1. Worldliness is not Wisdom n This kind of thinking is a product of worldliness.

2. Worldliness is not Wisdom n This kind of thinking is a product of worldliness. n The worldly mind pursues the fulfillment of one's always changing desires! (1 Jn 2:15-17)

3. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (1 John 2:15-17 NKJV) “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. {17} And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

4. Worldliness is not Wisdom n The worldly mind has no concept of future consequences.

5. Worldliness is not Wisdom n The worldly mind has no concept of future consequences. n The worldly mind has no peace only temporary escape. (Jn 14:27; 16:32-33)

6. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (John 14:27 NKJV) “”Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

7. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (John 16:32-33 NKJV) “”Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. {33} “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

8. Worldliness is not Wisdom n The spiritual mind is the opposite of all these things. (Rom 8:5-6, 13)

9. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (Romans 8:5-6 NKJV) “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

10. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (Romans 8:13 NKJV) “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

11. Worldliness is not Wisdom n There is a great need of spirituality in our homes.

12. Worldliness is not Wisdom n There is a great need of spirituality in our homes. n Today we will study about a woman who was truly a "daughter of Sarah." (1 Pet 3:1-6)

13. Worldliness is not Wisdom n (1 Peter 3:1-6 NKJV) “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, {2} when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. {3} Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel;

14. Worldliness is not Wisdom n {4} rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. {5} For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

15. Worldliness is not Wisdom n {6} as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.”

16. Worldliness is not Wisdom n Worldliness says that you should leave your mate when they do wrong.

17. Worldliness is not Wisdom n Worldliness says that you should leave your mate when they do wrong. n The spiritual mind trust God, knowing that God will take care of them.

18. Worldliness is not Wisdom n We will examine the character and life of a godly woman named Abigail, who was married to a rich fool named Nabal.

19. The Foolishness of Nabal n Even though Nabal was very rich, he was known for being harsh and evil. (1 Sam 25:2-3)

20. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Samuel 25:2-3 NKJV) “Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel, and the man was very rich. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. {3} The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. And he was of the house of Caleb.”

21. The Foolishness of Nabal n Often one of the worst things that could happen to a man is success. (1 Tim 6:9-10)

22. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NKJV) “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. {10} For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

23. The Foolishness of Nabal n Nabal had become blind to the true riches! One of the easiest ways to see worldliness in another is to see how they treat other people! Our tongues will say much about whom we serve.

24. The Foolishness of Nabal n Nabal had become blind to the true riches! One of the easiest ways to see worldliness in another is to see how they treat other people! Our tongues will say much about whom we serve. n Nabal spoke harshly to David through his servants. (1 Sam 25:5-12)

25. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Samuel 25:5-12 NKJV) “David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. {6} “And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have!

26. The Foolishness of Nabal n {7} ‘Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. {8} ‘Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’”

27. The Foolishness of Nabal n {9} So when David’s young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all these words in the name of David, and waited. {10} Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master.

28. The Foolishness of Nabal n {11} “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” {12} So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.”

29. The Foolishness of Nabal n This action was out of greed because he owed David for his protection and care for his flocks. Here is an evil man trying to cheat another out of a few dollars. (1 Sam 25:14-17)

30. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Samuel 25:14-17 NKJV) “Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them. {15} “But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as we accompanied them, when we were in the fields.

31. The Foolishness of Nabal n {16} “They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep. {17} “Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.””

32. The Foolishness of Nabal n Nabal would not listen to others. (1 Sam 25:17)

33. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Samuel 25:17 NKJV) “”Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.””

34. The Foolishness of Nabal n Nabal name has the meaning of "fool" or "rude, ill-bred."

35. The Foolishness of Nabal n Nabal name has the meaning of "fool" or "rude, ill-bred." n Truly this is the action of a fool. (Prov 1:7; 12:15; 23:9)

36. The Foolishness of Nabal n (Proverbs 1:7 NKJV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

37. The Foolishness of Nabal n (Proverbs 12:15 NKJV) “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.”

38. The Foolishness of Nabal n (Proverbs 23:9 NKJV) “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

39. The Foolishness of Nabal n Sometimes we may use the word "stubbornness".

40. The Foolishness of Nabal n Sometimes we may use the word "stubbornness". n Nabal was also a drunkard. (1 Sam 25:36)

41. The Foolishness of Nabal n (1 Samuel 25:36 NKJV) “Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was, holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, little or much, until morning light.”

42. The Foolishness of Nabal n It is not uncommon to see "stubbornness", anger, and drunkenness together in one person. This will produce horrible fruits. (Prov 4:17; Prov 20:1)

43. The Foolishness of Nabal n (Proverbs 4:17 NKJV) “For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.”

44. The Foolishness of Nabal n (Proverbs 20:1 NKJV) “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

45. The Foolishness of Nabal n Should Abigail have left Nabal? NO! Satan fights God’s headship

46. The Wrath of David n David was a powerful man, but he still approached Nabal in a very humble way. (1 Sam 25:8)

47. The Wrath of David n (1 Samuel 25:8 NKJV) “’Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’””

48. The Wrath of David n David called himself a "son" before Nabal.

49. The Wrath of David n David called himself a "son" before Nabal. n While he could have demanded this and more, he did not.

50. The Wrath of David n David called himself a "son" before Nabal. n While he could have demanded this and more, he did not. n After such a harsh rebuke, David's wrath was kindled. (1 Sam 25:13, 21-23)

51. The Wrath of David n (1 Samuel 25:13 NKJV) “Then David said to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.” So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.”

52. The Wrath of David n (1 Samuel 25:21-23 NKJV) “Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good. {22} “May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light.”

53. The Wrath of David n {23} Now when Abigail saw David, she hastened to dismount from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground.”

54. The Wrath of David n Nabal had pretended not to know David and even referred to him as a runaway servant. (1 Sam 25:10-11)

55. The Wrath of David n (1 Samuel 25:10-11 NKJV) “Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. {11} “Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?””

56. The Wrath of David n Often the foolish and wrathful answer stirs more wrath. (Prov 15:1-2)

57. The Wrath of David n (Proverbs 15:1-2 NKJV) “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. {2} The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”

58. The Wrath of David n David had time to rehearse his insult and to take quick action. This was not wise. (Jas 1:19-20)

59. The Wrath of David n (James 1:19-20 NKJV) “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; {20} for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

60. The Wrath of David n How many have used the "swords of their tongues " without thinking?

61. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n Abigail was quick to respond to do good. (1 Sam 25:18-20)

62. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n 1 Samuel 25:18-20 (NKJV) - Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her servants, “Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

63. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n 20 So it was, as she rode on the donkey, that she went down under cover of the hill; and there were David and his men, coming down toward her, and she met them.

64. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n If we would restrain our anger and unleash our good deeds this wisdom will bless all. (Jas 3:17-18)

65. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (James 3:17-18 NKJV) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. {18} Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

66. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n This took a great humility!

67. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n This took a great humility! n She responded to David in absolute humility. (1 Sam 25:23-25)

68. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (1 Samuel 25:23-25 NKJV) “Now when Abigail saw David, she hastened to dismount from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. {24} So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant.

69. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n {25} “Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.”

70. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n There are some that cannot confess their wrong. They hope that others forget because they have stopped their neglect.

71. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n There are some that cannot confess their wrong. They hope that others forget because they have stopped their neglect. n Here Abigail makes a public confession that showed a great humility.

72. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n Abigail had a great faith in God. (1 Sam 25:26-31)

73. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (1 Samuel 25:26-31 NKJV) “”Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, since the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal.

74. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n {27} “And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. {28} “Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the LORD will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the LORD, and evil is not found in you throughout your days.

75. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n {29} “Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the LORD your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling. {30} “And it shall come to pass, when the LORD has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel,

76. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n {31} “that this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. But when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.””

77. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n This was not just advice for David, Abigail had humbly lived with this man. Personal vengeance was the "easy" way out. This did not show faith in God. (Rom 12:19-21; 1 Pet 2:23; Heb 11:35)

78. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (Romans 12:19-21 NKJV) “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. {20} Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” {21} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

79. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (Hebrews 11:35 NKJV) “Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

80. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (1 Peter 2:23 NKJV) “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”

81. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n Unlike Nabal, David heard this true wisdom and changed. (1 Sam 25:34-35)

82. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n (1 Samuel 25:34-35 NKJV) “”For indeed, as the LORD God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hastened and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!” {35} So David received from her hand what she had brought him, and said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have heeded your voice and respected your person.””

83. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n How many foolish men fail to listen to the good advice of their wives.

84. The Wisdom and Influence of Abigail n How many foolish men fail to listen to the good advice of their wives. n Often the difference between the foolish and the wise is found here.

85. The Care and Reward of God n God has promised great blessings for those who "wait on Him." (Ps 27:14; 37:7-9)

86. The Care and Reward of God n (Psalms 27:14 NKJV) “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!”

87. The Care and Reward of God n (Psalms 37:7-9 NKJV) “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. {8} Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it only causes harm. {9} For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.”

88. The Care and Reward of God n Why is it hard to "wait?"

89. The Care and Reward of God n Why is it hard to "wait?" n Like Abraham, here is where we show if we really believe in God.

90. The Care and Reward of God n Why is it hard to "wait?" n Like Abraham, here is where we show if we really believe in God. n Nabal met a quick death by God. (1 Sam 25:37)

91. The Care and Reward of God n (1 Samuel 25:37 NKJV) “So it was, in the morning, when the wine had gone from Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became like a stone.”

92. The Care and Reward of God n Abigail's faith and character so impressed David that he married her. (1 Sam 25:39-42)

93. The Care and Reward of God n (1 Samuel 25:39-42 NKJV) “So when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept His servant from evil! For the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.” And David sent and proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

94. The Care and Reward of God n {40} When the servants of David had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her saying, “David sent us to you, to ask you to become his wife.” {41} Then she arose, bowed her face to the earth, and said, “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”

95. The Care and Reward of God n {42} So Abigail rose in haste and rode on a donkey, attended by five of her maidens; and she followed the messengers of David, and became his wife.”

96. The Care and Reward of God n David showed these qualities in not seeking vengeance upon Saul. He finally was made king.

97. The Care and Reward of God n David showed these qualities in not seeking vengeance upon Saul. He finally was made king. n Are you waiting on the Lord?

98. The Care and Reward of God n We need more godly mothers like Abigail who are willing to suffer for a short time so that God might bless them and their families in the long term. (Prov 31:10-12)

99. The Care and Reward of God n (Proverbs 31:10-12 NKJV) “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. {11} The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. {12} She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.”

100. The Care and Reward of God n What a blessing such a woman is to her family!

101. The Care and Reward of God n What a blessing such a woman is to her family! n To be like this you must build your faith. (Prov 31:30-31)

102. The Care and Reward of God n (Proverbs 31:30-31 NKJV) “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. {31} Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.”

103. The Care and Reward of God n We need more Abigail's who will use their influence to put away wrath.

104. The Care and Reward of God n We need more Abigail's who will use their influence to put away wrath. n Instead of gossip and innuendo, she will use words of edification. (Rom 14:19)

105. The Care and Reward of God n (Romans 14:19 NKJV) “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

106. The Care and Reward of God n Often the difference in the atmosphere in the home and the church are godly women.