About Us Home Worship
What is one piece of wisdom that has served you well in life?
Read Proverbs 4
Solomon’s father, King David, gave some instructions and commandments to him that he was now giving to his son. We can call these commandments “straight talk.” These are ideas about wisdom that bear consequences. Those first verses set up the instructions given in the rest of the chapter. These are all instructions a good dad wants from his children and they are also instructions that our Heavenly Father wants from us.
In verses 5-13, Solomon is begins communicating the idea of developing a listening and learning spirit. Solomon begins this portion of the chapter with the words, “Get wisdom, get understanding.” In the rest of the passage from verses 5-13, Solomon says: “wisdom is the principle thing” (v.7); “Hear... and receive my sayings” (v.10); and “Take fast hold of instruction” (v.13). These are all foundational principles to developing a teachable spirit. Every person is prone to putting up walls or makes themselves available to receiving instruction. A teachable spirit is crucial to the rest of our character formation! How do we develop a teachable spirit? (Now let’s admit right up front that this kind of training takes time and commitment. It’s not always an easy task to accomplish, but it is the right thing to do if you desire to move into the image of Christ.)
Teachability is a vital characteristic needed in our homes. Children learn relational skills, spiritual disciplines, humility from their parents. Parents should let their children see them seeking God’s wisdom. They should share spiritual truth with their children in those teachable moments that arise in everyday life. Walking and talking openly in our home about faith is essential to developing a teachable spirit. What are some ways to demonstrate a teachable spirit in our home? (listening, only being told once to do something, trying new patterns of behavior.)
The second part of the chapter talks about staying away from the wrong crowd. He goes on to contrast the path of the wicked with the path of the just in verses 16-19. What are some of the differences seen on these two different paths? (The answers are a little vague. Evil is persistent and is looking to hurt others, it loves wicked acts, it drinks up violence. Just is bright like the day and does not need to hide because it has nothing to hide.) Here’s the hard truth of this section... we want to talk about the wrong crowds at the schools, but adults need to evaluate their friends and associates. We justify many bad reasons for sustaining unhealthy relationships. Parents need to be proactive in encouraging godly relationships in their children and in themselves. Read 1 Timothy 6:11.
When you reread verses 20-22 you find a short interlude. It’s as if Solomon is stopping to say, “Are you listening?” “Am I getting through?” Then he gives one final thought in verses 23-27: keep your heart right. Solomon quickly makes the point that a right heart results in right speech. Jesus taught us that we say what’s in our heart. If we want to control our tongues, then we need to direct our heart. The concept of a right heart sounds noble and righteous, but what does it mean. What is a right heart? (A heart that wants what God wants. A heart that is hungry for the character of Christ in their life. A heart in daily pursuit of holiness because God is holy.) A right heart will also result in a right perspective on life. If their heart is right with God they will not be as easily influenced by temptation. A right heart produces a right lifestyle. Ultimately, a right heart will not be given from a parent or friend, but must be desired by each individual Christ-follower.
Close in Prayer.
Downloads
Note: If a file does not download completely after clicking on the "Download" link, right click on the link icon, click "Save Target As" and choose where you want to save the file.
| Title | Date | Options | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Children's Home Worship | 09/05/2010 |
 
|
| |
Preschool Home Worship | 09/01/2010 |
|
