Wednesday, September 25, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 8:22-26


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom’s Appeal: Her Existence Before Creation: Prov 8:22-26
22) The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24) When [there were] no depths, I was brought forth; when [there were] no fountains abounding with water.
25) Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26) While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.


INTRODUCTION:
Wisdom now makes an appeal for our reception and application by arguing of her close association with the Lord.  She proves this close relation to the Lord based upon her existence in eternity past….

EXPOSITION:

22) The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Wisdom now explains several different aspects of its relationship with the eternal God…
1.  Perfect divine wisdom is closely related to Jehovah, it is His exclusive possession.  How long did He possess this wisdom? It has existed from eternity past, even before His creative acts. 
(Wisdom, as an attribute of God, is a very part of God’s being.  God has never existed without wisdom as a part of his nature.  Therefore, since God is eternal, so too His wisdom.)

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  (1 Timothy 1:17)

23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
2. Wisdom was molded (brought into existence and given shape) in eternity past.  Its existence was long before the beginning of the creation of the world around us.

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”   (Romans 16:25-27)


24) When [there were] no depths, I was brought forth; when [there were] no fountains abounding with water.  25) Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:  26) While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
To emphasize her existence before the creation of the world, she now lists several different stages in the creation of nature around us.  Keep in mind, she was in existence before any of these:
1. depths – oceans (Gen 1:)
2. fountains – springs, wells  (Gen 1:)
3. mountains – mountain ranges (Gen 1:)
4. hills – individual small hills (Gen 1:)
4. earth –  material that makes up the globe, dirt, mud, sand rock etc etc (Gen 1:)
5. fields – topsoil, fertile ground (Gen 1:)
6. highest part of dust – the gold, silver, precious gems etc. (The most precious items that are found beneath the surface of the earth.)  (Gen 2:12)
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”   (Psalms 104:24)

“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.”   (Jeremiah 10:12)

“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.  When he uttereth [his] voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.”  (Jeremiah
51:15-16)

SUMMARY:
When we understand that God would not be God without His perfect wisdom, we can begin to see the importance of having His gift of wisdom in our lives.  Also, when we can see His wisdom on display in the creation around us, we should be greatly desirous of  having some of this wisdom in our lives as well.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org



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Sunday, September 22, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 8:17-21”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom’s Appeal: Her Benefits: Prov 8:17-21
17) I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18) Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.
19) My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.


INTRODUCTION:
The next set of Proverbs outlines some of the great benefits that come to those who secure wisdom and incorporate it into their day to day living.

EXPOSITION:

17) I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Self-sacrifice is a necessary part of our search for wisdom.  But we can count on the fact that any sacrifice we make will always be worth it….
1. When someone loves wisdom to the point of self-sacrifice, when they willing to give all to obtain her, she responds in like kind, bringing to them the exceeding blessings and spiritual riches of Christ.   It is always well worth the effort to seek out, secure and apply wisdom to the life.
2.  Those who are willing to rise early and make the receipt of wisdom a first priority will be given that for which he seeks…. The wisdom of God.  The Lord blesses those who seek after wisdom.  Our search to obtain wisdom shall always be rewarded with Godly riches from above.

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”  (Psalms 91:14)


18) Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.
What are some of the riches we receive as we pursue wisdom?
1.  riches – the laying up of valuables – many times worldly wealth can be accumulated with the application of wisdom.  Always the laying up of eternal rewards is assured when we find ourselves living according to the wisdom of God’s Word.
2.  honour – a good reputation with authority - when we live according to wisdom, people notice it we gain their respect and we are placed in positions of trust and responsibility. 
3.  durable riches – lasting wealth that brings contentment – with the application of wisdom, comes lasting peace and spiritual contentment from the Lord
4.  righteousness – moral virtue, aligned with the law of God – with the application of wisdom comes imputed righteousness of Christ at salvation and  also a righteous lifestyle following salvation.

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”   (James 2:5)

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”  (Philippians 3:8-9)



19) My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
5.  The fruit that is naturally given forth by wisdom is more beneficial than gold that will not corrupt, nor loose value. 
6.  The profits that can be had from wisdom are more valuable than the best silver that is available.

With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures:”   (Ezekiel 28:4)

20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
Wisdom’s leadership extends to:
1.  the clear well-trodden road of salvation and Godly living.
2.  there are many paths that lead to eternal death and divine punishment.  Wisdom takes us down the path of righteousness which never contacts any one of the many paths that will bring destruction upon an individual.  The only way to walk on a path of judgment is by forsaking the path of righteousness.

“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”   (Psalms 25:4-5)

21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Wisdom is used by Christ to bring blessings upon His people.  Living wise lives, motivated by a love for Christ, will bring:
1. that which is received through death – it is though the death of Christ that we receive all our physical and spiritual blessings.   These blessings become ours at our salvation and thereafter.
2. overflow their storage places – Our cup runneth over throughout our life on earth as we are faithful to Him, He blesses us beyond measure.

“For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”   (Hebrews 10:34)

“Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  (1 Peter 1:3-5)

SUMMARY:
The many blessings that accrue to us as we apply the Word of God to our life is immeasurable.  There is one thing we can know for sure… It is ALWAYS well worth it for us to seek and apply wisdom to our lives. 


By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org



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Saturday, September 21, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 8:12-16


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom’s Appeal: Her Authority: Prov 8:12-16
12) I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13) The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14) Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
15) By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16) By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.

INTRODUCTION:
A subject very rarely considered in the study of wisdom is the great authority and influence that it possesses in the world around us.  Solomon, faithfully, reveals to us this aspect of wisdom…

EXPOSITION:

12) I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
1. Wisdom is said to make permanent residence with prudence.
Why are the two so closely linked?  
When we possess prudence (discretion or understanding), we are able to discern the true nature of the teachings we receive.  We are able to see what teachings are Godly and beneficial for us and what teachings are evil and harmful to us.
Once we have properly discerned the true nature of these teachings, we are motivated to live lives that apply the teachings of God, and set aside the untruthful, harmful teachings of this world.  This is true wisdom.
Truly, without prudence, we would find it very hard to possess wisdom in our lives!
2. Wisdom is said to step forward and meet the sinful plans of men. 
In other words, by applying His Word to our day to day life, we will be able to stand up and face the worldy dealings that this sinful world holds for us.  We will be able to faithfully get through times of trials and temptations as we apply God’s Word to each situation we may face. 

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:”   (Ephesians 1:7-9)


13) The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
1.  The fear of the Lord is described in God’s Word as the “beginning of wisdom” (Psa 111:10).  The beginning of wisdom is coming to an understanding of the greatness of God’s strength, authority and person, and our response to that greatness.  When we understand these things, we will become enemies to anything that goes against His will and ways.
2. The main aspects of evil in this world can be summarized as:
“Pride” – an internal sin… from a word for “height”… it is believing we are higher (better positionally) than others. This includes pride based upon possessions like wealth, authority etc. 
“Arrogency” – an internal sin ….from a word for “ornament” … it is believing we are more beautiful or desirable than others.  This includes pride based upon personal attributes like beauty, knowledge, wit etc.
Please note:  Together, these two types of “pride” teach us that pride is not limited to the rich or those in authority, or those who are beautiful or extremely intelligent.  Pride takes many shapes and forms but any type of pride is still very sinful and leads to outward acts of sin.

“Evil Way” – an external sin… paths (actions taken) that oppose and displease God
“Froward Mouth” – an external sin… words that defraud, mislead, deceive.

Wisdom is an enemy of these inward attitudes and external actions.  Not only is she “displeased” and “grieved” with them, but she actively opposes them and will bring proper retribution against those who are guilty of these things.  

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.  NUN. Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”   (Psalms 119:103-105)

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”   (1 Peter 5:5)


 14) Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
Wisdom has a tremendous influence in this world because of its effects on a wide variety of areas of decision making and practical living…
Counsel – Advice that facilitates a Godly decision
Sound Wisdom – Wisdom based upon the Word
Understanding – Ability to separate, examine and distinguish the facts
Strength – Ability to make the proper decision and then follow it up with the proper actions.

“With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?”  (Isaiah 40:14)


15) By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  16) By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.

Wisdom’s role in the life of authority holders over us…
Those with the ultimate authority (kings) will normally have a prosperous, long reign when they use Godly wisdom to influence the decisions they make.
Wise men who hold lesser authority over us (princes) will make just and right decisions that work justice.

Wisdom not only has a role in the highest levels of authority (kings and princes), but wisdom is a tremendous asset for all authority holders in the world.  Even the nobles (wealthy/philanthropists) and the judges (magistrates) will greatly benefit from the application of wisdom to their lives.

“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:   He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast [now] made known unto us the king's matter.”   (Daniel 2:20-23)


SUMMARY:

Clearly, we can see the great influence that wisdom wields in many different areas in the world around us; but it does not stop there…
In the above verses we have undeniable proof that all beneficial wisdom comes from the Lord (James 3:17).  If you notice that the claims made by wisdom in the above verses can be easily be claimed by Christ (the living Word) instead:
1.  “Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
2.  “Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.”
3.  “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.”
The Lord’s claims are wisdom’s claims, the Lord’s workings are the workings of wisdom as well.  This gives us absolute proof that wisdom originates from the Lord, is empowered by the Lord, and is a tool that is used by the Lord to bring about His will on the earth.  

“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”   (Psalms 104:24)


By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

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