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This text explores the wisdom displayed by the wise men in their search for the Christ child. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Christ and following God's guidance.
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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.
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.
What made the wise men wise? – how did they show their wisdom?
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.
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.
The Ethiopian eunuchActs 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.
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.
“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.
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:
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.
Gal. 5:7 [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
Look at AgrippaActs 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.
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.
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