A New Way of Living: Trusting in God’s Wisdom, Not Our Own

Introduction:

Good mornin’, church family! Today, we’re gonna take a journey together through what it means to live life God’s way—a life rooted in His Salvation, Truth, and Wisdom. Now, the world will tell you to follow your heart, trust in your own understanding, or lean on what society says is right. But the Bible has a different roadmap. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you’re called to a new way of living—one that depends on His truth, His resources, and His wisdom.

Scripture Reading:

Let’s ground ourselves in some of the richest truths from Scripture:

*Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

*John 14:6*: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

*Romans 12:1-2*: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

**Main Point 1: Responding to God’s Salvation**

The first step in living God’s way is to respond to His gift of Salvation. Romans 10:9-10 makes it plain: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This isn’t just about saying the words; it’s about a heart change—a surrender that leads you into a relationship with Christ. Salvation isn’t something we earn or accomplish on our own. It’s God’s grace extended through His Son, Jesus.

**Illustration**:

I remember an old friend from Camden, Alabama, who lived most of his life leaning on his own understanding. He was wise in the ways of the world, always talkin’ about his latest plans and schemes. But when life hit him hard, all that earthly wisdom came up short. It wasn’t until he turned to Jesus and laid down his pride that he found the peace and direction he’d been searching for.

**Main Point 2: Living by God’s Truth, Not Our Own**

Once we come to Christ, we’re called to live a life that’s not based on our wisdom or what the world says is best. Colossians 2:6-8 warns us, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith... See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Here’s the simple truth: God’s Word, not the latest trend or popular opinion, is the foundation for how we should live. We need to make decisions not by gut feelings or others’ advice but by the wisdom found in Scripture. James 3:13-15 contrasts earthly wisdom with God’s wisdom, calling us to seek what is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

**Main Point 3: Drawing on God’s Resources**

You might ask, “How do I live this way, Pastor Terry?” It starts by depending on the resources God provides. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” We grow and learn God’s way through studying His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers who challenge and encourage us.

And don’t miss this: 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This means you don’t rely on your strength; you rely on Christ’s righteousness within you. Transformation happens when you allow God’s Spirit to renew your mind, as Romans 12:2 says.

**Application**:

To start living God’s way, ask yourself these questions:

- Am I trusting in my own understanding, or am I truly leaning on God’s wisdom?

- Do I make decisions based on what feels right or what God’s Word says is right?

- Am I drawing from God’s resources through prayer, Scripture, and His Spirit?

Make a commitment today to surrender your plans and thoughts to the Lord and follow His way, not just in the big moments but in your day-to-day walk.

**Closing Opinion**:

Let me share this from the heart: Living life God’s way isn’t always the easy path, but it’s the only path that leads to true peace, purpose, and eternal life. The world may try to sway you with promises of quick solutions and self-made success, but only God’s wisdom stands firm through every storm. When you trust Him, He’ll guide your steps, and you’ll find that His way is more than worth it—it’s life itself.

**Closing Prayer**:

*Father, thank You for Your gift of Salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Teach us to lean not on our own understanding but on Your perfect wisdom. Help us walk in Your truth, depending on Your resources and strength. Transform our minds and guide our hearts so that we may live in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.*

**Conclusion**:

Friends, as you step out into this week, remember that living God’s way is a journey. Trust Him, seek His wisdom, and watch as He straightens your path and makes His glory shine through your life. God bless y’all.