Are you living wisely?

Topics: Christian living, living wisely

I. Be vigilant in how you live

* Wisdom (Sophia) is demonstrated by being alert to one's condition!

1. Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise (Ephesians 5:15).

2. Paul already declared, "All wisdom and insight" (1:8) has been given, and we can pray for "a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (1:17), "so that the manifold wisdom of God" (3:10) might be made known through us, His church.

3. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

II. Be intentional in how you live

* Wisdom (Sophia) is exhibited by taking advantage of opportunities!

1. Making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
2. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity (Colossians 4:5).
3. So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
4. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:9, 10).

III. Be faithful in how you live

* Wisdom (Sophia) is confirmed by faithful application of God's Word!

1. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17).
2. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God . . . For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7).
3. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, November 2nd, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Are you living wisely?

An important Guideline of Life Groups:Your Life Group is crucial in helping one another live wisely! Praying for one another, encouraging one another and stimulating one another to love and good deeds is a central part of one's spiritual maturity (Hebrews 10:24).

Getting Started:

1. Have you ever been known to sleepwalk? What does spiritual sleepwalking look like (Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6)?
2. How do you evaluate what is true biblical wisdom and distinguish it from worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4-7; 3:18, 19)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Can you say with confidence that you have received "the wisdom that leads to salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15)?
2. What can you be doing to stay alert and vigilant to the spiritual conditions in which we live (Acts 20:31, 32)?
3. How are you living that allows you to take advantage of the divine opportunities God provides for you to impact your OIKOS relationships?
4. What are some common time wasters that distract you from "making the most of the opportunity" (Colossians 4:5, 6)?
5. How do you stay encouraged in your spiritual walk, knowing that the days are evil?
6. Are there any spiritual disciplines that you want to develop to help you walk as a wise and faithful servant of our Lord, so at the end of your life, you will hear those cherished words of Matthew 25:21?

Now What? Application:

1. How do you discern God's will for your life? What part does Scripture play? Prayer? Godly counsel? God's peace? Open and shut doors? Pro and Con lists? Faith?
2. What does Jesus want you to do in living wisely, not foolishly (Matthew 7:24-27)?