Most people look at the purpose of alcohol is to get drunk.
Drunkenness is a sin and Eph 5:18 Drunkenness leads to more sin.
If you are under 21 by the law of our land you cannot drink and Christians are called to obey the law that is set up, unless it tells us to disobey Jesus.
The sermon on gluttony I did two weeks ago can serve as sort of a introduction
What are the positive things that God’s Word says about alcohol?
-Used as an illustration of blessings- Pro 3:10, Psalm 4:7, Eccl 9:7
-There are some medicinal benefits Quotes from Medical news 1 Timothy 5:23
-Pleasure- Like food alcohol is for our enjoyment as well Psalm 104:15, Deut 14:22-26
John Calvin says that "it is lawful to use wine not only in cases of necessity, but also thereby to make us merry,
-Celebration – John 2:10-11 Wedding feast If it was wrong to drink wine and celebrate with it Jesus would not have performed that miracle. The word bridal
Bless others with it: Provebs 31:6-7
-Drinking of alcohol is not sin Matt 11:19 Jesus drank
Historically there are three main views
The youngest view
#1 Prohibition- Culmination in America in 1913 with the prohibition act.
I can see the reasoning and I think that the intent is not evil it is just not biblical to take away liberties of a person and in some cases make the Bible say things it does not.
This view takes the dangers of alcohol and says that because of these we should get rid of it.
The dangers
Pro 20:1-causes fights
21:17- lead you astray
23:20 – mix issue
23:21 poverty
26:9 dangerous
23:30-35 The cycle of alcohol abuse
Some say this is historical Christianity, no. Calvin payment as a Pastor was 7 barrels of wine a year in order to have something to serve his house guests, pilgrims brought 7,500 gallons of alcohol over with them and one of the first buildings they built was a brewery
Increase Mather a puritian ministrer in early 1700’s and president of Harvard, expressed the common view in a sermon against drunkenness: "Drink is in itself a good creation of God, and to be received with thankfulness, but the abuse of drink is from Satan; the wine is from God, but the drunkard is from the Devil."[
Martin Luther the Reformer quote "[W]e must not ... reject [or] condemn anything because it is abused.... [W]ine and women bring many a man to misery and make a fool of him so [we would need to] kill all the women and pour out all the wine
Should we ban the internet, books, movies phones etc. no as Christians we redeem (take them back) them and use them for good and for God.
Jesus came into culture and did not sin but was among culture
GOSPEL
Bottom line is it’s the person heart.
No matter what good thing there is some freak will try to abuse it
The trap prohibitionists fall into is legalism and not being true to the text, prohibitionist teach that anytime wine is used in a positive in the bible it is non-alcoholic and anytime it is used as a negative it is alcoholic.
#2 Abstention - would say there is nothing sinful about alcohol but I choose to abstain, that is a sound position to take but one must be careful not to impose your preference or conviction on another Christian.
Preferences, convictions and absolutes.
I can’t stand before you and teach that you should abstain. But I can as a Pastor warn you that maybe because of your lack of self control you should abstain, But I would suggest that the discipline of self control should be worked on because there are many things in life that can cause you to sin that cannot abstain from such as food,
The trap self righteousness and legalism
Moderation- This view is I believe the most biblical because it takes into consideration that alcohol is a good gift of God and can be rightly used. And also realizes the dangers of alcohol.
Moderation or self-control in all of one's behavior, not abstinence, is the biblical norm
Trap is self control, you can’t be a moderationist if you lack self control in this area.
How do you know you are heading down the wrong road toward drunkenness?
-You can’t have fun w/o a drink.
-You need a drink to get to sleep
-You focus too much on having a drink
-What you drink become your identity
-Drinking becomes an escape
In taking the Moderations viewpoint are there times that you should not drink.
-Work Proverbs 31:4 also Lev 10:9
-Around weaker Christians Romans 14:20-21
1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Proverbs: The Fool "I Pity the Fool"
In Jan 1983 the A-Team aired with Mr.T and shortly there after he coined the phrase “I Pity the Fool”
Mr. T a professed believer in Jesus Christ had a show that aired in 2007 called “I pity the fool” and he said “Having pity on the fool is showing them mercy” As a Christian he feels that he can help the fool to not be foolish.
Tonight from the book of Proverbs we want to look at what the Bible says about the fool and learn how we can avoid these behaviors and possible show mercy to them.
Fool- A life that does not bear fruit
The Old Testament has 5 different Hebrew words for fool which give us 5 different types or characteristics of fools.
1. Kesil- Know it all fat head thick skull, can’t get through to him, stubborn and thick headed Pro. 1:22 , 12:15,
The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still 'tis nonsense. B. Franklin.
14:16, 15:5, 17:10, 23:9
Ap. Be a lifelong learner
2. Peti- wide eyed youth naïve Pro. 9:13, 13:20, 17:24
Ap. Don’t believe everything you hear or read Paul was encouraged that those in Berea checked on his teaching.
3. Awil- Obvious known for his folly, pranks on the edge. Pro. 3:35, 10:1, 10:23, 12:16, 13:16, 15:2, 18:6, 18:7, 29:11
Ap. What are you known for?
4. Litz- Mocker scorner, tear down everything value in you Pro. 10:8, 10:10, 10:18, 14:1, 14:9, 18:2, 24:9 Plan sin
Ap. Don’t tear down and justify sin.
5. Nabal 1 Samuel 25 fool is the atheist Psalm 14:1 and 53:1 Fool says there is no God. Pro. 1:7, 19:3, 28:26, 30:32
GOSPEL
Ap. Who do you say that Jesus is?
-So how do we deal with the fools in our lives?
Proverbs 26
1. Vrs 4-5 Answer them carefully
2. Vrs 6 Be hesitant about trusting them. Don’t put to much responsibility in their hands
Why? Vrs 11 HE will probably keep going in his foolishness.
What happens to the fool? Pro 19:29, 22:15, 26:3
26:10 There are consequences and God takes care of them.
Bottom line
We all make mistakes and we all sin but we are only truly fools if we don’t learn from them.
As Jim Fiebig said
You are not a fool just because you have done something foolish--only if the folly of it escapes you.
Mr. T a professed believer in Jesus Christ had a show that aired in 2007 called “I pity the fool” and he said “Having pity on the fool is showing them mercy” As a Christian he feels that he can help the fool to not be foolish.
Tonight from the book of Proverbs we want to look at what the Bible says about the fool and learn how we can avoid these behaviors and possible show mercy to them.
Fool- A life that does not bear fruit
The Old Testament has 5 different Hebrew words for fool which give us 5 different types or characteristics of fools.
1. Kesil- Know it all fat head thick skull, can’t get through to him, stubborn and thick headed Pro. 1:22 , 12:15,
The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still 'tis nonsense. B. Franklin.
14:16, 15:5, 17:10, 23:9
Ap. Be a lifelong learner
2. Peti- wide eyed youth naïve Pro. 9:13, 13:20, 17:24
Ap. Don’t believe everything you hear or read Paul was encouraged that those in Berea checked on his teaching.
3. Awil- Obvious known for his folly, pranks on the edge. Pro. 3:35, 10:1, 10:23, 12:16, 13:16, 15:2, 18:6, 18:7, 29:11
Ap. What are you known for?
4. Litz- Mocker scorner, tear down everything value in you Pro. 10:8, 10:10, 10:18, 14:1, 14:9, 18:2, 24:9 Plan sin
Ap. Don’t tear down and justify sin.
5. Nabal 1 Samuel 25 fool is the atheist Psalm 14:1 and 53:1 Fool says there is no God. Pro. 1:7, 19:3, 28:26, 30:32
GOSPEL
Ap. Who do you say that Jesus is?
-So how do we deal with the fools in our lives?
Proverbs 26
1. Vrs 4-5 Answer them carefully
2. Vrs 6 Be hesitant about trusting them. Don’t put to much responsibility in their hands
Why? Vrs 11 HE will probably keep going in his foolishness.
What happens to the fool? Pro 19:29, 22:15, 26:3
26:10 There are consequences and God takes care of them.
Bottom line
We all make mistakes and we all sin but we are only truly fools if we don’t learn from them.
As Jim Fiebig said
You are not a fool just because you have done something foolish--only if the folly of it escapes you.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Gluttony: "C is for Cookie"
Gluttony is an accepted sin and some would probably think it is crazy to even think that it is sin.
Gluttony is the over indulgence of food. It can also be the over indulgence in anything but tonight we are talking about food.
Conservative Christianity often makes a bigger issue about drinking alcohol and never really speaks about food. But obesity in America is 33% only 5.5% Alcoholism. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.
So I think it is beneficial to see what the Bible has to say about it.
Myth 1 Gluttons are overweight Matt 11:19 Jesus was accused of Gluttony
Cookie illustration
Myth 2 Eating is not spiritual
Starts in the garden Gen 2:16-17
Control issue- Our Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. The pendulum can swing either way. You can be an out of control eater or an over controlled eater both are forms of eating disorders.
Many times people rely on or can’t live without certain foods or beverages “I can’t start my day without coffee”
It is sin and drastic measures need to be taken. Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.
Take drastic measures to stop gluttony. Jesus echoes this in the sermon on the mount, cut off your hand or pluck out your eye.
Desiring food that is bad for you Proverbs 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Myth 3 There are certain foods Christians should not eat. Matt 15:15-20, Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:1-18
Why did God direct them to not eat certain things? Separation from other people, in some cases the food would make them sick, the law is a Tudor to show us we need Jesus.
Paul in Corinthians brings in the issue of conscience, with that being said if your conscience does not permit you to eat something, then don’t do it, but you can’t make that a rule for others. But be sensitive to the weaker Christians. If you have a friend that is struggling with their weight it would not be a good idea to invite them out to a fast food restaurant. Just as you would not want to invite a recovering alcoholic to bar.
Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
Mix issue, I don’t think this is saying don’t hang out or be around, I think the “mix” issue is don’t become part of. (making a cake, when you put the egg in a mix, it can never be taken out)
Myth 4 “Food is only for nutrition to keep us alive”
-For pleasure.
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8
-Food is to celebrate Feasts in the Bible. The word “Feast” is used roughly 170 times in the Bible.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Sometime feasts are out of hand and displeasing to the Lord Dan 5:1-6
There is a feast we look forward to, the wedding supper of the Lamb Rev 19 GOSPEL
If you struggle with gluttony what should you do?
-Don’t over eat.
Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
-Realize it is a stewardship issue. We are to take care of what God has given us, our body
-Physical exercise prophets little 1 Tim 4:7-8. When you work out you start to realize that eating too much or unhealthy foods is not worth it.
Make a plan
Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;
-Don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing
Romans 14:19-21
-Look for satisfaction in the Lord
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Gluttony is the over indulgence of food. It can also be the over indulgence in anything but tonight we are talking about food.
Conservative Christianity often makes a bigger issue about drinking alcohol and never really speaks about food. But obesity in America is 33% only 5.5% Alcoholism. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.
So I think it is beneficial to see what the Bible has to say about it.
Myth 1 Gluttons are overweight Matt 11:19 Jesus was accused of Gluttony
Cookie illustration
Myth 2 Eating is not spiritual
Starts in the garden Gen 2:16-17
Control issue- Our Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. The pendulum can swing either way. You can be an out of control eater or an over controlled eater both are forms of eating disorders.
Many times people rely on or can’t live without certain foods or beverages “I can’t start my day without coffee”
It is sin and drastic measures need to be taken. Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.
Take drastic measures to stop gluttony. Jesus echoes this in the sermon on the mount, cut off your hand or pluck out your eye.
Desiring food that is bad for you Proverbs 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Myth 3 There are certain foods Christians should not eat. Matt 15:15-20, Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:1-18
Why did God direct them to not eat certain things? Separation from other people, in some cases the food would make them sick, the law is a Tudor to show us we need Jesus.
Paul in Corinthians brings in the issue of conscience, with that being said if your conscience does not permit you to eat something, then don’t do it, but you can’t make that a rule for others. But be sensitive to the weaker Christians. If you have a friend that is struggling with their weight it would not be a good idea to invite them out to a fast food restaurant. Just as you would not want to invite a recovering alcoholic to bar.
Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
Mix issue, I don’t think this is saying don’t hang out or be around, I think the “mix” issue is don’t become part of. (making a cake, when you put the egg in a mix, it can never be taken out)
Myth 4 “Food is only for nutrition to keep us alive”
-For pleasure.
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8
-Food is to celebrate Feasts in the Bible. The word “Feast” is used roughly 170 times in the Bible.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Sometime feasts are out of hand and displeasing to the Lord Dan 5:1-6
There is a feast we look forward to, the wedding supper of the Lamb Rev 19 GOSPEL
If you struggle with gluttony what should you do?
-Don’t over eat.
Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
-Realize it is a stewardship issue. We are to take care of what God has given us, our body
-Physical exercise prophets little 1 Tim 4:7-8. When you work out you start to realize that eating too much or unhealthy foods is not worth it.
Make a plan
Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;
-Don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing
Romans 14:19-21
-Look for satisfaction in the Lord
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Sluggard: "As the Day is Long"
The sluggard test…and filter through 5 areas of life. School, Work, Relationships, Maintaining your life and Spiritual development.
Question 1 Proverbs 12:24
Are you self motivated or do people have to force you to do things?
-School
-Work-do you work the hard and efficient without being told?
If you have to tell a coworker what to do they probably are not the most effective in their field
-Relationships- Do people always have to tell you what is expected in the relationship?
-Maintaining life- Do you let things go, if no one comes to your door you don’t pay the bills
-Spiritual Development-Do you care about God and getting closer to Him
Do you want to make an impression on someone? Do something without being asked. Show that you are self motivated.
Question 2 Proverbs 13:4, 21:25
Are you a day dreamer?
-School-always thinking about being done
-Work-Always thinking about not working at that job
-Relationships-Dream about how everyone else needs to be better at their role in my life. Girls especially beware of the movies you watch
-Maintaining life- Dream about how you want a bigger house more money
-Spiritual Development-One day I am gonna do this and never do
Question 3 Proverbs 12:27, 19:24 & 26:15
Do you get the job done?
-School- do you wait till the last minute or beg for mercy from the teacher?
-Work- Not a good worker
-Relationships- don’t spend adequate time
-Maintaining life- Guys especially “what do we need a door knob on the bathroom door for”? Towell rack ill cut corners
-Spiritual Development- You make commitments that you don’t keep, church, prayer, bible reading
Question 4 Proverbs 22; & 26:13, 18:9
Do you do nothing, to your own detriment?
-School- Blow it off
-Work- Don’t care about the job you do
-Relationships- Don’t reach out to mend or put effort into it
-Maintaining life-House in tax sale
-Spiritual development – You don’t do anything Adam and Guys. Do nothing and that is what you amount to
Question 5 Proverbs 26:16
Do you think “ its not worth it”? Zane and rope illustration
-School- I don’t wanna learn this stuff
-Work- God has placed you there for a reason
-Relationships- HUGE we give up on people, do all you can to live at peace
-Maintaining life-
-Spiritual Development- Some say that God is a crutch or for faith is for the simple minded. It is worth it Pro 16:25
Good for nothing Proverbs 10:26, 26:14
The motivating factor…you are good for something because Jesus was willing to die for you.
So what do we do if we struggle with Laziness?
SOW
1. Practice Sabbath rest
2. Pro 6:6 Observe Ants. Facts about Ants
3. Pro 6:9 Wake up, Proverbs 19:15
If you SOW laziness you will reap… nothing and consequences of doing nothing
If you SOW productiveness you will reap from that work
Question 1 Proverbs 12:24
Are you self motivated or do people have to force you to do things?
-School
-Work-do you work the hard and efficient without being told?
If you have to tell a coworker what to do they probably are not the most effective in their field
-Relationships- Do people always have to tell you what is expected in the relationship?
-Maintaining life- Do you let things go, if no one comes to your door you don’t pay the bills
-Spiritual Development-Do you care about God and getting closer to Him
Do you want to make an impression on someone? Do something without being asked. Show that you are self motivated.
Question 2 Proverbs 13:4, 21:25
Are you a day dreamer?
-School-always thinking about being done
-Work-Always thinking about not working at that job
-Relationships-Dream about how everyone else needs to be better at their role in my life. Girls especially beware of the movies you watch
-Maintaining life- Dream about how you want a bigger house more money
-Spiritual Development-One day I am gonna do this and never do
Question 3 Proverbs 12:27, 19:24 & 26:15
Do you get the job done?
-School- do you wait till the last minute or beg for mercy from the teacher?
-Work- Not a good worker
-Relationships- don’t spend adequate time
-Maintaining life- Guys especially “what do we need a door knob on the bathroom door for”? Towell rack ill cut corners
-Spiritual Development- You make commitments that you don’t keep, church, prayer, bible reading
Question 4 Proverbs 22; & 26:13, 18:9
Do you do nothing, to your own detriment?
-School- Blow it off
-Work- Don’t care about the job you do
-Relationships- Don’t reach out to mend or put effort into it
-Maintaining life-House in tax sale
-Spiritual development – You don’t do anything Adam and Guys. Do nothing and that is what you amount to
Question 5 Proverbs 26:16
Do you think “ its not worth it”? Zane and rope illustration
-School- I don’t wanna learn this stuff
-Work- God has placed you there for a reason
-Relationships- HUGE we give up on people, do all you can to live at peace
-Maintaining life-
-Spiritual Development- Some say that God is a crutch or for faith is for the simple minded. It is worth it Pro 16:25
Good for nothing Proverbs 10:26, 26:14
The motivating factor…you are good for something because Jesus was willing to die for you.
So what do we do if we struggle with Laziness?
SOW
1. Practice Sabbath rest
2. Pro 6:6 Observe Ants. Facts about Ants
3. Pro 6:9 Wake up, Proverbs 19:15
If you SOW laziness you will reap… nothing and consequences of doing nothing
If you SOW productiveness you will reap from that work
Monday, July 20, 2009
Proverbs: Lying Tongue "Pants on Fire"
1810 Poem by William Blake
Deceiver, Dissembler. Your trousers are alight. From what polls or gallows shall they dangle in the night?
The concept Blake is teaching here is that if you are a liar eventually everyone will know, like pants on fire on a flag pole at night everyone can see it. It will not last Pro. 12:19
Jesus hates a “lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17 Why? Because He is truth and Satan native tongue is lies John 8:44
“A lie has no legs. It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are forced to tell others to back it up. Stretching the truth won't make it last any longer. Those that think it permissible to tell white lies soon grow colorblind”. Austin O'Malley
1. Why do we lie?
-Protect ourselves
- Embarrassed of the truth
- Consequences, we want to avoid consequences of the things we have did or said
If you are trying to protect yourself take heart to this verse Pro. 19:5+9
-Pride: we want to look good or promote ourselves
If you have pride issues take this verse to heart. Proverbs 30:8 Agur wrote this as a prayer against his own pride.
-Afraid to offend or hurt someone:
A manager was asked by his laziest employee for a recommendation for another job. The manager thought hard all night for something that would be honest without hurting the young man's chances. He finally wrote: "You will be lucky if you can get him to work for you."
I am not advocating being callous or harsh but look at the example of Jesus when he dealt with people. Two examples 1. Rich young ruler, Jesus knew his hang up, but He told him the truth because He knew the man would never trust Him if he was trusting his wealth. 2. The women who was brought out to be stoned, he had compassion but told her the truth.
If you have afraid to offend or hurt issues take heed to this passage Pro.27:6
-Becomes something we cannot control
From the French Enlightenment essayist, Michel de Montaigne, based on a proverb traced to the fourth century church father Jerome:
Lying is indeed an accursed vice. We have relations with one another only by speech. If we recognized the horror and gravity of an untruth, we should more justifiably punish it than any other crime. I commonly find people taking the most ill-advised pains to correct their children for their harmless faults, and worrying them about heedless acts which leave no trace and have no consequences. Lying, in my opinion, we should consistently oppose. They grow with a child's growth, and once the tongue has got the knack of lying, it is difficult to imagine how impossible it is to correct it.
2. Identifying a liar
-There always seems to be a reason to question them Pro. 17:20 You can’t trust them
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful” . Augustine.
“What upsets me is not that you lied to me, but that from now on I can no longer believe you”. Friedrich Nietzsche
-They are always looking for dishonest and shady ways to make money or get a head in life. Pro. 21:6
-Manipulate you with flattering words, Books about communication skills are many times about manipulation skills Pro. 6:24,
Unfortunately this has become things taught in leadership and church leadership books. I am not condemning all of this I am just saying be careful that the advice you follow is not encouraging you to be deceptive in any way.
Some of you may remember what Bill Clinton said when on trial questioned about inappropriate relationships with an intern “it depends what the meaning of the word “is” is”. Manipulation and trying to say based on my vocabulary I did not lie.
A store manager heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manager drew the clerk aside. "Never," he snarled, "Never, never, never say we're out of anything--say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now, what was it she wanted?" "Rain," said the clerk
3. What we are communicating when we lie
-False information Proverbs 14:5 Communicate truth GOSPEL
-Hatred Pro. 26:28 You don’t love the person enough to be truthful with them. That is why in dating a marital relationships when the trust is broken love is not communicated.
-You will take bad advice, you are not credible or discerning Pro. 17:4
4. Overcoming lies
I don’t believe that there is a 3 or 5 step plan for not lying.
The Bible is plain and simple “speak the truth in love” and ask Jesus everyday to help you do it. Not half the truth, not only the part that will not offend. The truth, one of Jesus’ favorite sayings is “I tell you the truth”
Conclusion Pro. 18:21 Love the truth
Deceiver, Dissembler. Your trousers are alight. From what polls or gallows shall they dangle in the night?
The concept Blake is teaching here is that if you are a liar eventually everyone will know, like pants on fire on a flag pole at night everyone can see it. It will not last Pro. 12:19
Jesus hates a “lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17 Why? Because He is truth and Satan native tongue is lies John 8:44
“A lie has no legs. It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are forced to tell others to back it up. Stretching the truth won't make it last any longer. Those that think it permissible to tell white lies soon grow colorblind”. Austin O'Malley
1. Why do we lie?
-Protect ourselves
- Embarrassed of the truth
- Consequences, we want to avoid consequences of the things we have did or said
If you are trying to protect yourself take heart to this verse Pro. 19:5+9
-Pride: we want to look good or promote ourselves
If you have pride issues take this verse to heart. Proverbs 30:8 Agur wrote this as a prayer against his own pride.
-Afraid to offend or hurt someone:
A manager was asked by his laziest employee for a recommendation for another job. The manager thought hard all night for something that would be honest without hurting the young man's chances. He finally wrote: "You will be lucky if you can get him to work for you."
I am not advocating being callous or harsh but look at the example of Jesus when he dealt with people. Two examples 1. Rich young ruler, Jesus knew his hang up, but He told him the truth because He knew the man would never trust Him if he was trusting his wealth. 2. The women who was brought out to be stoned, he had compassion but told her the truth.
If you have afraid to offend or hurt issues take heed to this passage Pro.27:6
-Becomes something we cannot control
From the French Enlightenment essayist, Michel de Montaigne, based on a proverb traced to the fourth century church father Jerome:
Lying is indeed an accursed vice. We have relations with one another only by speech. If we recognized the horror and gravity of an untruth, we should more justifiably punish it than any other crime. I commonly find people taking the most ill-advised pains to correct their children for their harmless faults, and worrying them about heedless acts which leave no trace and have no consequences. Lying, in my opinion, we should consistently oppose. They grow with a child's growth, and once the tongue has got the knack of lying, it is difficult to imagine how impossible it is to correct it.
2. Identifying a liar
-There always seems to be a reason to question them Pro. 17:20 You can’t trust them
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful” . Augustine.
“What upsets me is not that you lied to me, but that from now on I can no longer believe you”. Friedrich Nietzsche
-They are always looking for dishonest and shady ways to make money or get a head in life. Pro. 21:6
-Manipulate you with flattering words, Books about communication skills are many times about manipulation skills Pro. 6:24,
Unfortunately this has become things taught in leadership and church leadership books. I am not condemning all of this I am just saying be careful that the advice you follow is not encouraging you to be deceptive in any way.
Some of you may remember what Bill Clinton said when on trial questioned about inappropriate relationships with an intern “it depends what the meaning of the word “is” is”. Manipulation and trying to say based on my vocabulary I did not lie.
A store manager heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manager drew the clerk aside. "Never," he snarled, "Never, never, never say we're out of anything--say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now, what was it she wanted?" "Rain," said the clerk
3. What we are communicating when we lie
-False information Proverbs 14:5 Communicate truth GOSPEL
-Hatred Pro. 26:28 You don’t love the person enough to be truthful with them. That is why in dating a marital relationships when the trust is broken love is not communicated.
-You will take bad advice, you are not credible or discerning Pro. 17:4
4. Overcoming lies
I don’t believe that there is a 3 or 5 step plan for not lying.
The Bible is plain and simple “speak the truth in love” and ask Jesus everyday to help you do it. Not half the truth, not only the part that will not offend. The truth, one of Jesus’ favorite sayings is “I tell you the truth”
Conclusion Pro. 18:21 Love the truth
Monday, July 13, 2009
Proverbs: Gossip "Open Mouth Insert Foot"
-Intro for the 5
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Proverbs: Wisdom "Oh A Wise Guy"
Topical through Proverbs: Some intro of the book of Proverbs
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
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