Topical Studies

Scripture Reading:  Job 28:20-28

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

Intro.

1.  Bumper sticker theology (refers to the wise men of Matt. 2:1-11).

2.  Man generally prides himself on his wisdom, ingenuity and knowledge. Such thinking moves us away from God (Prov. 3:34; 16:18; 1 Cor. 8:1).

3.  Are we truly wise?  Let’s see, because…

I.  WISE MEN SEEK JESUS IN THE RIGHT PLACE – cf. Acts 17:26-28.

  A.  Seek and Find Christ & His Salvation in Inspired Scripture (Word of God) – Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31; Luke 1:4; John 5:39.

  B.  Will Not Find Jesus in the:

    1.  Traditions of men – Matt. 15:3-9.

      a.  Principles of the world, not according to Christ - Col. 2:8.

        (1)  Christmas as the birthday of Jesus.

        (2)  Easter to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.

        (3)  Worship changes (instrumental music, ceremonies, incense, etc.)

      b.  Hold fast to apostolic tradition - 2 Thess. 2:15 (1 Cor. 11:2); 3:4.

    2.  Doctrines of men – Gal. 1:11-12, 6-9; John 7:16-17; cf. Matt. 16:12;

    3.  Wisdom of men –  1 Cor. 1:18-25; cf. Matt. 11:25-27.

II.  WISE MEN SEEK JESUS WITH THE RIGHT HEART – Heb. 10:22.

  A.  A Good and Honest Heart – Luke 8:15 (6:45).

    1.  A convicted heart – Acts 2:37 (8:37).

    2.  Pure heart – Matt. 5:8 (2 Tim. 2:22).

    3.  A heart of love – Matt. 22:37.

    4.  Devoted heart – Acts 11:23.

    5.  Obedient heart – Rom. 6:17 (cf. Eph. 6:6).

  B.  An Evil Heart Will Not Seek Jesus – Heb. 3:12.

    1.  Hypocritical – Matt. 15:8.

    2.  Hardened – Mark 6:52 (prevents understanding); 16:14; Rom. 2:5.

    3.  Stubborn – Acts 7:51, 54.

    4.  Given over to sin – 2 Pet. 2:14.

III.  WISE MEN SEEK JESUS IN THE RIGHT WAY – Matt. 7:21.

  A.  By Obeying the Will of the Father – Acts 5:29; Heb. 5:8-9.

    1.  Plan of salvation.

    2.  True worship (John 4:23-24).

    3.  Pure living – Eph. 4:17-24.

    4.  Apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42.

  B.  By Zealously “Doing Good” – Gal. 6:9; Tit. 2:14.

    1.  “Doing good” equates to obeying truth – Rom. 2:7-8.

    2.  It is practicing righteousness - 1 John 3:7, 9.

    3.  Do all things as unto the Lord – Col. 3:17, 23; cf. Matt. 25:34-40.

  C.  The Wrong Way to Seek Jesus Includes:

    1.  Emotional intent – Prov. 14:12.

      -Good conscience.

    2.  Thinking it is the right way – Isa. 55:8-9.

      -Faith only.

      -Good, moral person.

    3.  Values of the world – 1 Cor. 1:26-29.

Conclusion

1.  Many who seek Jesus and His salvation will not find it because the gospel is veiled (hidden) to them – Luke 13:24; 2 Cor. 4:3-4.

2.  Yes, the wise still seek Jesus...and find Him (Prov. 9:10).