Walking in Wisdom: A Study Guide for Navigating Lifeʼs Choices

Based on the Sermon by Lucas Young

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Wisdom isnʼt merely about making smart decisions—itʼs about aligning our lives with Godʼs heart. In this study, weʼll explore what it means to walk in wisdom by examining Scripture, confronting cultural influences, and pursuing holiness. Through Psalm 1, Proverbs 2, and practical lessons from Lucasʼs journey, weʼll learn how to mortify sin, prioritize eternal treasures, and live as instruments of righteousness.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Psalm 1 contrasts two ways of living: the path of the righteous, rooted in Godʼs Word, and the path of the wicked, marked by rebellion. Lucas emphasized that our choices—what we watch, listen to, and participate in—shape our spiritual health. For years, he immersed himself in music and media that glorified rebellion, leading to anger, depression, and distance from God. Only when he replaced those influences with Scripture did he find freedom.

Personal Application:
Evaluate Your Inputs: What music, shows, or social circles subtly shape your mindset? Are they drawing you toward Christ or away from Him?
Meditate Daily: Spend 10 minutes reading Proverbs or Psalms each morning. Ask, “How does this passage confront or affirm my current choices?”

1. How does Psalm 1 redefine “blessing” compared to worldly definitions?
2. Share a time when media or relationships led you into compromise. How did God redirect you?

“Wisdom will enter your heart… and save you from the ways of the wicked” (Proverbs 2:10, 12).

Proverbs personifies wisdom and folly as two women vying for our allegiance. Lucas shared how his attendance at secular concerts and exposure to anti-Christian messages eroded his spiritual vitality. “The lyrics became part of my mind,” he admitted. Similarly, R.C. Sproulʼs sermon on the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30) warns that anything we prioritize over Christ becomes an idol— even good things like wealth or reputation[1] [2] .

Practical Steps:
Identify Idols: List areas where youʼve said, “I could never give this up.” Pray for willingness to surrender them.
Guard Your Heart: Use tools like Covenant Eyes or Screen Time to limit exposure to harmful content.

Reflection:
Read Jesusʼ warning in Luke 12:15: “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” How does this challenge cultural myths about success?

“Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” -John Owen

“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life” (Romans 6:13).

Lucas highlighted the daily battle against sin, sharing his struggles with lust, anger, and pride. John Owenʼs Mortification of Sin reminds us that half-hearted repentance leads to spiritual decay. True repentance involves “putting to death” sinful desires through Scripture, accountability, and dependence on the Spirit.

Case Study: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Luke 8:43-48)
Like this woman, we must fight through shame and doubt to reach Jesus. Her faith healed her physically, but Christʼs words, “Go in peace,” restored her spiritually [3] [4] .

1. Find Accountability: Confess struggles to a trusted believer. Meet weekly for prayer.
2. Memorize Truth: Write Romans 6:14 on your mirror: “Sin shall no longer be your master.”

1. What sin feels “incurable” in your life? How does Romans 6 redefine your identity?
2. How can the church better support those battling secret sins?

“How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24).

In Luke 18, Jesus challenges the rich young ruler to sell everything and follow Him. The manʼs grief reveals his idolatry of wealth. Lucas tied this to modern temptations—materialism, comfort, and fear of missing out. Adrian Rogers notes, “God delays answers to display His glory and dispense His grace” [5] [6] . Surrendering our “riches” (time, status, control) unlocks deeper trust in Christ.

Lucas recalled a friend who left a lucrative job to serve in ministry. Though it felt risky, their family now radiates joy rooted in eternal purpose.

Treasure Audit: Write down your top 3 priorities. How do they align with Matthew 6:33? Pray for Courage: Ask God to reveal one area to surrender this week.

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).

The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) previews Christʼs glory and our future resurrection. Lucas urged believers to live with eternity in mind, rejecting short-term fixes for lasting joy. As Tim Keller said, “Idols cannot deliver the salvation they promise” [7] [8] .

Serve Boldly: Volunteer in a ministry that stretches your comfort zone.
Share Stories: Testify how Christ has transformed your struggles into strength.

Read Luke 24:13-35, where Jesus opens the disciplesʼ eyes after His resurrection. Like them, weʼre called to recognize His presence in everyday life—especially amid doubt or pain[9].

Group Activity: Crafting a Wisdom Plan

1. Identify one habit to eliminate (e.g., gossip, binge-watching).
2. Choose a Scripture to meditate on when tempted.
3. Partner with someone to check in weekly.

“Lord, make us doers of the Word, not hearers only” (James 1:22). “Give us courage to walk the narrow path, trusting that Your ways lead to life. Amen.”

Note: This guide pairs with Lucasʼs sermon transcript and referenced resources (e.g., Sproul, Rogers, Owen). For deeper study, explore Luke 8-9, Romans 6, and Proverbs 2-4.
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1. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/468070/30b40ed0-f124-4c20-aa2b-5d 9025d0f0f0/paste.txt
2. https://learn.ligonier.org/sermons/rich-young-ruler-luke18
3. https://stonebrook.org/resources/sermons/luke-840-56-do-not-fear-only-believe
4. https://stonebrook.org/resources/sermons/luke-928-36-the-transfiguration-the-coming-glory
5. https://www.lwf.org/pdfs/03_Luke.pdf
6. https://www.lwf.org/pdfs/03_Luke.pdf
7. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/simeon-trust-expositional-preaching/
8. https://careynieuwhof.com/episode289/
9. http://afreshperspective-chuck.blogspot.com/2017/04/recognizing-jesus-sermon-from-luke-2413.html