Key Passage
– MATTHEW 19:16-22
16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what [essentially] good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” 17 Jesus answered, “Why are you asking Me about what is [essentially] good? There is only One who is [essentially] good; but if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Jesus, “Which commandments?” And Jesus answered, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; 19 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself” [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]. 20 The young man said to Him, “I have kept all these things [from my youth]; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” 22 But when the young man heard this, he left grieving and distressed, for he owned much property and had many possessions [which he treasured more than his relationship with God].
THERE IS VALUE IN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL = HOW MUCH CREATIVITY, IDEAS AND KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE TO INVEST
45 When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him [everywhere]. 46 Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what He had said to them. 51 He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
– LUKE 2:45-52
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
FOUNDATION OF GROWING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL BEGINS WITH SCRIPTURE
6 For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
– PROVERBS 2:6
1 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight,
– PROVERBS 1:1-7
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; 4 That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, 5 The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], 6 To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection]. 7 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IS GOOD BUT WILL NEVER BE GOD
9 And [in that garden] the Lord God caused to grow from the ground every tree that is desirable and pleasing to the sight and good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of LIFE was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the [experiential] KNOWLEDGE (recognition) of [the difference between] good and evil.
– GENESIS 2:9
31 God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He validated it completely.
– GENESIS 1:31
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].
– 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
TO SMART FOR MY OWN GOOD
READ: MATTHEW 19:16-22
- THERE IS VALUE IN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
READ: LUKE 2:45-52
ASK:
Who am I blessing and serving with my intellectual capital?
- FOUNDATION OF GROWING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL BEGINS WITH SCRIPTURE
READ: PROVERBS 1:1-7; PROVERBS 2:6
ASK:
Do I rely more on money or more on Jesus to sustain my peace, joy and salvation?
- INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IS GOOD BUT WILL NEVER BE GOD
READ: GENESIS 2:9; GENESIS 1:31; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17
ASK:
Are you aligning your INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL to JESUS to truly experience LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE according to God’s creative design?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for your grace for me to live the good life. Forgive me for missing what matters most. Today, I commit to seeking you as the true knowledge I need to live the good life.
Amen!