Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Eph 5:18, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is a waste of life, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.— Amen.

The Book of Proverbs Chapter 4

I. Introduction We have three sections / messages, the 8th, 9th, and 10th sermons of Chapters 1-9.

The 1 st section expands the admonitions of Prov 1:1-7; 2:1-4; 3:1, 13, 21, reminding us of the importance of Bible Doctrine in our souls, (repeat, repeat, repeat).

The 2 nd section tells us to stay away from the wicked individual, once again contrasting the ways of the upright and the wicked.

The third section tells us to keep watch over the Bible Doctrine in our soul which guides us in life, that is, encouraging watchful self-control.

II. Section 1, Vs The teacher identifies with the present struggles in his son’s life and reinforces the paternal dignity of his words. Cf. Heb 2:18

Here “Wisdom” gives life, 4:4; protection, 4:6; and honor, 4:8-9. It is valid because of its enduring quality, and valuable because of the honor it brings.

Prov 4:1, The parent(s), not the school teacher, pastor or government official, has the most profound responsibility and opportunity to lead a young man in the right way.

Prov 4:2, Solomon has given his son the highest and best thing in the universe, God’s Word, and exhorts him to not abandon it.

Prov 4:3, The aged are wiser than the young because they have had more experience at life. And God’s word is the oldest of all.

“Tender”, RAK - his body and character were weak and sensitive because they were undeveloped and inexperienced, cf. Gen 33:13; 2 Sam 3:39; 1 Chr 22:5; 29:1, and easily shaped.

Prov 4:4, Similar to Prov 3:2, 16, 22, those who hold on to the Doctrine taught to them will live.

This illustrates how wisdom is an inheritance that may be passed from generation to generation. It can preserve a whole family line through the passing of years.

Prov 4:5, The language of a dowry that this type of Christ, (i.e., wisdom), demands, that is nothing less than your whole heart.

Loving “wisdom” is not primarily emotional, but describes the obedience to God’s Word that rises out of Personal Love for God the Father.

Prov 4:6, Having a love for God’s Word will carry you through your entire life.

It ensures protection, since it encourages personal reflection, Prov 4:23-27, and prudence that guards your daily walk in Christ. cf. Prov 14:16; 16:17; 22:3, 5; 27:12.

Prov 4:7, “Acquire” – QANAH, to buy, purchase, acquire, posses. Cf. Prov 23:23; Rev 3:18; Isa 55:1; Mat 13:44.

Rev 3:18, “I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich.”

Mat 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Prov 4:8, Wisdom benefits those who demonstrate that they understand its value.

Living wisely by obeying wisdom’s precepts and instructions, you will find the success that tends to accompany her; e.g., diligence, prudence, honesty and generosity.

Prov 4:9, This “crown” - ATARAH, signifies the victor’s crown of power and life, that comes from wisdom in your soul.

Grace Fellowship Church Tuesday, January 22, 2013 Tape # Proverbs Chapter 4 Introduction and the Importance of God’s Word in Your Soul Prov 4:1-9; Mat 13:44; Rev 3:19 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2013