Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Tuesday, August 6, 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 antiquity and work, vs

III. Second Exhortation: Choose wisdom above all else, 8: Reason: Wisdom is most valuable, 8: Reason: Wisdom has immediate benefits, 8: Reason: Wisdom’s antiquity and work, 8:22-31.

Introduction: The relationship of “wisdom” to the creation in Prov 3: is further developed as another reason why we should be Occupied with the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Wisdom” is exalted based on her antiquity, in the analogy that the elderly deserve honor and respect. Prov 16:31; 20:29

She was part of the process of creation, Prov 3:19-20, and understands the secrets of existence, so that her counsel is in line with the way things really are.

Two main points: 1) Wisdom’s existence “before” creation of the heavens and the earth, vs

Two main points: 1) Wisdom’s existence “before” creation of the heavens and the earth, vs ) Wisdom’s existence “when” or “during” the creation of the heavens and earth, vs a.

It concludes with “wisdom’s” celebration, delight and joy, during and after creation, representing herself as an active worshiper, vs. 30b-31.

1. Wisdom existed before Creation, vs

Vs give us four analogies of God’s creative act in comparison to the existence of “wisdom”, indicating she existed before them all.

Prov 8:22 “Possessed” God is not man who gradually gains knowledge and wisdom over time. He is Omniscient, Eternal, Infinite and Immutable as is His wisdom.

“Before” - QEDEM, קֶדֶם “Wisdom” existed before the earliest of God’s creative works.

Prov 8:23 1. Before the creation of the earth, “wisdom” existed.

“From everlasting” MIN OLAM, עוֹלָם The Word of God existed in eternity past, before the creation of the heavens and the earth.

“I was established” NASAK, נָסַךְ God’s Word was woven together having been anointed as our protector from sin and evil before the creation of the heavens and the earth, the beginning of time.

Prov 8:24 2. Before water existed on the earth, both oceans and fresh water, “wisdom” existed.

“I was brought forth” CHYIL, חִיל “To receive intense labor pains.” cf. Psa 90:2; Isa 66:8

“Since wisdom was already present before the depths and the springs, before the mountains and hills (Prov 8:24f), she ranks above the rest of creation and is close to God.” (Baumann, TDOT)

Prov 8:25 3. Before land masses were created, wisdom existed.

Mountains and Hills represent the foundation and heights of the earth, its pillars, yet “wisdom” is greater.

Prov 8:26 4. Before the creation of top soil, and the basic elements to make the earth, wisdom existed.

Made” - ASAH, עָשָׂה, “To do or make.” The concept of building something out of something that already is in existence, cf. Gen 1:7, 16, , 31; 2:2-4.

Conclusion: The Bible predates the creation of this world. It was present before God’s creative acts and therefore is wiser than the oldest sages and writings of this world.

It is older than the world and therefore garners our utmost respect and attention.

Grace Fellowship Church Tuesday August 6, 2013 Tape # Proverbs Chapter 7 Wisdom Existed Prior To The Creation Of The World Creation Of The World Prov 8:22-31, (22-26); 3:19-20 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2013