The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Knowledge

  • Peter Grows

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two” Lesson 6:

    “During the time Peter stayed with Simon a tanner, Peter was taking that time of rest and retreat where he prayed. Recognize that God was ready to teach Peter something he needed to learn. While Cornelius’ men were on the way to Simon’s house, where was Peter? ‘… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour‘ (Acts 10:9b). While Peter was praying, he became hungry, and fell into ‘a trance‘. Trance means “a sacred ecstasy or rapture of the mind beyond itself when the use of external senses are suspended and God reveals something in a peculiar manner.” Peculiar is exactly what we see. Read Acts 10:10-16 where Peter sees a sheet full of animals come down from heaven. God showed this to him three times, telling him to rise, kill, and eat. Nevertheless, Peter argued with God that the animals were unclean. However, God told him not to call common what God had cleansed. ‘Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate‘ (Acts 10:17). Peter had no idea what this meant, but while he ‘doubted in himself‘, men were at his door, asking for him. ‘19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them‘ (Acts 10:19-20). Sometimes one does not learn what God wants them to learn – at first.

    “See what Peter learned as he obeyed God’s instruction. What did he do? ‘Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?‘ (Acts 10:21). Read what they said to Peter. ‘And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee‘ (Acts 10:22). The men stayed with Peter, and the next morning went together to Caesarea – to see Cornelius. Read what Cornelius had done while he was waiting. ‘And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends‘ (Acts 10:24). Cornelius called is friends and family to his house. Not only would he hear the Gospel message that was promised to him, but his family and close friends would also hear and have opportunity to respond.

    “Peter was really a special man used by God, but take note of his heart as you read the following verses. ‘25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man‘ (Acts 10:25-26). Peter understood, and wanted these people to understand, that it was not Peter who was to be worshiped. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped (see Exodus 34:14).

    “Recognize what Peter learned from the vision God had showed him. ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean‘ (Acts 10:28). That is why Peter went to see Cornelius.

    “Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him (see Acts 10:30-33), ending with the following. ‘… Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God‘ (Acts 10:33b). All of the people present wanted to know what they must do to be saved.

    “Peter reiterated what he had said before, about God teaching him that Peter was not to call any man common or unclean. You can almost see the light bulb going off in his head, as he was beginning to understand what God was trying to teach him. ‘34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him‘ (Acts 10:34-35). Worketh means “figuratively, to do, commit, practice.” Righteousness means “that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; internal, where the heart is right with God, piety toward God, and hence righteousness, godliness, i.e.: faith acceptable to God.” Peter was recognizing that he was there to tell these people about Jesus. He then proceeded to preach Jesus (see Acts 10:36-42). Specifically read Peter’s final words in this testimony, as from one who was a witness to what Jesus had done. ‘To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins‘ (Acts 10:43). What did it take to be saved? To believe on the name of Jesus, where the heart can become right with God.”

    As Peter recognized that Jesus came to save anyone who would believe, by faith, in Him (see Romans 10:8-13), he grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    Do you continue to grow in your Christian life?

    Do you know one who needs to believe in Jesus by faith?

    How to be Saved

  • A Divided Kingdom

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

    Proverbs 12:15

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life” Year Two, Quarter One – Lesson 1:

    “… We must remember what God had told King Solomon before he died: because he had allowed his heart to be turned from God to idols, God would rend the kingdom away from his son – all but two tribes. His son would only be allowed to rule two tribes because of the promise God had made to David. “13b. … I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 15. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:13b, 15–16). Even before King Solomon died, he knew and understood that his son would only be allowed to rule over two tribes. God had already chosen Jeroboam to rule the other ten tribes (see 1 Kings 11:29–37).

    “When the people came together to make Rehoboam king, Jeroboam and all of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam. They wanted Rehoboam to lighten the burden that King Solomon had placed upon the people. If he would lighten that burden, the people would serve him. Rehoboam sought counsel; first from the old men who had advised King Solomon, and then with the young men he had grown up with — his friends. The old men’s counsel was to lighten the burden upon the people. The young men’s advice was to make the people’s burden much heavier. Read 1 Kings 12:3–19 for the complete events. Especially take not of 1 Kings 12:19: “Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying….” From that verse, we understand this was God’s plan — the people would revolt against Rehoboam, but we can also understand that is was because of the foolishness of Rehoboam’s decision. “So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day” (1 Kings 12:19).

    “It was at this time in history that the kingdom divided becoming two separate kingdoms — the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Rehoboam ruled over the Southern Kingdom, Judah (containing only two tribes) because that was the tribe from which Rehoboam, Solomon, and David came. Jeroboam ruled over the Northern Kingdom, Israel, which were the remaining ten tribes.

    “In the New Testament Jesus tells us, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24).

    “A Deeper Path: After learning of King Rehoboam, we can see that one of the foolish things he did that cost him the majority of his kingdom was taking the wrong counsel. He chose the counsel of his friends instead of the counsel from the older, wiser men who had counseled his father. Read some of the words his father had written before Rehoboam even became king — words Rehoboam had probably read, or at the very least, had heard:

    • “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Do you think Rehoboam would have lost most of his kingdom if he had taken the older men and the people’s counsel?
      • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).
      • “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Proverbs 19:20).
      • Do you remember what we learned in Psalm 1:1a? “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly …”

    “… We continue learning about King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 14:21-31. King Rehoboam began to reign when he was 41 years old, and he reigned 17 years in Jerusalem “… the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there …” (1 Kings 14:21). And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord. They continued worshiping idols and “… they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:24b). In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem and stole the treasures of the king’s house and all of the shields of gold that King Solomon had made. Another interesting thing to note: “And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days” (1 Kings 14:30). King Rehoboam died, and his son, Abijam, reigned in his stead. Abijam ruled Judah for three years. The next king was Abijam’s son, Asa (see 1 Kings 15:8).

    “A Deeper Path: See the fool Rehoboam became in disregarding his father’s teachings. Remember that we learned that much of the Proverbs was written from a father (King Solomon) as instruction to his son (Rehoboam). “7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck” (Proverbs 1:7-9).”

    Do you learn from history, recognizing the importance of seeking counsel from God’s Word?

  • To Live is Christ

    “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
    Philippians 1:21

    Paul wrote a letter to Philemon. Philemon was a Christian and a fellow laborer with Paul and Timothy. “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints” (Philemon 1:5). Philemon was a faithful Christian, and Paul acknowledged the love and faith revealed in his life. Paul prayed for him. “6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother” (Philemon 1:6-7). Paul specifically wrote Philemon of the importance not only telling of others of his faith in Christ, but he also encouraged him to live a life of faith. By living a life that pleased Christ, he was to understand that it encouraged other believers. This is important for Christians to recognize today, too.

    Previously, Paul had written words of encouragement to help the church at Philippi to live more Christ-like. These words are just as important for Christians, today. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Philippians 1:9). Christians are called to love fellow Believers. However, it is important to understand a few things. The following definitions will help understand what Paul was trying to help them understand.

    • Knowledge means “the knowledge which enables one to avoid error.”
    • Judgment means “knowledge based upon experience; to become cognizant of; experiential knowledge which is or becomes naturally manifold.”

    It is important to avoid error, and often times that comes from becoming aware of situations. He wanted them to know God’s Word and become Christ-like enough to be able to avoid certain things.

    In these things, Paul wanted them to continue growing as they had. Why? “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).

    • Approve means “to put to the proof, or examine by examining and judging; to distinguish.” 
    • Sincere means “to discern.”

    Paul wanted the Christians at Philippi to recognize the things that really mattered “things that are excellent.” By knowing them, they would be able to live more Christ-like, self-checking and discerning right from wrong, without failing. Because Paul loved them, he wanted to encourage and teach them. Each Christian is called to continue to grow in Christ.

    Paul understood that the people at Philippi were concerned for Paul and his safety. The things that had happened to Paul, although they appeared to be bad, Paul understood that they were actually good. Remember when Paul was in Philippi: he cast a spirit of divination out of a young girl, healing her, and it cost him a beating and imprisonment. Nevertheless, that imprisonment, dealt with in the right spirit, was beneficial for a man and his family who came to know Jesus. Because Paul and Silas praised God through song, and the jailer heard, they were able to be a witness to him. Once the jailer heard about Jesus, he was saved and his house. Paul wanted the Philippians to recall this event. “12. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). As we have learned, that was not the only time Paul was beaten or imprisoned. However, any thing that happened to Paul that the world would call “bad” or “unlucky,” God used it to further the Gospel message in the way Paul responded in each situation. Instead of becoming afraid of what man could, or would, do to him, he became bolder in speaking out for Jesus – “without fear.”

    Paul was a mighty example. Read what he not only believed, but also lived: “20. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). Instead of choosing what he wanted for his life, he chose to live his life for Jesus.

    Have you chosen to live for Christ, that in nothing you shall be ashamed?

  • Knowledge of Sin

    “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
    Romans 3:20

    When we think of the first man Adam, we remember that it was by him that sin entered into the world. However, immediately after that sin came a promise from God – He would send one to deliver mankind from that sin. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). From that point forward, mankind waited for God to send the Promised One; and from then on, mankind recognized the separation from God. 

    Just as sin entered into the world by one man, Adam, also because of that sin came death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). We understand as we read the Bible that God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries, by His Law. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). In having this Law, people could understand just how sinful they were, and just how far from God they had become. Instead of living by faith – looking for the Promised One, the people tried to obey that Law – but failed. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

    We also understand after reading Romans 3:20, that no man can be justified by that Law. However, this was not revealed without the assurance that God sent One who could deliver mankind from sin and death. (Death is a result of the initial disobedience of man.) “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). This helps us understand that the purpose of the Law given by Moses is to reveal mankind’s sin. We can then understand that God never intended for mankind to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus (that One promised from Genesis 3:15). “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). It is then we can begin to understand the grace that Jesus offers. Grace is something offered that no one deserves.

    To help one understand the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 better, read the following: “14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. … 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:14-17). When Jesus came, lived a sinless human life, died upon the cross, and rose from the dead, he defeated the devil and death – allowing Him to be able to reconcile people to God once and for all.

    When Jesus came, He fulfilled every letter of the Law. This is something that no man had ever done, or ever will do. In that fulfillment, he took upon himself the curse of the Law for us (because we are cursed for not fulfilling it). See what he accomplished by doing this. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). (Compare that with Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) All one has to do is believe, by faith, that Christ took that curse for us.

    We must understand that the Law was only given to reveal mankind’s sin. The Law cannot save anyone. One must have faith in Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, we can read of the failure of mankind because they were unable to fully obey the Law. In the New Testament, we see that through Jesus, He not only fulfilled that Law, but also died so that we could have eternal life. If only one would believe. Just as through Adam, all will die, through Jesus, all can live. “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive …” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

    Have you come to the knowledge that you are a sinner, needing salvation that only comes by faith in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • The Biblical Path of Life

    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

    Do you read the Bible?  Do you understand what you read when you do take time to read it?

    The Bible is the Word of God. It has been preserved for us to read, but very few people read and understand what the Bible has to say to us today. According to most statistics, young people are growing up and leaving the church and faith in God by the droves. The main reason can be found in the lack of knowledge and understanding of what one believes about God and why. Not many people take time to gain the information only found in the Bible that one needs to live in today’s world.

    Growing up in a Christian home is no guarantee that one understands the Bible, or knows how to live a Christian life. Being saved as a young child, I learned many Bible “stories,” but it wasn’t until later that I began to understand how all of these stories fit together. When I saw a timeline throughout Bible history, it helped me begin to understand how all of those “stories” were connected together. I also began to understand that Jesus was planned from the beginning of time to redeem mankind because of sin. I wanted to know and understand more of the Bible, so I began to study.

    The most important thing about studying the Bible should be to learn the basics of the Bible and how it should be applied to Christians’ lives. A good Bible study needs to be more than a compilation of “stories” we have always heard. The word “story” even brings to the hearers’ mind that they are make-believe. Many people do not even understand that the Bible is not just a compilation of popular Bible “stories” or favorite Bible passages. The Bible is not full of “stories” but actual events in real people’s lives. Children, as well as adults, need to understand that each of these events all fit together as part of a bigger picture – much like pieces of a puzzle. Not only do these events interlock, but they also have a purpose: to reveal Jesus and why He came.

    It is very important to read God’s Word and be in a good Bible study where you can learn more about Jesus. One important goal each Christian should have is to know and understand more about the Bible. The more you learn about the Bible, the more you begin to understand that it is so much more than just a collection of events in people’s lives that lived long ago. In the Bible Study called The Biblical Path of Life, you can search and find out why the people who lived in the Old Testament times wanted to obey God. You can learn how they knew He would one day send Jesus. It is there one can see what happened to His people when they obeyed God’s Word, and even what happened when they forgot God’s Word. As you read the New Testament, you begin to recognize when people began to understand that Jesus was the One who was to come (the one promised in the Old Testament). These events will be an encouragement to you, for it is then that one can understand God is with those who love Him, seek to please Him, and that God takes care of His people. “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). It is then that one begins to understand how to live a Christian life pleasing to God in the world today. The Bible means nothing to us if we do not apply the principles within to our lives to become more like Christ.

    All people, especially children, are capable of learning so much more. The Biblical Path of Life is one such study meant to simplify the understanding of the Bible making it relevant to a Christian’s life — young or old — by comparing Scripture to Scripture. Christians should understand just how important their Bible is and become familiar with it. Everyone should understand the importance of reading God’s Word!

    Even beginning readers should be encouraged to read their Bible. At first, even the youngest readers will be hesitant to read. Nevertheless, with a little encouragement and help, they can become excited about reading their Bible. No one is too young (or old) to begin to love the Word of God or to learn the principles found within God’s Word!

    In order to encourage people to know more of the Bible, I have posted blogs to motivate people to dig a little deeper into their Bible’s and study. Feedspot has recognized www.biblicalpath.com as one of the top 100 Bible Study Blogs. My hope is that by being listed here, many more people will be encouraged to read and understand what God’s Word has for people who are searching in these days.

    Do you take time to read your Bible, discovering God’s plan in these days?

    How to be Saved

  • Faithful Stewards

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    There are many people in our lives with whom we become acquainted. However, one must be cautious that those we spend the most time with have a true knowledge of Jesus and a love for God’s Word. We are to understand that words alone do not make one a child of God. A very dangerous position in which to be is to be one who does not hold the truth of salvation. What is the condition of those who do not have a true knowledge of Jesus? “12. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 1:12-13). When one does not hold the truth of salvation, they might just look and sound like a Christian, yet they have never known the truth of the Gospel message. What a sad place to be! Remember the warning Jesus gave: “21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Remember an event in the New Testament to help one understand this better.

    Paul had met a couple, Aquila and Priscilla, while on his second missionary journey in the city of Corinth. Paul taught in the synagogue every Sabbath, teaching the people that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah that had come to take away the sin of anyone who would believe). Eventually, the chief ruler of the synagogue “believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed” (see Acts 18:8). Paul stayed there for a time, teaching the Word of God to the people. When he left Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila went with him until he reached Ephesus where they stayed while Paul continued on his journey.

    While Priscilla and Aquila were there, a man came. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” (Acts 18:24). See what else God’s Word says of Apollos. “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). One has to stop for a minute to remember what it means by the “baptism of John.” John (also known as John the Baptist) was preaching repentance, calling for people to be baptized, preparing them to receive Jesus when He came. John the Baptist’s job was to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17b). This meant that he was to introduce Jesus to the people as the Messiah (the Christ) for whom they had been waiting. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Somehow, Apollos missed that part of the message. He only knew of the baptism to repentance, but missed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. He had knowledge of much of the Scripture, but he was missing the key part – Jesus. Repentance of sin was important, but it was meaningless unless one understood that Jesus was the One who took the sin from the individual, giving salvation.

    What was Apollos doing with the information of the baptism to repentance that was taught by John the Baptist? “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). When Aquila and Priscilla heard that what Apollos was teaching was missing the most important part (Jesus), they went to him and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” What does that mean? They explained to Apollos that Jesus was the Christ. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). They had to tell Apollos about Jesus. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). That was the key part of the message that Apollos had not yet heard. However, when Apollos heard, he believed in Jesus. How do we know that he received the message and believed in Jesus? “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:28). Because Aquila and Priscilla were faithful stewards of God’s Word, not only did Apollos believe, but he proceeded to tell others that Jesus was the Christ, too.

    Have you told others that Jesus is the Christ, and that by believing they can have life through His name?

    How to be Saved

  • Receive the Instruction of Wisdom

    “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
    Proverbs 1:7

    Wisdom is the major theme of the book of Proverbs and King Solomon wrote much of it. If you remember, shortly after Solomon became king, God came to him in a dream. “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee” (I Kings 3:5). Solomon understood the great things God had done for his father, King David, because he had followed after God. See what King Solomon asked of God: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9). This pleased God. Because King Solomon asked for such a good thing (discernment that comes from wisdom), God gave King Solomon great wisdom. He also blessed King Solomon with great wealth and fame.

    The book of Proverbs deals with much of this great wisdom from God. We understand this from the first verses of the book of Proverbs: “1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity” (Proverbs 1:1-3). Read how a wise man is described. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

    The key verse to understanding the book of Proverbs is Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Solomon wrote much of this book with his only son on his heart and mind. He wanted his son, Rehoboam, to understand the importance of wisdom, and the first thing he had to know and understand was the fear of the Lord. Fear is not what most people think it is. Fear is not necessarily being afraid of the Lord, but it is acknowledging just who He is and who we are in comparison to Him (a reverence of God). Once one has the correct fear of God (understanding who he is), then one can begin to obtain wisdom that leads to understanding what He expects of His people

    Wisdom is more than having knowledge. Wisdom is the discernment in understanding how to use that knowledge correctly; choosing right over wrong; discern between what is true and false; being discreet in the application of knowledge. King Solomon wanted his son to acquire wisdom to help him understand how to make right decisions in his activities of daily life. Solomon did not want his son to be a fool and despise wisdom and instruction. However, in order for Rehobom to acquire the right wisdom, King Solomon said he had to hear his instruction from God’s Word. (This is understood even better as the book of Proverbs is read.) Solomon wanted his son to understand that it all began with a right relationship with God. If one doesn’t have that, one cannot obtain wisdom from God. One is to understand (from God’s point of view found in His Word) what the right thing to do in a situation is. Christians who obtain the wisdom found in God’s Word will have the ability to face life understanding what God wants them to do in order to live a life pleasing to Him.  

    Have you chosen to be a fool, despising God’s wisdom and instruction?

    Or have you chosen the wisdom of God?

  • Things of the World

    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

    “Have you ever desired the things of the world? Everybody has; that’s part of our nature. It’s okay to want stuff here in this world. The important thing is to not desire the things more than pleasing God and to do what is right, according to God’s Word. Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? Of course not. Should you want what “everybody” else has? Not if it doesn’t please God. Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live. But we have to be content with what God gives us and not make things our primary focus. What is to be our focus? We should have our eyes set upon Jesus. We must be careful not to allow the desire for the world (see Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?) to keep us from serving and pleasing God. We will see how King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes …

    “…No matter what possessions we acquire while we live on this earth, one day everyone will die, and we can’t take any of those possessions with us. Solomon, with all of his wealth and fame, came to this realization. As he looked back over his life realizing everything gained in this life was worthless, he wanted to share with everyone what he had discovered. He recognized his sin in turning his heart from God to the things of this world. Solomon learned to be careful what he promised, for God would hold him accountable, and he finally realized that man cannot understand God, but the “ … fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). By learning to fear Him, Solomon could know Him …”  

    [Excerpt from Year One Quarter Four Lesson 10, Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man, now available through Rock Island Books (www.rockislandbooks).]

  • Lesson 7 (Lesson 46): Proverbs 1-9: Wisdom is to be Found Early

    Key Verse

    “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have a time when they read their Bible each day.  When do they do it? (i.e.: morning, afternoon, evening, etc.).  For those who have a quiet time other than the morning, ask if things have ever come up to keep them from having that quiet time with the Lord (i.e.: homework, chores, ran out of time, TV, etc.).  Encourage them to make it a priority to seek God not only early in the day, but early in life.  He must become important to us – now.

    Summary:  We have been learning the importance of God’s Word.  We found it is good to praise God, and we have seen God does bestow blessings upon those who belong to Him.  Now we must learn the importance of practicing the practical portions of the right way to live a life pleasing to God – and that we must begin to live that way early in life.

    Proverbs, the third Personal book, is known as a great source of wisdom. We will take 3 lessons to overview the book of Proverbs.  The wisest man, Solomon (whose wisdom was a gift from God – I Kings 3:12), wrote many of these words.  We will see that Solomon often addressed his son personally.  The key to Proverbs can be found in Proverbs 1:7-8:  “7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”  Many of the words of wisdom found in Proverbs were written from a loving father as a warning to his only son.  In this light, we can count these words as being very important.

    These words of wisdom were recorded to help us live our daily lives wisely, too.  Often it compares the “wise” with the “fool.”  The precepts within are very practical.  Much good will come to those who not only memorize these pearls of wisdom, but for those who apply these truths to their lives.  For Christians, these words are more than practical, they are essential.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Encourage your students to receive instruction from their parents as they teach them the importance of God’s Word.  Help them see the significance of making God’s Word more important than anything this world offers allowing it to guide our life.  Remind them that God wants us to seek Him early in the day – as well as early in life.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 46 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 46 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I found a picture of a lock that was a heart.  It had a second heart with a keyhole that glued as a flap to the front of the heart lock.  I put the verse Proverbs 4:23 inside of the lock.  We then colored it.  Help them understand the verse.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.