Proverbs
The Beginning of Wisdom
10. Selection Sunday (Proverbs 9)
September 5, 2021 • Dave Ross • Proverbs 9
Selection Sunday arrives every March, and sports fans eagerly fill out their college basketball brackets to try to pick the winners. In the history of what has become known as March Madness, no one has ever selected every winner of every NCAA tournament game. This Sunday, our destination is Proverbs 9, which provides our own Selection Sunday. We see selections to accept an invitation to competing feasts, and invitations are extended to both. Which bracket will you choose? One invitation is to folly. The other invitation is to wisdom. Easy selection? Which invitation does our deceitful heart wish to accept? Which does the world that surrounds us urge us to grasp? May the fear and admonition of the Lord, through His grace and mercy, empower our welcoming of the invitation to wisdom. That invitation leads us to Christ and his wisdom, and a banquet that is beautiful and eternal. In preparation for our service this Sunday morning, outdoors at 8:30 am, read Proverbs 9. Invite neighbors, friends and family to come to OBC with you so they may also hear the Word of the Lord and the invitation to wisdom and Christ’s banquet. And pray for your OBC family and our time together. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 9 1. Look at how Proverbs 9 is organized with two contrasting feasts and hostesses. Wisdom offers invitations to her feast (vv. 1-6), and Folly offers hers (vv. 13-18). What is central to this text, and why is that significant (vv. 7-12)? 2. Compare and contrast Wisdom (vv. 1-6) and Folly (vv. 13-18). What is similar and dissimilar? a. What is laid out for the guests? How is this different between feasts? b. What does each feast ultimately provide? c. Notice how the same group (the simple) are receiving both invitations. What does this reveal? d. What is noteworthy between the two invitations (vv. 4-6, 16-18)? e. How is this invitation communicated? What strategies are employed? 3. How does the center of this chapter (vv. 7-12) instruct us? What is the end of the scoffer and the wise? 4. Do you reprove/correct/instruct others? If so, how do you see this played out? (vv. 7-9) 5. How can one who is simple or a scoffer come to the fear of the LORD and knowledge of the Holy? How should we understand this in light of the gospel? 6. Consider the world’s macabre feast, and the feast that Christ offers us as He invites us to eat and drink of Himself. How should we respond?
8. A Simpleton, A Seductress, and a Ship of Fools (Proverbs 6:20-7:27)
August 22, 2021 • Rod Fillinger • Proverbs 6:20–35, Proverbs 7
1967 – The Summer of Love. The Beatles sang “All You Need is Love,” while the Mamas and the Papas sang their international hit “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair).” The Summer of Love was a time when “free sex,” drugs, and lots of rock ’n’ roll — the more mind-bending and psychedelic the better — fueled an idealistic Utopian vision for world peace, love, and anti-materialism. It was a time when Harvard University professor-turned-LSD-guru Timothy Leary urged disaffected young people to question authority, reject straight society and “turn on, tune in and drop out.” It has blossomed in the first quarter of the 21st century into the cult of the modern self. Your identity is what you determine it to be. Gender is fluid. Sex is no longer confined to an intimate marriage relationship between a (biological) man and a (biological) woman. Authority is rejected as authoritarianism. Restraint and self-control are repression and oppression. As we have emphasized throughout our summer series from Proverbs 1–9, wisdom from God in his Word is not just a theory. Our Bible text this week, Proverbs 6:20–7:27, continues the theme of embracing the Word of God as the way of wisdom and life, while rejection of his authority is sin and folly and leads to death and destruction. This week we will look at another warning given to avoid sexual sin. This warning is illustrated through a parable that dramatically illustrates for us the folly of sexual immorality. We need this wisdom; we need the one who is wisdom to not be deceived by peer pressure or the culture around us. By the mercy of Christ, we can avoid being simpletons seduced by the culture or those around us to yield to the seductress. In Christ we can live a brighter, more loving, more fruitful life to the glory of God. In Christ alone, Pastor Rod ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 6:20-7:27 1. List, compare, and contrast the qualities or characteristics of the two women in chapters 6 and 7, Wisdom and the Seductress. 2. How does the teaching of Proverbs about sexual purity and marriage compare with the teachings of Paul (1 Cor. 7) and Jesus (Matt. 5:27–30)? 3. What is the role of the family in sex education? How should parents go about teaching their children about sex (see 5:1; 6:20; 7:1)? 4. How can Wisdom protect you from sexual immorality? 5. Why is Wisdom more important than a husband or wife? 6. Contrast the way in which the Bible speaks about human sexuality with the way in which sexual matters are portrayed in worldly media. 7. How does knowing you have a place in the final marriage supper of the lamb (Revelation 19:6–10) empower you to say no to sexual temptation today? Questions for Self-Examination: 8. Is what you are doing with respect to sexual thoughts and actions simply wrong? Do you sexualize or lust after people you know are forbidden? 9. Are you captivated by sex? Are you driven by it, obsessing about it? Do you find yourself acting impulsively or compulsively with respect to sex? 10. Do you hide what you are doing? Have you created a secret garden of sexual sin? Do you use sex as a refuge from boredom, stress, loneliness, or pain? 11. If you are tempted or ensnared, how will you bring these things to light? What brother in Christ (if you are a man) or sister in Christ (if you are a woman) can you confess your sin and seek their prayer and counsel?
7. Bugs, Bad Decisions, and a Rebel's Reward (Proverbs 6:1-19)
August 15, 2021 • Jared Bridges • Proverbs 6:1–19
Wisdom isn't just a theory. At some point the rubber needs to meet the road. Our Bible text this week, Proverbs 6:1-19, gives us three lessons of how wisdom -- or lack thereof -- plays out in real life. We'll look at three people: a person who makes bad decisions, a person driven by sloth, and a person for whom evil swirls around. Is there any hope for a lack of wisdom? Don't even think about sleeping in this Sunday! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 6:1-19 1. How would you summarize Proverbs 6:1-19? What are main themes of Solomon’s instruction? 2. Consider vv. 1-5. What is Solomon warning his son away from? 3. What does financial wisdom look like in light of the ant? How do you teach your children to have a good work ethic and financial wisdom? What did your parents teach you? 4. How might Solomon’s instruction shape one’s work ethic and financial relationships? 5. What differences and parallels do you see between the sluggard (vv. 9-11) and the wicked man (vv. 12-15)? 6. What should we learn from the hatred of the Lord? How ought these warnings shape our actions and our associations? 7. There are many snares in life (vv. 1-19). What does it look like to guard our way while still loving our neighbor? 8. How should we relate to the sluggard and the wicked (vv. 9-19)? 9. How does the gospel meet those who have been hurt by these snares?
6. Guard Your Way (Proverbs 5)
August 8, 2021 • Ben Purves • Proverbs 5
We live in a hyper-sexualized world that unknowingly revels in its self-destruction. As we consider the dangers of our time, how might parents teach their children to guard their paths and find joy in marriage? This Sunday as we continue in our Proverbs series, we will consider how Solomon instructed his son to guard his path. There are countless ways we can go astray, yet there is one path of life. We have a great need for the gospel in our marriages, and for God’s Word to shepherd our hearts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 5 1. Consider Solomon’s first word of instruction to his son (vv. 1-6). What must he keep and guard with his lips, and how does this contrast with the forbidden/foreign woman’s lips? (vv. 1-2) 2. What do verses 3-4 teach us about the nature of temptation? Where else do we see this pattern in Scripture? 3. Do you want to go with the forbidden woman? Why not? Why would someone still go with her after hearing Solomon’s teaching? 4. Consider Solomon’s second word of instruction (vv. 7-14). Why is distance so important (vv. 7-8)? How do we apply these teachings today in 2021? 5. How does Solomon describe the consequences of adultery (vv. 9-14)? What does this mean under the Law of Moses (Lev 20:10)? 6. What are the implications for kings and the nation (Deut 17:17; 2 Sam 7:12-15; Prov 31:3; 2 Sam 12:10, Neh 13:26)? 7. What happens to Solomon and the nation because of his sin (1 Kings 11:1-13, 14, 23)? 8. Consider Solomon’s teaching on marital faithfulness (vv. 15-23), and read Solomon’s psalms (Ps 127-128). How would you describe the joy and blessing of covenant faithfulness? 9. How does faithful covenant keeping in marriage reflect the beauty of the gospel and glorify God? 10. How should the reality that all of life is Coram Deo (before the face of God) impact the way we walk? (v. 21) 11. How does the New Covenant and the gospel speak to those who are guilty of sexual sin? (1 Cor 5:1-13; 6:9-20; 2 Cor 2:5-11) 12. What might parents learn from Solomon’s instruction in how to disciple and instruct their children?
5. Inside Insight (Proverbs 4)
August 1, 2021 • Jeff Dionise • Proverbs 4
So, you are on the road of wisdom… Now what? This Sunday we will examine how King Solomon’s repeated appeals to his son to “pay attention” do not stop after his advice to “find the path of wisdom” is received. The emphasis in chapter 4 changes from “find” the path, to “Stay on” the path. What is the difference between knowledge, wisdom, and sight? Do they mean the same thing? Do you need one before you can get the other? Our text this week will shine a light on how these things can work together in our lives to keep us going straight on the path of life, avoiding the detours that lead away from the light and into the darkness. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 4 1. Do you see the three sections of instruction in Proverbs 4 (vv. 1-9, 10-19, 20-27)? How would you summarize these words of instruction? 2. What does Solomon teach about how his father David instructed him? (vv. 3-9) How might this instruct us for how we disciple our children? 3. How have these things (vv. 3-9) come to pass in Solomon’s life? How do these things not come to pass in Rehoboam’s life? 4. In looking at the second instruction (vv. 10-19), how would you compare and contrast the path of the righteous vs the way of the wicked? 5. What does it look like to teach and to lead your children in the path of righteousness? 6. In considering the third instruction (vv. 20-27), notice how Solomon speaks holistically about the ears, heart, mouth, eyes, and feet. Why speak in these different ways? 7. What is distinct and unique about the heart? 8. How does Jesus speak of the path that leads to life? (Matthew 7:13-14). 9. What gospel realities do you see in Proverbs 4?
4. The Disciplined Life (Proverbs 3)
July 25, 2021 • David Schrock • Proverbs 3
The prosperity gospel says that if you have enough faith, if you do what God says, if you follow his plans, he will bless you with earthly, material health and wealth. And when we read Proverbs 3:1–10, it sounds that such thinking is true. For instance, vv. 9–10 say, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. That sure sounds like a biblical promise that if you honor the Lord, he will honor you and overflow your barns. And that’s how many will preach such verses. But such a reading allegorizes the barns and vats into bank accounts and lifestyle comforts. It also fails to consider the context of Proverbs, reading the verses on their own. And it misses the way Proverbs 3 must be applied to Christ before it can be applied to us. With those thoughts in mind, we can begin to see why Proverbs 3 does not support the prosperity gospel. Instead, as we will see on Sunday, these opening verses lead us to consider if we have ever PERFECTLY honored the Lord with our lives. And if not, then how can we expect any good thing? Indeed, wisdom literature does not just give us tips to receiving the blessed life; it recalls to mind our need for the salvation and sanctification. Thankfully, when we read Proverbs 3 in context and in a way that brings us to Christ, we can see how these verses present the path of life, what to do when we leave that path, and how to walk in humility and grace when God redeems us and puts back on the path of life. That’s what we will see Sunday. And to prepare your heart for Sunday, take time to read Proverbs 3. Pray that God would give us wisdom to read his Word, wisdom to apply his Word, and wisdom to walk on the path of life that is found in Christ. As the Lord directs our steps, I look forward to seeing you and worshiping our Lord with you. May God be praised in our gathering. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 3 1. When you come to poetry like Proverbs 3, how do you begin to organize it? Why does understanding it depend on seeing its order? 2. What is the organization of Proverbs 3? How do you see it? 3. When you realize that you have not qualified to receive God’s blessings, how do you avoid despair? 4. What is offered in Proverbs 3:1–10 and how do we receive it? 5. In the Proverbs, what shape does wisdom take? 6. Why do we need so much correction? How you receive correction? 7. What can you do to grow in wisdom via correction? 8. What is the relationship between wisdom and Christ, who is full of wisdom and understanding? 9. What do you learn after you have been corrected? 10. Why is humility so important for the Christian life? Why is it so attractive? Christlike? 11. In all the truth presented in Proverbs 3, what do you need to apply most?
3. A Secure House Needs a Good Foundation (Proverbs 2)
July 18, 2021 • David Schrock • Proverbs 2
What will keep you from shipwrecking your life? As blunt and discomforting as that question may be, it is better to know the pitfalls of life and how to stay on the path of wisdom, righteousness, and life. Ignoring life’s dangers, especially the threat of divine judgment, is a path to unspeakable sorrow and eternal loss. Therefore, the wise will listen to words that promise life and protection from ruin. To the end of seeking eternal life, this Sunday we will learn how God’s Wisdom protects us from malicious men and wicked women here and now. At the same time, Proverbs 2 will show us how to avoid becoming malicious enemies of God and inviting his eternal judgment. Indeed, lest we think that a little education and a lot of hardwork will make us good people and secure a place for us in heaven, Proverbs has a different perspective. And as we look at Proverbs 2 this Lord’s Day, we will learn that such life-giving wisdom is something we must seek and something God must give. For without such grace-empowered seeking, we will all make shipwreck of our lives. But thankfully, that path of death is not inevitable. Rather, in Christ, there is a way that leads to life. It is not hidden or mysterious. Rather, it is spoken plainly in Scripture, and this Sunday we will consider this truth. To prepare for Sunday, please take time to read Proverbs 2, as well as Job 28. Together, these two chapters teach where wisdom comes from and why true wisdom is only found in the Lord. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and to meditating of the wisdom of God, which he has given to us in his Word and in the Word made flesh. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 2 1. What role do we play in finding wisdom (vv. 1–5)? How are we called to search for Wisdom? 2. What role does God play in granting wisdom (vv. 6–11)? 3. What effect does seeking and finding wisdom have on our lives (vv. 12–19)? 4. Conversely, if we don’t find wisdom, what results will that have in our lives? 5. Why does the Father deliverance from men and women (vv. 12, 16)? What does that teach us about living wisely and walking in righteousness? 6. What is the ultimate result of applying this wisdom (vv. 20–22)? What if we don’t listen to this counsel? 7. Practically, how do you make sure you are walking in wisdom? What counselors are you listening to? 8. Do you let people challenge your actions / decisions? If not, why not? What happens to people who refuse godly counsel? 9. How do you make decisions in your lives? In what ways do you see elders and fellow church members as counselors? 10. Finally, what does Proverbs 2 have to say to the person who have made shipwreck of their life? Is there hope for him? How? Where?
2. This is the Way (Proverbs 1)
July 11, 2021 • David Schrock • Proverbs 1:8–33
A father’s wise correction and Lady Wisdom’s sobering invitation. We need both. And this Sunday we will see both. As we enter into the body of the Prologue of Proverbs, we will find two voices that repeat throughout the first nine chapters. The first voice is that of the father, who with his wife, are warning us to wake up and watch out for the tricksters and traps of this world. The other voice is that of Lady Wisdom, or wisdom personified. In Proverbs 1, we find her calling out in the city streets inviting the gullible to forsake their folly and to find life in Wisdom’s shelter. To walk wisely with Christ and to avoid the death traps of this world, we need to hear both voices and to follow their lead. This Sunday, we will do just that as we see the wisdom they offer for this and the next. Come join us at 8:30am and 11:00am, as our weather looks to take us inside. And in preparation please take time to read Proverbs 1, praying that God would give us wisdom. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 1:8-33 1. Three times in this passage, a “son” is addressed (vv. 8, 10, 15)? And in one verse (v. 8), a father and mother are identified, but later it is typically the father. How should we understand and apply these gender specific identifications? 2. Consider Solomon’s call for his son to listen (vv. 8-9). How is a child adorned by hearing and keeping the instruction and teaching of parents? 3. What does Solomon’s warning to his son (vv. 10-19) teach about the nature of greed and unjust gain? 4. How is this instruction different from the moralism of “don’t do that”? What are the “why’s” and “how’s” offered by the father? 5. In verses 20-33, Solomon presents a personification of Wisdom. What do we learn from this way of speaking? 6. What does Wisdom offer? What does Wisdom warn? 7. Why do some ignore Wisdom? How does Wisdom further the divide in humanity? 8. Consider verses 31-33 in light of Genesis 3 and Romans 1. What does it mean for one to “eat the fruit of one’s way”? 9. What gospel connections do you see in this passage? Consider also Matthew 7:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1–18.
1. Growing Up in the Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:1-7)
July 4, 2021 • David Schrock • Proverbs 1:1–7
Proverbs. It is a book that is both eminently familiar and overwhelmingly foreign. While individual verses come to mind, verses like, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding . . .” (Proverbs 3:5), I suspect most of us have not considered the book as a whole. What is the message of Proverbs? How should we read it? Is it just list of helpful tips for living? Or does it reveal to us the very wisdom of God? How should we study a book that holds so many disparate words of wisdom? And is it possible to preach the book verse-by-verse? On Sunday we will begin to answer some of these questions, as we enter a new sermon series. From now until Fall, we will spend the summer focusing on Proverbs 1–9. What is sometimes called the Prologue to the Proverbs, we will consider the wisdom that God has for us in these chapters. Tackling topics like sex, money, righteousness, relationships, parenting, and work, we will discover what God’s wisdom looks like and how we all can grow in wisdom. To prepare for Sunday, please read Proverbs 1 as well as our introductory blog post. Let us pray that God gives us wisdom and conforms us into the image of Christ through our study of Proverbs 1–9. Sunday, we will begin by looking at Proverbs 1:1–7. May the Lord teach us to fear him and to walk in his ways. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Proverbs 1:1-7 1. As you come to the book of Proverbs, what are your general impressions of the book? How have you read it? How has it informed your Christian life? 2. Who wrote the book of Proverbs? And why does that matter? 3. Who is Proverbs is for? How should we read it? 4. Who are the two audiences that we find in verses 1:3–6? And how does knowing those two audiences inform our reading? 5. What is the fear of the Lord? And how do we grow in the fear of the Lord? 6. How does this book apply to the original audience? To Christ? And to us? 7. How does knowing the various stages of interpretation help us resolve problems in the text? 8. After studying the first seven verses of the book, how might your approach change to the book of Proverbs? 9. What are you most excited about / interested in as we begin this new sermon series?