WALKING IN WISDOM

WALKING IN WISDOM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:23

Key Verse: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." — 1 Corinthians 10:23 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 1:5; Philippians 1:9-10; Colossians 4:5-6; Romans 14:19

Description: Walking in wisdom means making choices that honour God, strengthen others, and promote spiritual growth rather than merely pursuing what is permissible.

INTRODUCTION

Wisdom is the ability to apply God's truth correctly to the situations and decisions of everyday life. A believer may know what is lawful but still need wisdom to determine what is beneficial, edifying, appropriate, and consistent with God's purpose.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul addressed the freedom believers have in Christ. He recognised that certain things might be permissible, but he also established an important principle: not everything that is permissible is profitable. Christian maturity therefore requires us to look beyond the question, "Is this allowed?" and ask, "Does this glorify God and build others?"

Walking in wisdom requires spiritual discernment, self-control, consideration for others, and a willingness to surrender personal rights when necessary. The wise believer does not live merely to please himself but seeks to make decisions that honour God and contribute positively to the spiritual wellbeing of others.

1. UNDERSTAND THAT NOT EVERYTHING PERMISSIBLE IS PROFITABLE

Christian liberty must always be governed by wisdom. Freedom should never become an excuse for choices that weaken our spiritual lives or damage others.

a) Consider What Is Expedient (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Paul distinguishes between what may be lawful and what is beneficial. Wisdom asks whether a particular choice contributes positively to our spiritual wellbeing.

b) Choose What Edifies (1 Corinthians 10:23)
A wise Christian considers whether an action will build faith, character, and spiritual strength.

c) Avoid Spiritual Bondage (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Even legitimate things can become controlling. Nothing should be allowed to dominate the believer's life except Christ.

d) Seek God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
The ultimate standard for Christian decisions is whether they bring glory to God.

Biblical Example: Daniel chose not to defile himself with the king's food and wine, demonstrating wisdom and conviction even when he had the opportunity to participate (Daniel 1:8-16).

2. SEEK GOD'S WISDOM IN YOUR DECISIONS

Human intelligence is limited, but God promises wisdom to those who genuinely seek Him.

a) Ask God For Wisdom (James 1:5)
When we lack wisdom, we should turn to God rather than relying exclusively on human reasoning.

b) Value God's Word (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture provides direction for decisions and helps believers distinguish between wise and foolish paths.

c) Consider The Consequences (Proverbs 22:3)
A wise person recognises danger before entering into it. Wisdom considers not only immediate pleasure but also long-term consequences.

d) Seek Godly Counsel (Proverbs 11:14)
Wise counsel can protect us from blind spots and help us make sound decisions.

Biblical Example: Solomon asked God for wisdom to govern Israel rather than asking for wealth or long life. God was pleased with his request and gave him exceptional wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12).

3. WALK WITH SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

Wisdom enables believers to distinguish between what appears good and what is genuinely beneficial according to God's will.

a) Discern What Is Best (Philippians 1:9-10)
Paul prayed that believers would abound in knowledge and discernment so they could approve excellent things.

b) Examine Everything Carefully (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Christians should not accept every teaching, opportunity, relationship, or influence without examination.

c) Recognise Dangerous Influences (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Wrong associations can corrupt good character. Wisdom requires careful consideration of the people and environments that influence us.

d) Follow The Spirit's Leading (Romans 8:14)
The Holy Spirit guides God's children. Walking in wisdom requires sensitivity and obedience to His direction.

Biblical Example: The sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do, demonstrating the connection between discernment and wise action (1 Chronicles 12:32).

4. CONSIDER THE EFFECT OF YOUR CHOICES ON OTHERS

Christian wisdom does not focus only on personal rights. Mature believers consider how their choices may affect the faith and conscience of others.

a) Do Not Become A Stumbling Block (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Our liberty should never become an occasion for another believer to fall into sin or spiritual confusion.

b) Pursue What Builds Others (Romans 14:19)
Believers should pursue things that contribute to peace and mutual spiritual growth.

c) Bear With The Weak (Romans 15:1)
Spiritual maturity includes the willingness to accommodate the weaknesses of others rather than insisting on personal preferences.

d) Put Others Before Yourself (Philippians 2:3-4)
Christlike wisdom considers the interests and wellbeing of others rather than being controlled by selfish ambition.

Biblical Example: Paul willingly surrendered certain personal freedoms when necessary so that he would not create unnecessary barriers to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

5. USE YOUR FREEDOM RESPONSIBLY

Freedom in Christ is a blessing, but it must be exercised under the authority of love and spiritual responsibility.

a) Serve Through Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian freedom should produce loving service rather than selfish indulgence.

b) Refuse To Abuse Liberty (1 Peter 2:16)
Freedom should never become a cover for sinful behaviour or selfish desires.

c) Practise Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit produces self-control, enabling believers to restrain legitimate desires when necessary.

d) Let Love Govern Your Choices (1 Corinthians 10:24)
Paul teaches that believers should not seek only their own good but also the good of others.

Biblical Example: Jesus demonstrated perfect freedom under divine authority, willingly limiting Himself and serving others for the sake of their salvation (Philippians 2:5-8).

6. WALK WISELY IN A WORLD THAT IS WATCHING

Our choices influence how unbelievers perceive the Gospel. Wise living gives credibility to our Christian testimony.

a) Redeem The Time (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Paul calls believers to walk carefully because the days are evil. Wisdom includes using our time purposefully.

b) Live Honourably Before Outsiders (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Our conduct should be respectable so that our lives do not bring unnecessary reproach upon Christ.

c) Speak With Grace (Colossians 4:5-6)
Wise speech is gracious, truthful, appropriate, and capable of answering people effectively.

d) Let Your Life Glorify God (Matthew 5:16)
Good conduct should cause people to recognise God's work in us and give glory to Him.

Biblical Example: Joseph walked with wisdom in Egypt, and his integrity, diligence, and discernment eventually caused Pharaoh to recognise that God's Spirit was with him (Genesis 41:38-41).

CONCLUSION

Walking in wisdom requires more than knowing what is right; it requires knowing how, when, and where to apply God's truth. Not everything that is permissible is profitable, and not everything that is acceptable to us will necessarily edify others. Spiritual maturity therefore calls us to examine our choices through the principles of Scripture.

Let God guide your decisions, seek wisdom through prayer and His Word, consider the effect of your choices on others, and use your Christian liberty responsibly. May your life demonstrate that true freedom is not selfish independence but the wisdom to choose what honours God, strengthens others, and advances His kingdom.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me wisdom to make decisions that honour You and fulfil Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to understand that not everything permissible is profitable and give me grace to choose what truly edifies, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me spiritual discernment to recognise what is right, what is beneficial, and what is harmful to my spiritual growth, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every habit, desire, relationship, or activity that seeks to control my life and weaken my walk with You, in Jesus name.

5. Father, teach me to consider the spiritual wellbeing of others before exercising my personal rights and freedoms, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me wisdom to recognise dangerous influences and courage to separate myself from anything that can corrupt my character, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let Your Holy Spirit guide my decisions, conversations, relationships, finances, ministry, and daily activities, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to use my freedom responsibly and never allow Christian liberty to become an excuse for compromise, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my words gracious, my conduct honourable, and my lifestyle a powerful testimony of Your transforming grace, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to walk wisely every day, bringing glory to Your name and becoming a blessing to everyone around me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in divine wisdom, and your decisions shall increasingly reflect the counsel, purpose, and will of God.

2. You shall not be controlled by things that are merely permissible; you shall have discernment to choose what is profitable, edifying, and spiritually beneficial.

3. The Lord shall sharpen your spiritual discernment so that you recognise danger early and avoid decisions that can damage your destiny.

4. You shall receive wisdom to manage your relationships, responsibilities, resources, opportunities, and time in ways that honour God.

5. You shall not become a stumbling block to others; your choices shall strengthen faith, promote peace, and encourage spiritual growth.

6. Every ungodly influence seeking to corrupt your character or weaken your commitment to Christ shall lose its power over you.

7. The Holy Spirit shall guide you into wise decisions, and you shall not be confused when faced with difficult choices or competing alternatives.

8. You shall exercise Christian liberty with maturity, self-control, love, and responsibility, refusing every form of compromise.

9. Your words and conduct shall demonstrate wisdom before believers and unbelievers, and your life shall bring honour to the name of Jesus.

10. You shall walk wisely throughout your journey, make decisions that advance God's purpose, and become a source of blessing and godly influence to many.