GOD IS OMNISCIENT AND WISE
It would have been nice to have the foreknowledge of the future, the past two weeks, so I would have exact knowledge about the weather. Only God knows the future. God did give us the science of meteorology to try our best at weather predictions. You see, God knows all things and how to deal with all things because…God Is Omniscient and Wise
God is Omniscient - All-Knowing
The attribute of omniscience refers to God’s perfect knowledge of both himself and that which he has created. The Bible portrays God’s knowledge as unlimited, comprehensive, and perfect in every way. God not only knows that which he wills but also that which he does not will. God knows all states of affairs, both actual and possible (what some Christians call “middle knowledge”) Stratis, J. (2018). God’s Omniscience. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
Primary Scripture - Psalm 139:1-6
Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
God knows the past, the present, and the future.
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. 10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.
God is fully aware of everything. If he should wish to tell us the number of grains of sand on the seashore or the number of stars in the sky, he would not have to count them all quickly like some kind of giant computer, nor would he have to call the number to mind because it was something he had not thought about for a time. Rather, he always knows all things at once. -Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine, pg 88
Scripture even reveals that God knows himself within the Trinity. Jesus said in Matthew 11:27, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “...no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
God Is Omnisapient - All Wise
God’s attribute of all-wise or Omnisapient works hand-in-hand with His omniscience. In His infinite wisdom, God uses His infinite knowledge and applies it perfectly.
Romans 11:33-34 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?
Isaiah 40:12-14 Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? 14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?
God’s wisdom is the perfect divine judgment and insight arising from his infinite knowing. The wisdom of God is deeply embedded in his works in creation and in the story of redemption. The wisdom of God…is perfectly embodied in his Son, the divine Logos, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). Olivero, M. (2018). God’s Wisdom. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
The wisdom of God is God fully exercising his infinite knowledge, and yet it is his delight to share this wisdom with his finite creatures. Wisdom is a communicable attribute of God. Humans therefore have the capacities for reason, logic, perception, creativity, anticipation, and many more. Wisdom is right reason, right logic, right perception, etc. We are promised blessings if we will use these capacities in wisdom. Olivero, M. (2018). God’s Wisdom. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
How do we obtain the wisdom of God?
Fear the Lord
Proverbs 9:9-12 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still, teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
A heart that is humble about one’s need for knowledge and wisdom is key. A humble heart respects and desires to learn from an omniscient and omnisapient God. If we don’t, then we are foolish. Attitude and appetite are crucial to learning, but also adoration or respect for the One who is the source of all knowledge and wisdom. We are silly human beings if we don’t see the richness and depth of Godly wisdom and knowledge.
Know the Word of God and Know Christ
Colossians 2:2-3 I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.
The wise go to God’s Word to learn and follow Christ.
Ask God for Wisdom
God created us with the capacity for reason, discernment, and wisdom.
James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Ephesians 1:16-17 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.
Regularly ask God for wisdom in prayer. The wise ask God!
Application
1. Live honestly before God.
Because God knows everything fully and perfectly, there is no benefit in hiding, pretending, or performing spiritually.
What am I tempted to hide from God that He already knows?
Confess sin quickly rather than covering it up.
Pray honestly, instead of offering “polished” prayers.
God knows your thoughts, motives, fears, doubts, and sins. We are fully known and still loved (Psalm 139; Hebrews 4:13).
These attributes of God should lead us to honesty, and the truth will lead us to freedom and a stronger walk with God.
2. Rest in God’s care. Your life is not random or overlooked.
God’s omniscience means He knew you before you were born and knows every moment of your life now.
Your past, present, and future are never surprises to God.
God’s knowledge and wisdom work on our behalf.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
We don’t know everything, nor do we have the infinite wisdom of God. Therefore, we have to accept that we don’t understand why things go the way they do. But we can trust God’s attributes of omniscience and omnisapience to be working for His glory and our good!
3. Trust God’s guidance, even when you don’t understand it.
God not only knows all things, but He applies that knowledge with perfect wisdom.
Where am I asking God for clarity when He may be asking me for faith?
Proverbs 3:5-6
God sees the end from the beginning. We often want explanations; God calls us to trust. Obey God even when His direction doesn’t make immediate sense. Resist the urge to demand answers before trusting His will.
As God works and guides, we can rest in the truth that he has perfect insight into what we need. His guidance is never out of step and never incomplete.
4. Stop trying to be God and submit your plans to His wisdom.
God never needs advice, input, or correction (Isaiah 40:13–14). God’s wisdom far exceeds our perspective, experience, and reasoning.
Much of our anxiety comes from trying to control what only God can govern.
Sincerely pray, “Your will be done,” and then carry on!
5. Let Christ shape how you think, decide, and live.
Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God’s wisdom (Colossians 2:3).
To grow in wisdom is ultimately to grow in Christlikeness.
The wisest life is the one most aligned with Jesus.
Shape your thinking through Scripture, not culture.
Wisdom is not just knowing what is right; it is living rightly.
Discussion
What’s the difference between God’s omniscient (all-knowing) and omnisapient (all-wise) mind? How do they complement one another?
Why is it important for believers to accept that God’s ways are beyond full comprehension?
How can pride or self-reliance hinder spiritual growth and learning?
Why do we sometimes try to hide from God even though He already knows everything?
What does honest prayer look like compared to “polished” or performative prayer?
How can faith grow through seasons of unanswered questions?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
How can we pray together for you today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!