October 28 lesson

It’s Up to You

Text: Proverbs 2

Purpose: To show us what WE need to do in order to truly understand wisdom, knowledge, instruction, etc… Also, to warn us of the “evil man” and the “strange woman.”

Introduction: In Proverbs 1, we were very basic in describing wisdom, knowledge, instruction, discretion, etc… Solomon now begins teaching his “son” a deeper understanding of all of this wisdom stuff.

A Conditional Promise (v 1-9)

Notice the key word in these first verses…”If” This word brings with it a requirement on our part in order for God to do what He wants to do in our lives.
*If thou wilt receive my words. We can apply that to our lives by doing the most important thing we can do….Bible study.

*If thou criest after knowledge. This means that it is something that is important to you. It’s life or death.

*If thou seekest after her. This means that it is valuable (like silver or gold.)

IF we do these things, then verse 5 is our promise. That is what I want in my life. I want to understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Remember the source of wisdom is God. We talked about James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Warnings About the Evil and Strange (v 10-22)

Once we have accomplished verses 5 and 6, then we are ready to face some foes of this world.

*The evil man. This evil man leaves the path of righteousness to walk in darkness….not much wisdom there. He also rejoices to do evil. His ways are crooked.

*The strange woman. This woman flattereth with her words. Beware of those who are smooth-talkers especially to the opposite sex. This woman forsook the things which she had been taught as a youth. None that go with her will return verse 19 tells us.

Conclusion: What a lot of information in one Proverb! We have learned how to understand the knowledge of God, and we have learned how to use that knowledge and wisdom to stay away from the evil and strange. Let us not just hear this and not LIVE this.

October 14 lesson

Introduction to Proverbs

Text: Proverbs 1:1-7

Purpose: To introduce us to the book of Proverbs. To help us understand the value of wisdom, knowledge, and instruction.

Introduction: Proverbs is written by Solomon, the third king of Israel. The Bible calls Solomon the wisest man that ever lived. We can learn something from every person we come in contact with, but we should pay special attention to the instruction given by the wisest man to ever live. In the first nine verses of chapter one, Solomon gives us his reasons for writing the proverbs. We will go through those today in order to lay a foundation for the following lessons.

Body:

What are the proverbs for?

“To Know Wisdom and Instruction.” (v 2)

Wisdom is something that is lacking in most of our lives. We make unwise decisions on a regular basis…at least I do. The Bible says in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” The great thing about wisdom is that it is easily attained, but we just do not ask for it! Instruction is something that our pride, many times, will not allow us to receive. I believe part of having wisdom is to realize that we need instruction. These go hand in hand. Nearly everything we talk about in Proverbs will be related to wisdom or the lack thereof.

“To Receive the Instruction of Wisdom, Justice, etc…” (v 3)

Not only do we need to know wisdom, but we need to be able to receive its instruction. The three following words, justice, judgment, and equity, all relate to our dealings with people and their mistakes. We need to be wise enough to receive instruction on these three words in order to make wise decisions as parents, employees, employers, etc…. Sure life is not always fair, but we should handle situations as fairly as possible.

“To Give Knowledge and Discretion.” (v 4)

I always like to know what I am getting myself into. I am not big on surprises. I want to know everything that is going on so I can make the proper decision about what is best for me. I believe that is what discretion is. We need the knowledge of a situation in order to use discretion in dealing with it. As a parent or as a husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend, we need to use discretion as we build these relationships. Do not make unwise decisions. Use discretion.

“Conclusion from Solomon.” (v 5 & 6)

As we study through the book of Proverbs, let’s not be afraid to hear and increase learning. Let’s not be afraid to attain unto wise counsels. That is what it takes to understand a proverb…..being willing to listen and then do it. Many times, we can get so stubborn. No one, not even God, can tell us what to do. For the next few weeks, let’s allow God to tell us what to do through Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. If we were to be able to learn from Bill Gates about computer software and how to run a business, we would be there on the front row, ready to learn. Well, Solomon is giving us advice about our lives. He is the wisest man to ever live. Let’s be ready to receive what the Lord has for us through Solomon.

October 7 lesson

A Closer Look at a Familiar Psalm

Text: Psalm 23:4-6

Purpose: To realize the greatness of this psalm that we all have known and quoted for many years.

Introduction: A quick look at last week (v 1-3.) This psalm is possibly the most-quoted passage of Scripture besides John 3:16. So many times, we quote famous passages, but we forget the significance of the words. The Lord really should be our shepherd; he really does restore my soul. Many times we just quote this psalm, but the words are amazing and relevant for us today.

Body:


”The Courage from the Lord.” (v 4)

The “valley of the shadow of death” is not a pleasant place for us to find ourselves. David acknowledges these places, and he makes sure he acknowledges the courage he receives from the Lord. There are a variety of situations the devil can place us in. Sometimes the devil tempts us with things that we find difficult to resist. Sometimes the devil brings circumstances in our lives that we cannot control. Whatever “valley” we find ourselves in, let’s face them with courage from the Lord.

“The Correction from the Lord." (v 4)

Notice the key words….”thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I have never really thought about a rod and a staff comforting me before. I have been in some uncomfortable situations that involved these “weapons” in my childhood! My mom always seemed to spank harder than my dad!?! God corrects us in order for us to realize that He is still there. How comforting! If I could sin and not feel bad about it, or if I could sin and not experience the chastening of the Lord, I would feel very uncomfortable. I am glad that God punishes me when I sin. His punishment lets me know that He is there, and that is the most comforting thing in this world.

“The Constant Support from the Lord.” (v 5)

This is a very interesting verse. Notice that David realized that he would not escape the presence of his enemies. They will still be there, but God will prepare a table for us IN THEIR PRESENCE! What a great truth! Our God will support us while our enemies have to sit there and watch. I would like to think that “preparing a table” would mean that God may do something extra special for us, maybe even spoil us…..all in the presence of our enemies. What a great God we serve!

“The Continual Blessings of the Lord.” (v 6)

I am glad that goodness will follow me, but I am REALLY glad that mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I need it. We all need it. Not only will the Lord bless us in this life, be David lets us know of our blessing in heaven. What a victorious life we can live! Not only will goodness and mercy follow us here on earth, but we get to dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

Conclusion: What a great psalm. I have really enjoyed studying it and learning what God has for us. There are several amazing truths here that we can claim in our lives!