Song Numbers

Are You As Wise As They?

Our text is from Mt. 2:1-12 and deals with the wise men who searched for and found the Christ child

In what way were they wise? They were the “wise men” of their day We are most impressed with their wisdom in seeking the Christ

Jer. 9:23-24 [23] Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

[24] But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. True wisdom is one that includes a knowledge and understanding of the Lord!

There is a wisdom of man that leaves God out - Js. 3:15 [15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish

Who is a wise man? - Js. 3:13 [13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. One who claims to be wise must be able to prove just how wise he is - Let him show out of a good manner or life the proof of the wisdom he claims

What made the wise men wise? – how did they show their wisdom?

I. They were interested in Christ They had heard about Christ & were interested in him

Jn. 6:68 [68] Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Jn. 10:9 [9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Jn. 14:6 [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Why be interested in Christ? 1. Christ is the only means of salvation (Acts 4:12) 2. Christ never changes (Heb. 13:8) 3. He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5)

4. Jesus is “the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (Jn. 11:25) 5. Jesus has “all power…in heaven and in earth” (Mt. 28:18)

They were ready to search for Christ Mt. 13:45-46 [45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

II. They were not too proud to ask for guidance

Mt. 2:1-2 [1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. These men were looked upon as wise men – note that they were humble enough to ask for help in finding Jesus – THIS IS A MARK OF WISDOM!

The Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:30-31 [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. He manifested great wisdom!

Apollos was teachable Acts 18:24-26 [24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

III. They were content with the light God gave them

“God has always made provision for the guidance His people need.”

Jn. 14:18 [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. God does not leave us in the dark – there is no darkness with God – He is light and leads us to walk in the light

A star guided the wise men Mt. 2:10 [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The word of God guides us today – 2 Cor. 4:4 [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Ps. 119:105 [105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2 Pet. 1:3 [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

IV. They listened to the voice of God rather than men

Herod had asked the wise men to return and tell him where they found the Christ child God warned them not to return to Herod

Acts 5:29 [29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men

God and man don’t always think alike – Is. 55:8-9 [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

V. They didn’t stop until they found Christ Many start out so well – they have good intentions -- but they stop before they find Christ -WE NEED TO STUDY THE BIBLE UNTIL WE FIND CHRIST – COME TO KNOW HIS WILL AND OBEY HIM!!!

Gal. 5:7 [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Look at Agrippa Acts 26:28-29 [28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. [29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Mk. 12:34 [34] And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Many are so near – and yet far away – THEY HAVE STOPPED THEIR SEARCH TOO SOON!

They proved their devotion by worshipping There is a need for worship, for in worship we strive to become like the object of our worship – to worship God is to strive to become more like God

They gave gifts to Christ We need to give to Christ – our lives, money, time, talents, children, etc.

Js. 1:17 [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning

Ps. 116:12 [12] What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

2 Cor. 8:5 [5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. What great wisdom some have shown toward the Son of God!

I. They were interested in Christ II. They were not too proud to ask for guidance III. They were content with the light God gave them

IV. They listened to the voice of God rather than men V. They didn’t stop until they found Christ