Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: On Guard!

Text:  Proverbs 4:20-27

“A wise man learns by the experience of others. An ordinary man learns by his own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience.”

I.     WHAT DOES IT MEAN BY HEART?                              

God’s words to Samuel when choosing the next king: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Sam.1:6-7 (ESV)

Pr.20:9: “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin’?”

What determines the type of heart we have?

1. Our (thoughts)

2. Our (speech)

3. Our (money)

II.   HOW DO I GUARD MY HEART?

A good summary of this 4^th chapter:

1) How to get going (1-4)

2) How to keep going (18)

3) How not to get lost along the way (23)

Life does not flow from the (outside in), but from the (inside out). Our speech reveals whether our heart has been changed.  Proverbs talks about perverse lips (4:24); lying lips (12:22); flattering lips (20:19); deceptive lips (24:28); and undisciplined lips (10:19). “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Pr.13:3

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slime because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C.S.Lewis

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: The Case for Purity

Scripture: Proverbs 5; 6:20-35

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: Walking Partner

Text:  Proverbs 2:1-4:19

I.    WISDOM PROTECTS OUR PATH    

Key verse is this section is 2:8. The NLT version of this verse says, “He guards the path of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.”

Solomon gives three reasons why people miss out on wisdom:

1.      Many don’t go to the (proper source). Verse 6

2.      Many don’t dig (diligently).  Verses 1-5

3.      Many don’t value the (treasure of wisdom). Verses 9-15

What does wisdom deliver us from?

1)      Those who speak (perverse things).

2)      Those who practice (evil deeds).

3)      Those who practice evil (thinking) and evil (desires).

4)      From an (evil woman).

II.   WISDOM DIRECTS OUR PATH                                   
 

What conditions need to be in place for us to trust God’s wisdom?

1.      We need to learn God’s (truth). 3:1-3

2.      We need to obey God’s (will). Verses 4-8

3.      We need to share God’s (blessings) with others. Verses 9-10

III.  WISDOM PERFECTS OUR PATH
 

Key verse is verse 18

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: on Guard!

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-27

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: Follow What Road?

Text:  Proverbs 1:8-30

I.    WISDOM’S OFFER

Such strange language in the verses 8-9:

1.      Listen to your father and mother’s teaching.

2.      What is a graceful garland?  Some translations use (chains). A garland was a (victor’s crown) and the pendant was like a (medal).

What are some of the medals and garlands we can wear?

1)      “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Rom.13:14

2)      “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Phil.4:5

3)      “So whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God…just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of man, that they might be saved.” I Cor.10:31,33

II.   WISDOM’S CHOICES

What kind of choices does wisdom offer us?

1.      Don’t join in the (sin of others).  Verses 10-13

2.      Don’t get involved in (evil schemes). Verses 14-16

3.      Don’t (seek vengeance). Verses 17-19

4.      Don’t turn away from (wisdom). Verses 20-22

5.      Do accept wisdom’s offer of (security). Verse 33.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title:   Walking Partner

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-4:19

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: What’s On Your Radar

Text:  Proverbs 1:1-7

I.   DEFINING WISDOM                            
 

There are 4 words we need to be familiar with:

1.      (Knowledge)-  Refers to information or truth.

2.      (Wisdom)- Skill

3.      (Insight)- Ability to look beyond the obvious

4.      (Proverb)- Brief statement of wisdom

II.  PURSUING WISDOM                                  
 

Two goals in Proverbs:

1)      (Deep character) “To know wisdom and insight”

2)      (Straight thinking) “To understand words of insight”

What is wisdom?

1.      It is the knowledge of (good and evil).

2.      It is (discernment).  “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Spurgeon

3.      It is (obtaining guidance).

The theme of Proverbs is 1:7.  Proverbs 9:10 amplifies it. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy one is insight.”

“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” And his delight will be in the fear of the Lord.” Is.11:2-3

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title:   Follow What Road?

Scripture: Proverbs 1:8-30

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: Last Words

Text:  Joshua 23:1-16; 24:14-28

I.   REMEMBERING THE PAST                            
 

How I would divide Joshua’s charge: Remember (the past) but don’t (stay there).

Remember the past.

·         It is important for us to remember what (God has done for us)

·         “For not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.” Psalm 44:3

But don’t stay there.

1)      Be (obedient). V.5

2)      Love for (God). V.11

II.  FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE                                 
 

Choosing to serve God is not a one-time choice. He gave them four options:

1.      The gods of the (forefathers) while in Ur of the Chaldeans

2.      The gods of the (Egyptians).

3.      The gods of the (Amorites).

4.      The (one, true) God who made them a people.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title:   What’s on Your Radar?

Scripture: Joshua 23: 1-16; 24:14-28

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: Rumor Mill

Text:  Joshua 22:1-34

I.    A TIME FOR TRANSITION                           
 

Chapter 20 focuses on The Cities of Refuge:

1)      There were (six) cities chosen out of the 48 given to the Levites.

2)      The need for these cities was to counteract the (culture of that world).

3)      The cities were established as (safety nets).

What did these cities do?

1.      They emphasized the (value of man) made in (God’s image).

2.      They give us a universal (code of justice).

3.      They said the only proper foundation of any law is (God’s character).

How do the cities of refuge tie into today?

1)      The way to the cities was to be (clearly indicated).

2)      The doors were to always be (unlocked).

3)      The cities were for all (races), not just the Jews.

4)      There was (no hope) if they did not flee to the cities.

II.   A TIME FOR RUMORS                                
 

What to do about rumors? Verses 24-27 give us some insight:

1.      Never (discount) rumors.

2.      Learn to (keep cool) while information is gathered.

3.      (Talk frankly) with the one the rumor is about.

4.      If the rumor is not true, (stop it in its tracks)!

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Courage

Title:   Last Words

Scripture: Joshua 23: 1-16; 24:14-28

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: Promises. Promises.

Text:  Joshua 10:6-12:24

I.    PROMISE #1: “YOU WILL KEEP YOUR WORD”                          
 

The underlying premise of this section flashes back to last week. Joshua made an agreement with the (Gibeonites). Because he was deceived, the Gibeonites became their (slaves).

The lesson to learn: (Nothing is too great for God).

II.   PROMISE #2: “YOU WILL BATTLE DAILY”                             
 

Verse 8: (“Do not fear) them. I have (given them) into (your hands).”

Two Scriptures we must consider: Ephesians 6:10-18 (p.979) and Romans 7:7-17 (p.943)

III.  PROMISE #3: “YOU WILL COMPLETE THE TASK”
 

Something important: Winning a victory is not determined by whether (God is on our side or not).

God is not (on anyone’s side). What matters is if (we are on God’s side).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Courage

Title:   Unfinished Business

Scripture: Joshua 10:1 – 14:13

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: Sight-Walking

Text:  Joshua 9:1-27

I.   TAKING MEN AT THEIR WORD                 

This story shows us men easily (forget) and sometimes go back to relying upon (their own judgment).

The Gibeonites devised a plan of pure deception. They put on (old clothes), loaded their animals with worn-out sacks filled with (dry and moldy bread), hung cracked (wineskins) on their donkeys, and came asking for a treaty.

What was the fatal mistake Joshua and the leaders made? (they did not seek counsel from the Lord) [v.14]

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Pr.3:5

II.   BEING MEN OF THEIR WORD                            
 

Instead of looking for (loopholes) in their agreement, they chose to stand (by their oath).

The consequences of the deception:

1.      For the Israelites: it is seen in their (failure to consult God).

2.      For the Gibeonites: it is seen in their (slavery) for the future.

The main lesson we can learn? (Don’t walk by sight)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Courage

Title:   Promises, Promises

Scripture: Joshua 10:6-12:24

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: Mulligan

Text:  Joshua 7:1-8:29

I.    THE ORIGIN FOR DEFEAT

The difference here was not military superiority. It was a case of (spiritual defeat), of misplaced confidence, of failing to (consult God) before moving forward.

Possible suggestions for defeat at Ai:

1)      The Israelites were too (self-confident).

2)      Lack of (prayer).

3)      (Sin) in the camp.

            Lesson for today: God takes (sin seriously), even though we may not.

II.   THE RESTORATION FOR VICTORY                           
 

The reason for the defeat is found in verse 11.

What led to Achan’s disobedience?

1.      Achan was (dissatisfied).

2.      Achan (coveted) what was not his.

3.      Achan (stole) the articles.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Courage

Title:   Sight-Walking

Scripture: Joshua 9:1-27

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Courage

TITLE: The Battle is the Lord’s

Text:  Joshua 5:13-6:27

I.    God Keeps His Word: Three Promises Fulfilled

1.)  (Abraham’s) descendants inherit the Land promised in Gen 15

2.)  Rahab and her family are (spared when Jericho is conquered)

3.)  The Lord promises to deliver Jericho to the Israelites and does so

II.  Strange Strategies

J. Huffman: “God actually goes out of His way to choose (absurd means) to do His will.”  God uses absurd means because it requires (obedient faith) on the part of His people.  Using absurd means produces a (righteous perpective) amongst His people.

III.  Devoted to the Lord

A few comforting reminders:

1.)  God of the OT and God of the NT are one and the same!

2.)  The incarnation – Christ inserted himself into this messed up world! He did not remain far away but entered the fray.

3.)  God’s judgement is always consistent and fair.

4.)  God is also the God of grace – in the OT. Rahab is the perfect example.

For more information about the nature of God and judgement and suffering, pick up a good apologetics book (like The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex McFarland or Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh and Sean McDowell) or a book that addresses the judgement of God directly (like Tim Keller’s Walking with God through Pain and Suffering or God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgement by James Hamilton Jr.).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Courage

Title: Mulligan

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-8:29