A sermon with biblical and real world examples within and out of the sources provided on Proverbs 1

 Draft a sermon with biblical and real world examples within and out of the sources provided on Proverbs 1

Good morning/afternoon/evening, brothers and sisters.

Today, we turn our attention to the book of Proverbs, specifically its opening chapter. The sources provided offer some wonderful insights into this book of wisdom and how we might approach its study and application in our lives.

The book of Proverbs is part of what is classified as "Wisdom Literature" in the Old Testament, alongside Job and Ecclesiastes, as well as certain Psalms. It is a collection of sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon, although it shows evidence of multiple authorship and compilation over time. The book has universal application, designed for all people, both Jews and Gentiles, addressing both the young, naive person and the wise.

The purpose of the book of Proverbs is clearly stated in its prologue (Proverbs 1:1-6). It is intended to impart wisdom to its hearers, to renew the mind. These proverbs are written so that the simple person will find the path of wisdom and the wise person will continue in it. It is presented as a quest for various virtues, including wisdom, instruction, perception, understanding, justice, judgment, equity, discretion, hearing, learning, and counsel. Solomon, the richest king on earth, reveals through these proverbs what the true treasures in life are, suggesting that when we pursue the riches of wisdom, all other things will be added to us.

The first nine chapters of Proverbs serve as an introduction or preparation for understanding the rest of the book, making up almost one third of the entire book. This lengthy introduction underscores the importance of preparation for our journey in life, much like receiving a good education takes time. This section is seen as the theological training everyone should undergo before embarking on life's journey.

Let's look closer at Proverbs chapter 1, following some of the structure and themes highlighted in the sources.

Proverbs 1:1-6 - The Prologue: God the Father’s Foreknowledge The prologue (Proverbs 1:1-6) serves as the introduction to the book, providing its title (Proverbs 1:1), identifying the author (King Solomon), mentioning the recipients (the simple and the wise), and stating the reason for its writing – to make one wise. This section opens with virtues produced by Godly wisdom, which are presented as precious jewels to be sought daily. This pursuit enables one to remain on the path leading to eternal rest. The source suggests this prologue reveals what God has predestined us to become: a person walking in divine wisdom in every aspect of life (spiritually, mentally, physically, financially), as part of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 1:7-33 - The Call: Calling Us to Our Journey This section (Proverbs 1:7-33) is described as God's divine call to every human being. Wisdom is personified, crying out, uttering her voice, and calling repeatedly throughout this introduction. This call is the second phase of God the Father's foreknowledge in His plan of redemption.

The section begins with a pivotal verse, Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”. This verse provides the "key of life" and reveals the secret of avoiding failure caused by pride. The fear of the Lord guides us on our journey and serves as signposts to keep us on the right path. It is by the fear of the Lord that men depart from evil.

The source contrasts two voices vying for our attention: the voice of the fool and the voice of wisdom. The voice of the wicked (Proverbs 1:10-19) is characterised by greed and enticement to manipulate others for selfish gain, ultimately destroying their own souls. This is a warning against greed or covetousness. The sinner's objective is personal gain, not benefiting those who answer their call. The voice of the wicked manifests through vices such as manipulation, cruelty, and a greedy heart, leading people into relationships that are abused for selfish ends.

In contrast, the call of wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-23) cries loudly from within the heart. Wisdom calls not only to salvation but continues calling to keep us on the path of salvation. This call is open and public (Proverbs 1:20-21), showing God's love and patience. God provides people with opportunities and time to repent.

The chapter concludes with the consequences of rejecting wisdom's call (Proverbs 1:24-33). Wisdom gives warnings to those who fail to heed her plea. If wisdom's voice is ignored, she will not answer on the day of calamity (Proverbs 1:28).

Applying the Truths of Proverbs 1 The ultimate goal of all Bible study is application, not just interpretation. Bible study without application can be dangerous because knowledge requires action. As James declared, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). Jesus compared an obedient disciple to a wise man who built his house on the rock by putting his words into practice. Applied Bible study, done as an act of the will, leads to maturity and stability in the Christian life.

The Devotional Method of Bible Study outlines four steps for practical application: pray, meditate, apply, and memorize.

1.

Pray for Insight: Ask God to help you apply the Scripture and show you what He wants you to do. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your study, praying Psalm 119:18: "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law".

2.

Meditate: This is key to discovering how to apply Scripture. Meditation is like thought digestion, thinking on a truth from God repeatedly. It involves concentrating on a passage in different ways, such as considering new truths learned about God or biblical teachings, or something to praise God for. One can also pray the verse or passage back to God.

3.

Write Out an Application: Writing helps you be specific and remember what you've learned. A good application should be personal (using "I," "me," "my"), practical (something you can do), and involve a definite course of action. It should also be measurable. Applications can be recorded for present needs or future use, or even to help minister to others.

4.

Memorize a Key Verse: Memorizing a key verse helps you continue to meditate on the passage and remember your application.

Proverbs 1 calls us to seek and heed wisdom, beginning with the fear of the Lord. This involves making a decision to follow the path of wisdom over the path of the fool. The sources highlight the contrast between the outcomes of these paths throughout Proverbs. The wise man makes decisions based on the fear of the Lord, while the fool despises wisdom.

We see examples in the sources of how wisdom impacts life: the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 reflects someone walking in wisdom and the fear of God. The study of Job illustrates a man who feared God and walked in wisdom. Conversely, Solomon himself, the wisest man, fell off the path of wisdom when pride blinded him, particularly in areas like the harlot (adultery). Proverbs warns extensively against the path of the adulteress and its destructive consequences, illustrating how sin enters and defiles the heart, mind, and body.

The sources also offer examples of faithful servants of God in the New Testament who demonstrate aspects of living out God's call amidst opposition. Peter, Stephen, and Paul in the book of Acts boldly proclaimed the Gospel, faced persecution, and were vindicated by the Lord. Their ministries, empowered by the Holy Spirit, serve as examples of fulfilling God's plan despite hardships. Stephen's martyrdom is highlighted as occasioning the spread of the church beyond Jerusalem. Paul's determined decision to preach the Gospel as far as Rome amidst warnings illustrates perseverance.

As we reflect on Proverbs 1, we are called to heed wisdom's invitation. This involves making a conscious decision to seek God's wisdom daily, beginning with the fear of the Lord. It requires diligently studying God's Word. It means recognising and rejecting the enticing, self-serving voices of the world, which lead to destruction. It involves applying the truths learned through prayer, meditation, writing, and memorisation. By doing this, we seek the true treasures of life and stay on the path that God has predestined for us, a path leading to blessing, peace, and ultimately, eternal rest in Christ Jesus.

Let us commit today to actively seeking the wisdom that begins with the fear of the Lord, allowing it to guide our hearts, minds, bodies, and finances, so that our lives may reflect the character God intends.

Amen.