1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:03,440 Please open your Bible and proverbs in chapter 9 2 00:00:03,440 –> 00:00:06,120 that has been read for us as we’re beginning today 3 00:00:06,120 –> 00:00:10,280 a new series entitled Wisdom for Life. 4 00:00:10,280 –> 00:00:11,520 We’re going to be looking together 5 00:00:11,520 –> 00:00:12,920 at what the Bible has to say 6 00:00:12,920 –> 00:00:15,720 about some very practical issues 7 00:00:15,720 –> 00:00:19,920 like friendship, family, our words, 8 00:00:19,920 –> 00:00:23,240 our work and our wealth. 9 00:00:23,240 –> 00:00:25,500 Let’s begin with a very simple definition. 10 00:00:25,500 –> 00:00:26,760 We’re talking about wisdom 11 00:00:26,760 –> 00:00:29,639 and wisdom is very simply the skill 12 00:00:29,639 –> 00:00:34,080 that you need to put together a successful life. 13 00:00:34,080 –> 00:00:34,919 That’s what it is. 14 00:00:34,919 –> 00:00:38,540 Another way of saying this would be life skills. 15 00:00:38,540 –> 00:00:40,959 Wisdom is different from knowledge in the sense 16 00:00:40,959 –> 00:00:42,919 that it is clearly possible 17 00:00:42,919 –> 00:00:45,279 to amass a very great deal of knowledge, 18 00:00:45,279 –> 00:00:48,680 to be absolutely brilliant and yet not to live wisely, 19 00:00:48,680 –> 00:00:53,680 not to have the skills to put a successful life together. 20 00:00:53,840 –> 00:00:55,619 And so here in the scriptures, 21 00:00:55,619 –> 00:00:57,980 God is speaking to us about the skills 22 00:00:57,980 –> 00:00:59,360 that we need for life. 23 00:00:59,360 –> 00:01:00,900 The skills, in other words, that we need 24 00:01:00,900 –> 00:01:04,379 for building friendships, raising a family, 25 00:01:04,379 –> 00:01:07,900 managing money, developing the ability 26 00:01:07,900 –> 00:01:10,980 to talk in a way that builds others up 27 00:01:10,980 –> 00:01:13,599 rather than pushing them down. 28 00:01:13,599 –> 00:01:17,139 And becoming effective in the particular work 29 00:01:17,139 –> 00:01:20,139 that God has given to you to do. 30 00:01:20,139 –> 00:01:22,300 All of that, and much more, 31 00:01:22,300 –> 00:01:26,660 is included in what the Bible calls wisdom. 32 00:01:26,699 –> 00:01:29,540 Now, the Bible, of course, is full of wisdom. 33 00:01:29,540 –> 00:01:31,839 It runs right throughout the Scriptures. 34 00:01:31,839 –> 00:01:34,500 Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks about a wise 35 00:01:34,500 –> 00:01:36,220 and a foolish builder. 36 00:01:36,220 –> 00:01:38,980 Speaks on one occasion about a rich man 37 00:01:38,980 –> 00:01:43,180 who God said was a fool. 38 00:01:43,180 –> 00:01:45,559 But there are five books in the Bible 39 00:01:45,559 –> 00:01:49,000 that are regularly described as wisdom books 40 00:01:49,000 –> 00:01:53,580 because they deal with these great issues of wisdom. 41 00:01:53,580 –> 00:01:56,220 They are Job, Psalms, Proverbs 42 00:01:56,339 –> 00:01:58,180 that we’re looking at over these weeks, 43 00:01:58,180 –> 00:02:01,900 Ecclestiastes and Songs of Solomon. 44 00:02:01,900 –> 00:02:03,559 They’re referred to as wisdom books 45 00:02:03,559 –> 00:02:07,099 because their focus is on what we need 46 00:02:07,099 –> 00:02:11,179 in order to put life together. 47 00:02:11,179 –> 00:02:13,839 Now, I know that this part of the Bible, 48 00:02:13,839 –> 00:02:15,520 or expect that this part of the Bible 49 00:02:15,520 –> 00:02:20,520 may be new or less familiar to some of us at least, 50 00:02:20,580 –> 00:02:23,580 and so let me begin to orient us 51 00:02:23,600 –> 00:02:25,179 to this new part of the Bible 52 00:02:25,179 –> 00:02:27,419 that we’re coming to today 53 00:02:27,419 –> 00:02:30,800 with three very simple observations. 54 00:02:30,800 –> 00:02:32,899 The first of these, the most obvious I think, 55 00:02:32,899 –> 00:02:35,179 is that Proverbs are Proverbs. 56 00:02:35,179 –> 00:02:37,259 There you are, very simple statement, 57 00:02:37,259 –> 00:02:39,520 but it’s actually very very important, 58 00:02:39,520 –> 00:02:42,580 always remember that the Proverbs are Proverbs. 59 00:02:42,580 –> 00:02:44,740 In other words, they are a collection 60 00:02:44,740 –> 00:02:48,800 of wise sayings or Proverbs, 61 00:02:48,800 –> 00:02:50,380 and what a Proverb is, 62 00:02:50,399 –> 00:02:54,539 Proverbs describe the normal pattern 63 00:02:54,539 –> 00:02:57,559 that prevails in life in this world. 64 00:02:57,559 –> 00:02:59,520 You should try and settle that phrase in your mind. 65 00:02:59,520 –> 00:03:01,479 That’s what a Proverb is. 66 00:03:01,479 –> 00:03:03,600 It describes the pattern 67 00:03:03,600 –> 00:03:08,240 that prevails normally in this world. 68 00:03:08,240 –> 00:03:09,639 Now here’s why that’s important. 69 00:03:09,639 –> 00:03:14,059 Always remember, Proverbs are not promises. 70 00:03:14,940 –> 00:03:16,380 They’re a different category. 71 00:03:17,240 –> 00:03:18,679 And if you confuse them, 72 00:03:18,679 –> 00:03:21,199 then you’ll come into difficulties. 73 00:03:21,199 –> 00:03:24,679 For example, when the book of Proverbs says 74 00:03:24,679 –> 00:03:27,720 train up a child in the way he should go, 75 00:03:27,720 –> 00:03:32,520 and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. 76 00:03:32,520 –> 00:03:35,240 That does not mean 77 00:03:35,240 –> 00:03:39,179 that good parenting guarantees godly children. 78 00:03:40,139 –> 00:03:41,940 It is a Proverb, not a promise. 79 00:03:41,940 –> 00:03:43,960 It is a Proverb and the Proverb 80 00:03:43,960 –> 00:03:48,419 describes the normal pattern that prevails in this world. 81 00:03:48,419 –> 00:03:53,020 It does not guarantee a particular outcome. 82 00:03:53,020 –> 00:03:55,259 And I’ve had many conversations over the years 83 00:03:55,259 –> 00:03:57,360 with folks, particularly on a verse like this. 84 00:03:57,360 –> 00:03:58,779 They say, well now, I’ve read this verse. 85 00:03:58,779 –> 00:04:00,559 We’re trying to be good and godly parents. 86 00:04:00,559 –> 00:04:02,100 I can’t make any sense of it, and I was saying, 87 00:04:02,100 –> 00:04:04,520 oh, you’re taking this to be a promise? 88 00:04:04,520 –> 00:04:05,740 You’ve not understood the difference 89 00:04:05,740 –> 00:04:06,979 between a promise and a Proverb. 90 00:04:06,979 –> 00:04:08,600 It’s very, very important. 91 00:04:08,600 –> 00:04:11,220 Well, let me give you an example just to press home 92 00:04:11,220 –> 00:04:14,300 how important it is that we understand 93 00:04:14,339 –> 00:04:17,380 that Proverbs are describing for us 94 00:04:17,380 –> 00:04:21,359 the normal pattern that prevails in this world. 95 00:04:21,359 –> 00:04:23,380 Proverbs 11 and verse 16. 96 00:04:23,859 –> 00:04:28,820 A gracious woman gets honor, 97 00:04:28,820 –> 00:04:33,399 and violent men get riches. 98 00:04:33,399 –> 00:04:35,700 Now, how are you going to understand that one? 99 00:04:35,700 –> 00:04:38,579 Clearly, this is not telling us 100 00:04:38,579 –> 00:04:40,940 that we should all go out and pursue violence 101 00:04:40,940 –> 00:04:43,160 in order to get money. 102 00:04:43,179 –> 00:04:45,119 No. The Proverbs, what are they? 103 00:04:45,119 –> 00:04:48,140 The Proverbs are describing a normal pattern 104 00:04:48,140 –> 00:04:50,359 that prevails in this world, 105 00:04:50,359 –> 00:04:53,140 and the sad reality is that in this fallen world, 106 00:04:53,140 –> 00:04:54,779 as all of us know well, 107 00:04:54,779 –> 00:04:56,859 large massive amounts of money 108 00:04:56,859 –> 00:05:00,040 are accumulated by men who do violence. 109 00:05:01,320 –> 00:05:04,700 Now, of course, the point of the Proverb is this, 110 00:05:04,700 –> 00:05:06,600 that even in this fallen world, 111 00:05:06,600 –> 00:05:10,079 think about this, even in this fallen world, 112 00:05:10,079 –> 00:05:12,739 one gracious woman, notice it’s singular, 113 00:05:13,239 –> 00:05:14,140 my gracious woman. 114 00:05:15,200 –> 00:05:17,420 So a single gracious woman, 115 00:05:17,420 –> 00:05:18,980 a woman of grace, 116 00:05:19,940 –> 00:05:23,299 who clearly cannot hope to match 117 00:05:23,299 –> 00:05:28,299 the strength of a whole gang of violent men, plural, 118 00:05:30,220 –> 00:05:34,459 this one gracious woman gets something 119 00:05:34,459 –> 00:05:36,279 more valuable than money. 120 00:05:37,220 –> 00:05:38,519 She gets honor. 121 00:05:39,519 –> 00:05:44,519 So grace, that looks so weak in this world, 122 00:05:44,799 –> 00:05:48,320 actually gets more than violence 123 00:05:48,320 –> 00:05:50,519 that looks so strong in this world. 124 00:05:50,519 –> 00:05:52,480 That’s the point of the proverb. 125 00:05:52,480 –> 00:05:54,200 It’s rightly understood, when you see 126 00:05:54,200 –> 00:05:57,399 that it is describing the normal pattern 127 00:05:57,399 –> 00:06:00,559 that prevails in this world. 128 00:06:00,559 –> 00:06:03,579 So remember that the proverbs are proverbs. 129 00:06:03,579 –> 00:06:04,880 They’re promises. 130 00:06:04,880 –> 00:06:06,920 They are descriptions 131 00:06:06,920 –> 00:06:10,660 of the normal pattern of life in this world. 132 00:06:10,660 –> 00:06:14,679 Second, always remember as we come to this book 133 00:06:14,679 –> 00:06:18,239 that the proverbs assume a relationship. 134 00:06:18,239 –> 00:06:20,600 They assume a relationship. 135 00:06:20,600 –> 00:06:22,359 That’s the significance if you turn back 136 00:06:22,359 –> 00:06:26,000 to chapter two verse one, or chapter three in verse one 137 00:06:26,000 –> 00:06:27,640 they both begin in the same way. 138 00:06:27,640 –> 00:06:28,700 Chapter three in verse one, 139 00:06:28,700 –> 00:06:33,040 my son, do not forget my teaching 140 00:06:33,040 –> 00:06:35,739 but let your heart keep my commandments. 141 00:06:35,739 –> 00:06:36,820 My son. 142 00:06:38,299 –> 00:06:42,760 Now the words my son occur 23 times, 143 00:06:42,760 –> 00:06:46,119 they’re strewn all the way through the book of Proverbs. 144 00:06:46,119 –> 00:06:50,339 And my son indicates that these words are being spoken 145 00:06:50,339 –> 00:06:55,019 out of and into a relationship of love. 146 00:06:55,019 –> 00:06:59,660 This is a father speaking to his son. 147 00:06:59,660 –> 00:07:02,059 And in the first instance most of these proverbs 148 00:07:02,059 –> 00:07:04,420 would have been spoken by Solomon. 149 00:07:04,420 –> 00:07:05,940 That’s chapter one verse one, 150 00:07:05,940 –> 00:07:07,619 tells us that they come from him, 151 00:07:07,619 –> 00:07:09,579 though there are some proverbs from others 152 00:07:09,579 –> 00:07:11,519 later in the book. 153 00:07:11,519 –> 00:07:13,640 They would have been spoken by Solomon, 154 00:07:13,640 –> 00:07:17,179 a loving father, to his son, Rehoboam. 155 00:07:18,059 –> 00:07:23,059 They come out of and flow into a relationship of love. 156 00:07:25,019 –> 00:07:29,359 Now seeing that we must remember that the Bible, of course, 157 00:07:29,359 –> 00:07:32,480 is more than the wisdom of Solomon. 158 00:07:32,600 –> 00:07:36,000 This book is more than the wisdom of Solomon. 159 00:07:36,000 –> 00:07:38,880 The book of Proverbs is in Holy Scripture 160 00:07:38,880 –> 00:07:41,920 because it is the word of God. 161 00:07:41,920 –> 00:07:45,100 And God breathed out these proverbs through Solomon 162 00:07:45,100 –> 00:07:47,380 in the same way as God breathed out the Psalms 163 00:07:47,380 –> 00:07:49,720 through David and breathed out the Book of Romans 164 00:07:49,720 –> 00:07:51,899 through the apostle Paul. 165 00:07:52,880 –> 00:07:55,899 So when we read my son, 166 00:07:55,899 –> 00:07:58,940 we are to understand that behind the loving voice 167 00:07:58,940 –> 00:08:02,559 of King Solomon speaking to his son, Prince Rehoboam, 168 00:08:04,019 –> 00:08:06,380 there is actually the loving voice of God, 169 00:08:06,380 –> 00:08:10,279 our Heavenly Father, speaking to His own children. 170 00:08:10,279 –> 00:08:12,380 Our relationship is assumed. 171 00:08:12,380 –> 00:08:16,299 This is our God speaking to us. 172 00:08:16,299 –> 00:08:21,299 And He’s calling us to walk in paths of wisdom. 173 00:08:22,140 –> 00:08:26,260 And when you understand that the book of Proverbs then are, 174 00:08:26,339 –> 00:08:27,779 these are words that are spoken 175 00:08:27,779 –> 00:08:31,339 by our loving God to His own children, 176 00:08:31,339 –> 00:08:33,340 calling us to walk in the way of wisdom. 177 00:08:33,340 –> 00:08:35,859 That will prevent you, it will keep you 178 00:08:35,859 –> 00:08:39,059 from a merely moralistic interpretation 179 00:08:39,059 –> 00:08:40,979 of the book of Proverbs. 180 00:08:40,979 –> 00:08:42,940 This is in the context of a relationship. 181 00:08:42,940 –> 00:08:44,820 My son, now, you’re my child. 182 00:08:44,820 –> 00:08:46,900 Now, here is the way you’re to live 183 00:08:46,900 –> 00:08:49,979 as my redeemed son, my redeemed daughter. 184 00:08:49,979 –> 00:08:53,380 This is the Word of God to us in the book of Proverbs. 185 00:08:53,380 –> 00:08:56,820 So Proverbs are Proverbs, they’re not promises. 186 00:08:56,820 –> 00:08:59,140 Proverbs assume a relationship. 187 00:08:59,140 –> 00:09:01,020 And here’s the third introductory point, 188 00:09:01,020 –> 00:09:03,820 just to get ourselves settled in this book, 189 00:09:03,820 –> 00:09:07,500 the Proverbs point to Jesus. 190 00:09:07,500 –> 00:09:10,659 Look at chapter 8 in verse 1 that was read for us. 191 00:09:10,659 –> 00:09:13,140 Does not wisdom call, 192 00:09:13,140 –> 00:09:18,140 does not understanding raise her voice? 193 00:09:18,140 –> 00:09:22,380 Now, wisdom raises her voice, 194 00:09:22,380 –> 00:09:25,880 and so that raises the question, 195 00:09:25,880 –> 00:09:28,979 now whose voice then are we listening to? 196 00:09:28,979 –> 00:09:33,179 And as many of you know very well, 197 00:09:33,179 –> 00:09:34,340 in the New Testament, 198 00:09:34,340 –> 00:09:38,979 we are told that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God. 199 00:09:38,979 –> 00:09:41,679 First Corinthians chapter 1 and verse 30, 200 00:09:41,679 –> 00:09:44,140 Christ is made for us wisdom. 201 00:09:44,140 –> 00:09:45,739 He’s become for us wisdom. 202 00:09:45,739 –> 00:09:49,260 Wisdom, or Colossians chapter 2 and verse three, 203 00:09:49,260 –> 00:09:51,359 in Christ are hidden 204 00:09:51,359 –> 00:09:56,359 all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge. 205 00:09:56,760 –> 00:09:58,820 We preach Christ’s crucified 206 00:09:58,820 –> 00:10:01,919 and to those who are called Christ is the power of God. 207 00:10:01,919 –> 00:10:06,619 And we know that he is the wisdom of God. 208 00:10:06,619 –> 00:10:09,780 So when we read as Christians back in the book of Proverbs 209 00:10:09,780 –> 00:10:12,020 that wisdom calls, 210 00:10:12,020 –> 00:10:14,320 and we know that this is the very word of God. 211 00:10:14,559 –> 00:10:15,880 We are to understand 212 00:10:15,880 –> 00:10:19,840 that the voice of the eternal son of God 213 00:10:19,840 –> 00:10:21,880 is speaking to us, 214 00:10:21,880 –> 00:10:23,099 in and through the scripture, 215 00:10:23,099 –> 00:10:24,520 in the book of Proverbs 216 00:10:24,520 –> 00:10:26,940 and calling us to follow after him 217 00:10:26,940 –> 00:10:30,679 because he himself indeed is wisdom. 218 00:10:30,679 –> 00:10:34,239 And I want you to notice chapter 8 in verse two and three 219 00:10:34,239 –> 00:10:36,760 where wisdom takes her stand, 220 00:10:36,760 –> 00:10:39,460 where it is that Christ speaks to us 221 00:10:39,460 –> 00:10:42,140 at the crossroads, verse two, 222 00:10:42,140 –> 00:10:45,080 beside the gate in front of the town, 223 00:10:45,080 –> 00:10:46,679 verse three, 224 00:10:46,679 –> 00:10:48,739 which translated into our day means 225 00:10:48,739 –> 00:10:52,880 at the shopping mall and at the workplace. 226 00:10:52,880 –> 00:10:54,159 So try and imagine this. 227 00:10:54,159 –> 00:10:55,640 You arrive at the shopping mall, 228 00:10:55,640 –> 00:10:57,000 whatever the place is 229 00:10:57,000 –> 00:10:58,739 that you most liked to go 230 00:10:59,559 –> 00:11:02,320 and as you’re parking your car there 231 00:11:02,320 –> 00:11:04,880 and you’re just about to head into the store 232 00:11:04,880 –> 00:11:07,000 where you’re going to begin your shopping. 233 00:11:07,840 –> 00:11:09,159 There’s a voice that calls to you. 234 00:11:09,159 –> 00:11:10,799 Hey, before you go in there, 235 00:11:10,960 –> 00:11:13,020 well, why not come over here? 236 00:11:13,020 –> 00:11:15,599 I’ve got something that you’re going to need 237 00:11:15,599 –> 00:11:17,020 when you’re shopping. 238 00:11:18,359 –> 00:11:19,919 Or imagine you’re getting into the train 239 00:11:19,919 –> 00:11:21,520 to begin the commute to your work 240 00:11:21,520 –> 00:11:22,520 or you’re getting into the car, 241 00:11:22,520 –> 00:11:24,000 however you make that journey. 242 00:11:25,159 –> 00:11:26,000 And as you do, 243 00:11:26,000 –> 00:11:27,619 there’s a voice that calls out to you right there. 244 00:11:27,619 –> 00:11:28,719 Hey, before you go there, 245 00:11:28,719 –> 00:11:32,299 before you get into your long list of to-dos today, 246 00:11:32,299 –> 00:11:33,780 I’ve got something for you 247 00:11:33,780 –> 00:11:36,419 that you’re going to need in your work today. 248 00:11:36,419 –> 00:11:39,919 This is where wisdom calls to us. 249 00:11:39,919 –> 00:11:44,919 This is where Christ speaks to us in the book of Proverbs. 250 00:11:46,320 –> 00:11:49,099 And wisdom is presented to us 251 00:11:49,099 –> 00:11:54,099 as a person who offers something of great value. 252 00:11:55,940 –> 00:11:58,919 Notice chapter eight, and verse 10, 253 00:11:58,919 –> 00:12:01,080 more precious than silver, 254 00:12:02,119 –> 00:12:04,119 of more value than gold. 255 00:12:04,979 –> 00:12:07,619 Verse 11, better than jewels. 256 00:12:08,099 –> 00:12:12,880 Nothing you desire can compare with her. 257 00:12:14,500 –> 00:12:17,659 So as Christians, we understand that God very wonderfully 258 00:12:17,659 –> 00:12:22,219 has given us something more than wisdom in a book, 259 00:12:23,179 –> 00:12:27,179 He has given us wisdom in the flesh. 260 00:12:27,179 –> 00:12:29,539 That’s Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, 261 00:12:29,539 –> 00:12:34,340 wisdom made flesh for us. 262 00:12:34,340 –> 00:12:36,979 And to all who are in Christ by faith, 263 00:12:36,979 –> 00:12:41,979 He gives us the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of wisdom. 264 00:12:42,559 –> 00:12:45,539 That’s Ephesians chapter one and verse 17, 265 00:12:45,539 –> 00:12:50,340 the spirit of wisdom in order that you may know God better, 266 00:12:51,159 –> 00:12:53,219 that’s who’s given to you. 267 00:12:53,219 –> 00:12:55,419 And so putting these things together, 268 00:12:55,419 –> 00:12:59,960 we understand that we gain wisdom through the word. 269 00:12:59,960 –> 00:13:02,059 That’s why we’re looking into the book of Proverbs, 270 00:13:02,059 –> 00:13:03,940 it’s all about wisdom for life. 271 00:13:03,940 –> 00:13:05,820 We gain wisdom through the word, 272 00:13:05,859 –> 00:13:10,299 we do it as we walk with Christ, who is the wisdom of God 273 00:13:10,299 –> 00:13:14,640 in the power of the spirit, who is the spirit of wisdom. 274 00:13:15,580 –> 00:13:16,780 In other words, 275 00:13:18,059 –> 00:13:21,419 walking the way of wisdom is another way of describing 276 00:13:21,419 –> 00:13:23,799 what the New Testament calls discipleship. 277 00:13:25,140 –> 00:13:28,320 Because to follow wisdom is to follow Jesus. 278 00:13:29,500 –> 00:13:34,200 To listen to wisdom is to listen to Jesus. 279 00:13:34,200 –> 00:13:39,200 And to grow in wisdom is to grow in Jesus. 280 00:13:40,219 –> 00:13:42,479 And the book of Proverbs describes 281 00:13:42,479 –> 00:13:46,340 what this looks like in very practical areas of life. 282 00:13:46,340 –> 00:13:48,940 What does it mean to follow and listen to 283 00:13:48,940 –> 00:13:51,679 and grow in Jesus in regards to your friendships, 284 00:13:51,679 –> 00:13:54,700 in regards to your family, in regards to your words, 285 00:13:54,700 –> 00:13:56,780 your work, and your wealth? 286 00:13:56,780 –> 00:13:58,780 Well, the book of Proverbs is here 287 00:13:58,780 –> 00:14:01,000 to answer these questions. 288 00:14:01,020 –> 00:14:04,239 It lays out the life to which wisdom calls us, 289 00:14:04,239 –> 00:14:06,400 it lays out, to put it in other terms, 290 00:14:06,400 –> 00:14:09,679 the life of a disciple of Jesus. 291 00:14:12,119 –> 00:14:14,799 Now, that’s the journey that lies ahead of us, 292 00:14:14,799 –> 00:14:17,979 and I really want that all of us here today 293 00:14:17,979 –> 00:14:22,080 will be motivated for this journey. 294 00:14:22,080 –> 00:14:25,320 Some of you may be asking at the beginning of a new series, 295 00:14:25,320 –> 00:14:26,500 and trying to introduce this, 296 00:14:26,500 –> 00:14:28,400 and you’re trying to figure out now, 297 00:14:28,400 –> 00:14:31,039 what’s in this for me? 298 00:14:31,039 –> 00:14:32,820 And that’s always a good question. 299 00:14:32,820 –> 00:14:36,000 Why should I be interested in this? 300 00:14:37,739 –> 00:14:38,940 Let me try to encourage you 301 00:14:38,940 –> 00:14:41,200 by answering that question this way. 302 00:14:43,080 –> 00:14:44,599 The Bible makes it clear 303 00:14:45,580 –> 00:14:50,479 that the path of following Jesus is often costly. 304 00:14:50,479 –> 00:14:55,479 The path of pursuing wisdom, same thing, is often costly. 305 00:14:55,739 –> 00:14:58,940 Jesus tells us that the gate is narrow, 306 00:14:58,940 –> 00:15:03,460 that the way is hard, and that only a few people find it. 307 00:15:05,400 –> 00:15:09,419 But he then tells us that there is this marvelous incentive 308 00:15:09,419 –> 00:15:11,419 that this hard way on which, 309 00:15:11,419 –> 00:15:14,299 that if you find that the gate is narrow, 310 00:15:14,299 –> 00:15:17,099 it does lead to life. 311 00:15:19,020 –> 00:15:23,400 Now, the normal way in which I think we understand that 312 00:15:23,400 –> 00:15:28,400 is we tend to think that living a godly life 313 00:15:28,400 –> 00:15:32,659 in this world is hard, but there is at least this payoff 314 00:15:34,159 –> 00:15:37,320 that there will be a great reward for all of us in heaven, 315 00:15:38,400 –> 00:15:41,219 and, of course, that is wonderfully true. 316 00:15:42,679 –> 00:15:45,539 But when Jesus says that the narrow way leads to life, 317 00:15:45,539 –> 00:15:47,340 there’s something more in his word 318 00:15:47,340 –> 00:15:48,919 than a reference to heaven, 319 00:15:49,739 –> 00:15:52,039 and the Book of Proverbs 320 00:15:52,039 –> 00:15:57,039 draws out another truth that we also need to grasp, 321 00:15:58,380 –> 00:16:02,119 which is that those who walk the path of godly wisdom, 322 00:16:02,119 –> 00:16:06,099 those who press hard as disciples after Jesus 323 00:16:07,719 –> 00:16:10,619 will be blessed in this life 324 00:16:12,299 –> 00:16:14,659 as well as in the world to come, 325 00:16:15,640 –> 00:16:17,599 do you remember how Jesus spoke about this? 326 00:16:17,640 –> 00:16:20,940 On one occasion when the disciples were complaining 327 00:16:20,940 –> 00:16:23,679 about the fact that they’d given up a lot to follow Jesus 328 00:16:23,679 –> 00:16:27,020 and Jesus said to them, this is Mark Chapter 10, 329 00:16:27,960 –> 00:16:30,400 there’s no one who’s left fields or family 330 00:16:30,400 –> 00:16:33,559 or father or mother for me will not receive 331 00:16:33,559 –> 00:16:37,940 100 times as much in this life, in this life 332 00:16:39,280 –> 00:16:44,280 and on top in the world to come everlasting life as well. 333 00:16:47,739 –> 00:16:52,739 Now, the this life piece is the particular truth 334 00:16:53,599 –> 00:16:55,880 that the Book of Proverbs emphasizes 335 00:16:55,880 –> 00:16:58,679 for us again and again and again. 336 00:16:58,679 –> 00:17:01,400 The blessing of following the Lord Jesus Christ 337 00:17:01,400 –> 00:17:04,680 in this life and I want you to see this. 338 00:17:04,680 –> 00:17:06,640 I’m trying to motivate us for the journey. 339 00:17:06,640 –> 00:17:09,199 I want us to feel like this is a part of Scripture 340 00:17:09,199 –> 00:17:12,880 that we must get into us in a deeper way. 341 00:17:12,880 –> 00:17:14,560 So turn with me for a moment if you would 342 00:17:14,560 –> 00:17:17,420 back to Proverbs in Chapter Three 343 00:17:17,420 –> 00:17:19,579 and remember what we said right at the beginning. 344 00:17:19,579 –> 00:17:23,660 We’re looking here at Proverbs not Promises 345 00:17:23,660 –> 00:17:27,099 but I want you to look at the normal pattern 346 00:17:27,099 –> 00:17:30,579 that prevails in this world. 347 00:17:30,579 –> 00:17:33,160 Look at Proverbs Three in verse 13, 348 00:17:33,160 –> 00:17:37,060 blessed is the one who finds wisdom 349 00:17:38,020 –> 00:17:40,119 and the one who gets understanding 350 00:17:41,099 –> 00:17:45,540 for the gain from her is better than the gain from silver 351 00:17:45,540 –> 00:17:50,119 and her profit is better than gold. 352 00:17:50,119 –> 00:17:52,619 She is more precious than jewels, 353 00:17:52,619 –> 00:17:54,900 hey, something better than diamonds 354 00:17:55,780 –> 00:18:00,780 and nothing you desire can compare with her. 355 00:18:00,939 –> 00:18:02,199 Well, that’s quite a statement 356 00:18:02,199 –> 00:18:04,660 so we immediately say hey, why? 357 00:18:04,660 –> 00:18:05,780 Okay, where’s the value? 358 00:18:05,780 –> 00:18:08,560 What then will wisdom bring for us 359 00:18:08,560 –> 00:18:12,739 and notice line on line that question is answered right here 360 00:18:12,739 –> 00:18:17,420 first long life, chapter three and verse 16. 361 00:18:17,420 –> 00:18:22,420 Long life is in her right hand 362 00:18:24,979 –> 00:18:29,439 and remember we’re talking about a proverb not a promise, 363 00:18:30,420 –> 00:18:32,560 we are talking about the normal pattern 364 00:18:32,560 –> 00:18:34,739 that prevails in this world. 365 00:18:35,719 –> 00:18:37,979 Think this through with me please. 366 00:18:38,660 –> 00:18:43,660 Everyone understands that eating a proper diet 367 00:18:45,739 –> 00:18:49,479 will leads to better health than living on junk food. 368 00:18:49,479 –> 00:18:51,180 Can we have agreement on that here? 369 00:18:51,180 –> 00:18:53,920 Universal agree, we all agree whatever we actually do 370 00:18:53,920 –> 00:18:58,280 we know that this is true that if we eat a proper diet 371 00:18:58,280 –> 00:19:03,280 we will be more healthy than if we live on junk food. 372 00:19:04,219 –> 00:19:07,099 Now by the way that doesn’t mean 373 00:19:07,119 –> 00:19:09,680 that if you eat vegetables and tomatoes every day 374 00:19:09,680 –> 00:19:13,140 you will never get cancer, there’s no promise like that. 375 00:19:13,140 –> 00:19:14,760 We’re talking about a general principle 376 00:19:14,760 –> 00:19:15,920 that prevails in this world 377 00:19:15,920 –> 00:19:17,199 that if you eat a healthy diet 378 00:19:17,199 –> 00:19:19,359 you will be healthier than if you live on junk food 379 00:19:19,359 –> 00:19:21,640 everyone knows that, we all agree with it. 380 00:19:21,640 –> 00:19:25,459 Now here’s the point the same principle 381 00:19:25,459 –> 00:19:30,060 that applies to your body also applies to your soul 382 00:19:31,119 –> 00:19:33,859 this is why Peter says in the new testament 383 00:19:33,920 –> 00:19:38,079 whoever would love life you wanna have a good life 384 00:19:39,319 –> 00:19:44,319 and would see good days length of days 385 00:19:44,319 –> 00:19:46,160 here’s what you should do 386 00:19:46,160 –> 00:19:48,800 let him keep his tongue from evil 387 00:19:48,800 –> 00:19:51,640 let him turn away from evil and do good 388 00:19:51,640 –> 00:19:55,939 let him seek peace and pursue it 389 00:19:57,800 –> 00:20:02,000 now see some of us actually can become quite unhealthy 390 00:20:02,000 –> 00:20:05,739 because we have allowed patterns of conflict 391 00:20:05,739 –> 00:20:10,040 to so characterize our lives that it stunts us 392 00:20:10,040 –> 00:20:11,920 and we would be much more healthy 393 00:20:11,920 –> 00:20:13,619 if we could live in peace 394 00:20:15,160 –> 00:20:19,020 and that’s precisely what wisdom calls us to 395 00:20:20,640 –> 00:20:22,479 the principle is very simple here 396 00:20:23,880 –> 00:20:25,420 there is a healthy way to live 397 00:20:25,420 –> 00:20:28,160 and there are unhealthy ways to live 398 00:20:28,160 –> 00:20:32,319 and wisdom will show you how to live a healthy life 399 00:20:33,599 –> 00:20:36,579 so here we are at the beginning of this new year 400 00:20:36,579 –> 00:20:39,619 and if you want to be more healthy 401 00:20:39,619 –> 00:20:42,920 I say to you study the book of Proverbs 402 00:20:42,920 –> 00:20:46,339 walk with Jesus Christ and as you do 403 00:20:46,339 –> 00:20:49,680 he will give you wisdom through the spirit of wisdom 404 00:20:49,680 –> 00:20:52,140 from the word of wisdom 405 00:20:53,560 –> 00:20:55,560 for you to build patterns of life 406 00:20:55,560 –> 00:20:57,439 that will be healthy for you 407 00:20:58,319 –> 00:20:59,920 and you will be blessed 408 00:21:01,680 –> 00:21:04,219 not only that look at what comes next 409 00:21:05,699 –> 00:21:09,280 long life is in her right hand 410 00:21:10,300 –> 00:21:17,520 and in her left hand are riches and honor 411 00:21:18,459 –> 00:21:22,599 now you see that wisdom is being presented to us here as a lady 412 00:21:23,420 –> 00:21:24,280 and think about it 413 00:21:24,680 –> 00:21:28,439 this lady holds long life in her right hand 414 00:21:29,680 –> 00:21:31,239 and riches in her left hand 415 00:21:31,239 –> 00:21:32,459 this is quite a lady 416 00:21:33,439 –> 00:21:35,300 this is a lady you want to know, isn’t it? 417 00:21:36,780 –> 00:21:40,979 now again we are looking at a proverb not a promise 418 00:21:40,979 –> 00:21:46,420 we’re looking at the normal pattern that prevails in this world 419 00:21:47,819 –> 00:21:48,640 and what is it? 420 00:21:48,640 –> 00:21:51,839 well look up at Chapter 3 and Verse 9 just before there and you’ll see this 421 00:21:52,359 –> 00:21:55,839 honour the Lord with your wealth 422 00:21:56,719 –> 00:22:02,160 then your barns will be filled with plenty 423 00:22:03,719 –> 00:22:07,079 now again, this is not saying 424 00:22:07,079 –> 00:22:11,520 hey, give God money and God will make you rich 425 00:22:12,520 –> 00:22:13,300 but 426 00:22:14,780 –> 00:22:16,839 would it really surprise you 427 00:22:16,839 –> 00:22:22,079 that when a person honours God with their money 428 00:22:22,079 –> 00:22:24,660 the normal pattern in this world 429 00:22:24,660 –> 00:22:27,160 is that God trusts that person with more 430 00:22:27,160 –> 00:22:28,660 why would that surprise you? 431 00:22:29,439 –> 00:22:31,359 that’s the normal pattern in this world 432 00:22:32,880 –> 00:22:36,560 and if a person basically keeps to themselves 433 00:22:36,560 –> 00:22:38,859 everything that God has given to them 434 00:22:38,859 –> 00:22:40,680 why would God ever give that person more? 435 00:22:40,680 –> 00:22:42,579 why would he trust that person with more? 436 00:22:43,579 –> 00:22:46,920 so we’re talking here about the normal pattern 437 00:22:46,920 –> 00:22:48,219 that prevails in this world 438 00:22:48,219 –> 00:22:51,979 and it’s laid out for us in the book of Proverbs 439 00:22:51,979 –> 00:22:53,380 Matthew Henry says 440 00:22:53,380 –> 00:22:56,239 those who do good with what they have 441 00:22:56,239 –> 00:22:59,099 shall have more to do good with 442 00:22:59,099 –> 00:23:01,280 that’s the principle 443 00:23:01,280 –> 00:23:03,400 you’re faithful in little 444 00:23:03,400 –> 00:23:05,000 God trusts you with much 445 00:23:06,060 –> 00:23:08,979 so would you like God to trust you with more? 446 00:23:08,979 –> 00:23:11,140 I say to you study the book of Proverbs 447 00:23:11,880 –> 00:23:14,300 You’ll gain wisdom from the word 448 00:23:14,300 –> 00:23:16,160 as you walk with Christ 449 00:23:16,160 –> 00:23:17,439 the very wisdom of God 450 00:23:17,439 –> 00:23:19,280 in the power of the Spirit 451 00:23:21,319 –> 00:23:23,020 and then look at what comes next 452 00:23:24,459 –> 00:23:26,300 verse 17 453 00:23:26,300 –> 00:23:32,380 Her ways are ways of pleasantness 454 00:23:32,380 –> 00:23:37,739 and all her paths are peace 455 00:23:38,260 –> 00:23:42,699 If you seek wisdom and pursue her 456 00:23:43,540 –> 00:23:44,959 or to put that another way 457 00:23:44,959 –> 00:23:47,359 if you this year follow hard 458 00:23:47,359 –> 00:23:49,260 after the Lord Jesus Christ 459 00:23:49,300 –> 00:23:50,400 as a disciple. 460 00:23:51,939 –> 00:23:53,339 You’ll have more joy. 461 00:23:54,439 –> 00:23:55,800 And you’ll have more peace. 462 00:23:57,199 –> 00:23:58,560 Is there anyone here 463 00:23:58,599 –> 00:23:59,839 in the Second Service 464 00:23:59,859 –> 00:24:01,300 who would say from your heart, 465 00:24:01,339 –> 00:24:03,560 I wish I had more joy in my life. 466 00:24:04,180 –> 00:24:06,660 I wish I had more peace in my life. 467 00:24:06,680 –> 00:24:07,719 I say to you, 468 00:24:07,760 –> 00:24:09,380 study the Book of Proverbs. 469 00:24:09,819 –> 00:24:10,959 The way of wisdom 470 00:24:11,560 –> 00:24:12,880 that will lead you into 471 00:24:12,920 –> 00:24:15,380 pleasantness and peace, joy and peace. 472 00:24:16,119 –> 00:24:17,719 You’ll gain wisdom from the Word 473 00:24:17,760 –> 00:24:19,060 as you walk with Christ 474 00:24:19,079 –> 00:24:20,880 in the power of the Holy Spirit. 475 00:24:20,920 –> 00:24:23,319 Now I’m trying to encourage you motivate 476 00:24:23,359 –> 00:24:24,459 you for this journey, 477 00:24:24,479 –> 00:24:25,520 is this working? 478 00:24:25,560 –> 00:24:26,619 Are you getting it? 479 00:24:26,660 –> 00:24:27,719 Are you getting the sense 480 00:24:27,760 –> 00:24:30,260 that there’s something here for you? 481 00:24:31,020 –> 00:24:32,760 Long life, riches and honor. 482 00:24:32,859 –> 00:24:34,859 Riches and honor, joy and peace. 483 00:24:34,880 –> 00:24:36,520 No wonder the Book of Proverbs 484 00:24:36,560 –> 00:24:38,459 says get wisdom. 485 00:24:38,479 –> 00:24:39,880 Verse 18 of chapter 3. 486 00:24:39,920 –> 00:24:42,260 She is a tree of life 487 00:24:43,319 –> 00:24:45,180 to all who lay hold of her. 488 00:24:45,219 –> 00:24:47,280 Those who hold her fast 489 00:24:47,319 –> 00:24:49,660 they are called blessed. 490 00:24:50,180 –> 00:24:52,160 Blessed, I love that word. 491 00:24:52,319 –> 00:24:53,359 Every time I see the word 492 00:24:53,380 –> 00:24:54,319 blessed in the Bible. 493 00:24:54,359 –> 00:24:56,380 Of course, I think about the Beatitudes 494 00:24:56,420 –> 00:24:57,219 that we looked at 495 00:24:57,260 –> 00:24:58,359 a number of years ago 496 00:24:58,380 –> 00:24:59,859 here at the orchard 497 00:24:59,880 –> 00:25:02,479 where Jesus lays out a blessed life. 498 00:25:02,680 –> 00:25:04,500 Blessed are the poor in spirit 499 00:25:04,540 –> 00:25:06,839 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 500 00:25:06,880 –> 00:25:08,040 In the New Testament 501 00:25:08,079 –> 00:25:10,520 the son of God gives us ten verses 502 00:25:10,540 –> 00:25:11,939 wonderful verses 503 00:25:11,979 –> 00:25:14,780 that lay out a blessed life. 504 00:25:15,880 –> 00:25:17,180 Here you’ve got 505 00:25:17,199 –> 00:25:18,680 the voice of the Son of God 506 00:25:18,699 –> 00:25:20,880 speaking to us in the Book of Proverbs 507 00:25:20,900 –> 00:25:22,579 31 chapters 508 00:25:22,599 –> 00:25:23,599 of what it means 509 00:25:23,640 –> 00:25:26,199 to live a blessed life. 510 00:25:27,579 –> 00:25:28,780 So, I want to get 511 00:25:28,800 –> 00:25:31,079 as much of this into my life 512 00:25:31,099 –> 00:25:32,680 as I possibly can 513 00:25:33,500 –> 00:25:35,939 and I hope I’ve encourageed you 514 00:25:35,979 –> 00:25:37,979 with this little sample 515 00:25:38,000 –> 00:25:40,640 to feel the same way too. 516 00:25:41,439 –> 00:25:42,800 So this is where we’re heading 517 00:25:42,839 –> 00:25:44,400 over these next weeks. 518 00:25:44,439 –> 00:25:45,400 We’re looking at 519 00:25:45,439 –> 00:25:47,579 how the blessing of God 520 00:25:47,599 –> 00:25:48,979 comes into the lives 521 00:25:49,000 –> 00:25:50,000 of those who pursue 522 00:25:50,040 –> 00:25:51,540 the path of wisdom 523 00:25:51,579 –> 00:25:52,839 or to put it another way 524 00:25:52,880 –> 00:25:53,900 follow hard after 525 00:25:53,939 –> 00:25:55,280 the Lord Jesus Christ 526 00:25:55,300 –> 00:25:56,380 and what that looks like 527 00:25:56,400 –> 00:25:57,599 in particular 528 00:25:57,640 –> 00:25:59,199 in the most practical areas 529 00:25:59,239 –> 00:26:00,979 of the friendships you form 530 00:26:00,979 –> 00:26:03,599 the family that you raise 531 00:26:03,640 –> 00:26:05,739 your words, your work 532 00:26:05,939 –> 00:26:07,239 and your wealth. 533 00:26:07,800 –> 00:26:08,839 Now, that’s the journey 534 00:26:08,880 –> 00:26:10,280 that lies ahead. 535 00:26:11,640 –> 00:26:13,579 But I want in the last 536 00:26:13,599 –> 00:26:15,380 minutes that we have here 537 00:26:15,439 –> 00:26:17,439 this morning to focus 538 00:26:17,479 –> 00:26:19,140 in on the first steps, 539 00:26:19,180 –> 00:26:21,439 one thing to describe the journey. 540 00:26:22,099 –> 00:26:24,099 But really, we have to 541 00:26:24,140 –> 00:26:25,339 begin with the first step. 542 00:26:25,380 –> 00:26:26,979 We have to get started. 543 00:26:28,239 –> 00:26:30,040 And in the pursuit of wisdom 544 00:26:30,199 –> 00:26:32,540 the first question is where do we begin? 545 00:26:33,900 –> 00:26:34,739 Now, for that reason 546 00:26:34,760 –> 00:26:36,060 I want to turn your attention 547 00:26:36,099 –> 00:26:37,439 to chapter 9 in verse 10 548 00:26:37,459 –> 00:26:38,859 that was read for us earlier. 549 00:26:38,859 –> 00:26:40,339 Here’s where wisdom begins. 550 00:26:40,359 –> 00:26:41,599 Very clear statement. 551 00:26:41,599 –> 00:26:44,079 The fear of the Lord. 552 00:26:45,060 –> 00:26:46,859 Is the beginning. 553 00:26:47,800 –> 00:26:48,699 Of wisdom. 554 00:26:49,859 –> 00:26:52,000 The fear of the Lord is 555 00:26:52,040 –> 00:26:53,119 the beginning. 556 00:26:53,920 –> 00:26:54,839 Of wisdom. 557 00:26:56,459 –> 00:26:57,739 Now I wonder what is 558 00:26:57,760 –> 00:26:59,280 your first reaction 559 00:26:59,280 –> 00:27:00,260 to this phrase? 560 00:27:00,280 –> 00:27:02,239 The fear of the Lord. 561 00:27:03,459 –> 00:27:04,459 There may be some folks 562 00:27:04,459 –> 00:27:05,300 in this service 563 00:27:05,300 –> 00:27:07,140 and you’ll be inclined to say 564 00:27:07,859 –> 00:27:09,979 I don’t want anything to do with fear. 565 00:27:10,380 –> 00:27:11,119 Doesn’t the bible 566 00:27:11,119 –> 00:27:12,199 say that perfet love 567 00:27:12,219 –> 00:27:13,219 casts out fear? 568 00:27:13,219 –> 00:27:14,140 I want to go with love. 569 00:27:14,140 –> 00:27:14,900 I don’t want anything 570 00:27:14,920 –> 00:27:16,260 to do with fear. 571 00:27:17,339 –> 00:27:19,359 And if you have endured 572 00:27:19,380 –> 00:27:21,699 a religion that was based on fear. 573 00:27:22,819 –> 00:27:24,660 Or if you had an upbringing 574 00:27:24,660 –> 00:27:26,900 that was dominated by fear? 575 00:27:27,880 –> 00:27:29,800 I understand where you’re coming 576 00:27:29,800 –> 00:27:31,119 from in saying I don’t want 577 00:27:31,119 –> 00:27:32,520 anything to do with that now 578 00:27:32,520 –> 00:27:34,140 and so I want to plead with you 579 00:27:34,140 –> 00:27:35,520 before you switch off. 580 00:27:36,800 –> 00:27:38,959 I’m asking you for a moment 581 00:27:38,979 –> 00:27:40,880 to suspend judgment. 582 00:27:42,199 –> 00:27:44,680 And to look at the good 583 00:27:45,020 –> 00:27:47,119 that is promised here. 584 00:27:48,400 –> 00:27:49,739 In order that you may 585 00:27:49,780 –> 00:27:51,540 discover something wonderfully 586 00:27:51,560 –> 00:27:52,479 new that you may never 587 00:27:52,479 –> 00:27:53,520 have seen before. 588 00:27:54,339 –> 00:27:56,479 Let me describe the good 589 00:27:56,500 –> 00:27:57,599 that the Fear of the Lord 590 00:27:57,599 –> 00:27:59,300 brings and then I’d like to 591 00:27:59,300 –> 00:28:01,500 define for you what it is. 592 00:28:01,920 –> 00:28:03,459 But we’re not even going to 593 00:28:03,459 –> 00:28:04,680 be interested in what it is 594 00:28:04,699 –> 00:28:06,280 unless we are convinced that 595 00:28:06,280 –> 00:28:07,180 it has something good 596 00:28:07,180 –> 00:28:08,400 in store for us. 597 00:28:08,520 –> 00:28:11,439 So, the Fear of the Lord 598 00:28:11,459 –> 00:28:13,719 is the beginning of wisdom. 599 00:28:15,420 –> 00:28:16,500 In other words, as we’ve seen 600 00:28:16,500 –> 00:28:18,000 what that means is the Fear 601 00:28:18,000 –> 00:28:19,739 of the Lord is the beginning 602 00:28:19,739 –> 00:28:21,500 of following Jesus Christ. 603 00:28:23,880 –> 00:28:24,920 It’s that important. 604 00:28:25,800 –> 00:28:27,060 This is where following Jesus 605 00:28:27,060 –> 00:28:28,760 begins. 606 00:28:29,599 –> 00:28:31,000 And all the blessings of 607 00:28:31,000 –> 00:28:32,040 wisdom that we’ve seen 608 00:28:32,040 –> 00:28:33,359 already just in this brief 609 00:28:33,359 –> 00:28:37,780 introduction, health, trust, 610 00:28:37,780 –> 00:28:40,339 peace, joy, where do they 611 00:28:40,359 –> 00:28:41,280 all begin? 612 00:28:41,400 –> 00:28:42,560 The beginning of all that 613 00:28:42,560 –> 00:28:46,239 wisdom brings, the Fear of 614 00:28:46,239 –> 00:28:47,599 the Lord. 615 00:28:48,699 –> 00:28:51,459 And not only is this where 616 00:28:51,560 –> 00:28:52,900 wisdom is found, 617 00:28:52,900 –> 00:28:55,339 it’s also where strength 618 00:28:55,339 –> 00:28:56,020 is found. 619 00:28:56,500 –> 00:28:57,939 If you look at chapter 16 620 00:28:57,939 –> 00:28:58,719 in Verse 6, 621 00:28:58,979 –> 00:29:01,839 By the fear of the Lord, 622 00:29:03,000 –> 00:29:04,819 one turns away from evil. 623 00:29:06,479 –> 00:29:07,660 What a wonderful statement 624 00:29:07,660 –> 00:29:08,099 that is. 625 00:29:08,099 –> 00:29:09,160 Remember this is God 626 00:29:09,160 –> 00:29:10,020 speaking to his own 627 00:29:10,020 –> 00:29:10,800 children. 628 00:29:12,219 –> 00:29:12,819 And if you were a 629 00:29:12,819 –> 00:29:15,020 child of God, you will 630 00:29:15,020 –> 00:29:16,619 have a sense of, I want 631 00:29:16,619 –> 00:29:18,380 to get rid of the sins 632 00:29:18,380 –> 00:29:20,180 that cling to closely to 633 00:29:21,180 –> 00:29:23,520 me. And the question that 634 00:29:23,520 –> 00:29:24,699 runs in your mind is how 635 00:29:24,699 –> 00:29:25,920 can I do that? And here’s 636 00:29:25,920 –> 00:29:26,920 the answer right here. 637 00:29:27,060 –> 00:29:29,520 It’s by the fear of the 638 00:29:29,520 –> 00:29:31,619 Lord that one turns 639 00:29:31,619 –> 00:29:32,900 away from evil. By the 640 00:29:32,900 –> 00:29:34,099 fear of the Lord. This is 641 00:29:34,099 –> 00:29:35,140 what gives you the 642 00:29:35,140 –> 00:29:37,859 strength to do it. We’re 643 00:29:37,859 –> 00:29:39,020 being told specifically 644 00:29:39,020 –> 00:29:39,900 that this fear of the 645 00:29:39,900 –> 00:29:40,819 Lord we’ll get to what it 646 00:29:40,819 –> 00:29:41,780 is in a moment. But 647 00:29:41,780 –> 00:29:42,739 here’s why it’s of such 648 00:29:42,739 –> 00:29:45,339 value. This is what we’ll 649 00:29:45,339 –> 00:29:46,459 give you the strength. 650 00:29:46,459 –> 00:29:47,579 This is what will make it 651 00:29:47,579 –> 00:29:48,959 possible for you to 652 00:29:48,959 –> 00:29:51,280 overcome particular sins 653 00:29:51,280 –> 00:29:52,400 and temptations that you 654 00:29:52,400 –> 00:29:54,140 battle with in your life. 655 00:29:54,280 –> 00:29:56,119 It’s by the fear of the 656 00:29:56,119 –> 00:29:57,479 Lord, by the fear of the 657 00:29:57,479 –> 00:29:58,719 Lord, by this being 658 00:29:58,719 –> 00:30:00,579 secured in your life that 659 00:30:00,819 –> 00:30:02,219 you will be able to turn 660 00:30:02,260 –> 00:30:03,800 away from evil. 661 00:30:05,439 –> 00:30:08,880 Moses said this way back 662 00:30:09,400 –> 00:30:11,739 in the desert to God’s 663 00:30:11,739 –> 00:30:14,359 people. The fear of the 664 00:30:14,359 –> 00:30:18,040 Lord will keep you from 665 00:30:18,079 –> 00:30:21,520 sinning. By the way, that’s 666 00:30:21,599 –> 00:30:25,859 Exodus 20, 20, the fear of 667 00:30:25,859 –> 00:30:28,839 the Lord will keep you 668 00:30:28,839 –> 00:30:29,880 from sinning. That’s 669 00:30:29,880 –> 00:30:30,680 exactly what we’re being 670 00:30:30,680 –> 00:30:31,540 told to you in the book of 671 00:30:31,540 –> 00:30:34,160 Proverbs. So not only is 672 00:30:34,160 –> 00:30:35,160 this where wisdom is 673 00:30:35,160 –> 00:30:36,339 funded, it’s where strength 674 00:30:36,339 –> 00:30:37,439 is found. And as if that 675 00:30:37,439 –> 00:30:39,160 was not enough, Proverbs 676 00:30:39,160 –> 00:30:40,319 tells us, it’s where life 677 00:30:40,319 –> 00:30:42,079 itself is fine. The fear 678 00:30:42,239 –> 00:30:44,920 of the Lord is a fountain 679 00:30:45,000 –> 00:30:49,000 of life. So if this is 680 00:30:49,000 –> 00:30:50,020 where wisdom is fun, this 681 00:30:50,060 –> 00:30:50,859 is where strength is 682 00:30:50,859 –> 00:30:51,680 funding. This is where 683 00:30:51,680 –> 00:30:53,300 life is fun. I want more 684 00:30:53,300 –> 00:30:54,339 of this fear of the Lord 685 00:30:54,339 –> 00:30:55,780 and my life, whatever it 686 00:30:55,780 –> 00:30:57,839 is, right. I don’t want 687 00:30:57,839 –> 00:30:59,500 less of it. I want more 688 00:30:59,540 –> 00:31:01,160 off it. It’s the beginning 689 00:31:01,160 –> 00:31:02,199 of wisdom. It’s going to 690 00:31:02,199 –> 00:31:03,239 give me strength in my 691 00:31:03,239 –> 00:31:04,280 struggle again. Singh, 692 00:31:04,400 –> 00:31:05,160 it’s going to be a 693 00:31:05,160 –> 00:31:06,359 fountain of life to me. 694 00:31:06,359 –> 00:31:07,319 Now, what then is the 695 00:31:07,319 –> 00:31:08,680 fear of the Lord that I 696 00:31:08,680 –> 00:31:09,920 want to have as much off 697 00:31:09,920 –> 00:31:11,300 as possible in my life? 698 00:31:11,319 –> 00:31:13,280 It’s simply this. Let me 699 00:31:13,280 –> 00:31:14,400 give you this definition 700 00:31:14,400 –> 00:31:16,000 that I have adapted from 701 00:31:16,000 –> 00:31:17,079 a man by the name of John 702 00:31:17,079 –> 00:31:18,359 Brown, who was a Scottish 703 00:31:18,359 –> 00:31:19,680 pastor many, many years 704 00:31:19,680 –> 00:31:22,339 centuries ago. To fear 705 00:31:22,339 –> 00:31:25,979 the Lord means so to love 706 00:31:25,979 –> 00:31:29,420 him that his frown would 707 00:31:29,420 –> 00:31:30,900 be your greatest dread 708 00:31:32,119 –> 00:31:33,219 and his smile, your 709 00:31:33,219 –> 00:31:34,439 greatest delight. That’s 710 00:31:34,439 –> 00:31:35,119 what the fear of the 711 00:31:35,119 –> 00:31:38,760 Lord is. It is so to love 712 00:31:38,760 –> 00:31:42,800 the Lord that his frown 713 00:31:42,800 –> 00:31:43,560 would be the thing you 714 00:31:43,560 –> 00:31:44,359 would dread most 715 00:31:44,439 –> 00:31:46,579 in this world. I love 716 00:31:46,579 –> 00:31:47,880 him, I don’t want 717 00:31:47,880 –> 00:31:48,880 him to be displeased 718 00:31:48,880 –> 00:31:54,260 with me and his smile, 719 00:31:54,380 –> 00:31:56,079 my greatest delight 720 00:31:56,079 –> 00:31:57,479 well done good 721 00:31:57,479 –> 00:32:00,280 and faithful servant I. 722 00:32:00,359 –> 00:32:01,140 That would be my 723 00:32:01,140 –> 00:32:04,920 greatest joy. That’s 724 00:32:04,920 –> 00:32:05,800 what the fear of the 725 00:32:05,800 –> 00:32:06,839 Lord is. You think 726 00:32:06,839 –> 00:32:07,939 about the person you 727 00:32:07,939 –> 00:32:12,319 love most in this world 728 00:32:12,359 –> 00:32:13,420 and how you would 729 00:32:13,560 –> 00:32:16,199 hate to ever hurt them? 730 00:32:16,540 –> 00:32:18,020 You would tremble at 731 00:32:18,020 –> 00:32:18,859 the thought that you 732 00:32:18,859 –> 00:32:20,339 would hurt the person 733 00:32:20,339 –> 00:32:23,619 you love the most. Do 734 00:32:23,619 –> 00:32:25,000 you see then that there 735 00:32:25,000 –> 00:32:26,760 is a fear that love 736 00:32:26,800 –> 00:32:28,619 removes and there is a 737 00:32:28,619 –> 00:32:30,579 fear that love brings. 738 00:32:31,560 –> 00:32:32,459 The fear that love 739 00:32:32,459 –> 00:32:33,540 removes obviously is 740 00:32:33,540 –> 00:32:35,099 the fear of condemnation. 741 00:32:35,500 –> 00:32:36,599 Perfect love casts 742 00:32:36,599 –> 00:32:39,579 out fear. There is no 743 00:32:39,579 –> 00:32:41,199 fear of condemnation 744 00:32:41,219 –> 00:32:42,760 when we know the love 745 00:32:42,900 –> 00:32:44,479 of the Lord Jesus Christ, 746 00:32:44,800 –> 00:32:45,719 but there is a fear 747 00:32:45,719 –> 00:32:47,979 that love brings, and 748 00:32:47,979 –> 00:32:48,939 the fear that love 749 00:32:48,959 –> 00:32:50,380 brings is the trembling 750 00:32:50,380 –> 00:32:52,839 less we should hurt, 751 00:32:52,880 –> 00:32:55,739 wound the one we have 752 00:32:55,760 –> 00:32:58,380 come to love so much. 753 00:32:59,839 –> 00:33:01,099 Now, then the question 754 00:33:01,099 –> 00:33:01,979 is, one now, where do 755 00:33:01,979 –> 00:33:02,979 I get this fear of the 756 00:33:02,979 –> 00:33:04,420 Lord? How could I really 757 00:33:04,420 –> 00:33:05,619 come to a place at the 758 00:33:05,619 –> 00:33:06,640 beginning of this new 759 00:33:06,640 –> 00:33:08,060 year, when I love the 760 00:33:08,060 –> 00:33:11,739 Lord like that? And the 761 00:33:11,760 –> 00:33:15,079 answer is that this 762 00:33:15,079 –> 00:33:16,020 kind of love for the 763 00:33:16,020 –> 00:33:17,699 Lord is birthed at the 764 00:33:17,699 –> 00:33:21,180 cross. David puts it 765 00:33:21,180 –> 00:33:22,739 this way in the Psalms. 766 00:33:24,079 –> 00:33:25,739 Psalm a 130 in verse 767 00:33:25,739 –> 00:33:28,260 four. With you, he 768 00:33:28,260 –> 00:33:29,699 says, to God, that is 769 00:33:29,699 –> 00:33:32,819 forgiveness so that 770 00:33:32,819 –> 00:33:35,640 you may be feared. I 771 00:33:35,640 –> 00:33:36,300 find that one of the 772 00:33:36,300 –> 00:33:37,140 most remarkable 773 00:33:37,140 –> 00:33:38,400 statements in scripture. 774 00:33:39,619 –> 00:33:40,880 You might expect him 775 00:33:41,520 –> 00:33:42,599 to say, Lord, with you 776 00:33:42,599 –> 00:33:43,579 that is forgiveness. 777 00:33:43,579 –> 00:33:44,319 So, there’s no more 778 00:33:44,319 –> 00:33:45,199 fear. And of course 779 00:33:45,199 –> 00:33:45,800 there’s a profound 780 00:33:45,800 –> 00:33:46,579 sense in which that 781 00:33:46,579 –> 00:33:47,239 would be true. 782 00:33:47,239 –> 00:33:48,339 Perfect love concept 783 00:33:48,339 –> 00:33:49,119 fear. There’s no fear 784 00:33:49,119 –> 00:33:50,380 of condemnation for 785 00:33:50,380 –> 00:33:51,040 those who are in 786 00:33:51,040 –> 00:33:53,540 Christ. But what David 787 00:33:53,540 –> 00:33:54,439 says in this very 788 00:33:54,439 –> 00:33:56,160 important verses with 789 00:33:56,180 –> 00:33:57,239 you, there is 790 00:33:57,239 –> 00:34:00,119 forgiveness, so that 791 00:34:00,119 –> 00:34:01,760 you may be feared. In 792 00:34:01,760 –> 00:34:02,479 other words, your 793 00:34:02,479 –> 00:34:03,959 forgiveness brings me 794 00:34:03,959 –> 00:34:08,659 into this Lord. I see 795 00:34:08,800 –> 00:34:10,860 that your forgiveness 796 00:34:11,659 –> 00:34:13,600 has come to me at 797 00:34:13,600 –> 00:34:17,719 such a cost that I 798 00:34:17,719 –> 00:34:20,860 would tremble ever to 799 00:34:20,860 –> 00:34:23,040 wound a love like 800 00:34:23,040 –> 00:34:26,840 this. The fear of the 801 00:34:26,840 –> 00:34:27,760 Lord that is the 802 00:34:27,760 –> 00:34:28,780 beginning of wisdom, 803 00:34:28,780 –> 00:34:30,620 it is birthed at the 804 00:34:30,620 –> 00:34:32,919 cross. Whereas a 805 00:34:32,919 –> 00:34:33,939 forgiven sinner, 806 00:34:34,020 –> 00:34:35,459 knowing the grace and 807 00:34:35,459 –> 00:34:36,360 the mercy that are 808 00:34:36,399 –> 00:34:37,500 yours in the Lord 809 00:34:37,500 –> 00:34:38,800 Jesus Christ, you 810 00:34:38,800 –> 00:34:39,600 come to say, how 811 00:34:39,659 –> 00:34:40,600 can I ever 812 00:34:40,600 –> 00:34:43,560 resist a love like 813 00:34:43,560 –> 00:34:46,379 this? And that is the 814 00:34:46,379 –> 00:34:46,860 beginning of 815 00:34:46,860 –> 00:34:47,639 wisdom, that is the 816 00:34:47,639 –> 00:34:48,620 beginning of strength, 817 00:34:48,639 –> 00:34:50,060 that is the beginning 818 00:34:50,939 –> 00:34:52,820 of life. So to love 819 00:34:52,820 –> 00:34:53,879 the Lord that his 820 00:34:53,879 –> 00:34:55,199 frown would be your 821 00:34:55,199 –> 00:34:57,879 greatest dread and his 822 00:34:57,879 –> 00:35:00,899 smile your greatest 823 00:35:01,239 –> 00:35:05,020 delight. So in the 824 00:35:05,020 –> 00:35:06,320 coming weeks we are 825 00:35:06,320 –> 00:35:07,199 going to look at what 826 00:35:07,199 –> 00:35:08,260 a life of wisdom, a 827 00:35:08,260 –> 00:35:09,060 life of following 828 00:35:09,060 –> 00:35:10,100 Jesus, a life that 829 00:35:10,100 –> 00:35:11,540 begins with this kind 830 00:35:11,540 –> 00:35:12,620 of love for the Lord, 831 00:35:12,840 –> 00:35:14,060 the fear of the Lord. 832 00:35:14,899 –> 00:35:16,620 What it looks like in 833 00:35:16,620 –> 00:35:17,260 relation to your 834 00:35:17,260 –> 00:35:18,379 friends, in relation to 835 00:35:18,379 –> 00:35:19,100 your family, in 836 00:35:19,100 –> 00:35:20,219 relation to your words, 837 00:35:20,219 –> 00:35:21,120 your work, and your 838 00:35:21,120 –> 00:35:22,760 wealth. We are going 839 00:35:22,760 –> 00:35:24,100 to come to the book 840 00:35:24,100 –> 00:35:24,699 of Proverbs 841 00:35:24,719 –> 00:35:25,540 knowing that Jesus 842 00:35:25,540 –> 00:35:27,060 Christ himself is our 843 00:35:27,060 –> 00:35:28,540 wisdom and that all 844 00:35:28,540 –> 00:35:29,300 the treasures of 845 00:35:29,300 –> 00:35:30,280 wisdom and knowledge 846 00:35:30,340 –> 00:35:33,120 are found in him. So 847 00:35:33,120 –> 00:35:34,419 think about this as we 848 00:35:34,540 –> 00:35:35,820 just anticipate these 849 00:35:35,820 –> 00:35:37,260 practical areas. 850 00:35:38,080 –> 00:35:41,300 Friendship. Jesus is 851 00:35:41,300 –> 00:35:43,260 the friend who sticks 852 00:35:43,260 –> 00:35:45,300 closer than a brother. 853 00:35:46,500 –> 00:35:47,820 He will give you the 854 00:35:47,820 –> 00:35:49,320 wisdom as you walk 855 00:35:49,320 –> 00:35:50,300 with him through 856 00:35:50,300 –> 00:35:52,780 his Word. He will give 857 00:35:52,780 –> 00:35:53,899 you the wisdom that you 858 00:35:53,899 –> 00:35:54,939 need to be a good 859 00:35:54,939 –> 00:35:58,699 friend to others. Right 860 00:35:58,699 –> 00:36:00,219 now, Jesus is bringing 861 00:36:00,479 –> 00:36:02,360 many sons to glory. 862 00:36:02,379 –> 00:36:03,020 Think about that. 863 00:36:03,020 –> 00:36:03,719 That’s what he’s doing 864 00:36:03,719 –> 00:36:04,620 right now. He is 865 00:36:04,620 –> 00:36:06,979 bringing many sons to 866 00:36:06,979 –> 00:36:08,479 glory. So as you walk 867 00:36:08,479 –> 00:36:09,820 with Jesus, the wisdom 868 00:36:09,820 –> 00:36:10,919 of God, he will give 869 00:36:10,919 –> 00:36:12,060 you the wisdom you need 870 00:36:12,060 –> 00:36:12,739 for raising your 871 00:36:12,739 –> 00:36:13,899 children as well. 872 00:36:15,360 –> 00:36:16,820 Jesus speaks words of 873 00:36:16,860 –> 00:36:19,540 life. So as you walk 874 00:36:19,540 –> 00:36:20,939 with him in his Word, 875 00:36:21,060 –> 00:36:22,860 you will find that he 876 00:36:22,860 –> 00:36:24,020 is able to give you 877 00:36:24,020 –> 00:36:25,340 the wisdom so that 878 00:36:25,340 –> 00:36:27,040 your words will become 879 00:36:27,080 –> 00:36:28,439 life giving words and 880 00:36:28,439 –> 00:36:29,540 not words that are 881 00:36:29,540 –> 00:36:30,939 tearing down the lives 882 00:36:30,939 –> 00:36:34,100 of others. Christ has 883 00:36:34,100 –> 00:36:36,060 fulfilled all the work 884 00:36:36,620 –> 00:36:37,540 that the Father has 885 00:36:37,540 –> 00:36:38,659 given him to do. So as 886 00:36:38,659 –> 00:36:39,899 you walk with him, 887 00:36:40,520 –> 00:36:41,520 he will through his 888 00:36:41,520 –> 00:36:42,899 wisdom, teach you from 889 00:36:42,899 –> 00:36:43,780 the Word, what it 890 00:36:43,780 –> 00:36:45,300 takes for you to 891 00:36:45,300 –> 00:36:46,860 fulfill all the work 892 00:36:46,860 –> 00:36:48,040 that God has given 893 00:36:48,060 –> 00:36:49,580 you to do. You will 894 00:36:49,580 –> 00:36:50,959 find the way of wisdom 895 00:36:50,959 –> 00:36:52,060 to do it as you walk 896 00:36:52,060 –> 00:36:53,080 with Christ, the 897 00:36:53,080 –> 00:36:54,820 wisdom of God in the 898 00:36:54,820 –> 00:36:56,219 Word of God in the 899 00:36:56,219 –> 00:36:57,179 power of the spirit 900 00:36:57,179 –> 00:37:00,100 of God. And Jesus 901 00:37:00,100 –> 00:37:01,280 gave himself freely 902 00:37:01,280 –> 00:37:04,459 for us. And therefore 903 00:37:04,479 –> 00:37:06,179 he, as we walk with 904 00:37:06,179 –> 00:37:07,300 him, will give us the 905 00:37:07,300 –> 00:37:08,560 wisdom to know what it 906 00:37:08,560 –> 00:37:10,899 is that we should give 907 00:37:10,899 –> 00:37:15,139 back to him. Now, 908 00:37:15,139 –> 00:37:15,679 that’s where we’re 909 00:37:15,679 –> 00:37:16,699 going and I want then 910 00:37:16,699 –> 00:37:17,879 just to challenge you 911 00:37:17,879 –> 00:37:18,919 this morning as we come 912 00:37:18,919 –> 00:37:19,620 around the Lord’s 913 00:37:19,620 –> 00:37:21,479 table, to begin the 914 00:37:21,479 –> 00:37:22,780 new year by crowning 915 00:37:22,780 –> 00:37:23,979 Jesus Christ as the 916 00:37:23,979 –> 00:37:24,719 Lord of the whole 917 00:37:24,719 –> 00:37:26,679 of your life. As a 918 00:37:26,679 –> 00:37:27,439 best known verse in 919 00:37:27,439 –> 00:37:28,219 the book of Proverbs 920 00:37:28,219 –> 00:37:30,620 puts it, In all your 921 00:37:30,620 –> 00:37:31,820 ways, in all your 922 00:37:31,820 –> 00:37:34,320 ways, all your ways, 923 00:37:34,899 –> 00:37:35,280 acknowledge him. 924 00:37:35,280 –> 00:37:37,580 And he will direct 925 00:37:37,580 –> 00:37:40,020 your paths. Will you 926 00:37:40,020 –> 00:37:43,399 join me in making a 927 00:37:43,399 –> 00:37:46,239 new commitment to walk 928 00:37:46,260 –> 00:37:47,840 in the way of wisdom, 929 00:37:48,379 –> 00:37:50,239 which means to follow 930 00:37:50,239 –> 00:37:51,919 hard after Jesus 931 00:37:51,919 –> 00:37:54,459 Christ. And so to 932 00:37:54,459 –> 00:37:55,719 love him, that his 933 00:37:55,719 –> 00:37:56,560 frown would be your 934 00:37:56,560 –> 00:37:58,360 greatest dread and his 935 00:37:58,360 –> 00:37:59,919 smile, your greatest 936 00:37:59,919 –> 00:38:01,899 delight. Begin at the 937 00:38:01,899 –> 00:38:02,840 cross right now, as 938 00:38:02,840 –> 00:38:03,659 we come around the 939 00:38:03,659 –> 00:38:04,760 Lord’s table in just a 940 00:38:04,760 –> 00:38:06,320 few moments, as the 941 00:38:06,320 –> 00:38:07,639 word brings us there, 942 00:38:08,540 –> 00:38:09,639 try and take in a 943 00:38:09,639 –> 00:38:11,739 fresh that the Son of 944 00:38:11,739 –> 00:38:14,159 God loves you and gave 945 00:38:14,159 –> 00:38:16,439 himself for you that 946 00:38:16,439 –> 00:38:17,479 with him there is 947 00:38:17,479 –> 00:38:19,639 forgiveness for all that 948 00:38:19,639 –> 00:38:23,040 is past. And then let 949 00:38:23,040 –> 00:38:26,540 his mercy birth in you 950 00:38:26,560 –> 00:38:28,040 the fear of the Lord 951 00:38:28,040 –> 00:38:30,120 that is the beginning 952 00:38:30,120 –> 00:38:32,100 of wisdom. The 953 00:38:32,100 –> 00:38:33,919 beginning of discipleship 954 00:38:35,060 –> 00:38:35,919 and the beginning of 955 00:38:35,919 –> 00:38:38,060 life. Let’s pray 956 00:38:38,060 –> 00:38:40,679 together. Father, we 957 00:38:40,679 –> 00:38:43,080 see the road that 958 00:38:43,080 –> 00:38:44,699 stretches in front of 959 00:38:44,699 –> 00:38:47,340 us. And we thank you 960 00:38:47,340 –> 00:38:48,179 that the path of 961 00:38:48,179 –> 00:38:49,899 wisdom is not an empty 962 00:38:49,899 –> 00:38:52,340 road, but that the 963 00:38:52,340 –> 00:38:54,139 savior wisdom in the 964 00:38:54,139 –> 00:38:58,459 flesh himself calls us. 965 00:38:59,419 –> 00:39:00,439 Beckons us. 966 00:39:01,419 –> 00:39:03,100 Walks with us. 967 00:39:04,360 –> 00:39:06,060 On all of wisdoms paths. 968 00:39:07,320 –> 00:39:08,520 Grant that we may walk 969 00:39:08,520 –> 00:39:09,719 with him in the power 970 00:39:09,719 –> 00:39:10,719 of the Spirit. 971 00:39:11,919 –> 00:39:13,080 And that through your 972 00:39:13,080 –> 00:39:15,280 Word we may live better 973 00:39:15,320 –> 00:39:17,120 lives for the sake of 974 00:39:17,120 –> 00:39:19,560 Christ. For these 975 00:39:19,560 –> 00:39:22,580 things we ask amen.