Proverbs (4)
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Introduction: I want to begin this morning by offering a reminder for why it is important to be studying through the book of Proverbs. Plainly, its because we need wisdom. For example, on Thursday of this week I checked the main headline on a local, state, and national newspaper. On the local level it was reporter that two volley ball teams had a match for what was called, a “Fight for Families.” As I understand it, one of the players family suffered the effects of cancer and this was a match to help raise money. We need wisdom to understand the impact of cancer upon our families and how we should respond to those in need.
On a state published news paper the headlines said, “Overdose deaths spike in Ohio amid the pandemic.” We need wisdom in processing this information and how to be ready to care for people who are overwhelmed during these days of crisis.
The national headline on October 1, 2020 offered information concerning the presidential debate. Obviously, we need wisdom in filtering and determining how God would have us engage in these matters of presidents and politics.
These are just a few key areas that I’ve lifted from the pages of newspapers on one particular day. However, I wonder… what was on the headline of your life this week? What is going on in your family or work place or school that you acknowledge you need wisdom for?
Transition: Today, we are focusing our attention on chapter two of Proverbs where we will discover Wisdom’s Reward. As your turning there let me remind you that in Chapter 1:1-7 we found the prelude and purpose for the book of Proverbs. In 1:8-19 we heard the first conversation between a Father and Son concerning the great value of wisdom. Last week we looked at 1:20-33 , where we heard a call from wisdom herself. Today, we land in chapter two where there is a second conversation between a father and son. It begins like this… (Read)
Transition: I want to direct your attention to one key point as we consider the reward of wisdom. 1. God gives wisdom.
God Gives Wisdom
God Gives Wisdom
Transition: After giving his son a list of conditions for pursuing wisdom, the father reveals why it is possible for his son to receive wisdom. Notice that in verse 6 he says, “For, the Lord gives wisdom”. The point is that understanding the fear of the Lord, finding knowledge of of God, receiving wisdom, is possible because God gives it.
How does God give wisdom?
How does God give wisdom?
In Christ (I Cor 1:26-31)
In Christ (I Cor 1:26-31)
The reward of wisdom is God. To have wisdom is to have God. There is no true wisdom apart from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Our boast will never be in books and education or money or prestige. The only boast we have in being wise is because the Lord grants wisdom through Christ. Do I belong to Christ? Am I trusting in Christ? Have I heard the true message of the crucified and risen Christ Jesus? Do you realize that His death and resurrection was in your place as the payment for your sin? Have you turned from sin and trusted in Christ alone? If not, please do not remain in darkness. Hear the good news of the light of Christ and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. In this you will gain God, and a reward of gaining God is you get His wisdom.
However, growing in wisdom is not a passive process. When we are made right with God we then have the ability to grow in wisdom. We have the ability then to pursue wisdom. This is the second part of the answer to our question. How does God give wisdom? In Christ & Through Christ. (5 ways to grow in wisdom through Christ)
Through Christ
Through Christ
1. Treasure His commands. (Prov 2:1b)
1. Treasure His commands. (Prov 2:1b)
Hold in high value the commands of Jesus.
Who’s commands am I currently holding in highest value?
2. Listen to His wisdom. (Prov 2:2a)
2. Listen to His wisdom. (Prov 2:2a)
Paying close attention to His wisdom.
Who or what am I listening to?
3. Incline heart to understand Him. (Prov 2:2b)
3. Incline heart to understand Him. (Prov 2:2b)
Turning our heart to truth. (Prov 2:10)
Who or what do I turn to for understanding?
4. Call for His insight. (Prov 2:3)
4. Call for His insight. (Prov 2:3)
Summonsing God for reasonable answers.
Am I asking Jesus for insight? (James 1:2-8)
5. Seek Him. (Prov 2:4)
5. Seek Him. (Prov 2:4)
Tracking down common sense. (Searching like a blood trail)
Am I diligently pursuing Christ?
Conclusion: God gives wisdom. We should receive it. How? In and through Christ we can be made right with God and turn from sin and trust in Christ alone. Then, we can pursue Him by treasuring, listening, inclining, calling, and seeking Him.
Note: Plan to participate in the group time next week where you can finish discussing the rest of this passage and consider the reality that God also guards the Wise.
II. God Guards the Wise
Transition: Notice Proverbs 2:7-8 (read) From these verses we can conclude that God not only gives wisdom, but also guards his saints. (ie. Those characterized by loyal love to God. The faithful. Those in covenant relationship to God)
The shielding and watching of God results in further wisdom. Notice verse 9, “Then” …You will understand.
Illustration: The picture of God watching over and guarding His saints can be likened to a mother hen watching over her brood. (See Luke 13:21-35)
Question: How does God guard the wise? In what way is He guarding those in covenant relationship with Himself?
1. He delivers from perversion
A. In Proverbs 2:12-15 we see God delivering His wise saints from perversion. The word deliver in verse 12 and 16 mean to pull out of harms way. It means to be rescued or saved from danger. In verses 12-15 God is rescuing the wise from the perversion of those who forsake uprightness and walk in the ways of dankness. He is guarding His saints from those who rejoice in evil and delight in the deluge of evil. For those in Christ and pursing Christ we can be confident that God is guarding us from the paths of crooked and devious people.
B. Question: In what particular ways have you experienced this guardianship of God? What aspects of life, specific stories… etc.
2. He delivers from promiscuity
A. In Proverbs 2:16-19 we see God delivering His wise saints from sexual promiscuity. In the same way that God rescues us from the paths of evil men, he also delivers us from the temptations of adulterous women.
B. Sexual temptation is prevalent in many different forms. Media, pornography, movies, and even the sexualization of society. People are not discrete in these areas. If they are, then often they are considered prudish. We have become so inundated with sex that it has become normal to talk about things that are simply inappropriate. Men, women, boys, and girls are all plagued with these temptations. They come in various forms. Some to dress inappropriately in order to attract lustful attention. Others to click on the bait of ads and commercials. Some to view their bodies as their own to do with whatever they desire, and other to treat the opposite sex as a means of selfish gain. This promiscuity is witnessed in friendships, courtships, marriages, and every other relationship. Thanks be to God who delivers His saints from such temptation. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that…
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
C. In what ways have you experienced God’s guardianship against sexual temptation?