Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: Say What?

Text:  Proverbs 18:21

“I tell you, on the Day of Judgement people will give an account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.”

Mt. 12:36-37

I.    THE POWER OF WORDS-USED WRONGLY                                  
 

“A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.”

Ben Franklin

Pr.12: 17-19.  “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” (NLT)

Some wrongful ways we use our words:

1.      (Deceitful flattery). “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” 26:28

2.      (Slander and gossip). “A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” 11:13 (NLT)

3.      (Arguments, strife and angry words). 18: 6-7

4.      (Boasting and foolish talk). 17:27-28   “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Lincoln

5.      (Profanity and vulgarity).

II.   THE POWER OF WORDS-USED CORRECTLY  

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Pr.12:18 (NLT)

What kind of words bring a positive message?

1)      Our words should be (honest). “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” 12:19 (NLT)

2)      Our words should be (wise and sound). “The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom …The lips of the wise spread knowledge…A wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (10:31a; 15:7a; 12:15b)

3)      Our words should be (faithful). “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” 27:6 (NIV)

4)      Our words should be (encouraging).  “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” 16:24 (ESV)

5)      Our words should be (under control).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: Don’t Lose Control!

Scripture: Proverbs 14:16-17, 29; 15:18; 16:32 & more

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: Pull Up a Chair

Text:  Proverbs 6:1-15

I.    DON’T GET ENTANGLED                                 
 

The basic story of wisdom: (Don’t cosign a loan).

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into own mold, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed.” Rom.12:2 (Philipps)

How do we engage? In Jesus’ day there were 4 possibilities:

1.      Pharisees- (legalists)

2.      Sadducees- (liberals)

3.      Zealots- (rebels)

4.      Essenes- (withdraw)

II.   DON’T BE LAZY  

Webster’s definition:  1) a tough skinned mollusk that has no shell and secretes a mucous for protection; 2) a slow, lazy person, a sluggard.

What Proverbs says about a sluggard:

1)      The sluggard will not (make up his mind).

2)      The sluggard will not (finish things).

3)      The sluggard will (face things) as they are.

III.  DON’T BE DIVISIVE

“Sincerity has an openness of heart; we find it in very few people.”

ESV uses the word “worthless” to describe a sneaky, disruptive person. In the NT it is the same word used for (Belial).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: Say What?

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: The Wise and the Otherwise

Text:  Assorted texts from Proverbs

I.   THE WISE                                
 

1.      Wise people (listen to wise instruction).

“Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.” 1:5 (NLT)

2.      Wise people (fear the Lord).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” 1:7

 “Be not wise in your own eyes.” 3:7

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” 15:16

3.      Wise people (choose good company).

“Walk with the wise and become wise, associate with fools and get in trouble.” 13:20 (NLT)

“A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” 12:26 (NIV)

4.      Wise people are (“not edgy”).

5.      Wise people (watch their words).

“A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” 16:23 (NIV)

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” 10:19 (NLT)

6.      Wise people seek to influence others to (trust God).

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. 11:30

“The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.” (NLT)

II.  THE OTHERWISE
 

Words used to describe the one who chooses the wrong path:

1)      (Wicked)

2)      (Simple)  “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his

steps.” 14:15 (NIV)

3)      (Scorner) “Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with

arrogant pride.”   21:24

1.      Fools won’t learn from (God’s Word).

2.      Fools can’t (control their speech).

“The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” 15:2 (NKJV)

3.      Fools can’t (control their temper).

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” 12:16 (NLT)

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” 29:11 (NKJV)

4.      Fools are (proud and self-confident).

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” 28:26

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can know it?” Jer.17:9

5.      Fools (create problems) not solve them.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: Pull Up a Chair

Scripture: Proverbs 6:1-19

All Scripture is English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise indicated

NLT- New Living Translation

NIV- New International Version

NKJV- New King James Version

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Got Wisdom?

TITLE: The Case for Purity

Text:  Proverbs 5; 6:20-35

“Do not bite at the bait of pleasure ‘til you know there is no hook beneath it.” Thomas Jefferson

“Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, they did not know how to blush.” Jer.6:15

I.    THE WARNING AGAINST SEXUAL SIN                                
 

The Gospel calls us to both (form and freedom), both (structure and liberation).

The father warns his son of two specific ways we can be tempted to fall:

1)      (Words)

2)      (Looks)

II.   THE BATTLE AGAINST SEXUAL SIN
 

To summarize chapters 5-7:

1.      Chapter 5 tells us sexual sin is eventually (disappointing).

2.      Chapter 6 tells us sexual sin is gradually (destructive).

3.      Chapter 7 tells us sexual sin is ultimately (deadly).

Lessons to learn about battle against sexual sin:

1)      Lesson #1: See the (end) not just the (beginning).

2)      Lesson #2: The Father’s love and the woman’s “love” is (different).

3)      Lesson #3: The enemy loves to play on our (vulnerability).

How do we fight it?

1.      If married, be satisfied with your spouse. (5:15-20)

2.      Be in a saving relationship with Jesus.

·         Claim God’s (forgiveness)

·         Make every thought (obedient to Christ).

·         Form a (new way of thinking).

·         Get by with (help from friends).  “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Eccl.4:12 (NLT)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted   Series: Got Wisdom?

Title: The Wise and the Otherwise

Scripture: Assorted Scripture from Proverbs

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