PROVERBS- A MEDLEY OF GOOD ADVICE (1)
November 14, 2004 PM
Sermon Outline
PROV 1:5,6
INTRO: As I have read and studied the book of Proverbs over the past few weeks, I have sought for themes to present in this series of sermons. But I also realized that it might be useful to highlight some of the seemingly isolated bits of wisdom. Some of these little bits of advice and wisdom are so important and are easy to remember. In fact, some of us may already be familiar with some of them. The challenge, however, is to put what we know into practice in the daily activity of our lives. So, lets look at some of these passages which can help us with real life.
1. Give praise and honor now - 3:27
a. I recognize that the text may be directed more toward benevolence
b. certainly, the next verse (v. 28) would confirm that
c. but there is another direction which is suggested by this little verse
d. people who are due our honor, respect, praise, good should have it now
e. withholding such robs that person of a blessing of great value
f. but why would we withhold such? do we feel that praising another diminishes us in some way? could envy keep us from recognizing praiseworthiness?
2. Learn to be a liberal person - 11:24
a. this little verse sets out a very important spiritual principle
b. using our material blessings to bless others will make us wealthy
c. holding on to our material blessings will make us poor
d. liberal people lay up treasure in heaven ... and receive the incalculable joy of joy and gratitude in this life
e. note 1 Tim 6:18,19 with 2 Cor 9:9-14
f. taking the risk of liberality may seem a bit daunting at first ... but the blessings of liberality will quickly remove the risk of it!
3. The great value of encouragement - 12:25
a. there is no doubt that there are many hearts that stoop
b. Heb 12:12 refers to hands which hang down, and the feeble knees
c. the causes of heaviness in the heart of man are many ... and too frequent
d. so we live in a world of hurting, disappointed, burdened people - people for whom there are few, if any, encouragers
e. there is such a vital role, then, for encouragers - people with a good word
f. if you want people to be glad to see you coming, be an encourager - a spoken word, a note, a pat on the back, a sincere hug ... make hearts glad!
4. Promote genuine love in your home - 15:17
a. are all affluent homes/relationships happy? far from it
b. but I have given you everything you ever wanted - classic words
c. fact: things (a stalled ox) can never replace genuine love
d. still, the emphasis of our time is on the providing an abundance of things - too often in the belief that enough things can insure happiness
e. in the midst of the affluence there is so often strife, conflict ... because it takes much more than things to make a house a home ... and right here in our town this is real life for so many people
f. step back ... look at your marriage, your home - is love there? or is it just toleration?
5. Do nothing to tarnish your good name - 22:1
a. your name and your reputation travel together
b. and it takes so little to tarnish, injure your good name
c. your reputation is one of the most valuable assets you have ... this truth is played out over and again in real life
d. if you have a reputation for:
1. paying your bills on time
2. telling the truth
3. working hard and smart
4. high moral values
5. dependability ...
e. ... your road through life will probably be pleasant and easier
f. throughout your life when people hear your name, what will be their first thought?
CLOSE: Each of these little bits of inspired advice is so very useful. Each of them, put into practice, will enrich both our own lives and the lives of those whose lives are entwined with ours.
Cecil A. Hutson
14 November 2004