FALL QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2011
THEME: TRADITION AND WISDOM
UNIT ONE: TEACHING AND LEARNING LESSONS IN PROVERBS
“MAKING WISE AND RIGHTEOUS CHOICES FROM GOD’S WHOLE LIFE POLICY”
Sunday School Lesson No. I – September 4, 2011
Presented by Rev. Frank Davis, III, Pastor-Teacher
Lesson Text: Proverbs 3:1-12
Required Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12
Memory Text: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Reliable Resources: Precepts for Living by UMI; Union Gospel Press Expositor and Illuminator; Precepts for Living (UMI); Standard Lesson Commentary; Libronix Electronic Library; Commentary on Proverbs by H. A. Ironside.
INTRODUCTION
The fall quarter sets its attention on the great Books of Wisdom attributed mainly to King Solomon. The first of these great books of wisdom that the Holy Spirit inspires is Proverbs. According to Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1 Solomon is cited for his authorship and accumulation of this book. Also, I Kings 4:32 brings to the attention of the reader that Solomon spoke at least 3000 proverbs. This then makes me want to know, “What is a proverb?” “Our English word proverb is actually made up of two Latin words: Pro (instead of) and Verba which means (words). So, a proverb is a sentence that is ‘instead of many words’ or simply a short statement that summarizes a wise principle.”
In interpreting the Proverbs, H. A. Ironside declares there are 10 words used in Chapter one, verses 2-4 that need to be defined because of their abundant usage:
“1.) Wisdom. v.2 – Skillfulness in using knowledge.
2.) Instruction. v. 2 – Learning through discipline.
3.) Understanding. v. 2 – Ability to discern.
4.) Instruction of Wisdom. v. 3 – Learning from the experience of others as well as one’s self.
5.) Justice. v. 3 – Having righteous behavior.
6.) Judgment. v. 3 – Ability to weigh evidence and make proper decisions.
7.) Equity. v. 3 – A sense of moral integrity.
8.) Subtlety. v. 4 – To be prudent or wise as a serpent in evaluating circumstances.
9.) Knowledge. v. 4 – Learning and retaining information of sound character.
10.) Discretion. v. 4 – Thoughtfulness as retained only by those who feed on God’s Word.”
Now with this help let us begin our series on “Teaching and Learning Lessons in Proverbs”
My Anticipated Power Points this week are…Making Wise and Righteous Choices Using the:
· Word Policy. Proverbs 3:1-6
· Wisdom Policy. Proverbs 3:7-8
· Wealth Policy. Proverbs 3:9-10
· Warning Policy. Proverbs 3:11-12
In the insurance world there are several types of life insurance policies: Term Life, Universal Life, Combination Life, Whole Life, etc. Normally, the whole life policy is the most expensive up front, but it tends to bring greater value or yield in the end. Solomon in Proverbs chapter 3, according to Precepts for Living, begins to “outline the benefits of wisdom when they are applied because of one’s trust in God.”
LESSON OUTLINE
“Choosing From God’s Whole Life Policy”
I. Choosing from God’s Word Policy for your Life. Proverbs 3:1-6
(Note the words Precepts, Promises and Provision are used from Precepts for Living by UMI.)
A. The precepts of God’s Word. vss. 1-2
The writer Solomon declares to his son the precepts of truth that cannot be denied. One must never disregard the knowledge of God’s word being hidden in their hearts. (Read Psalm 119:11). When one has the word in their heart or mind, it becomes a constant reservoir for refreshment and remembrance to face the day to day challenges of life. In and of itself long life is not given, but the regard for the word will keep one from making unwise choices that will lead to an early demise. When a person chooses to keep God’s commandments at the center of their whole life, then their lives have meaning, purpose, and great value during their earthly duration. They will not have lived in vain!
B. The promises of God’s Word. vss. 3-4
God’s word should be practiced from the heart of integrity, which receives and practices its promises in everything. The promises of God will stand sure under all stresses and circumstances. They must never be forgotten or ignored. When properly applied, they lead to …
C. The provisions of God’s Word. vss. 5-6
Solomon admonishes his son and all who read the word to depend or totally rely upon the Lord exclusively and in no way rely upon one’s own wisdom, knowledge or skill above God’s! (Read Psalm 37:3, 5; Jeremiah 9:23-24). Consider these two verses in the Contemporary English Version, “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow.” Remember the word “understanding” means to discern but human discernment can become a hindrance when it is placed above God’s order! So we must really know the Lord so intimately that there will be no doubt in our carrying out His exclusive will in all our circumstances.
II. Choosing from God’s Wisdom Policy for your Life. Proverbs 3:7-8
When one chooses God’s wisdom, it is because of “Fear or Reverence of the Lord.” And the “Fear of the Lord” will lead to righteous, holy living that benefits both body and soul. (Read Psalm 19:9; 111:10; Proverbs 14:26-27).
III. Choosing from God’s Wealth Policy for your Life. Proverbs 3:9-10
The wealth of a child of God is tied to his worship. Solomon declares to “Honor the Lord.” The word “honor” meant “to be heavy.” That is, our wealth should be given freely and without mediocrity towards the worship of the Lord. Honor Him with “firstfruits” was the lesson to Israel, who gave as a witness of God’s ownership and faithfulness the first ripened and best of the harvest unto the Lord. (Read Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Numbers 18:12-13.) God will not be outgiven by His worshippers, but makes tremendous promises to the faithful. (Read Matthew 6:33; II Corinthians 9:6-11)
IV. Choosing from God’s Warning Policy for your Life. Proverbs 3:11-12
Solomon shares that discipline through chastisement is also a part of God’s whole life policy. Read Hebrews 12:5-11. It doesn’t feel good but it does a whole lot of good. It is the counter-balance to the blessings. As humans, we need encouragement, but we need Godly discipline in order to become all that God desires for us.
CLOSING
Beloved, Proverbs 3:1-12 teaches us to make wise choices. Take God’s Whole Life Policy for your life and trust the results to God’s perfect plan fulfilled by God’s Perfect Man, Jesus Christ. Remember Philippians 2:5-11.
“MAKING WISE AND RIGHTEOUS CHOICES FROM GOD’S WHOLE LIFE POLICY”
Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA & Little Bethel Baptist Church, Amite, LA
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LOOKING AHEAD: September 11, 2011 Proverbs 4:10-15, 20-27