Christians All resident aliens Still called to live

  • Slides: 17
Download presentation

Christians • All resident aliens • Still called to live in the world •

Christians • All resident aliens • Still called to live in the world • How on earth are we supposed to do that?

Proverbs • Written to a young man by his elder in an attempt to

Proverbs • Written to a young man by his elder in an attempt to pass down both godly wisdom and instruction. • How can followers of Jesus build their lives on a foundation of wisdom? • What does the book of Proverbs say about how we live our daily life?

What is a Proverb? • An object lesson based on or using some comparison

What is a Proverb? • An object lesson based on or using some comparison or analogy. • A short saying that provides a general truth, • A lesson drawn from experience, • A common example, • A pattern of future blessing or cursing. • The purpose of a proverb is to help us choose the best course of action among those available—the foolish way is to be avoided and the wise way followed.

Wisdom • Skilful living • The ability to make wise choices and live successfully

Wisdom • Skilful living • The ability to make wise choices and live successfully according to the moral standards of the covenant community. • The one who lives skilfully produces things of lasting value to God and to the community.

The Book of Proverbs • Wisdom literature • Superior to anything comparable in the

The Book of Proverbs • Wisdom literature • Superior to anything comparable in the ancient world. • This was due principally to the strong religious foundation in Israel, where wisdom’s first step was to trust and reverence the Lord. • Matters of everyday conduct and relationships are matters of concern to the God of Israel— and to ourselves.

The Book of Proverbs • Results in noble character and harmonious, happy homes, when

The Book of Proverbs • Results in noble character and harmonious, happy homes, when the whole of life is brought under God’s control. • In order to build successful careers, relationships, and families, we must learn wisdom.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Proverbs 1 • The beginning of a debate. • There is a brief introduction

Proverbs 1 • The beginning of a debate. • There is a brief introduction (vs. 1– 7), which is followed by opening statements from the opposing parties. • The plans of the wicked to take from the innocent, and the ultimate reward for their deeds are presented (vs. 10– 19), • then wisdom replies with a warning for those who follow the foolish plans of the wicked (vs. 20 – 33).

Proverbs 1: 7 • Reverential fear of the Lord is the prerequisite of knowledge.

Proverbs 1: 7 • Reverential fear of the Lord is the prerequisite of knowledge. • Dread, being terrified, standing in awe, or having reverence. • With the Lord as the object, fear captures both aspects of shrinking back in fear and of drawing close in awe. • It is not a trembling dread that paralyzes action, but neither is it a polite reverence. • “The fear of the LORD” - reverential submission to the Lord’s will and thus characterizes a true worshiper.

Proverbs 1 • Its intentions. • This book was written to teach wisdom and

Proverbs 1 • Its intentions. • This book was written to teach wisdom and understanding (v. 2). • Acting upon the wisdom we are taught (v. 3) and doing so while we are young are two important keys to living a good life.

Making wise choices • Like saving and spending • Meal from food court =

Making wise choices • Like saving and spending • Meal from food court = $8 • One per day in the week + 2 per day on weekends. One week = $72 • One year = $3744 • 5 years = $18720

Proverbs 1: 8 -19 • Warning against falling in with evil people. • We

Proverbs 1: 8 -19 • Warning against falling in with evil people. • We get there gradually • mishandling money, relationships, or educational opportunities. • Some may get there due to issues that were not their fault: family medical emergencies, loss of parents, or abusive homes. • When we are in a place where we think there no escape, illegal and immoral activities can look appealing.

Proverbs 1: 8 -19 • we have to be aware of the other sins

Proverbs 1: 8 -19 • we have to be aware of the other sins that threaten to corrupt us. • to cheat on test. • to skip class. • To partake in unethical business practices • over time they lead to desensitization

Proverbs 1 • Chapter 1 ends with a rebuke from wisdom • The messages

Proverbs 1 • Chapter 1 ends with a rebuke from wisdom • The messages and the deeds of the wicked are not hidden. • Remaining foolish is an active choice. • Why people do not seek her? • They love their simple ways, and a life of evil is more appealing to them.

Proverbs 3: 13 -18 • It is hard being a resident alien in this

Proverbs 3: 13 -18 • It is hard being a resident alien in this world. • It is hard to understand how we should live our lives in this alien environment in such a way that we can find favour with God and man. • But that is what we are called to do. • To do this we need wisdom.

2 challenges • Pursue wisdom above all else. • Read through the book of

2 challenges • Pursue wisdom above all else. • Read through the book of Proverbs together.