to Jesus. And guess who is called to ministry and serve? You. Every single one of you. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Martin Luther, the 16th century theologian, found this so critical he called this the Priesthood of all Believers. At the time, the only priests were the priests within the Catholic Church. After studying scripture, he was like – no. You. All of you. Me. That person. You too. If you’re a believer, what’s your call? To serve. How? By showing others the goodness of God. Serve the church. Serve your neighbor. Serve your workplace. Serve your boss. Serve your family. To bring this back to a life of daily decisions, we’re not looking for specific answers; we’re looking for Godly wisdom to navigate life’s daily decision. The wisdom of Jesus is grown, developed and rooted the more and more we serve. In fact, Renovation is in need of a lot of volunteers for Easter services. What a great way to dive right in by signing up in the lobby.

Second way, learning.

Colossians 1:28, “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” We can only teach what we learn. The way to be rooted in wisdom of Jesus is to continually learn.

I’m going to say this as bold and clear as I possibly can: One hour a week attending Renovation church is not enough to grow rooted in your relationship with Jesus. It’s great, don’t get me wrong. If you are someone who is new or just checking things out, thank you. This is a great start. For those who regularly show up, way to go! Worshipping at church is great! But, it’s just the start.

Why does learning matter?

●The more we learn about Jesus and the Word of God, the more we ground ourselves in truth and are able to reject falsehood.

●The more we learn about Jesus and the Word of God, the more we grow in our love for him. I married my wife, Emily, on August 16, 2008. What if that was the last day I learned something about her? What if everything I knew about Emily came from just whatever I discovered that day? Well. We probably wouldn’t still be married. But instead, the more I learn about her, the more I study her and admire her, the more in love I fall with her.

●The more we learn about Jesus and the Word of God, the more our roots grow in depth and are able to sustain periods of doubt, suffering or challenge.

Let me ask you:

●Do you have an intentional, regular set aside time and plan to read the Bible?

●Do you read or listen to other books on Christianity, faith or biblical leadership?

●Are you planning on joining a Renovation U class this summer?

●Are you a part of a house church at Renovation?

There are 168 hours in the week. You’re here. That’s 1. What are you doing with your other 167? Use them well. Get learning.

Third way to grow in wisdom, Contending.

Colossians 1:29-2:1, “To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.”

Contend isn’t a word we use often. But to contend means to struggle or come up against opposition. And overcome. Contending means there’s gonna be a fight or battle, but we’re gonna win.

Almost 2 months ago, we had the NBA all-star game happening the same time as the NHL All-Star game, which had become the 4 Nations Event. Finland. Sweden. US. Canada. The difference couldn’t have been more stark. The NBA players BARELY try or care. On the other hand, the USA and Canada had 3 fights in the first 9 seconds of their POOL play game. One post said, “NFL: The Pro Bowl will now feature a casual game of flag football. NBA: Please guys can we just make it look we’re trying to play defense during the All-Star game. NHL: I am willing to DIE FOR MY COUNTRY DURING THIS EXHIBITION.”

It was awesome.

Let’s not talk about the final. Moving on…

The wisdom of Jesus is found in contending. Fighting. Standing for what’s right. Now listen, I do not mean fighting with your neighbor over politics, engaging in a yelling match at a youth hockey game about who is right or wrong, and please God stop arguing on facebook because everyone loses when you do. What I mean is that you’re contending in two ways: First, the way Paul says: Holding fast to the Truth of Jesus. It goes without saying, we are bombarded by so-called truths in the world today. A world that is increasingly hostile to the Truth of Jesus. Paul even says in Colossians 2:4, “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” We have to contend for what’s true against the messages flowing from TikTok, Youtube, and false teachers. Check every message against: What did Jesus say and do? What does the Bible say? Hold fast to the Word of God. Second, we contend in the spiritual realm. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12.

There is very real power that wants nothing more than for you to NOT grow deep roots in Christ. How do you fight back? What we’re talking about now. Growing in the wisdom of Jesus. Developing deep roots. Then, from that place of depth, we remind Satan that he can’t touch you because Christ is in you. Christ is in me. As a believer, what was his is now ours. His power and victory is now our power and victory. From that place, we pray and hold fast to the Word of God. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horses are made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with the Lord.” In other words, we still gotta fight and contend in the spiritual realm. Through prayer. Through holding fast to the Word. And the good news is, ultimately, victory rests with the Lord. We can win because Christ has won.

Growing in the wisdom of Jesus is gonna require some contending. Expect it. Fight through it. On the other side are decisions made with the wisdom of Jesus.

Fourth and final way, Continuing.

Colossians 2:5-7, “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Keep going. Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep continuing. Let me tell you two quick stories from my last month about two very different people.

I met with a 27 year old young man recently. I’ve known him since he was 12. A little 6th grader in my youth ministry when I first started. At 27, his life is disintegrating. His wife of 3 years served him divorce papers. He’s got anger problems. A record. Issues with alcohol. As a 12 year old, he was one of the most faith-filled, tender-hearted kids I knew. And somewhere along the way, he stopped… continuing.

Recently, I watched the funeral of my 83 year old Aunt. Born in 1943, she faithfully followed Jesus all her life. Her life was not easy; health issues, children who walked away from faith and made mistakes, loss of jobs and death of loved ones. But she continued. Faithfully walking with Jesus. Continuing to follow him and letting her roots grow down deep.

We get one life, friends. I’m not trying to be morbid, but humans are really great about avoiding the uncomfortable nature of finality. Here’s what I told the 27 year old: Your life is not over. There’s a story still to be written. God is in the redemption business. But the question is: What will you continue to grow in? Will you grow in the wisdom of Christ and continue to follow him? He still had faith in Christ; but he didn’t have an active relationship with Jesus. What did he need? I gave him all the advice and wisdom I could muster, but at the end of the day, what he needs is Jesus.

Paul says in what is one of my favorite verses in all of scripture in Colossians 1:27, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ lives in you. That’s the ballgame, the beginning and the end, that’s the secret. The answer to wisdom or decisions in life is one thing: Jesus. But it’s not enough to know about Jesus; you have to know him. And if you’ve never made that initial decision to put your faith in Jesus, to acknowledge and confess your sin and receive his forgiveness to begin that relationship with him, let me give you a chance to do that right now. If you do, pray silently along with me and then let one of our prayer team members know after the service.

Let me pray.