Book of Proverbs Chapter Two. For the Christian, there is nothing more pressing than seeing reality God's way. Seeing life God's way is not an option that we consider for our own benefit; but to the glory of God, even if we don't understand in the given moment.
Proverbs chapter two demonstrates that reality is intended to compel us to look to God for our ever need. A Christian who is influenced by the reality of God's will is habitually in a state of asking God for wisdom and help.
- Why We Should Ask God - vs.1
a. Because we Belong to God - 1a ...My son...
b. Because we Long for God - 1b ...if thou wilt receive...
- What We Should Ask For - vs.2,3
a. A Hearing Ear - 2a ...incline thine ear... Listening to God
b. A Heeding Heart - 2b ...apply thine heart...
c. A Humble Attitude - 3a ...if thou criest...
d. A Hopeful Goal - 3b ...liftest up thy voice for understanding...
Note what verses 2 & 3 results are noted in verses 4 & 5
1. Godly Intentions - 4a ...If thou...
2. Godly Intensity - 4b ...seekest...searchest...
3. Godly Integrity - 5a ...the fear of the Lord...
4. Godly Intimacy - 5b ...knowledge of God...
Just in these first five verses alone, we are impressed to realize that faithfulness to the Word of God accepts the fact that there are no other reserves to draw upon. All other means apart from the stern and sure admonition of God's Word will only leave us unpredictable, discontented and irrational. We are afforded God's demand to reject any and all substitutes for the Bible. The Holy Spirit will never make this a matter of debate. God's Word and our obedience to it is the only pattern to knowing and enjoying God's will (Eccl. 12:13).
How can we be sure that we are in the will of God and not just influenced by good intentions? A Christian who mistakes God's will for something else will remain intimidated by the influence of fear. The will of God ultimately is the influence of God that breeds discernment which reveals the will of God verses one's good intentions. With that being said... how can a Christian be absolutely sure they are in the will of God? It comes down to learning and knowing the Word of God. God's Word is the means for a meaningful life.
Free Bible Resources
COLLEGE OF THE OPEN BIBLE
Proverbs Chapter Two Continued
- The Principle of Learning - vs.6,9
a. Learn To Be Conclusive - vs.6,8 ...For the Lord...
Christ Is THE SOURCE. Note the following:
1. God Is The Provider - 6 ...For the Lord giveth...
2. God Is The Protector - 7 ...he is a buckler...
3. God Is The Preserver - 8 ...preserveth the way of his saints...
- Learn To Be Content - vs.9 Contentment cannot be bought. It must be taught.
Verse nine reflects a residual effect from verses 1,3.
Note: Content With The Integrity Of God's Word - vs.1
Content With The Intimacy Of God's Work - vs.2
Content With The Importance Of Our Worth - vs.3
- The Practice Of Learning - vs.10,11
a. Growing Accessible - 10 ...entereth...
b. Growing Assured - 11a ...shall preserve...
c. Growing Assisted - 11b ...shall keep...
- The Protection From Learning - vs.12-19
a. Protected From The Evil Man - 12-15
> His Evil Mouth - 12 ...speaketh...
> His Evil Mind - 13 ...darkness...
> His Evil Motive - 14,15 ...rejoice to do evil...
b. Protected From The Evil Woman - vs.16-19
> Her Dishonesty - 16 ...flattereth...
> Her Disobedience - 17a ...forsaketh...
> Her Distate For God - 17b ...forgetteth...
> Her Disaster - 18,19 ...death...
- The Promise Of Learning - vs.20,21
a. Godly Example - 20a That thou mayest walk in the way of good men.
b. Godly Experience - 20b ...and keep the paths of the righteous...
c. Godly Expectation - 21 ...For the upright shall...
- The Problem Of Not Learning - vs.22
a. No Help - 22a ...the wicke shall be cut off..
b. No Hope - 22b ...transgressors shall be rooted out...
Ultimately, the Bible is the key. The Holy Spirit will always exhibit the undiluted sternness of the Word of God. Why? There is no greater necessity for the believer than an unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God. This will inevitably result in the withering of our personal preferences which will result in clarity of God's will in all matters of life... making life meaningful.
Dr. Arthur Belanger