Special Things Associated with the Number 4 (Proverbs 30:18-19)
Introduction:
1. According to vs.1, Agur wrote this chapter of Proverbs. 2. In this chapter he wrote about 4 lists consisting of 4 things, including: a. 4 things that are never satisfied (vs.15b-16) b. 4 things that are wonderful (vs.18-19) c. 4 things that are small but wise (vs.24-28) d. 4 things that go well and are comely (vs.29-31). 3. In our lesson we are following Agur's example -- we are looking at 3 "special things associated with the number 4."
Discussion:
I. IN GENESIS 1:14-19 WE READ ABOUT THE 4TH DAY OF CREATION
A. God made the firmament on the 2nd day (vs.6-8). B. On the other days God looked at the things He had created, and He saw that they were "good." C. However, that statement is not made about the firmament on the 2nd day. D. On the 4th day God put lights (the sun, the moon, and the stars) in the firmament, "and God saw that it was good." E. Vs.14 shows that we are able to measure time because of what God made on the 4th day.
II. IN LUKE 2:52 WE READ ABOUT THE 4 WAYS IN WHICH CHRIST GREW
A. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (vs.1-7), but He grew up in Nazareth (vs.39-40). B. Jesus grew in: 1. wisdom (intellectually) 2. stature (physically) 3. favor with God (spiritually) 4. favor with man (socially). C. The Lord provided an excellent pattern for us to follow today.
III. IN ACTS 2:42 WE READ ABOUT 4 ACTIVITIES THAT WERE IMPORTANT IN THE EARLY CHURCH
A. On Pentecost: 1. Peter preached a powerful sermon in Jerusalem 2. Peter's sermon touched the hearts of the people present (vs.37) 3. Peter told the people how to receive the remission of sins (vs.38) 4. about 3,000 people followed Peter's instructions (vs.41). B. According to vs.42, these early Christians "continued steadfastly in" [gave constant attention to] 4 activities, including: 1. "the apostles' doctrine" [the teaching of the apostles that was actually the Lord's teaching -- Matthew 28:19-20] 2. "fellowship" [see vs.46] 3. "breaking of bread" [the Lord's Supper -- Acts 20:7] 4. "prayers" [Acts 12:5, 12]. C. A beautiful description of the Jerusalem congregation is given in Acts 2:44-47.
Conclusion:
1. We have examined Scriptures that tell us about some "special things associated with the number 4." 2. Let us note that all these things have something to do with light. a. On the 4th day God made the lights in the firmament. b. By growing in 4 ways, Jesus showed that He is "the light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). c. By "continuing steadfastly" in the activities practiced by the early church in Jerusalem, we can be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16).
