Scripture:
Proverbs (various chapters)
Sermon Transcript:
Introduction
The overarching theme of this Wednesday evening service is that life can only be truly worthwhile and successfully directed through God’s guidance. Building upon previous lessons about properly regarding God, oneself, and one’s family, this message expands on the biblical prescription for a successful life by examining how believers should regard others and material things.
Main Points
I. Regarding Others: Cultivating Healthy Relationships
To have a successful life, believers must carefully choose who they surround themselves with. We must be encompassed in security by walking with wise individuals rather than fools. We need genuine love from sincere friends who stand by us during adversity. And we must be encompassed with positivity. Just as iron sharpens iron, believers should surround themselves with people who stimulate their minds and encourage spiritual growth.
II. Regarding Things: Putting God First
Material things should never be at the top of our priority list; God, others, and family must come first. Keeping God first naturally leads to giving Him the first fruits of our substance and increase. Prioritizing God directly impacts how we treat others, leading to genuine kindness and mercy to the poor, which the Lord views as lending directly to Him.
III. God Rewards Those Who Trust and Obey Him
The world frequently displays a superficial happiness that masks deep sorrow, but God offers genuine happiness to those who trust in Him. Without the prophetic truth of God’s Word, humanity perishes, but keeping His law brings true joy. Walking in righteousness and mercy rewards believers with everlasting life and hope.
Key Scripture Passages Quoted (KJV)
- Proverbs 13:20: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
- Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
- Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
- Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase…”
- Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
- Proverbs 10:25: “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”
Pastor’s Illustrations and Examples
- Danny Mansfield’s Compassion: A postal worker who led a man named Joe Co to Christ. When Danny met a dying pastor he had never known, he showed profound compassion and encouragement, demonstrating the biblical gift of mercy.
- The Ministry of Silence: A grieving person’s greatest comfort came from a friend who simply sat silently with them, proving that supportive presence is often better than constant talking.
- The Whirlwind’s Velocity: The pastor compared the destruction of the wicked to a class-five tornado reaching 300 miles per hour, emphasizing that the righteous have an everlasting foundation.
Application Points
- Read a Proverb daily to continually seek God’s direction for your life.
- Cultivate relationships with wise, positive people who challenge you spiritually.
- Give God the first and best of your increase.
- Actively extend mercy to the poor and hurting.
- Ensure your communication is positive, timely, and righteous.
- Do not fear death, but rest in the calm assurance of an everlasting foundation in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion / Invitation
The sermon concludes by reminding believers they do not need to be anxious about death, because the shadow cannot hurt those who walk in the light of Jesus Christ. The righteous have absolute hope and an everlasting foundation. The message closes in a prayer of thanksgiving for the Book of Proverbs.
