Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Tuesday, July 2, 2013

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.— Amen.

The Book of Proverbs Chapter 8 Wisdom’s Motivation to Receive her.

II. First Exhortation: Discern and listen. Prov 8:4-6

Vs. 4, Bible doctrine calls out to all and is available to all of mankind.

Vs. 5, She also calls to those who are uncommitted to the Word of God, untutored, and those spiritually unintelligent, without common sensibilities.

“Wisdom” exhorts us to gain the knowledge necessary to live the unique spiritual life and exercise good judgment with insight in all situation of life.

“Prudent” - wise in handling practical matters and exercising good judgment or common sense. Careful in regard to your own interests and about your conduct, being circumspective and discreet.

Vs Nine motivations for giving your attention to God’s Word. 6 Positive, 3 Antonyms.

Vs. 6, “Noble things” 1 st of 6 Positive Motivations.

God’s Word should be the ultimate rule and authority in and over your life. You should be subject to it moment by moment.

“Right things” 2 nd of 6 Positive Motivations.

The way of the just is right or straight, level and smooth, bringing happiness and peace to you, Isa 26:7.

Isa 26:7, “The way of the righteous is smooth (MEYSHAR); O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level.”

Vs. 7, “Truth” 3 rd of 6 Positive Motivations.

God’s Word is the truth and the standard for all truths in human society.

1 John 2:21, “I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.”

“Wickedness” 1 st of 3 Antonyms for Motivation.

Wickedness, (an abomination to the Lord), is the opposite of righteousness which is not what the Word of God is. God’s Word is truth, absolute righteousness!

Vs. 8, “Righteousness” 4 th of 6 Positive Motivations.

TSEDEQ – Judgment that is “straight” is correct, just, right and proper. God’s Word is our judge!

John 12:48, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

Heb 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two- edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

“Not Crooked” 2 nd of 3 Antonyms for Motivation. God’s Word is Righteous the opposite of being crooked.

“Not Perverted” 3 rd of 3 Antonyms for Motivation. God’s Word is not twisted, distorted or perverted in any way!

Vs. 9, Those who accept wisdom are those who have understanding and find moral knowledge.

“Straightforward” 5 th of 6 Positive Motivations.

For those with discerning hearts, the words of wisdom are “straight,” being clearly understood, not crooked or twisted.

“Right” 6 th of 6 Positive Motivations. “Moral correctness” as the paths of the righteous are “straight”, Isa 26:7.

Isa 26:7, “The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright (YASHAR) One, make the path of the righteous level.”

“Wisdom” does not transgress the boundary of the Lord’s religio-ethical order.

John 8:31-32, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Grace Fellowship Church Tuesday July 2, 2013 Tape # Proverbs Chapter 7 Wisdom’s Motivation to Receive her Prov 8:4-6; 8:12; Isa 26:7; John 12:48; Heb 4:12; 1 John 2:21 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2013