Info Bar

This Week
@ The Bridge

Announcements


FOOD PANTRY
July 7  @ 8a – 10a
The Bridge Church
If you are someone you know is in need of food assistance please come by.  Also we are looking for volunteers for this Thursday to help with the hand out.

STARTING POINT CLASS
Sunday, July 10 @ 11:45a
The Bridge - Learning Center
In Starting Point, learn why The Bridge Church exists, where we're headed, what we believe, and how you can be a part of it. Sign up today for our next class using the Connection Card at https://thebridgereno.com/connect

BAPTISM CLASS
Sunday, July 24 @ 11:45a
The Bridge - Learning Center
If you are interested in taking the next step in your walk with Jesus and getting baptized please join us.  Sign up today for our next class using the Connection Card at https://thebridgereno.com/connect

SUPPORT OUR MISSION
You can support our mission using the Give Button in our App or online at https://thebridgereno.com/giving

Message Notes

Wisdom: The Missing Ingredient!

Pastor Bill West
July 3, 2022
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings, and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1–7

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.” 
Proverbs 8:10–14

Wisdom:  The skill and art of living which flows from a relationship with God.

The Beginning of Wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7

Fear of the Lord is having respect and awe for the power and wonder of God that re-arranges every area of my life.
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1–6

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

Bottom Line: True wisdom begins when we rightly fear the Lord. 
God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:28–30

Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

  1. Think about the wisest person you’ve known. What do you think made them so wise? Do you believe wisdom is a missing ingredient in the church and our world today? 

Bill defines Wisdom as the skill and art of living which flows from a relationship with God.
      - What are your thoughts about this definition? What is the difference between a skill and an art.
      - Can a person be truly wise and not have a relationship with God?

  1. Read and discuss Proverbs 1:1-6:  What terms stand out to you in these verses that help to understand wisdom?

  1. Read and discuss Proverbs 8:10-14 and Proverbs 16:16: What do these verses teach about the value of wisdom?  Do you agree or disagree?

  1. Read and discuss Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10:  Bill said that the Fear of the Lord is having respect and awe for the power and wonder of God that re-arranges every area of my life.
          - What do most people think of when they hear the term “Fear of the Lord”
          - Do you believe that “Fear of the Lord” is mostly negative or positive?
          - Do you believe that the “Fear of the Lord” can change every area of your life? Why or why not?
          - How is this the beginning of wisdom?

  1. Respond to this statement: you and I will be out of touch with true reality if God is not central to every part of our lives.

  2. Pray for each other in critical areas where you need wisdom this week.
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here