January 3, 2007

PROVERBS

Chapter 1:1-7

v1 - The Proverbs - the word Proverbs has 2 meansings:

1. TO RULE - the Proverbs are sayings, principles and words from God that should RULE our lives

-this is God's word - 2 Peter 1:20-21

2. TO BE LIKE - the Proverbs were written to help us become more like Jesus Christ

of Solomon - Solomon is the author of Proverbs.  Other writers contributed to the book also

-written mostly around 950BC

The Main Purposes of Proverbs are found in vs 1-7.  They are 5 BE'S...

Why 5 BE'S?

-being is just as important as doing

-concentrate on your who instead of your do

v2 - to know wisdom  - knowing wisdom is knowing Jesus Christ because He is wisdom

Colossians 2:2-3 - Jesus Christ, in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"

-this is being saved and then just being

know - means to be actively involved

5 Purposes of Proverbs

1. BE WISE - v2

wisdom - this refers to a person's ability to make right choices at the opportune time

Solomon says 2 things about choices:

1. We all have the ability to make right choices

-we are responsible for the choices we make

2. there are consequences for the choices we make

instruction - means discipline and to be admonished

a. discipline comes when we make wrong choices

b. we can learn from the admonition of others

2. BE DISCERNING - 2b

discern - means to see through; penetrate; have great insight; the ability to make proper moral distinctions

-so we can know right from wrong

How do we do this?

-get saved - 2 Cor 4:4

-listen to the voice of God

-read God's word

3. BE SUCCESSFUL - vs3,5

-be teachable

-have mentors

-receive/listen

-do not think that we know everything

4. BE CAREFUL - v4

simple - means open ones

-Solomon was referring to the immature who are open to any and all influences

-do not be gullible/naive/easily influenced by anyone

How to be careful?

knowledge and discretion - common sense/the word of God/good judgment/cautious

5. BE OPEN - vs6-7

riddles - there is an answer to all riddles, but yuo must find it

-there is an answer to all problems and difficulties that you have and the answer is in the word of God

-the answer to sin and heaven is in the word of God

FEAR - means to reverence/highly respect and honor the Lord

-these are people who are open to receive Jesus Christ

FOOL - these are people who reject Jesus Christ