The Silent Killer of Growth: Your Wisdom Table (1 Kings 12)
This sermon explores the profound influence of the people and voices we allow into our lives, identifying them as our "wisdom table." It challenges us to thoughtfully consider whose counsel we seek, as these influences silently shape our spiritual journey and life's direction.
This sermon reveals how our "wisdom table" – the voices we allow into our lives – silently shapes our perspective, heart, and destiny. Choosing godly counsel and placing Jesus at the head of this table is crucial for spiritual growth.
Overview
The sermon opens by celebrating Pentecost weekend, highlighting the sending of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 1 and 2, which led to the birth of the church. The preacher then introduces the concept of a "silent killer of growth" through an analogy of a microscopic pest destroying a plant's root system. This unseen destroyer, he explains, mirrors how unnoticed influences can undermine spiritual vitality.
The core message is illustrated with the story of Rehoboam from 1 Kings 12, who, inheriting his father Solomon's throne, faced a critical decision. Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of elders who advised servant leadership, instead following the harsh, prideful advice of his young companions. This decision led to the permanent division of the nation of Israel, demonstrating the devastating ripple effects of listening to the wrong voices.
The preacher defines the "wisdom table" as the combination of voices currently speaking into your life, emphasizing that while some relationships are casual, others exert deep influence. He outlines three ways this table impacts us: it frames our perspective on the world, shapes the condition of our heart (making it susceptible to attitudes like bitterness or bold faith), and ultimately determines the destiny and trajectory of our lives.
To guard against the silent killer, the sermon offers practical steps: ask critical questions about the source of wisdom, the fruit of people's lives, and the intent behind their advice. It also encourages selecting diverse wisdom in key areas like spiritual life, relationships, and vocation. Ultimately, the most crucial decision is to place King Jesus at the head of one's wisdom table, surrendering leadership to His divine authority, as Romans 10:9-10 describes.
Key points
- The "wisdom table" consists of the combination of voices you are currently letting speak into your life.
- The silent killer of spiritual growth occurs when you have the wrong people at your wisdom table.
- Your wisdom table frames your perspective, shaping how you see the world and its values.
- It also shapes your heart, as attitudes like entitlement or faith can be contagious from those around you.
- Ultimately, the voices influencing your wisdom table determine the destiny and trajectory of your life.
- To choose wisely, assess the source of counsel's wisdom, the fruit of their lives, and the intent of their advice.
- The most important seat is reserved for King Jesus, who should be at the head of your wisdom table.
In Rick Warren's words
“The secret killer of growth is when you have the wrong people at your wisdom table.”
“No matter how much intelligence you have, no matter how long you've walked with God, if you get the wrong people shaping your heart, it will cause you to erode and shipwreck your life.”
“The only person that this spot is reserved for is King Jesus.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
- A. Reading from Acts 1 and 2
- B. The birth of the church and the gift of the Spirit
- II. The Silent Killer of Growth
- A. The broccoli and root-knot nematode analogy
- B. The destructive power of unseen forces beneath the surface
- III. Rehoboam's Decision: A Case Study (1 Kings 12:1-15)
- A. Rehoboam takes the throne after Solomon
- B. Jeroboam and the people request a lighter load
- C. Rehoboam rejects the elders' wise counsel
- D. Rehoboam follows the young men's harsh advice
- E. The kingdom divides, never unified again
- IV. Your Wisdom Table: The Voices Shaping Your Life
- A. Definition: The combination of voices you let speak into your life
- B. Distinguishing casual relationships from influential voices
- V. Three Ways Your Wisdom Table Impacts Your Life
- A. Your wisdom table is framing your perspective
- 1. Every interaction, even casual scrolling, shapes worldview
- 2. Proverbs 15:22: Plans fail for lack of counsel
- B. Your wisdom table is shaping your heart
- 1. Solomon's heart turned by his wives (1 Kings 11:4)
- 2. Heart attitudes are contagious (frustration, bitterness, faith)
- C. Your wisdom table is determining your destiny
- 1. Personal story of a derailed destiny due to wrong counsel
- 2. Proverbs 13:20: Companion of fools suffers harm
- VI. Practical Steps to Guard Your Wisdom Table
- A. Ask the right questions about potential influences
- 1. What is the source of their wisdom? (James 3:14, 17; Isaiah 5:20)
- 2. What is the fruit of their lives? (Matthew 7:16-18)
- 3. What is the intent of their advice? (Proverbs 17:17)
- B. Pick the right areas for counsel and wisdom
- 1. Spiritual life
- 2. Relationships (marriage, parenting, dating)
- 3. Work and vocation
- 4. Calling
- 5. Finances
- 6. Vision/Projects
- C. Vigilantly guard your table and expand your circle
- 1. Your life is the sum total of your five closest relationships
- 2. God's vision for your life requires seeking broader wisdom
- VII. Who Is at the Head of Your Table?
- A. This reserved seat is for King Jesus alone
- B. Giving Jesus authority over your life (Lordship)
- C. Romans 10:9-10: Confessing Jesus as Lord leads to salvation
- VIII. Conclusion and Call to Action
- A. Join a small group to build a godly wisdom table
- B. Surrender your life to Jesus
Scripture references
- Acts 1:4-8
- Acts 2:1-4
- Acts 2:38-41
- 1 Kings 12:1-15
- 1 Kings 11:4
- Proverbs 15:22
- Proverbs 13:20
- James 3:14
- James 3:17
- Isaiah 5:20
- Matthew 7:16-18
- Proverbs 17:17
- Ephesians 1:22-23
- Romans 10:9-10
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)
3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,
4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Insights
The voices we allow close to us shape our entire perspective.
A heart's condition can become contagious from those we spend time with.
Every choice about who speaks into your life also shapes your future.
Questions & answers
What is the "wisdom table" the sermon discusses?
The sermon defines the "wisdom table" as the combination of voices you are currently letting speak into your life. These are the people and influences that shape how you think, feel, and make decisions.
What is the "silent killer of growth" according to the sermon?
The silent killer of growth is having the wrong people, or wrong voices, at your wisdom table. These unseen influences can destroy God's work in your life without you realizing it until it's too late.
How did King Rehoboam's story illustrate the importance of the wisdom table?
King Rehoboam's story from 1 Kings 12 shows that he rejected the wise counsel of elders for the harsh advice of his young companions. This led to the division of Israel, demonstrating how one person's choice of counsel can have destructive, generational consequences.
What three areas does the wisdom table impact in your life?
Your wisdom table impacts your life by framing your perspective, shaping your heart, and determining your destiny. The influences you allow in directly affect how you see the world, your internal attitudes, and the overall direction of your life.
What questions should you ask about people before letting them influence your wisdom table?
Before allowing someone a prominent seat at your wisdom table, you should ask about the source of their wisdom, observe the fruit of their lives (their character and outcomes), and discern the true intent behind their advice.
Who should be at the "head of your wisdom table"?
The sermon states that the seat at the head of your wisdom table is reserved for one person: King Jesus. He is the ultimate source of wisdom and authority, capable of truly leading and changing the trajectory of your life.
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