Proverbs 22
Genesis 1:14-18 – And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
God created man and gave them an awesome responsibility. They were charged to:
- be fruitful
- multiply
- replenish the earth
- subdue the earth
- have dominion over the fish, fowl, and every living thing that moves on the earth
There is one thing you have been given since birth that will remain forever. It can be worth more than the finest riches or be compared to mere pennies. It can become your greatest asset or your worse ally. And though you can earn millions of dollars throughout your lifetime, it will never compare to what you have been given at birth, if you consider its true worth. It takes years to build and only moments to lose. And you have complete control over its value: a good name.
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
When fighting the good fight of faith, you’ll experience adversaries such as the flesh, Satan, and your lust. It seems that no matter how many times you resist their tempting calls, they continue to attack. Like a boomerang, they return with tempting thoughts, gestures, or situations again and again. Now, if you’re not careful, you’ll fall for their subtle calls to give in. However, in Christ Jesus, there is victory because HE is the great overcomer (Hebrews 12:1-4).
1. Being tempted does not mean you sinned. Your response to temptation determines whether you will give birth to sin or to continue living righteously before God. Jesus lived without sin and was tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11). He overcame using the Word of God.
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
In the scripture above, Solomon warns of making friendships with angry and furious men for fear that his son learn their ways and become snared. In line with this, we must also be careful of all friendships and associations we choose to make.
In many friendships, you may find that you will take some of their ways (traits) or vice versa. For example, when growing up, you may have dressed the same as a friend; shared the same laugh; and acted in the same manner – even today. Within the church setting, think about the places of worship we choose or people (ministries) we watch on television. Given some time you may find that you purchase the same bible, speak the same messages, and even take on many of the preacher’s mannerisms (good and bad).
Take the time to consider the friendships and associations you have and how they may have affected your life. Ask the Lord to reveal friendships that have possibly snared your soul and seek friendships that inspire you to live as our Father desires.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/johnnyberg
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