The First Sermon at West Loop UBF, Jan 6, 2008

Where is Your Vision? (This is the unedited sermon I preached at our first Sun service at West Loop UBF on Jan 6, 2008. I happened to come across this as I was searching through my email.)

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint…" (Prov 29:18, NKJV).

The theme of this message is vision. Our key verse, Proverbs 29:18a says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish…" (Prov 29:18, KJV). Why is this? It's because if a man has no vision, he will live as he feels, and he will perish in obscurity. But with a vision, he can face hardships, overcome any difficulties and struggles and even conquer the world. In history, all great men were men of vision who overcame impossible odds. Here are a few stories.

In 1975, at the age of 20, Bill Gates dropped out of college. In 1986 at age 31, he became the richest man in the U.S. How did he do it? He had a vision that every household would have a PC. In those days a computer was slow, huge, costly and impractical. But when he had a vision, he realized his vision. Even a lunatic like Hitler, when he had a vision of a superior German race, was able to shake the world for a brief time in history. Martin Luther King's speech "I have a dream," is mesmerizing. King's vision was that his 4 children will "live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." His vision forever distinguishes King as a great 20th century American hero.

Honesty

Some quotes on Conscience, Courage and Honesty posted in July 2014. Here are more verses and quotes on honesty.

• "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips" (Prov 24:26, NIV).

• "An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies" (Prov 12:17, NIV).

• "An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies" (Prov 14:5, NIV).

Biblical Portraits of Creation

As the title declares, Biblical Portraits of Creation is indeed a celebration of the Maker of Heaven and Earth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I plan to use it and encourage its use in preaching and Bible studies. I highly recommend it.

The important, glorious, majestic and dynamic doctrine of creation that emphasizes God as Creator (Gen 1:1) is often a neglected theme of sermons and Bible studies in churches, which favors redemptive historical aspects of the Bible. But Biblical Portraits of Creation faithfully and edifyingly lays emphasis on the utmost importance of God as Creator. It captures the grandeur, glory and majesty of the creation (and new creation) texts of both the Old Testament and New Testament by explaining, expounding and exegeting those texts in an engaging way. (See titles for the 12 chapters and the corresponding biblical text below.) It is an excellent resource for Christians, pastors and lay Bible teachers who wants to preach and/or teach about creation and new creation. The concise and succinct summary points at the end of each chapter is very useful, along with study questions, which can benefit and facilitate group Bible studies and personal reflection.

Fearing a Human Being

It is perhaps natural to fear a powerful man. For instance, it might be natural to fear your boss, since he or she has the authority to fire you.

As a Christian, it might also be natural to fear a Christian leader who is in a position of authority. Some might think that the Christian leader is closer to heaven than you. Thus, you might seek your leader's approval and blessing by regarding it as being similar or equivalent to the approval and blessing of God.

But Prov 29:25 states explicitly that fearing a man, any man, even a good man, or a Christian leader, is not wise. "Fearing people is a dangerous trap" (Prov 29:25, NLT). "The fear of man is a snare" (Prov 29:25, HCSB). "The fear of man brings a snare" (Prov 29:25, NASB).

How To Be BOLD

"...the righteous are bold as a lion" (Prov 28:1).

Food for thought: Consider that the boldest man who ever lived was also the gentlest man who ever lived (Rev 5:5-6).

To be bold one must know and believe the following:

1. God's love for us never changes (Jer 31:3; Heb 13:8).
2. God is good (Ps 100:5).
3. God is working all things for our good (Rom 8:28).
4. God will complete his work in us (Phil 1:5).
5. God protects his people (Gen 15:1; Ps 18:2).
6. We are precious to God (Ps 72:14; 116:15; Isa 43:4).
7. In God we fear no man (Prov 29:25).
8. God is with us forever (Isa 7:14; Mt 1:23; 28:20).

Knowing and believing the above, what then could one do practically?

Boldness, Confidence, Courage

"...the righteous are bold as a lion" (Prov 28:1b). "...the godly are as bold as lions" (Prov 28:1b, NLT).

"Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident" (Ps 27:3).

"But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high" (Ps 3:3).

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Josh 1:9, NLT).

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Tim 1:7, NLT).

Here are a gazillion quotes:

Boldness

• "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Goethe.

• "Freedom lies in being bold." Robert Frost.

• "Boldness be my friend!" William Shakespeare.

What is a good friend?

Four attributes characterize a good friend (Derek Kidner):

1. Constancy. A good friend loves at all times (Prov 17:17) and sticks closer than a brother (Prov 18:24).
2. Candor. A good friend is willing to risk hurting you for your good (Prov 27:6; Eph 4:15).
3. Counsel. A good friend cheers (Prov 27:9) and challenges (Prov 27:17).
4. Tact. A good friend does not force or impose one's friendship (Prov 27:14), or overstay one's welcome (Prov 25:17), or gloat (Prov 25:20), or joke crassly (Prov 26:18-19).

Womanly Excellence (Prov. 31:30)

Chart of the Book of Proverbs.

Godly kingliness (Prov. 31:1-9) should be characterized by:

1. holiness (Prov. 31:3)


2. sobriety (Prov. 31:4-7)


3. compassion (Prov. 31:8,9)

Wifely excellence (Prov. 31:10-31). This woman is lavished and heaped upon with superlatives such as excellence, nobility, worthiness, etc. Why? It is not primarily because of her practical wisdom and skills and talents and etiquette and social graces. Rather, it is because she fears the Lord. Prov. 31:29,30 say, "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." The book of Proverbs begins and ends with the theme: "The fear of the Lord" (Prov. 1:7). The fear of the Lord is foundational to the wise and right use of all her activities and skills. A godly woman may well have outward charm and beauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.

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I Am Too Stupid (Prov. 30:2-4)

I am too stupid to be a man (Prov. 30:2-4). {"The words of Agur" (Prov. 30:1) are perhaps addressed to his favorite pupils.} We think that if we give of ourselves to seek wisdom and truth, we'll be quite smart. But Prov. 30:2,3 says, "Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One." Surely, he is not "stupid," but one who humbly knows of and realizes his own severe limitations, ignorance and experience as a mere human before the infinite God (Prov. 30:4; Job 38:4-39:30). Man, in his ignorance, thinks of God as an object of his investigation or speculation, not realizing his utmost overweening pride in doing so. But man who sees himself before God recognizes the sheer immensity of the mystery and majesty of God, and is humbled and awed.

God's flawless revelation (Prov. 30:5,6). Prov. 30:5 says, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield of those who take refuge in him." These verses move from the uncertainty of human speculation to the certainty of divine revelation -- the trustworthiness and reliability of the Bible. This verse supports the doctrine of the “plenary” (full, complete) inspiration of Scripture, extending even to “every word” (2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). Yet, the aim of revelation is to promote a living loving trust, not bare knowledge, toward the One God behind "every word of God."

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Singing & Rejoicing (Prov. 29:6)

A righteous man sings and rejoices (Prov. 29:6).

Vent or hold back. Prov. 29:11 says, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."

The king who wins loyalty. Prov. 29:14 say, "If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever." Usually, the poor are disregarded or marginalized or treated arbitrarily, because they are inconsequential to those who are more powerful. Jesus is the greatest King because he highly regards and values the lowest, weakest one, even each of us.

Rod & Reproof; Discipline to Delight. (Prov. 29:15,17). Discipline is good and wise, and should not be avoided. See Prov. 13:24: http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/wisdom-is-found-in-those-who-take.html

No vision. Prov. 29:18 say, "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law--blessed is he" (Amplified Bible). The Message translation says, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." If we don't "see" God, we wander and meander aimlessly and pointlessly. If we humble ourselves to divine revelation in Scripture, we experience the blessing of God.

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Hiding One's Sins (Prov. 28:13)

"The righteous are bold as a lion" (Prov. 28:1). One can act tough or confident based on their superior knowledge, expertise, experience, seniority, status, etc. But only one who is right with God in his heart has no fear of any man, or of any adversity, or tragedy. He has no hidden past that he is concealing/hiding (Num. 32:23; Prov. 28:18), and he is sure that God is with him (Ps. 23:6).

Conceal or Confess Sin. Prov. 28:13 says, "Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and renounce them find mercy." We conceal sin because we like it and want to continue in them, or because we don't want others to think how bad we are. But without confession of sin, we become hypocrites, we harden our own hearts, and we carry a load of guilt that will crush us. Pray that God have mercy on us, so that we fear God (Prov. 28:14), and be true to him.

Rebuke rather than Flatter. Prov. 28:23 says, "Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue." Polite society thinks that rebuke is bad, and flattery wins favors. But one who truly loves another will always do what's best for the other, including painful, stinging rebuke, for their good.

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Wounding Kisses, Friendly Wounds (Prov. 27:5,6,9)

Frankness between Friends. Prov. 27:5,6 say, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." A true friend risks even his friend's wrath and anger by speaking the truth for his good that he may not wish to hear.

True Friends Improve Each Other. Prov. 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." God meant for no man to be an island. A man's advance and progress is best through the influence of a good man, a mentor.

True Testing. Prov. 27:21 "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." Many a man is strengthened by adversity, while the true measure of a man is exposed in the day of success and praise.

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A Bible Contradiction? Don't Answer a Fool, Answer a Fool (Prov. 26:4,5)

What to do with fools. Surely, it's always hard dealing with fools! Prov. 26:4,5 say, "Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you yourself will be just like them. Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes." Clearly, no proverb is intended to cover every situation. The apparent contradiction here is that proverbs must be appropriately applied. A situation may demand a non-response, while another situation may demand that folly be exposed for what it is. Obviously, this always calls for wisdom. During his trial, Jesus didn't answer questions that could have vindicated himself, while he plainly declared his Messiahship that led to his brutal execution.

A foolish messenger makes the sender look like a fool (Prov. 26:6 cf. Prov 25:13).

The most foolish of all fools is the one who thinks he is wise. Prov. 26:12 says, "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." There are degrees of foolishness with intellectual conceit being the most stupid and the hardest to remedy. An extreme example is the worldly wisdom that regards God's wisdom as folly (1 Cor. 1:18-2:5).

The creativity of laziness (Prov. 26:13-16): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/creativity-of-laziness-proverbs-2213_21.html

How damaging and destructive is gossip (Prov, 26:22): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/gossip-goes-down-deeper-than-juicy.html

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A Soft Spoken Word (Prov. 25:11,15)

Wise words: Prov. 25:11 says, "A word aptly (fitly) spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." We know how easy and harmful it can be to speak thoughtlessly and foolishly. Everyone remembers some "horrific, traumatic, wounding" words someone spoke, and some "unforgettable, memorable, encouraging words" someone else spoke. It is surely true that "no human being can tame the tongue" (Jas. 3:8), so in a sense our own speech is a lifelong exercise in damage control! As God's people, may our words be God's instrument to pass along to others the grace and love God has given us (Prov. 25:12,13). In Eph. 4:29 Paul urges us to speak "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (A Proverbs Driven Life by Anthony Selvaggio.)

Soft words: Prov. 25:15 says, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle (soft) tongue can break a bone." Reacting emotionally, or blowing up in anger with our words is a sad result of our fallenness, that often has irreversible consequences. But with gentleness, tact, diplomacy, and "soft words" much more can be accomplished (Prov. 15:1, 16:32): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/eyes-of-lord-proverbs-153.html Jesus could move the most hardened criminal because of his gentleness and softness unto death (Luke 23:47).

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Building Greatness, Having Greatness (Prov. 24:3-6)

Surely, there is none who doesn't desire greatness. The question is "How?"

Building greatness: Prov. 24:3,4 says that to build a house requires wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The house could be a building, or is symbolic of a man's character, his family, or a fine enterprise or dynasty. Perhaps, the greatest character traits to build are the hardest--humility and meekness (Matt. 11:29), gentleness and kindness (Gal. 5:22,23)--while virtually anyone, even a fool, can act tough and throw his own weight around.

Having greatness: Prov. 24:5 says, "A wise man is full of strength" (ESV); "A wise man has great power" (NIV). A wise man also enhances his might (ESV), and increases strength (NIV). How is this done? Prov. 24:6 says, "...for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers." No one ever becomes great alone; no one ever becomes wise alone (Prov. 11:14, 12:15, 13:10): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/wisdom-is-found-in-those-who-take.html

Ultimately, no man's true greatness, power or strength ever comes from himself, but from God. Paul said, "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4).

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The Creativity of Laziness (Prov 22:13)

The Ingenious Sluggard: Prov 22:13 says, "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets.'" A lazy person has no idea they are lazy, just as a proud person has no idea how proud they are. To avoid work, the lazy think that something horrible would happen to them if they left the house to work. They are clueless that what would kill them is not the imaginary lion of their lame excuses, but the reality of their poverty.

Honor & Recognition: Prov 22:1 says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Everyone desires a good name, even crooks and gangsters. But how easily are we deceived and enticed by silver or gold. A good name is always attained through righteousness (with God) and kindness (toward others). Jesus gives us an even greater motivation and source of joy than our sense of honor by being praised and recognized and commended by men. It is our eternal salvation, for our names are written in heaven (Lk 10:20).


Knocking nonsense out of a child: Prov. 22:15 says, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." Without loving discipline, a cute innocent child will grow up to be a fool. Prov 13:10, 24 - Wisdom is Found in Those Who Take Advice.



30 sayings: Prov 22:17-24:22 contain 30 sayings (77 proverbs) that were spoken by godly men and compiled by Solomon. Prov 22:17-21 introduces this section, similar to Prov 1:1-7. The 1st 5 sayings are:

1. Protect the poor (Prov. 22:22,23)
2. Avoid the angry (Prov. 22:24,25)
3. Pledge carefully (Prov. 22:26,27)
4. Don't steal (Prov. 22:28)
5. Observe the skillful (Prov. 22:29)

Prov 22:1-29 Daily Devotional by Don Carson

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God is Higher than the king (Prov 21:1)

King of kings: A king who thinks he knows what's always best is proud (Prov 21:4); he'll one day come to a shocking realization that God is a much higher judge than he (Prov 21:2). Prov 21:1 says, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." To see God above a king or boss or leader who is above you and who may rule over you is to have faith in God and to fear God, not man (Prov 29:25). Otherwise, we'll exalt and worship a mere man for favoring you, and curse him for being against you.

God is always the final answer, never man: Variations of Prov 21:2 is repeated through out Proverbs (Prov 16:2), because we are so easily self-deceived, while God exposes our true deepest inner motives: "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart."

The Limitations of Human Discernment (Prov 20:24,27)

We Plan; God Overrules: Prov 20:24 say, "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" We make our own decisions and we are fully responsible for them. But paradoxically, God directs the steps of each. This paradox exposes the limitations of our human discernment (Prov 16:1,9).

Gossip Goes Down Deeper than a Juicy Steak (Proverbs 18:8)

Gossip: Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." Gossip is so deadly because people love to hear it and to share it. Gossip has a voracious appetite. It tastes so good going down, but it has no nutrition in it. It's like ingesting or spreading a spiritual poison that strikes at the very core of one's being.

Why do we gossip? What does gossip do? What's wrong with gossip? What can we do?

Gossip, and his twin Slander, seems irresistible because it empowers and exalts the gossiper by demeaning the one gossiped about.

Gossip and innuendo invariably feeds our pride and ego by giving us a sense of power and superiority--at someone else's expense. Who can resist doing this?

To the Christian, gossip doesn't seem serious or even bad or wrong, unlike murder or adultery, but...

• ...in the Bible, a sin is a sin, and there are no greater or lesser degrees of sinfulness.
• There are no good outcomes of gossip, only destructive consequences (Prov 18:6-9,19,21), even in the church. How many churches have split, become divided or greatly weakened by spreading gossip and slander, instead of speaking to one another face to face with gentleness and respect, with honesty, openness and transparency!
  
• Pray that God give us grace to not gossip, and that our words may be thoughtful, timely, and true.

Isolation: Proverbs 18:1 says, "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." "Isolate" translates a Hebrew word that refers to someone who is either reclusive or divisive. Either way, antisocial tendencies seem to be implied (ESV Study Bible). We think of ourselves as socially cool, and not at all like the Unabomber. But I think that we isolate ourselves if we only gather together with our own clique, such as our family and close friends, our sports buddies, or even our own local church community. Then our mindset becomes shaped by the thoughts and sentiment of our "exclusive in group." But Jesus was always incarnational, and he always "hung out" with those whom the Pharisees hated. The Pharisees was "against sound judgment" because they isolated themselves by only being among themselves.

Prov 18:9-12 imply that riches can give a false sense of security that leads to laziness, pride, and a downfall, but that humility and the fear of God exalt people.

Answer Before Listening: “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame” (Prov. 18:13). Think of those exasperating, aggressive conversationalists who rarely let you finish a sentence or a thought before they interject their own viewpoint. How much worse is the situation when neither side in a dispute really listens to the other side. In rare cases, of course, there is literally nothing to be said in favor of one particular side. But almost always there is at least something to be said for a contrary position, even if on balance it is not all that defensible. But how can you find out if you do not really listen? How can you hope to convince the other party of what you are saying if you cannot give that party the grace of courteous listening? In most disputes, tensions will improve if one party takes the initiative to lower the volume, slow the pace, cool the rhetoric, and humbly try to listen and discover exactly what the other side is saying.

Proverbs 18 Daily Devotional Don Carson

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SHUT UP (Proverbs 17:27,28)

Speech: Everybody thinks that others talk too much. "If only they would shut up and listen to me!" The book of Proverbs favors silence by far, or the very spare use of words by the wise. Prov 17:27,28 say, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." So, even fools who imitate the wise in their silence may appear wise! Can I learn self-restraint and self-control in my speech, emails, blogs and body language? This is an excellent and painful question!