We are tempted to compromise, Follow the world’s wicked way
Listen to the Devil’s sick lies, And so slowly drift away
Hear our Lord’s word, See His sharp sword,
Follow Jesus faithfully
The hidden manna is Jesus, He alone can satisfy
A white stone is given to us, Entrance to the feast on high
And a new name, Known just to us,
Intimate friendship with God
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
A ship at sea is where it was designed to be – in the water. But once water starts to get into the ship, if no action is taken, it is only a matter of time before the ship sinks. Although the ship is meant to be in the water, the water is not meant to be in the ship. As Christians, we are meant to be in the world, but the world must not be in us.
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:12-17 in Revelation
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
Here are some good posts on preaching:
A Simple Formula for Effective Preaching: See and Savor, Then Speak – Jonathan Woodyard (DG)
5 Ways to Deepen Your Preaching – Gavin Ortlund (TGC)
Why Knowing Your Flock is Critical for Meaningful Preaching – Jared Wilson
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:12-17 in Revelation
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
Is it not true that we need a higher standard of personal holiness in this day? Where is our patience? Where is our zeal? Where is our love? Where are our works? Where is the power of religion to be seen, as it was in times gone by? – J.C. Ryle
(1) What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs in v1-6?
To which three groups is the book written? Why?
(1, 4, 8) What does wisdom teach us (1:1-4, 4:11, 8:1-8)?
How are wisdom and righteousness related?
(1-3, 8-9) How is the fear of the Lord related to wisdom (1:7, 1:29, 2:5, 3:7, 8:13, 9:10)?
(2) Where do we find wisdom in v1-6?
What value does wisdom offer in v7-15? Can you think of some current or recent examples?
(9) Describe wisdom (v1-6) and folly (v13-18). How are they similar? How do they differ? What lessons can we learn?
(2, 5-7) What wisdom is highlighted in these passages (2:16-19, 5:1-23, 6:20-35, 7:6-27)?
What are the results of failing to follow this wisdom?
What further truth is presented in 5:21 to deter us?
(3, 9) What does wisdom teach us in the following verses? What would it look like to apply this wisdom to our lives?
3:5-8 –
3:9-10 –
3:11-12 –
9:7-9 –
(4) What challenge is laid out in v5-9? How will you respond?
The more trouble we have seeing Jesus, the more we wander into foolish thinking. The consequences are devastating: sinful patterns of self-indulgence, angry conflicts with other people, and bitter thoughts about ourselves as well as others. If these are some of the struggles that we have – habitual sin, broken relationships, self-loathing – then we must not be seeing the love of Jesus the way that God wants us to see it.
– Phil Ryken in Loving Jesus More
We face tribulation – pressure
We may know some poverty
From the mouths of others – slander
Suffering may come daily
But do not fear, Trust in Jesus
Be faithful to Him each day
In tri-als consider Jesus
First and Last, died now risen
Knows our troubles, He is with us
Gives His riches, works His plan
A crown of life, No second death,
Focus on the joyful goal
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
Brian J. Mikul 