We live in difficult times. Those with the Spirit of God stand above and aside from the crowd.
* In Job's day, the Spirit of God was known as the source of understanding.
* Joseph lived in the knowledge of the Spirit of God.
* The four children of Israel taken captive to Babylon excelled in wisdom given by the Spirit of God.
JOB
Our whole world is in trouble. Human hedges (wealth, jobs, health, position) do not keep us safe. We need more than a “talking faith,” we need a “walking faith.” We need the wisdom that goes with a right relationship with God.
From the earliest of times the Spirit of God has been active in the lives of His people, and obvious to the people around them. Throughout history people have recognized the person, nature and work of the Holy Spirit. Even today we can learn and be challenged by Old Testament people who had an awareness and a relationship with the Spirit of God.
Job 32:8
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.
Remember, Job lived around the time of Abraham, therefore he predates Joseph, Moses, David and the Prophets. Still, in this early period we find that people were aware of the person and work of the Spirit of God. This should not surprise us. It was not that the Spirit of God had been discovered by research or meditation. The Holy Spirit had always been active in the lives of men, from the time of Adam in the garden.
God had instructed Adam concerning all the knowledge of life and about God Himself.
Adam walked with God and learned from God.
Eventually Enoch enters the stage of human affairs and he also walked with God, learning more about God.
These truths were passed on from generation to generation. each generation chose to change the facts and corrupt the message of God for suit their own purposes, but the basics were understood by the people of ancient societies.
It was a proper understanding that survived and found acceptance with Noah.
Noah lived a life that was pleasing to God and he became the progenitor of a new generation after God destroyed the world with a flood.
These truths passed from Noah to succeeding generations.
On the two occasions when Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister, he was reproved by both the king of Egypt and the king of Gerar for deceiving them, which could have made them party to an inappropriate liaison with Sarah. These standards were passed down from the beginning, when God instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden.
On the two occasions when Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister, he was reproved by both the king of Egypt and the king of Gerar for deceiving them, which could have made them party to an inappropriate liaison with Sarah. These standards were passed down from the beginning, when God instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden.
Note... Sarah was Abraham's half sister, so it was a half truth, but a half truth is a whole lie.
God revealed to Job some truths concerning our resurrection from the dead because of the Messiah's future victory over death.
Job 19:25-27
25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
While Job was suffering, some of his friends (comforters) came to Job and actually contributed to Job's sorrows because they wanted to blame Job for his own problems. Elihu, another friend, came on the scene and offered his insights also. Though we do not accept all of the ideas of these ancient men, we do learn something about their knowledge, understanding and beliefs.
Elihu pointed out that wisdom is not always present in old age, but rather wisdom is the gift of God. In fact, he said God imparts His Spirit to men and thereby communicates understanding.
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding” Job 32:8.
JOSEPH
Genesis 41:38
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Pharaoh recognized that the wisdom in Joseph was actually the wisdom of the Spirit of God.
Wisdom does not come from a University study of Philosophy, but from the School of Hard Knocks and Open Hearts.
God revealed to Job some truths concerning our resurrection from the dead because of the Messiah's future victory over death.
Job 19:25-27
25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
While Job was suffering, some of his friends (comforters) came to Job and actually contributed to Job's sorrows because they wanted to blame Job for his own problems. Elihu, another friend, came on the scene and offered his insights also. Though we do not accept all of the ideas of these ancient men, we do learn something about their knowledge, understanding and beliefs.
Elihu pointed out that wisdom is not always present in old age, but rather wisdom is the gift of God. In fact, he said God imparts His Spirit to men and thereby communicates understanding.
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding” Job 32:8.
JOSEPH
Genesis 41:38
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Pharaoh recognized that the wisdom in Joseph was actually the wisdom of the Spirit of God.
Wisdom does not come from a University study of Philosophy, but from the School of Hard Knocks and Open Hearts.
From the time of his youth, Joseph had gone through very difficult times. He was misunderstood and despised by his brothers.
Though they had considered killing him, they chose to sell him as a slave and shipped him off to Egypt.
As a slave to Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh's Guard, Joseph worked hard and earned the position of being in charge of Potiphar's household.
As a slave to Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh's Guard, Joseph worked hard and earned the position of being in charge of Potiphar's household.
When Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of improprieties, Potiphar quickly shipped Joseph to jail.
As a prisoner in jail, Joseph applied himself to be the best he could be and eventually became the jailers trustee.
As a prisoner in jail, Joseph applied himself to be the best he could be and eventually became the jailers trustee.
It was in this place of humble, aggressive servanthood that Joseph won the confidence of his fellow prisoners.
God gave Joseph opportunities to counsel and comfort other prisoners.
Two of those prisoners were the king's Butler and Baker.
God gave Joseph insight into the meaning of their dreams, which eventuated in Joseph's release and appointment to Pharaoh's service in the palace.
As an adviser to Pharaoh, Joseph excelled all others in royal service and advanced to a position in Egypt that was second only to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh recognized that Joseph's understanding and wisdom came from God.
Pharaoh recognized that Joseph's understanding and wisdom came from God.
Even at this late date in history and though Egypt had developed a pantheon of gods, Pharaoh still had an awareness of the Person and Work of the Spirit of God.
Pharaoh recognized this presence in the person and work of Joseph.
We should live under the influence and in the light of God's Spirit. Our person and work should reflect the Person and Work of the Spirit of God.
4 HEBREW MEN
Daniel 1:17
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
God's Spirit gave knowledge, skill, understanding, learning and wisdom in various areas of life, causing these men to excel above their peers.
We may not accrue great wealth, or win awards and the applause of men, but if we take time to be close to God and to listen to God, we will be endued with the wisdom of the Spirit of God. If He does not give us the ability to make wealth, He will make us wise on how to survive by faith, while others are failing with their material gain.
CHRISTIANS
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
God desires to impart spiritual wisdom to us through His Spirit.
We should live under the influence and in the light of God's Spirit. Our person and work should reflect the Person and Work of the Spirit of God.
4 HEBREW MEN
Daniel 1:17
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
God's Spirit gave knowledge, skill, understanding, learning and wisdom in various areas of life, causing these men to excel above their peers.
We may not accrue great wealth, or win awards and the applause of men, but if we take time to be close to God and to listen to God, we will be endued with the wisdom of the Spirit of God. If He does not give us the ability to make wealth, He will make us wise on how to survive by faith, while others are failing with their material gain.
CHRISTIANS
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
God desires to impart spiritual wisdom to us through His Spirit.
If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
If He gave us His Son, He will freely give us the leading of His Spirit.
If the Old Testament saints enjoyed the wisdom, knowledge, leading, understanding of the Spirit of God, we certainly should, as New Testament believers.
We need His wisdom and the world needs to see His wisdom working in us.
