DUMC Sermon Video | September 8, 2024

Follow Along with the Message

I. Introduction: The Importance of Wisdom

• Definition and value of wisdom in shaping lives and communities.

• Questioning by whose wisdom we order our lives.

• Relevance for the church and followers of Jesus.

II. Exploring the Wisdom of Christ

• A. The Study of Upward

  • Introduction to the four-week study of Paul Chilcote and Steve Harper's book.

  • Encouragement to engage with the book and small groups.

• B. The Wesleyan Understanding of Wisdom

  • Movement and progress towards holiness.

  • The Wesley brothers’ reform of the Church of England and focus on practical faith.

III. Grace as a Foundation of Wisdom

• A. Redefining Grace

  • Shift from medieval understanding of grace as a controlled substance.

  • Grace as God's unconditional and relational love.

• B. The Implications of Grace

  • Grace leads to mercy, kindness, and radical hospitality.

  • Contrast with worldly wisdom focused on self-interest and exclusion.

IV. Living Out Christlike Wisdom

• A. Characteristics of Christlike Wisdom

  • Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

  • The call to love even one’s enemies.

• B. The Transformative Impact

  • Humility and gratitude as expressions of wisdom.

  • The church’s role in embodying this wisdom and offering hope to the world.

V. Conclusion: Embracing the "Foolishness" of God’s Wisdom

• A. The "Foolishness" of Selfless Love

  • The wisdom of selfless love as seen in Jesus’ actions.

  • Encouragement to be “fools for Christ.”

• B. The Hope and Power of Christ’s Wisdom

  • This wisdom has the power to heal and transform.

  • The church’s mission to live out this wisdom for the benefit of the world.