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.
