Scoff Definition

http://www.yourdictionary.com/scoff

noun

1. an expression of mocking contempt, scorn, or derision; jeer
2. an object of mocking contempt, scorn, etc.

transitive verb, intransitive verb

1. to eat or devour
2. to plunder or seize

I heard an Andy Stanley message that provided the following frame of reference:

1. The naïve person lacks experience.

2. The foolish person knows the difference between right and wrong, but just doesn’t care.

3. The scoffing person is critical of those who promote wisdom.

Video Message-Andy Stanley

MUSICAL CHAIRS

The Best Question Ever

Learning to Foolproof Your Life-part 2

September 9, 2007

www.buckheadchurch.org

We discovered The Best Question Ever: “What is the wise thing to do?” This question goes way beyond “Is it right or wrong?” or “What does the Bible say?” This question cuts through all the layers and demands that we be honest about ourselves as individuals—because what’s right for somebody else might not be the wise thing for you personally.

Such a penetrating question usually elicits a strong response. Some will respond by embracing wisdom. But for those who don’t, there are three (3) typical reactions to wisdom. And each of these reactions is described in detail in the Bible. These responses can be likened to chairs representing our position on wisdom. They indicate our potential responsiveness to instruction. The chair we sit in determines how we will react when confronted with wisdom.

Today, we will examine these three chairs and the attitudes they represent. You will have the opportunity to recognize your own tendencies when it comes to applying wisdom. Once you know how to identify yourself as described in Scripture, you will be better equipped to get up from your chair and move toward the seat of wisdom.

NOTES

1. The naïve person lacks experience.

2. The foolish person knows the difference between right and wrong, but just doesn’t care.

3. The scoffing person is critical of those who promote wisdom.

Talk About It

1.What is an example of a naïve decision? A careless decision? A scoffing decision?

2. At what times in your life have you sat in each of the chairs.

3. What steps did you take to get out of each chair?

4. Name a few of the obstacles that are most likely to keep you from moving to the seat of wisdom.

5. Thank about one decision you are facing. What needs to happen for you to do the wise thing?

MILEPOSTS

• The Bible describes three types of people who fail to embrace wisdom—the naïve, the fool, and the scoffer.
• Your reaction to wisdom helps to reveal what it will take

for you to receive instruction.

• The naïve overcomes foolishness through experience; the fool overcomes foolishness through consequences; the scoffer overcomes foolishness only through a radical change of heart.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

When you make avoidable mistakes, is it usually because of being naïve, foolishness, or scoffing? This week identify one avoidable mistake from your past, and analyze which of these three obstacles kept you from choosing to do the wise thing.

THINK ABOUT IT

Knowing what you know about your personality, which of the three chairs described in this lesson would you be most likely to revisit during a weak moment in the future?

What is one step you can take this week to begin guarding against such a mistake?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Use this week’s memory verse to begin to shaping your thinking.

How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?

How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 1:22