Proverbs 4:10-19 is simple. It’s about choosing the right way. ‘The way’ is a motif throughout Proverbs. Two women are used to illustrate the way of the righteous or the way of the wicked.
Proverbs 3:13-18 is about something more precious and priceless than anything. It’s not something we grab out of a burning home, but the wisdom in understanding what wisdom is. The parallel is that when we find wisdom, we gain understanding.
Do you want wisdom? If so, there is a path to get it, but it’s not what you think. Wisdom is the deliberate pursuit of something whose origin is God; it is manifold and multifaceted. We must have a deep reliance on the Father.
Wisdom can be used for good or evil, depending on the context. Proverbs invites us to use Godly wisdom for good. When wisdom is used for good, it is righteousness which is serving the community according to the Word of God.
Proverbs is not a random or disorganized collection. Dr. Bruce Waltke argues that Proverbs is divided into seven collections. These divisions help us organize our thoughts and look at the book of Proverbs with a clear mind.
Have you heard the joke that maybe Solomon dropped his dissertation on his way to have it bound? Perhaps that’s why his Proverbs can seem so disorganized…but that isn’t the case at all.
The best investment any one of us can make is the one many of us struggle to prioritize. If you’ve struggled to spend time in the Word lately, this message is for you. In this sermon, originally recorded at Mood Bible Institute’s Founder’s Week in 2019 at the Moody Church in Chicago, IL, Michael teaches through 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and demonstrates that scripture—all scripture—is profitable in a person’s life in every way.
What’s the “therefore” there for in Hebrews 12:1? This is a unique “therefore,” occurring only one other time in the New Testament. It’s, perhaps, a “therefore” of exasperation. The Hebrews Hall of Faith is not just some boring list of old names that are dead and turning into dust in some grave—they’re evidence.
We have so many men and women of faith who have gone before us, who believed in something they didn’t see and are now witnesses. Therefore: look back. Consider the evidence. Lay aside every encumbrance. Consider Him who endured the greatest hostility against Himself by sinners so that you and I will not grow weary and lose heart.
What if God’s Grace makes you angry?
What if God, by the demonstration of His kindness and mercy, shows someone grace that you or I think are not deserving? How do we respond to that?
How do we ask for God’s grace for people we hate? That’s at the crux of Jonah’s complaint. Michael teaches through the book of Jonah.