Here is the AM Outline. There isn't one for the evening.
Where knowledge begins: Proverbs 1:1-7
I. The fear of the God
a. Notice here: the small caps. This shows us that it is God’s covenant name used, indicating specifically which God we’re talking about
b. It is not a generic fear of some unknown deity that begins wisdom
c. It is fear of the One True God
d. Fear:
i. Respect
ii. Honor
iii. Worship
iv. And, yes, intimidation: He is all-powerful and perfect and holy.
II. From knowing and fearing God, we then move to understand:
a. Righteousness: living a right life
b. Justice: helping others understand what’s right
c. Equity: doing right for others
d. Prudence: making right choices in a chaotic world
e. Wise behavior: the decisions that sustain life
III. Good for all ages:
a. Youths: those who have not learned from experience
i. Discretion: when not to do what the urge is to do
ii. Knowledge: the things that need to be known
b. Wise man: those who have learned
i. From the Word
ii. From experience
iii. Increase in understanding: it doesn’t stop
iv. Beware of feeling like you don’t need to learn/grow
IV. Act on the wisdom
a. Solomon had wisdom
b. He laid out many proverbs (1 Kings 4:32 mentions 3000)
c. He had a little bit of difficulty following them all.
d. Why? Eventually, the fear of one of his many wives outweighed the fear of the Lord (1 Kings 11:4)
e. Wisdom that we fail to act on is worse than ignorance
V. How to act?
a. Read the Word: there is no substitute for reading the Word. Well, except hearing the Word: audio is as good, sometimes better, if you actually listen!
b. Study the Word: don’t be stagnant or flippant to rush it through: strive to understand. Find a good way to learn what you don’t yet comprehend
c. Memorize the Word: while you won’t be asked to quote Scripture at the pearly gates, it’s of great benefit in this world. We’re memorizing Philippians---yes, the whole book. Memorize spot verses, but try a challenge: read, and re-read.
d. Share the Word: with like-minded folks, speak of and discuss the Scriptures and what you’re learning. And how you intend to turn that learning into actions
e. Spread the Word: to those who don’t know: we must spread the Word of God
f. Accept the Word: if none of these sound like what you would want, if you have no interest in growing in His wisdom, understanding His Word---have you accepted His Word in the first place? God’s grace calls you to accept that the Word became flesh and died for our sins, and to surrender to Christ as Lord. Unconditional Surrender to the Risen Lord: it’s a great way to start the year.
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