The Role Of Our Conscience…
1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2) For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
(Proverbs 28:1-3)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Lord Of All”
Jesus Possesses Authority Over All
Act 10:36 – The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
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http://settledinheaven.org
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 28:1-3
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Our Relationship To The Law Of God: Role Of Our Conscience: Proverbs 28:1-3
1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2) For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to having the proper relationship to the moral laws of the Lord (this would include the 10 commandments and the other manifold laws of God that are based upon His person and His characteristics. As such, these laws are in effect for all time periods and peoples…
EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the role of our conscience in aiding us in the keeping of God’s laws…
1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
How the conscience guides us…
1. Those who are guilty of breaking the laws of God will fly away when no one is chasing them.
2. Those who are aligned with God’s laws are confident and sure of themselves much like a young lion on the prowl
The role of our conscience in keeping God’s laws cannot be underestimated. When we willful choose to break the laws of God, our conscience is our guide to reveal our infraction and testify of our guilt. Its testimony of guilt will continue for a length of time, always working to bring us back to obedience.
This is much like when a man mistreats others, he then lives under conscience conviction of guilt. It is this guilt that causes him to become paranoid and fearful of those whom he has mistreated. In comparison, the righteous man, who is not afflicted by his guilt, can walk boldly in life, not being paranoid nor fearful, much like a young lion who fears no one due to his ability to overcome his enemies
“Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon God. There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.” (Psalms 53:4-5)
2) For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
The importance of having leaders that follow their conscience…
1. Because a nation has “crossed the lines” God has set for them, their leadership will be replaced frequently.
2. When their leaders can understand things from God’s perspective and possess a knowledge of His Word, the nation will be continue to exist and prosper.
A nation’s sinfulness will take them out of existence, with other wicked nations taking control and establishing other wicked leaders over them. However, when a nation revers the Lord and submits to His leadership, the nation is blessed with longevity and security.
“[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-18)
3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
The importance of the conscience for all of us, even the poor among us….
1. A needy man who defrauds those who are weaker is like
2. A hard rain that tears off the fruit and grain from the plant, leaving nothing usable for nourishment.
This is the ultimate abuse of others. When a man who experiences the pain of being needy, and he is willing to actually bring more of the same pain on others for his own selfish purposes. It is not simply that he is abusing others in need that is sinful, but it is an increased infraction because, after suffering under such agony, he does not think twice about multiplying this same suffering in the lives of others.
If anyone has compassion for others, they would think of their own suffering and seek to relieve others of that suffering, not increase the suffering of others for their own selfish purposes.
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.” (Zechariah 7:9-14)
SUMMARY:
Our conscience is a wonderful gift that encourages us to continue in faithful service. The role of conscience in the lives of our leaders, is centered on leading the nation to be faithful to the Lord, and therefore to be blessed of Him. Even in the lives of the weakest and poorest among us, the role of our conscience is to benefit us and others around us.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
We Should Care For The Blessings He Has Given To Us..
23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.
24) For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?
25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26) The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field.
27) And [thou shalt have] goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens. (Proverbs 27:23-27)
For The SIH Devotional On This Subject:
The Names Of Christ: “The Lord Of Glory”
Jesus Is The Glorious Lord That Deserves All Our Praise
1Co 2:8 – Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
http://settledinheaven.org
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:23-27
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Earthly Blessings From The Lord: The Diligent Care of Our Possessions: Proverbs 27:23-27
23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.
24) For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?
25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26) The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field.
27) And [thou shalt have] goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.
In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…
EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the blessing of God to care for our physical possessions through diligence…
23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.
Are for our physical possessions is our responsibility….
1. We are to observe carefully to have knowledge of the condition of our sheep
2. Place our sheep in the center of our attention
In other words, the Lord gives us our physical possessions to meet our needs. However, we have the responsibility to care for these possessions so they continue to prosper us. The ability to properly care for our possessions is a gift of God’s grace, balancing the need to care for our possessions without overemphasing their role in our lives.
“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” (John 10:3)
24) For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?
We need to care for what we have because…
1. The wealth of this world is not possessed eternally
2. Nor does our ability to gain these things last throughout the generations
We should care for what we have NOW and not assume we will always have these things for two reasons…
1. First of all our physical possessions, without proper care and maintenance will be lost or become valueless
2. Secondly, our ability to gain new possessions will not continue forever (due to age, loss of job, health etc)
Therefore we should care for what we have now so that we can be assured our needs will be supplied in the future.
“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” (James 1:9-11)
25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
The results of our labors of diligence: reaping what was sown and gathering what we are freely given….
1. The hay (which was sown) now grows
2. The new sprouts (which were planted) now appear
3. The herbs that naturally grow in the mountains are collected for use.
When we are diligent, and patient with God’s supplies of seed and seedlings, we will plant, water and maintain fields to grow food for ourselves and our animals. We will also be diligent with what nature brings forth for our use by gathering up these blessings to meet our needs.
Planning ahead and trusting the Lord with patience, is very important if we are to be diligent with our supplies. When we do not plan ahead, or are not willing to patiently wait to reap what we have sown, we will find ourselves lacking when the day of need comes upon us.
“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;” (Psalms 104:14)
26) The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field. 27) And [thou shalt have] goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.
When we exercise God-given diligence, we will find that the Lord will meet our exact needs…
1. The sheep He gave for garments
2. The full grown rams are the wages paid by God for the work in the fields
3. From the she goats enough milk is supplied to nourish the owner, his family and his servants
“If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: [Then] let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.” (Job 31:19-23)
SUMMARY:
When we are diligent with that which the Lord gives to us, we can count on our needs being supplied and His blessings to be upon us. We should never take His physical blessings for granted and allow them to be wasted, ruined, decayed, or lost. They are gracious gifts given to us for our use to meet our every need.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
The Lord Enables Us To Be Effective Servants For Him…
17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19) As in water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man.
20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21) [As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise.
22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him. (Proverbs 27:17-22)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah”
Jesus Is The Bold King Descended From The Tribe Of Judah
Rev 5:5 – And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
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http://settledinheaven.org
Our 30 Days Of Thankfulness Series Links…
Thank you so much for those who are interested in going through last year’s devotional series! It is a great encouragement to me. Thank you for your kind words.
For those of us who missed our daily devotional series from last year (or if you would like to repeat the series again this year)… here are the links for each day in November…
Day (1) http://wp.me/pU88A-1rR
Day (2) http://wp.me/pU88A-1sI
Day (3) http://wp.me/pU88A-1tC
Day (4) http://wp.me/pU88A-1ua
Day (5) http://wp.me/pU88A-1uA
Day (6) http://wp.me/pU88A-1uL
Day (7) http://wp.me/pU88A-1v2
Day (8) http://wp.me/pU88A-1vj
Day (9) http://wp.me/pU88A-1vy
Day (10) http://wp.me/pU88A-1vT
Day (11) http://wp.me/pU88A-1wi
Day (12) http://wp.me/pU88A-1wA
Day (13) http://wp.me/pU88A-1wV
Day (14) http://wp.me/pU88A-1xb
Day (15) http://wp.me/pU88A-1xr
Day (16) http://wp.me/pU88A-1xN
Day (17) http://wp.me/pU88A-1y6
Day (18) http://wp.me/pU88A-1yk
Day (19) http://wp.me/pU88A-1yE
Day (20) http://wp.me/pU88A-1yU
Day (21) http://wp.me/pU88A-1zn
Day (22) http://wp.me/pU88A-1zV
Day (23) http://wp.me/pU88A-1A9
Day (24) http://wp.me/pU88A-1Au
Day (25) http://wp.me/pU88A-1AH
Day (26) http://wp.me/pU88A-1B1
Day (27) http://wp.me/pU88A-1Bf
Day (28) http://wp.me/pU88A-1Bt
Day (29) http://wp.me/pU88A-1BQ
Day (30) http://wp.me/pU88A-1C7
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:17-22
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Earthly Blessings From The Lord: Godly Enabling: Proverbs 27:17-22
17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19) As in water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man.
20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21) [As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise.
22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.
In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…
EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the blessing of Godly enabling.. in other words, the intervention of God which enables us to faithfully fulfill a task…
17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Many times, the Lord can use our friends to supply an enabling influence in our lives…
1. Iron is sharpened by bringing it into contact with iron just as
2. A man can make his friend more useful to others.
Just as an iron tool can be sharpened (made more useful, more efficient and brighter) by rubbing it against a iron file. In the same way, a true friend can be of great benefit to his friend by encouraging him to greater faithfulness to Christ. In doing this, he is helping him to possess a Godly testimony (his outward appearance in the eyes of others) which is useful to both God and man.
18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
The Lord supplies enabling through the reaping of our labors…
1. whoever maintains the fig tree has earned the right to partake of its fruit.
2. whoever fulfills the needs of his master will be placed in a position of exaltation.
The Lord meets many of our physical needs, as fruits that are related to our sewing of spiritual seed for Him. Pastors, Missionaries and other “full time” servants of the Lord are blessed by finding support for their physical needs from those to whom they minister.
But this basic principle does not simply apply to those who are “full-time” servants. ANYONE who ministers to us in things which are spiritual becomes our responsibility to help them in their time of need. Did a co-worker lead you to Christ? If so, when we see they are discouraged, it is in our place to try to encourage their hearts. When we see they are in need of a talent that we possess, we should gladly offer to meet their need through use of our talent that is given to us by God.
“It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.” (Romans 15:27)
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1 Corinthians 9:11)
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Galatians 6:6)
19) As in water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man.
The Lord uses His Word to enables us to discern our the spiritual condition of our heart and mind.
1. As a man can see his own face as he looks into still water so too
2. a man, enabled by the Lord, is able to see the spiritual condition of his own heart
When we look into God’s Word, we can see our spiritual needs revealed to us plainly. Whether lost or saved, anyone who makes a sincere comparison of his life to the Word will come away seeing himself in need of the gracious intervention to the Lord for both forgiveness of sin and ability to serve.
“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:21-25)
20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
The Lord enables us to consistently serve based upon our unfulfilled desires and goals…
1. Physical death and ruin are not satisfied and fulfilled likewise
2. the eyes of man never say they’ve had enough
Every man, when left to himself, must face physical death and eternal ruin… there will never be a time that the lost will escape death or ruin because there is no room left for them. Because of this Christians should never be satisfied with what they have done for Christ. There will always be lost who are in need of Him.
One of the ways that Christ enables us to consistently serve Him throughout our life is that sense of urgency and dissatisfaction knowing there is still more lost to be witnessed to and more saved to teach and encourage. As the saved look around them and see the great need around them, their eyes are never satisfied seeing there is much more work to be done.
(Just a quick note… we are to always be content in our service (meaning we are to be content to serve in whatever way pleases the Lord). As long as we are doing His will, we are to be content and continue in our service to Him. However, we are never to become satisfied with our accomplishments and therefore, no longer serve Him. Both contentment and dissatisfaction are great tools to encourage our continued service to Him)
21) [As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise.
The Lord enables us to see the value of our testimony through the fame and honor we receive from others…
1. As the crucible for silver, and the fiery furnace for gold so is
2. a man to the fame his possesses
One of the most difficult things for all of us to accomplish is to honestly judge the value of our testimony among others. How often do we find ourselves justifying a sin in our life that we are criticizing in the lives of others? This is the issue being addressed in this verse.
Men use crucibles placed in hot flames to test and reveal the true value of precious metals. In the same way, the Lord uses the praise we receive from others as the crucible that reveals the value of our testimony for Him.
What do others notice about our lives? Perhaps it is our honesty, faithfulness, or kindness? Or is it our deceitfulness, irresponsibility and treachery? This tells us much about our testimony in their presence. Also, notice WHO sends us praise… are they faithful Godly Christians who are encouraged and strengthened by our lives? Or is it those who are living carnal lives of selfishness who find great comfort and support when we are in their presence? Again, this speaks volumes about the lives we are living.
The praise we receive, and the source of that praise, is our God-given crucible to show us the true value of our testimonies before men.
22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.
The importance of God’s intervention and enabling in our lives is clearly seen when compared to the lives of those who are lacking His enabling…
1. The fool can be pounded and ground up like the wheat crushed into flour with a mortar and pestle, yet
2. his foolishness will not be driven from him.
We have seen that, through the Lord’s gracious intervention and enabling we can:
1. Be encouraged and strengthened by our friends.
2. Be blessed with the fruits of our labors
3. See the condition of our heart
4. Live contented yet driven lives of consistent service for Him
5. Perceive the true value of our testimony
Without His enabling, we are like the fool, who is unable to rid themselves of their own foolishness, nor can it be driven from them.
SUMMARY:
We should praise the Lord for His enabling grace and His intervention in our lives for without it we are simply as the fool, destined for spiritual failure and unable to deliver ourselves from our condition.
May we never take His enabling for granted.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
To Avoid Future Troubles We Should Recognize Troubles Before They Arrive…
12) A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.
13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].
(Proverbs 27:12-16)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Light Of The World”
Jesus Clearly Reveals God, And The Way Of Salvation, To Man.
Joh 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
http://settledinheaven.org
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:12-16
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Earthly Blessings From The Lord: Godly Foresight: Proverbs 27:12-16
12) A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.
13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].
In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…
EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will begin looking at the blessing of foresight…. The ability to see the results of our actions beforehand…
12) A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.
The need for Godly foresight…
1. A man who plans ahead, will see harm before it takes place, and conceal himself from it.
2. Those who are naïve will keep on the same path and be penalized
If we are watchful and foresee the results of our actions, we can avoid much harm by keeping ourselves from those harmful actions. However, if we are naïve to the dangers of sin and disobedience we will continue in their pursuit and reap punishment for their actions.
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:10-14)
13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
The use of Godly foresight in our financial dealings…
1. Receive his outer coat for a security for a person who is unknown to us
2. Receive a security from those who live sinful lifestyles for they cannot be counted as reliable
Foresight will allow us to recognize those who cannot be trusted in our business dealings. Both those who we do know thoroughly and those who live lifestyles that are sinful should not be trusted to be honest in their dealings with us. Therefore, we should take extra precautions to assure we will not be taken advantage of. In this case, we should take security for money that is lent to them.
“Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” (Proverbs 22:26-27)
14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
The use of Godly foresight to avoid the abuse of others…
1. A person who speaks well of his “friend” so that all others hear it
2. If he gets up early in the morning to take advantage of every possible chance to publically praise him
3. The praised one will consider it a curse
Godly foresight will allow us to not be affected by flattery, because we will have the foresight to see that the one who is praising us has ulterior motives of self-profit.
“And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:22-23)
15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].
The use of Godly foresight to choose our relationships wisely…
1. A systematic, consistent dripping on a day filled with rain is like
2. A person who argues and quarrels which leads to brawling and contentiousness
3. A person who tries to restrain or cover the contentious one is like
4. trying to restrain the blowing wind or
5. trying to restrain the smell of ointment by holding it in our hand
By looking ahead with Godly wisdom, we can understand the type of person that we should be looking for to enter into a Godly, pleasant relationship. We can also discern the futility of trying to restrain those who are bent on causing disruption and quarreling.
“The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.” (Job 14:19)
SUMMARY:
Godly foresight can deliver us from a multitude of troubles in our earthly life, as well as show us the results of sin in our lives and the need to tell others of Christ…
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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Where Can We Find The Teaching Of God’s Word? In The Local Assembly Of Believers!
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
For the SIH Bible Study on this subject:
The Importance Of The Local Church -8 “The Mission Of The Church: To Teach It’s Members”
“…The house of God, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
In this eighth lesson of our study on the Lord’s church, we will be looking at the third responsibility given to the church in the Great Commission. This is the responsibility to teach those who profess faith in Christ into the membership of the assembly….
THE STUDY:
The Third Responsibility Found In The Great Commission: Teaching It’s Members The Word Of God.
1. Where is this responsibility found?:
Matthew’s Account Of The Great Commission…
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
The responsibility to teach the members of the assembly is found in the Matthew account of the Great Commission only. Please note several things about this responsibility…
1. It involves “teaching”.
The word translated “teaching” in the phrase “Teaching them to observe all things…” is a different Greek word than that which is translated “teach” in the phrase “teach all nations”. (If you recall the meaning of “TEACH all nations” was a Greek word that meant to take the gospel to all nations. In other words, it meant to share with the lost the good news of Christ and salvation.)
In our text for this study, the Greek word translated “TEACHING them to observe all things….” is a Greek word that means “to indoctrinate”, “to instruct”, “to share knowledge”, or “to cause to learn”. It is through understanding the difference between these two Greek words that we get a clear picture of what was meant in Matthew’s account of the GC.
2. It involves teaching “them”. Who does “them” refer to? It is those who have been given the gospel, accepting it by faith and submitting to church membership through baptism…
The local assembly is to…
1. “Teach all nations” – Take the gospel to the lost world showing them Christ and the salvation He is offering.
2. “Baptizing them in the name of …” – When they are saved, they are to make a public profession of that faith and join the local assembly through baptism.
3. “Teaching them to observe” – Once a member of the church, they are to be instructed by the assembly.
We find the same responsibility reaffirmed by the Apostle Paul as he ministered to the local churches of the Gentile world….
“And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church…. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:17-31)
The phrase “he hath purchased with His own blood” carries with it a dual application. First of all, the local assembly is made up of those for whom Christ died. So in that sense He died for the assembly. Secondly, the local assemblies, as the body of Christ, receive the purification of the sins of the assembly through the death of Christ on the cross, just as believers receive their blessings through this same channel (Eph 5:22-29).
Paul also reaffirmed this responsibility to Timothy, who most scholars believe was the young Pastor of the church at Ephesus….
“I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
2. How does the assembly carry out this responsibility? Through the ministry of godly men who are to exercise of spiritual gifts they are given.
The Godly men:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
In this text, we can see several offices being established for the instruction and strengthening of the local assembly…
1. apostles – their ministry was to present the inspired New Testament writings to establish assemblies and to accredit the teachings and ministry of the local assembly. Their office and ministry ended soon after the completion of God’s Word in 100 AD
2. prophets – their ministry was to present the Old and New Testament writings to man. Their office and ministry ended soon after the completion of God’s Word in 100 AD
3. evangelists – their ministry is to take the gospel to the lost world. In today’s time we commonly refer to these men as “missionaries”.
4. pastors/teachers – their ministry, as explained in 2 Timothy 4:1-5, is to teach the local assembly, to evangelize in their local area, and to take the watch care over the assembly. (see also Titus 1:7-9)
Notice the aim of the teaching of His Word to the membership:
1. “For the perfecting of the saints” – to give the saints EVERYTHING they need to live lives that honor and glorify Christ on earth. This verse clearly tells us that nothing else is needed for the saint to live a Godly life on earth apart from the instruction of God’s Word.
2. “For the work of the ministry” – to give saints the needed tools to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others.
3. “For the edifying of the body of Christ” – to build up, strengthen, the saints spiritually.
This teaching is to continue until
1. “We all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,” – All saints come into full and complete agreement on the doctrines of their faith and an understanding of the person, work and their relationship with Christ. In other words, this teaching should continue until we go to heaven. As seen, based upon past history, all Christians will never come to total, absolute agreement on doctrinal truths this side of heaven.
2. “unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” – All saints become spiritually mature and equipped to the point that they are living lives that compare to that of Christ on the earth, with no need of improvement. Again, this will never happen this side of heaven.
It is because of the need for churches until Christ’s second coming that He promised in the Great Commission that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18). In other words, it will never enter into the realm of the unseen. It will always be seen and active until Christ comes.
ALSO NOTE: The office of “deacon” was also established. Their role is to help meet the physical needs of the members and to support the Pastor/Teachers who are to care for the members spiritual needs…
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:1-4) (see also I Tim 3:8-15)
The office of deacon is not included in the Ephesians 4:11-13 because their ministry does not include spiritual instruction and strengthening of the assembly. The Ephesians listing is exclusively reserved to those who are active in the spiritual oversight and ministry of the Word to the membership.
THE SUMMARY:
As we studied the local churches commission we have seen:
1. That great commission was always given to the assembled Apostles that made up the first local church (church at Jerusalem). (Please note the exception: In John, we saw that Thomas was missing but the rest of the eleven were present.)
2. There are three basic responsibilities involved with the Great Commission:
To evangelize the lost; to baptize into the assembly those who profess faith in Christ; to indoctrinate church members to equip them for the service of Christ.
As we studied the first part of the Great Commission that is given to His assemblies we have seen:
1. The content of the gospel message:
Christ’s Death; Christ’s Burial; Christ’s Resurrection; The Witnesses To The Resurrection
2. The Responsibility to take the gospel to the lost is given to the Lord’s local assemblies is described as:
To make students Of Christ; To declare the good news of Christ; To reveal man’s responsibility to receive the gospel message; To be sent as Jesus was sent; To share our experience of Christ with others
3. The priority of taking the Gospel into the world
Jerusalem, the CITY where the church is located; Judaea, equivalent to the state in which the church is located; Samaria, the other states that make up the nation where the church is located; uttermost parts of the world, the other nations of the world.
As we studied the second part of the Great Commission, we have seen that the Lord has given to His assemblies the responsibility to observe both Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
1. Baptism is a public profession of faith in Christ and His Work
2. Baptism pictures the work of Christ on our behalf
3. Baptism is a picture of our salvation from sins
4. Baptism Is A Part Of The Great Commission Given To The Lord’s Churches:
5. Baptism is a prerequisite to church membership
6. The Lord’s Supper observance is also the responsibility of a local assembly.
7. The Lord’s Supper is to commemorate the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
As we have studied the third, and final part, of the Great Commission, we have seen that the Lord has given to His assemblies the responsibility to teach the Word to its members through the use of Godly, gifted men in places of leadership for its edification…
1. The responsibility to teach the members of the assembly is found in the Matthew’s account of the Great Commission.
2. It involves “teaching” (ie to indoctrinate, to instruct, to cause to learn).
3. It involves teaching “them”. (ie baptized believers who have joined the membership of the local assembly.
4. The same church responsibility reaffirmed by the Apostle Paul.
5. Several offices were established for the instruction and strengthening of the local assembly: apostles; prophets; evangelists; pastor/teachers. The office of evangelist and pastor/teacher continue to this day.…
6. This teaching is for the good of the membership by giving the saints EVERYTHING they need to live lives that honor and glorify Christ on earth; giving saints the needed tools to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others; to build up, strengthen, the saints spiritually.
7. This teaching is to continue until Christ comes again.
Why should we should attend, join and support the ministries of a local church? It is the only organization that has been given the responsibility to teach the truths of God’s Word to His disciples. It is through the ministry of the local church that the Lord equips His saints to meet all the challenges of life on a fallen earth and still live lives glorifying to Him.
May the Lord bless us as we seek His truth.
For a free study guide for this series in .pdf format:
Click to access lordsassemblyprotected.pdf
For a free study guide for this series in .docx format:
https://settledinheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/lordsassemblyprotected.docx
The Lord Brings Upon Us The Results Of Our Sin…
“And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:14-19)
For The SIH Bible Study On This Subject: http://wp.me/pU88A-2TW
What Do We Desire In This Life?
7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.
9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
10) Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.
11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. (Proverbs 27:7-11)
For The SIH Devotional On This Subject:
“Why Does Evil Exist? (Part #4)”
“I Create Evil”
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].” (Isaiah 45:7)
“[Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:…” (Habakkuk 1:13)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13)
In above set of Scriptures, we find one of the supposedly contradictory texts of the Scriptures. On one hand, from the lips of the Lord Himself, He clearly states that “I create evil”. Then later in the Scriptures we find Habakkuk, as he speaks concerning the Lord, says “[Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:” then, to add confusion to our subject, James states clearly that God “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
In this series of lessons, we will be looking into two basic questions, first, “What Is God’s Role In The Existence of Evil ?” and, secondly, “What Is The Purpose Behind The Existence Of Evil ?”
THE STUDY:
Before we begin this portion of our study, let’s pick up with the summary from our studies so far …
1. “Evil” describes something that causes harm or injury
2. “Evil” can be referring to harm that is so severe, that it causes total destruction or uselessness
3. “Evil” can, but not necessarily, involves moral wickedness
4. “Evil” can describe sin or it can describe the results of sin
5. “Evil” can describe the direct results of sin
6. “Evil” can describe the indirect results of sin
7. “Evil” can describe an act that is morally wicked
8. “Evil” can describe, not the act, but the result of moral wickedness
9. Evil is “the condition/act of sin, OR the direct or indirect results of sin, that are harmful, and potentially ruinous, to any part of God’s creation.”
10. Our Lord is in absolute control of all things, this principle is clearly presented throughout the Bible
11. It is only because the Lord is in control of all things that we can place our unwavering faith in Him
12. The Sovereignty Of God affects: His ability to aid us, His answering our prayers, His ability to save, His prophecies to use
13. The Lord is in control of Satan himself, who can do nothing apart from the Lord’s allowance
14. The Lord is perfectly holy and separate from sin.
15. Satan and Adam are the ones who are responsible for sin’s existence and entrance into this world
If God, due to His holiness, cannot be the author of sin then what did He mean when He said “I create evil”?…
“I Create Evil”… Exactly What Did Our Lord Create?
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].” (Isaiah 45:7)
To understand what the Lord is speaking of we must remember the Biblical definition for “evil”.
Evil is “the condition/act of sin, OR the direct or indirect results of sin, that are harmful, and potentially ruinous, to any part of God’s creation.”
In other words, the term “evil” can describe either:
1. the act of sin
2. OR the result of that sin.
We have already seen that, due to the absolute holiness of God, the creation of sin cannot be attributed to the Lord. Therefore when He says “I create evil”, He cannot be speaking of the act of sin. However, there is no reason to deny that He was speaking of the results of sin in the world. As a matter of fact, the Bible makes it clear to us that this is exactly what He is saying.
Following the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the LORD IMPOSED upon the serpent, mankind and all nature several “evils” in response to the commission of sin by Adam. These included: the curse upon the serpent, enmity between serpent and man, physical, spiritual and eternal death, the growth of weeds, and the mother’s pain in childbearing and the dominance of man over the woman…
“And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:14-19)
In these we can see the Lord’s acceptance of the responsibility for these “evils” upon Satan, the woman, the man, and nature by the phrases “I will” and “cursed”.
What about some of the results of sin upon nature? The evils of tornados and earthquakes, floods, and famines all of which only exist due to the entrance of sin into nature…
“Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:” (Psalms 148:8)
The Psalmist tells us that the elements of nature exist at the Lord’s bidding and fulfill His will. But the Word goes much farther in Job 37:
“For he saith to the snow, Be thou [on] the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
(Job 37:6-13)
Here, we are clearly told that the Lord is the One that “causeth it to come” and that He then uses these evils of nature “whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.”
Throughout the Word we see His origination, control and usage of the many “evils” of nature. A few well-known examples include:
1. Gen 6:-9: – the worldwide flood of Noah’s day
2. Exo 9:-13: – the many of the ten plagues of Egypt
3. Deut 28: – drought as punishment for sin
4. 1 Kings 16: – rain withheld
5. Jonah 1: – storm to stop Jonah’s flight
6. Nahum 1: – whirlwind and drought used as examples of judgment from the Lord
All of these were created by God, controlled by God and meted out in response to the presence of sin in the world.
What about the physical (medical) evils that comes upon mankind…. Is the Lord in control of these things? Below are just a few of many examples of the Lord causing, and then using, physical afflictions for His purpose..
1. Gen 19: – men of Sodom smitten with blindness
2. Exo 9: – boils upon animals and Egyptians
3. Deut 28: – boils, hemorrhoids, rashes
4. 2 Kings 6: – Dothan’s army smitten with blindness
5. Acts 9: – Blindness upon Saul
6. Acts 12: – Herod smitten with worms
In the above six I chose, ALL of them clearly tell us that the Lord, or one of His angels, brought these afflictions upon these men. And all of these are related to the sinful condition of mankind.
The Bible clearly tells us that the Lord creates and uses many direct and indirect evils (harmful events) in response to the sinfulness of mankind. It is, in this sense, that He says “I create evil”
Note: Please keep in mind, the evil results of sin do not always proceed upon men directly from the hand of the Lord. The example of Job helps us to understand that, at times, the Lord sovereignly allows Satan to bring the results of sin upon man. In Job’s case, it included both physical sickness, as well as, natural catastrophes as well as others (Job 1:-2:).
Be that as it may, it opposes the clear declaration of the Scriptures to believe that all of these evils come indirectly from the Lord. There are many times in Scripture where we are clearly told that these types of evils come directly from the hand of the Lord because of the sinful condition of mankind.
In our next lesson… Why does a loving God allow sin to take place and why does He bring to pass the evil results of sin upon mankind?
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
What we have seen in our study so far….
We have attempted to come to a very basic understanding of the term “evil” as used in the Bible. We have come to see that:
1. “Evil” describes something that causes harm or injury
2. “Evil” can be referring to harm that is so severe, that it causes total destruction or uselessness
3. “Evil” can, but not necessarily, involves moral wickedness
4. “Evil” can describe sin or it can describe the results of sin
5. “Evil” can describe the direct results of sin
6. “Evil” can describe the indirect results of sin
7. “Evil” can describe an act that is morally wicked
8. “Evil” can describe, not the act, but the result of moral wickedness
9. Evil is “the condition/act of sin, OR the direct or indirect results of sin, that are harmful, and potentially ruinous, to any part of God’s creation.”
10. Our Lord is in absolute control of all things, this principle is clearly presented throughout the Bible
11. It is only because the Lord is in control of all things that we can place our unwavering faith in Him
12. The Sovereignty Of God affects: His ability to aid us, His answering our prayers, His ability to save, His prophecies to use
13. The Lord is in control of Satan himself, who can do nothing apart from the Lord’s allowance
14. The Lord is perfectly holy and separate from sin.
15. Satan and Adam are the ones who are responsible for sin’s existence and entrance into this world
16. The Lord is the author and sovereign controller of the results of sin upon mankind
May the Lord bless you as you continue to seek His truth.
For The Free Study Guide For This Series: .pdf format .docx format
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May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:7-11
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Earthly Blessings From The Lord: Godly Desires: Proverbs 27:7-11
7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.
9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
10) Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.
11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…
EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the blessing of Godly desires…
7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Godly desires help us to seek out what is beneficial and refuse that which is harmful…
1. When our life is entirely satisfied and wanting nothing even the nourishment of honey is rejected
2. When our life is in desperate need the bitter, irritating, harmful things are enjoyed greatly
Our flesh’s desires are based upon immediate gratification, therefore it will reject what is good for it, if it does not currently desire it. Likewise, it will partake of that which is harmful, if it is driven by hunger. This is why it is imperative that we seek to possess Godly desires in our lives. To desire the things of the Lord is to desire that which is for our long term good and to reject that which is harmful to our lives.
“Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there [any] taste in the white of an egg? The things [that] my soul refused to touch [are] as my sorrowful meat.” (Job 6:6-7)
8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.
Godly desires help keep us on track in our life which is dedicated to the service of Christ…
1. As a young bird flies away from its nest, going from tree to tree and branch to branch so too is
2. a man that turns from his chosen life goals and calling.
As young bird that leaves its nest (its place of protection and nourishment) and flies to places that are filled with danger and lack; so too, a man who follows his fleshly desires and departs from his service to Christ. It is only through the possession of Godly desires which overrule the desires of our flesh can we remain on track in our service to our Lord.
“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” (1 Corinthians 7:20)
9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Godly desires help us to appreciate that which is helpful to us spiritually…
1. Oil for healing and incense brings health and satisfaction to our fleshly desires
2. Likewise the graciousness shown to us by the encouragement for our spirit from our friends
Just like our physical senses finds joy and pleasure in sweet smells and medicines that aid in healing; when our desires are Godly, we will find joy and pleasure in the encouraging, spiritually strengthening words of our friends.
“And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David [was] in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.” (1 Samuel 23:15-18)
10) Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.
Godly desires help us to appreciate those who love and choose to stand with us in times of need…
1. Your own associates and those of your father do not loosen the bond of commitment between you and them.
2. Do not travel to your family member’s dwelling in the time of ruin.
3. More beneficial is a fellow-citizen that is closer to you than a family member that is farther away
We should cultivate and cherish the friendships of our fathers and ourselves. They are very beneficial to us when we are faced with the catastrophes of life. In these cases, our friends are of more benefit to us than our family members. How can this be? Many times our friends (who are emotionally closer to us) can be trusted in a greater way that a family member who is (estranged from us) is only helping us due to “obligation” not because they are choosing to do so.
It is far better to receive help from those who are dedicated and loving to us than to receive help begrudgingly from those who are obligated to us due to family relationships.
“A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.”
(Proverbs 18:24)
11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Godly desires help keep us on track in our life which is dedicated to the service of Christ…
1. The one I love and am concerned about… apply God’s Word to your life
2. … it will fulfill my desires and cause me to shout for joy
3. … that I can properly respond to those who criticize me.
Solomon is writing these Proverbs out of a heart of love, desiring his pupils to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord and a lifestyle of service to Him. When the readers apply the Word of God to their lives it: fulfills his desires for us; gives him great joy; and, it allows him to justify and defend his ministry in the face of those who find fault with him.
“VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, [even] thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.” (Psalms 119:41-44)
SUMMARY:
Godly desires can help us in many areas of our lives…. how do we attain Godly desires? By God’s grace through a renewal of our minds…
“But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-24)
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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Do We Thank The Lord For Our True Friends?
3) A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath [is] heavier than them both.
4) Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?
5) Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.
6) Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful. (Proverbs 27:3-6)
For The SIH Devotional On This Subject:
Settled In Heaven Blog 