Intro:
Hey everyone, we're kicking off a new summer series in the Book of Proverbs! We'll explore wisdom's themes each week. You can also grab our summer reading plan at the connect table to devotionally read through the whole book. By summer's end, you'll have journeyed through Proverbs, seeing its practical wisdom for your daily life with God.
Scripture References: Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 1:22, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:3, Ephesians 4:17-18, Matthew 28
Key Points:
- Proverbs is a Wisdom Book:
- It emphasizes the urgency of seeking wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting get understanding."
- In a culture of acquiring, let's prioritize getting what truly matters – wisdom.
- Proverbs 3:13-18 highlights wisdom's value: "Blessed are those who find wisdom… for wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold… Nothing you desire compares to her." It's imperishable, worth holding onto.
- Proverbs Offers Practical Wisdom:
- This isn't just about spiritual knowledge; it's about wisdom for every corner of our lives: relationships, work, goals, resources.
- If our wisdom isn't relevant to most of our life, it's not biblical wisdom.
- The root word of Proverbs means "to be like," inviting us to compare our lives to its principles. It's a "plumb line" for daily living.
- Ancient Hebrew culture saw life as a seamless garment – no separation between sacred and secular, public and private. Proverbs is a "timeless portable teacher."
- Proverbs Defines the Wise Person:
- The book divides people into two simple categories: the wise and righteous or the fool and wicked. There's no middle ground.
- Proverbs 1:22 asks, "How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance?" or "How long, you simpletons, will you love naivety?" God's Word compels us to choose a side.
- A wise person is humble, seeks knowledge, listens to instruction, accepts correction, controls emotions, and brings joy to others.
- Obstacles to Teachability:
- Narrow Belief of Knowledge: We can mistakenly believe learning is only spiritual. Colossians 1:16 reminds us that everything was created by Him – the sacred and the mundane. God cares about every detail of our lives, even parking spaces!
- Assuming Full Understanding: We often face "crises of understanding" rather than "crises of faith." Loving God isn't the end of learning; it's loving God with our minds. Truth is eternal, but knowledge is changeable (Madeline L'Engle). Don't confuse them.
- Inability to Unlearn: God may want to rearrange our thinking. Jeremiah 1:4-10 shows Jeremiah needing to unlearn his self-perception to embrace God's calling. What do we need to unlearn about our identity in Christ?
- Pride and Sin: Sin distorts our thinking. Ephesians 4:17-18 describes futility in thinking and darkened understanding outside of Christ. But as children of God, we've been brought into the light (Ephesians 5:8) and in Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Conclusion:
This summer, as we become more teachable and pursue wisdom, remember we're not seeking wisdom for its own sake. We're pursuing it to know the one who holds all wisdom: Jesus. When you know Him more, you'll simply want to know Him even more.
Call to Action:
Let's approach the table with humility, acknowledging we don't have it all figured out, but we're coming to the one who does. As we worship and co
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