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Reflections Podcast
Reflections Podcast
Reflections • Episode 8
God's Wisdom on Display
12m • February 17, 2021

Why did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we’re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands.

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Why did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we’re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands.

Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 4:5-9

Reflection Questions

  1. Wisdom and understanding is gained when we live out the knowledge we have received. Think of someone who is wise. Consider an example from the Bible or from someone in your life. What do you admire about this person?
  2. Before this person could display God’s wisdom, they first had to receive it. What do you think this person does to practically receive God’s wisdom?
  3. When God’s wisdom becomes a lifestyle, it becomes a light to the world. How have you noticed this person show God’s wisdom to the people around them?

Want to Go Deeper?
Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion.

Show Credits

  • Host: Cheree Hayes
  • Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
  • Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
  • Theme music: Grant William Harold
  • Background Music: Reuben Y. Cottingham

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2 Chronicles 36:22-23  –  13m
Looking Back to Look Forward
13m
Malachi 3:16-4:6  –  13m
Treasured by God
13m
Daniel 7:9-14  –  13m
There’s Hope in the Nightmare
13m
Esther 4:1-17  –  16m
Who Does God Choose to Work Through?
16m
Ezra 4:1-3, Isaiah 56:3-8  –  15m
Is God Inclusive?
15m
Ezekiel 36:22-36  –  14m
Promise for New Hearts
14m
Lamentations 3:19-33  –  14m
Learning How to Grieve from Lamentations
14m
Jeremiah 4:16-28, 1 Thessalonians 5  –  15m
The Deep Anguish of God
15m
Song of Songs 8:6-7  –  15m
Wisdom from Sensual Love Poetry?
15m
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12  –  15m
One Handful of Rest
15m
Isaiah 42:1-16  –  14m
Power of Metaphor
14m
Proverbs 1:1-7  –  13m
How to Live Wisely
13m
Job 38:1-18, Job 42:1-6  –  15m
How God Replies to Job’s Suffering
15m
Jonah 4:1-11, Exodus 34:5-9, 1 Kings 19:3-5  –  14m
God’s Mercy on Our Enemy
14m
Hosea 14:1-9  –  14m
What God Wants From Us
14m
Isaiah 61  –  12m
What Good News Looks Like
12m
1 John 1  –  12m
Message of the Prophets
12m
2 Kings 25  –  14m
What God Does About Suffering
14m
1 Kings 6  –  14m
Redeeming Disappointment
14m
2 Samuel 7  –  14m
Faithful Through Failure
14m
1 Samuel 2  –  13m
When You Feel Powerless
13m
Ruth 2  –  12m
How God Treats His Enemies
12m
Judges‬ 2  –  12m
When We Walk Out on God
12m
14m
Deuteronomy 30  –  11m
Understanding Ancient Law
11m
Deuteronomy 4  –  12m
God's Wisdom on Display
12m
Numbers 13  –  11m
Trusting God in the Wilderness
11m
Leviticus 25  –  13m
Gift of Rest
13m
Hebrews 10  –  12m
Meaning of Sacrifice
12m
Exodus 19  –  12m
Rescued for a Purpose
12m
Exodus 3  –  15m
When We Cry Out
15m
Genesis 32  –  13m
Wrestling God
13m
Genesis 1-3  –  15m
Why God Gave Choice
15m

Reflect

Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.

  1. Wisdom and understanding is gained when we live out the knowledge we have received. Think of someone who is wise. Consider an example from the Bible or from someone in your life. What do you admire about this person?
  2. Before this person could display God’s wisdom, they first had to receive it. What do you think this person does to practically receive God’s wisdom?
  3. When God’s wisdom becomes a lifestyle, it becomes a light to the world. How have you noticed this person show God’s wisdom to the people around them?

Go Deeper

If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.

God gave his commands to Israel, so he could share his wisdom with all the nations. As Israel followed his commands, they would become wise with understanding. Then all the nations would see God’s wisdom displayed through them.

As followers of Jesus today, we too are called to represent God’s wisdom to the world. But this does not happen simply by saying what we believe or by having an ethical list of rules. The world sees God’s goodness by our actions and decision to follow his teachings. Our lifestyle tells the truth about what we really value. So this week, let’s meditate on the valuable wisdom in God’s ancient commands to Israel. And as we do, we can be empowered by God’s Spirit to respond in active ways that display his goodness to those around us.

Feel free to reflect on all the questions or simply a few right now. You can also reflect throughout the week by focusing on one question per day.

Message Question
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?

Read: Deuteronomy 4:5-9

  1. As you review today’s passage, pay attention to the details. What word, phrase, or idea stands out to you?
  2. Wisdom is gained when we live out the knowledge we have received (Deuteronomy 4:6a). Think of someone you know who is wise. How do they apply what they have learned? How have they shared God’s wisdom with the people around them?
  3. Receiving and responding to God’s wisdom requires intentionality. Review verse 9 and consider the importance of diligently taking care of one’s own spiritual and emotional health. According to this verse, what can happen when people neglect this command?
  4. What are some specific things people do to remember who God is and what God has taught them? What usually distracts people from regularly practicing these specific things?
  5. What is one practice you’d like to establish in order to remember and respond to what God has taught you? How often would you like to embrace this practice? When will you begin?
  6. Review the end of verse 9. Consider someone from a younger generation who you can encourage with God’s wisdom. Who comes to mind? Would they like to embrace the same practice (from question 5) with you?
  7. Turn your reflections into a prayer. Thank God for who he is and the wisdom he provides in his commands. Be honest about the ways you have been distracted and forgetful. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help as you seek to follow his wisdom and take care of your spiritual and emotional well-being this week.
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