Tomorrow is the big day! Finally, we will begin our study of Proverbs. If you are not sure how the study will go, you can read the instructions here. Are you ready? I am so glad to be on this journey with all of you!
For the last few days we have been setting the stage for the beginning of Proverbs. We've learned the "Who? What? When? Where? and Why" in History. I have learned so much. This is our last day to build the foundation on which this study will be built, and to me, this is one of the most important lessons.
In order for us to fully understand Proverbs, we have to know how it applies to us as New Testament believers. We have to see Jesus in all that we study! Even though Jesus' name was never mentioned in Proverbs, it does paint a vivid picture of our need for a savior. It also shows us what will be available to ALL who put their trust in Christ, once he comes to redeem His people. Worship and wisdom go hand in hand. Because of Jesus, we are able to do and have these things .
Luke 2
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus increased in wisdom because he began to learn in the temple. In John 2, Jesus identifies himself as the temple.
In the New Testament, Jesus is the true temple. There is not one that can be built to hold the Presence of God because Jesus is the incarnation of the Glory of God. He made it possible to worship God in truth. Jesus is the perfect king. All the kings in the past, including Solomon, had failed. BUT NOT JESUS!
Matthew 12:42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.
We learned that wisdom is the fruit of a right relationship with God. THIS EXPLAINS WHY JESUS WAS FULL OF WISDOM! Speaking of Christ, Colossians 2:3 says, " in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Now catch this.....what Solomon strived for, JESUS ACHIEVED.
We can study Proverbs, and we can attain knowledge, but if we want TRUE WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING, there is only one path - faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
We learned that Solomon was in right standing with God. He built the temple and experienced the Glory of God. He had a reverent fear of the Lord. His kingdom was built around the honor and worship of God. Then, after being led away from these things, God showed him mercy. He had wisdom until he was no longer walking rightly with God. Solomon was the wisest man until Jesus.
Through Jesus, we can live in continual worship of the Father. We can live in reverent fear (awe, wonder, reverence.) We receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) Hearing Jesus' words, makes us wise.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24
Are you seeing the parallel here? Ah, the ways and the Word of God are just too awesome! These were all the things Solomon was striving for, but because of Jesus, we can live out! Hallelujah! Does anybody else feel like shouting right now!?!
Because of the reconciliation through Jesus Christ, we are now able to walk in a right relationship with God. Even though I keep saying this, I feel it necessary to repeat. Wisdom flows from a right relationship with God.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
God is the giver of wisdom. He guides us in His wisdom through Christ IN US!
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3
If our trust is in Christ in us, we will not be led astray. God desires that we have wisdom, and that we live His will out on earth. He wants it so much that He lives in us and leads us to accomplish it. We are never alone on this journey. The very wisdom and presence of Jesus Christ is in us! That's why studying Proverbs will be a breeze! ☺
See you here tomorrow for Proverbs 1!
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