Words of Wisdom for Our 2nd Anniversary (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Introduction:
1. We learn from 2 Peter 1:3-4 that God has richly blessed His people. a. (vs.3) He has given us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." b. (vs.4) He has also given us "exceeding great and precious promises." 2. With these thoughts in mind, let us read some words of wisdom written by Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-6. 3. As we examine these verses we see that Solomon wrote about: a. several things "that pertain unto life and godliness" (vs.5-6a) b. one of God's "exceeding great and precious promises" (vs.6b). 4. These words of wisdom are especially appropriate for our 2nd anniversary.
Discussion:
I. (vs.6b) SOLOMON WROTE ABOUT AN "EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS" PROMISE THAT GOD HAS MADE TO HIS PEOPLE
A. In the context Solomon touched on several blessings that God will provide for His people, including: 1. long life (vs.1-2) 2. favor with God and man (vs.3-4) 3. good health (vs.7-8) 4. abundant physical blessings (vs.9-10). B. (vs.6b) Solomon wrote about God's promise to direct the paths of His people. C. According to Jeremiah 10:23, we desperately need this blessing from God. D. God has promised to provide direction for His people; however, this is a conditional promise. E. In other words, we must meet certain conditions for God to direct our paths. F. To learn what the conditions are we must examine these verses further.
II. (vs.5-6a) SOLOMON WROTE ABOUT SOME THINGS "THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS"
A. (vs.5b) In order for God to direct our paths we must avoid leaning unto our own understanding. 1. This admonition is given many times in the Bible (vs.7a; Romans 12:16b). 2. We must avoid leaning unto our own understanding because: a. man's ways result in death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) b. what seems right to us may not please God (Proverbs 16:2; 21:2) c. trusting in our own hearts is foolish (Proverbs 28:26). 3. Two Bible characters who leaned unto their own understanding: a. Saul (1 Samuel 13, 15) b. Naaman (2 Kings 5). B. In order for God to direct our paths we must comply with 2 positive conditions. 1. Solomon said: a. "trust in the Lord with all thine heart" (vs.5a) b. "in all thy ways acknowledge Him" (vs.6a). 2. When we make any plans, make any decisions, or attempt to do anything, we must depend upon God. 3. Seeking counsel from God includes: a. searching the Scriptures for instruction b. talking to God through prayer. 4. Two Bible characters whose paths were directed by God: a. Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10) b. Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27). C. As we examine the things that Solomon wrote about life and godliness, we see that they are actually conditions for having God direct our paths.
Conclusion:
1. On our 2nd anniversary, let us appreciate God's blessings over the last 2 years. 2. As we begin our 3rd year, let us follow Solomon's words of wisdom so God will direct our paths.
