Versus

1. Versus Only Two Ways to Live

2. 2 Ways to Live • We are taught in the media (and many of us in school) that the number of ways you may go about life is limited only by your imagination • The Bible, on the other hand, has a different perspective: there are only 2

3. Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

4. “So, How Should I Live My Life?” • The question really isn’t about me. • In fact, the question itself needs revision. • The real question is “Who is God?”

5. Who does the Bible say God is? • God is the all-powerful, Creator of heaven and earth, time and space. Jn 1:3 • He did not just set creation spinning… • He is involved. Jn 5:17 • He did create the physical laws by which the universe operates, but He also intervenes and acts as He sees fit. • He has goals and He has ways of accomplishing those goals Is 55:8-9

6. “Versus” • This series is designed to help distinguish the boundaries between what the world tells us and what God has to say on several subjects • The world would have us believe that there is a rainbow of choices, or worse, the world is all grayscale when it comes to the choices before you as to what is right and what is wrong

7. Foolishness versus Wisdom

8. Wise • having the power of discerning and judging  properly as to what is true or right • possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.

9. Ephesians 5:15-17 • Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. -NIV84 • Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. -NASB

10. Ephesians 5:15-17 • Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. -NASB • Walk can mean literally “to walk” or metaphorically “to live” or “to conduct oneself” or “to regulate one’s life” • Careful is the Greek word akribos, where we get the word “acrobat”. It means “exactly.”

11. Wisdom in Proverbs • In Proverbs 1 Wisdom is personified as a woman (Grk. Sophia) calling out in the streets. 20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street,    she raises her voice in the public squares;21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out,    in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:

12. Proverbs 1 22 “How long will you simpleones love your simple ways?    How long will mockers delight in mockery    and fools hate knowledge?23 If you had responded to my rebuke,I would have poured out my heart to youand made my thoughts known to you. • Simple=“open-minded” • Fools=easy way guys (Heb. kecyil)

13. Proverbs 1 24 But since you rejected me when I called    and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,25 since you ignored all my advice    and would not accept my rebuke,26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster;    I will mock when calamity overtakes you—27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,    when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,    when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

14. Proverbs 1 28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;    they will look for me but will not find me.29 Since they hated knowledge    and did not choose to fear the Lord,30 since they would not accept my advice    and spurned my rebuke,31 they will eat the fruit of their ways    and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

15. Proverbs 1 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,    and the complacency of fools will destroy them;33 but whoever listens to me will live in safetyand be at ease, without fear of harm.”

16. Heed Wisdom’s Call • She will pour her thoughts into you • Dwell secure • Be at ease • Be unafraid, without dread of evil • TV majors on fear and dread

17. Proverbs 2 1My son, if you accept my words    and store up my commands within you,2 turning your ear to wisdom    and applying your heart to understanding,3 and if you call out for insight    and cry aloud for understanding,4 and if you look for it as for silver    and search for it as for hidden treasure,5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord    and find the knowledge of God.

18. Proverbs 2 6 For the Lord gives wisdom,    and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He holds victory in store for the upright,    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,8 for he guards the course of the just    and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just    and fair—every good path.

19. Proverbs 2 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.11 Discretion will protect you,    and understanding will guard you. 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,

20. Knowledge • Understanding • Wisdom • Knowledge is knowing that an accident happened • Understanding is knowing how it happened • Wisdom is knowing what to do about it

21. To be wise, we need… • God’s perspective on daily life • God’s will for handling facets of life • Attitudes • Authority • Relationships • Decision making • Words • Work patterns • Possessions • Trouble

22. Versus Only Two Ways to Live