More pearls of wisdom from Solomon as we finish this week’s readings in Proverbs.
Proverbs 24:
1 Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counsellors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
8 Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
15 Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home;
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?
More Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, "You are in the right," will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
28 Be not a witness against your neighbour without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done."
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Things to think about…
1. Prov 24:1-9 speak of how a home and a life is built upon wisdom. We all know of people who have squandered their lives, strength and money through a foolish lifestyle. Many of us have plenty of examples even within our own extended families. What a testimony it is to see wisdom bear fruit in the next generation as they embrace the things that were taught them as children.
2. What do you think of Prov 24:10? Can you handle stressful, adverse situations? You have great strength! This is a blessing. The thing is…you only find out if you have strength or not when you experience adversity. No adversity, no strength. Know adversity, know strength! In our weakness, His strength is shown, 2Cor 12:9. If we experience suffering, James says that we should count it all joy, Jam 1:2. Not that it feels joyful, but that we count it as joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength, Neh 8:10. Start rejoicing!
3. Prov 24:11 gives us a mandate from the Lord to be involved and speak out against abortion. These unborn children are being “taken away to death” and we need keep them from “stumbling to the slaughter”. ACL are wonderful advocates for the Christian voice against abortion – pray for these folk. If we don’t stand up for the defenceless – who will?
4. Do you ever have vengeance or revenge in your heart? Repent! Re-read Prov 24:17-22. God knows what is required. Pray, trust and believe that the Lord will do what is right.
5. Be honest without malice, Prov 24:23-29. There is a promised blessing upon those who speak the truth, even when it is not received well, vs 25.
6. Here it is again. Solomon’s advice is don’t be lazy, Prov 24:30-34. Unless you want to live in poverty and be dependent upon others. This is not an option for the Christian, 2Thess 3:10.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Two cities same message – Reading Joel 2, Nahum 3
1. Minor prophets speak about two cities – Joel – Zion and Nahum – Nineveh. What is your understanding of Nineveh’s history? 100 years after revival Nahum speaks of judgement upon Nineveh. Why? What message is here for the church?
2. Joel 2 speaks of judgement that will come upon Zion – Judah in general and Jerusalem in particular. But there is a significant difference between the final outcome of Zion’s fortunes as opposed to Nineveh’s fortunes. Discuss.
3. Joel 2 finishes with what will happen during the later days of Zion with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Joel 2:28-32. These verses are of course echoed by Peter in Acts 2:16-21 at Pentecost. They have had a partial fulfillment at Pentecost, but have not been fully fulfilled. Discuss what relevance this is to the church and as Christians individually.
4. Pray for each other.
Prayer Points
1. Many have covid now. Pray as it finally runs its course through the community.
2. Continue to pray for Sally Gauntlett and dear Richard.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Doug’s preaching at such short notice
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Zac, Richard, Bec, and Tim.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for July...
Q.6. What will become of the wicked on the day of judgment? A. They shall be cast into hell.
