Providence Community Church

As we continue to familiarize ourselves with this great literary form of scripture otherwise foreign to us, let us pause to appreciate its great value! How different and infinitely more valuable are the words of Proverbs than the quasi – wisdom literature of our day. What is the popular “wisdom” of our day? Whether it's the motivating appeals to the hope of success designed to inspire a sense of determination, so-called ‘influencers' promoting the latest shiny thing, or sports figures and celebrities exalting the virtue and reward of chasing one's dreams… one thing is certain, no one will be listening to these messages a thousand years from now.  Yet today we have before us a record of wisdom that has stood the test of 3,000 years.  If you didn't have access to the Proverbs of scripture, it would be worth selling all that you had to own a copy of this book we are beholding this morning.

As we consider the 2nd major section in the book of Proverbs, the most obvious difference is in the form Solomon's instruction is presented.  Chapters 10-24 proceed with a collection of single sentence wisdom sayings or ‘aphorisms' under the title: “The Proverbs of Solomon”.  The style of writing compiles straightforward statements without expounding or illustrating the nuances of their application in practice.  As such, the order of the book is intuitive.  After the student masters the “My Son Oracles” of chapters 1-9, he can more effectively process and deploy the aphorisms of Proverbs in fruitful ways.  The operating assumption is that the exercise of wisdom is a discipline honed by diligent practice.  Solomon does not anticipate every case-by-case contingency, rather he writes to inform the student's moral intuition. From this database, the wisdom practitioner is better equipped to draw his own conclusions given any number or variation of situations he may face in his life and calling. These are rules of thumb (Webster) “...methods of procedure based on experience and common sense. General principles regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate.

David's life story was shaped by conflict. He was a wartime king and answered a warrior calling from the days of his youth. For this reason, in fact, David was not permitted to build the house of God (I Chron 22:8). David was a conqueror, his son Solomon would be a builder. Their respective callings would present unique challenges. For David, the incessant threat of Israel's enemies drove him time and again to prayer. Psalm 140 is a classic example. Both David and Solomon prefigure messianic glory of their future son's exploits. The one to whom David prays for deliverance will send His only Son to ultimately fulfill the calling given to Jeremiah (1:10) “See I have set you this day over nations, and over kingdoms, to pluck up, and to break down, to destroy, and to overthrow, to build, and to plant.” In the meantime David beseeches the Lord.

According to Paul's Example in Ministry…A Christian Should Be: A servant to others, a master of himself, and a student of the Word. Why a student of the Word of God? Because according to Paul, there is no loss of fidelity in the scriptures over time.  The instructions and warnings issued to the wandering Israelites bore relevance and authority for the Corinthian church in Paul's day and the same is true for us today.  The shelf life of the apostles instruction extends to the end of the church age.  This apostolic commentary features principles of continuity presumed in Paul's understanding of the scriptures. His assurance is that if we take heed of these things, we will not fall. First Corinthians chapter 10 is a passage of utmost importance for the spiritual health of the believer & the church.

Proverbs Chapter 9 paints a picture of a feast at Lady wisdom's house. This event involves preparation, invitation, and conversation. Having covered the first two, in our sermon today we address the third. Our text presents a sample of conversation at Lady Wisdom's table.  What are topics of consideration, issues of concern, and life lessons we hear when we eavesdrop, or better yet, sit down for a meal at her house? Verses 7-12 tell us. Structural Note: As chapter 9 closes, so does the first major section of Proverbs.  These passages are compiled under the heading of Solomon as son of David & king of Israel (1:1) and as such feature themes of generational legacy & equipping. We might call chapters 1-9 “The ‘My Son' Oracles'.  Chapters 10-24 follow with a collection of primarily single sentence wisdom sayings or ‘aphorisms' under the title: “The Proverbs of Solomon”. Hezekiah's scribes publish additional proverbs of Solomon in chapters 25-29 the wise sayings of this section are not quite as terse as the 2nd section.  The book closes with installments written by 2 other students of wisdom (Agur & king Lemuel) proverbs (30-31).  These authors contribute extended applications of that communicable attribute of God equipping the student of wisdom with skills for the art of Godly living.

What is it that Nehemiah was working for, and what was he trying to accomplish? What steps did he take to do the good work that God had given him, and how can we apply those principles in our own walk with God and work for God today? How is God calling you to build up His Kingdom?

Psalm 139 reads like a diary entry of David with its emotional and personal context, yet it is introduced as a hymn for the choirmaster to be sung in public worship. Its inclusion in the Psalter calls the believing singer/reader to identify with David's heartfelt relationship to His omniscient and loving Creator. The psalm calls us to assume its 1" person perspective as we confess with David the limitless knowledge, love, and power of Christ toward us, His beloved bride, who He died to redeem. This song is one of confession and submission to the sovereign knowledge of God. It is the opposite of Adam and Eve's impulse on their day of reckoning. Rather than hiding from God and scrambling to disguise his-guilt and shame, David submits-whole heartedly to the Lord, asking for God to audit his heart and life.

The title for our message comes from chapter 10 verse 11 where Paul identifies his hearers, as those on whom the end of the ages has come. Paul's greater audience therefore is all the Church until Jesus returns. While the occasion for his letter involves issues in Corinth, the application of his instruction extends to every Gospel outpost of the church age until new heavens & earth kingdom consummation.  Paul expounds his own Holy Spirit led philosophy of ministry in chapters 9 & 10 of I Corinthians to convict and inspire this church to apply these principles of Gospel ministry in their own lives and congregation.  In these practical ways he instructs them “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (10:33b)

In the first chapter of 2 Peter, Peter gives the church practical application on how we are to confirm our calling and election. He reminds the church of the great precious gift that we have been given, the promise of eternal life. He then calls the believer to action, to be effective and fruitful for the kingdom of God. God has granted the believer everything they need to be fruitful for the kingdom of God.

Of all the significant moments in redemption history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ may well be the event with the greatest disparity between its central importance to the Christian faith and its appreciation in modern times.  What we tend to take for granted, our forebears recognized as the birthday of the Christian church. The resurrection before-and-after pictures are among the most dramatic in all of scripture.  When the day of Pentecost arrives and with it, the baptism of the Holy Spirit empowering the first Christian missionaries, Peter announces the resurrection of Jesus to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem proclaiming: “This Jesus God raised up and of that WE ALL ARE WITNESSES.” (Acts 2:32).   When Jesus rose from the dead, so did gospel clarity, confidence, and power in the confession, conviction, & ministry of the early disciples of Jesus. To this day, over two millennia later, we gather every every week on the first day to worship our Savior who left behind an empty tomb on the very first Lord's Day over two thousand years ago.  Peter's message upon Pentecost is a case in point illustrating the profound effect this miracle had on him even as he proclaims its implications for the history of all mankind in his first great sermon.

Psalm 138 is the first of 8 songs written by David which appear as a set in the closing chapters of the Psalter. These Davidic psalms are followed by the final collection of S songs which all begin and end with the refrain: "Praise the lord!". These closing medleys swerve to reprise two central themes of the entire book - prayer, and praise. David's songs are structured according to the former followed by the crescendo psalms emphasizing the latter. It seems appropriate that this greatest of song books would culminate with a universal call to worship and 8 songs penned as examples by Israel's greatest king.

Paul's admonitions to the church in our passage are better understood in context of the issues arising in Corinth. Chapters 1-6 highlight particular problems including divisions in the body over superficial leadership preferences, worldly sexual norms corrupting the church, and frivolous legal cases between brothers in Christ. In addition to these internal issues, there was the looming threat of historic external persecution and hardship the church would soon encounter. All the more reason to address the tendency toward man-centeredness in the Corinthian church head on. Under the current conditions, the church would likely not survive the day of testing. Paul appeals to his personal convictions and application of the call to all believers to take up his cross and follow Christ. If the church would seek first the kingdom of God and prioritize the glory of Christ in their personal lives, covenant relationships, and highest ideals, her lampstand would remain.

The open house of our passage stands in stark contrast to the temptation of the adulteress in chapter 7.  In chapter 9 we receive an invitation to Lady Wisdom's residence.  Notice how she prepares her household for the occasion. Rather than the seductive couch coverings, Egyptian linens, myrrh/aloe/cinnamon perfumed bed of the temptress (7:16-17), Wisdom sets pillars and prepares a feast (9:1-2). Next she sends out her servants to call all who will heed her voice to come and dine. Her servants call to the simple and those lacking sense: “Turn in here, come, eat of my bread?” While some heed her invitation, many pay no attention as they sit down at the Woman Folly's table to a meal of stolen water and secret bread (17). Which table do you prefer? Be careful which you choose! For those who sit down with Lady Wisdom, they will appreciate her preparation, invitation, and conversation .

To demonstrate the scope of wisdom's potential. "Lady Wisdom" appeals to creation itself as the evident and super-abundant fruit of wisdom applied. Furtherrnore she appeals to her relationship to Yahweh to illustrate the indispensable necessity ofwisdon1 for any successful endeavor. lfwisdo1n is intrinsic to the works of God Hi1nself, ho.vc ould anyone, save a fool, distance hitnself fro1T1h er in his own endeavors? With .visdo,n as his right hand, the Lord Hi1nself established all n1aterial reality. More funda,nental than the molecular structure of elen1ents,m ore basic than the ato,n as a building block of 1T1atterth, e Lord, by wisdom, establishedt he heavensa nd 1narkedo ut the foundations' of the earth. The re,nainder of the chapter is organized by the tin1e references 'before', vhen', and 'now' endorsing "Lady Wisdom" s: prerequisite, companion, and counselor

As we have recently noted, the teaching of Proverbs regarding wisdom presumes the proper relationship between the spiritual and the material. We note as the chapter continues that legitimate political authority is established on wisdom. Even creation itself is established on wisdom, as is all enduring hope of human flourishing. Properly ordered affections prioritize the foundation, the means, and the righteous pre-conditions of all legitimate endeavors. Our summary from the analogy of wealth in verses 10 & 11: Only those who come upon their prosperity by way of loving wisdom more than riches can be trusted as their steward. can be adapted to every area of life. Verses 14-16 for instance: Only those who come upon their office by way of loving wisdom more than political power can be trusted as its steward. Lady wisdom's call isn't limited to young men lacking sense, she asserts herself on the heights beside the way of kings, princes, and nobles as well..

Psalm 137 is A song of lament, oath, & oracle.  This is a Psalm acknowledging situations where it is excruciating to sing. The psalmist is in exile but his heart is in Zion.  This is a song Nehemiah could sing as he wept in the courts of Artaxerxes' Persian controlled Babylon.  Nehemiah was a respected official who had the ear and the favor of an emperor, yet his affections called Jerusalem home (Neh 1:3-9). Nehemiah's contentment was tied to the fortunes of Zion: the status of covenant relations between God & God's people.  In his anguish our author lifts his appeal to The Great Judge of the nations.  The refrain spares no weight as the Psalmist finds consolation in the comprehensive judgements of a Holy God.

Paul's instructions continue according to the purpose statement of 1 Corinthians 7:35 to benefit the church, to promote good order, and to secure undivided devotion to the Lord… Referencing the letter he had received from the Corinthians, Paul addresses another issue of the day of spiritual & practical concern. What should a Christian do when the grocery stores are stocked with food that has been offered to idols? Paul's pastoral wisdom is evident in his sensitivity to the varying degrees of spiritual maturity given the paganism rampant in the culture. The weakened conscience places limits on knowledge processing abilities. For some individuals, proper categories may remain unclear, and a weakened spiritual state may render them more vulnerable to deception. In these cases, compassionate wisdom guides us to be careful not to destabilize a weaker brother while we work to build up the church.

Unless you think femininity is appropriated exclusively to portray seductive temptation in the wisdom literature of Proverbs… Remember chapter 1:20-33 has introduced us to a different woman entirely and here again in chapter 8, we behold the female personification of wisdom. Lady Wisdom is the counterpart to the forbidden woman of chapter 7 and the woman named Folly at the end of chapter 9.  Utilizing personification devices of the literature to great effect, this character sketch anticipates the closing chapter of Proverbs where the “excellent wife” applies the virtues nurtured by wisdom to the calling of godly womanhood and embodies a vision for the feminine ideal.  The book of Proverbs is a comprehensive discipleship handbook for coming of age, even as it provides sufficient counsel and guidance to wisdom students of all ages who may be lacking in spiritual maturity.

Solomon's instructions continue to unfold in the dramatic framework of chapter 7. We've imagined our young man seated for a man-to-man talk across the mahogany desk in his wise father's 5th floor study. They have observed the busy streets of worldliness from their window vantage point. These two scenes are then followed by two more illustrating the occasion and consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. These are the tests of Ii fe that make or break a man. While the instruction of wisdom from the Word of God is sufficient to guard against these dangers, the stakes are high and the intensity of temptation should not be underestimated. This is a classic scenario of wisdom vs. foolishness. In the warnings against adultery & fornication in the source of wisdom's study, we consider situations where we are most vulnerable, wisdom is most likely to be disregarded, and consequences are most devastating. The literary devices call out: "Pay attention if you know what's good for you young man!"

This Psalm's responsive refrain is echoed 26 times. With every verse we are reminded and called to confess:" His (Yahweh's steadfast love endures forever". Perhaps the most obvious message from Ps 136 is ironically the most often discounted: the relationship between the sovereignty of God demonstrated in His awesome acts and His eternal steadfast love. How is it that the cosmic order of creation, the terrifying judgments of Egypt, or the conquering of nations demonstrate the love of God? Despite our modem sensibilities, the author expects the singer/reader to resonate with these citations as proof of Yahweh's loving character. Viewing this song from the perspective of Israel's Old Testament experience is helpful in making sense of these connections. With the song's introductory three verses we note the 'God of Gods & Lord of Lords' references providing a helpful parallel from Deuteronomy 10:17. Here Moses issues a call to worship and fear given the revelation that the owner of earth & heaven has so loved His chosen people that He has exercised His sovereign power on their behalf in delivering them from bondage and multiplying their numbers. Thematic divisions for the remainder of the song are supplied from the text itself as the Psalmist provides a summarizing refrain in chiastic conclusion. Taking the closing themes in reverse order we have our outline for Psalm 136.

The vision for Gospel Reconstruction in Corinth continues with blueprints equipping the church for the Christian life in greater society. We understand from Paul's teaching that Christ bas come to rebuild and reconcile individuals and institutions in his image and Christians are called to faithfully, patiently endeavor to do the same. Paul's letters imply an important distinction between Christian missionary work including Christian growth in a community and secular revolutions. Civil Authorities are to be recognized, honored, and called to repentance. Slaves are not to immediately revolt against their owners. Christian spouses are not supposed to throw their unbelieving wives or husbands out as soon as they come to Christ. Rather these circumstances are to be viewed as God's strategic providence magnifying our salt and light opportunities (Mat 5: 13-16)

We might consider chapter 7 of Proverbs from the perspective of four scenes in a movie.  The first, I imagine unfolding in a 5th floor study of a man whose wisdom has increased with age. The devoted father sits across a mahogany desk from his son with well worn spines of his library books standing at attention on the shelves behind him. “As you grow older, my son, I have some counsel for you. If you heed my words, your path to joy and fulfillment will be secure. If you do not, the consequences are dire.” In scene two, the camera follows our wise father standing up and walking towards the window beckoning his son with one hand, the other holds a Bible open to Proverbs 7 with his calloused thumb. From this vantage point they look down on a busy street. “See that man about your age walking with no purpose? Let me tell you where he will find himself if he continues on these well worn paths of foolishness.” In scene three, conflict is subtly introduced as the father narrates the aimless young everyman's encounter with a seductive woman of the night (14-20). Finally, scene four closes the sequence as the two return to their chairs and our wise father leans forward, staring into the eyes of his teenage son and with a voice like Morgan Freeman says:  “Listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray into her paths… her whole house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

A useful device in case-law literature is sometimes called “citing the minimal case”. The idea is to demonstrate the application of the law in a situation of minor significance.  By implication then the reader understands that this law would surely apply in principle to any situation of greater importance.  The purpose of this device is to efficiently delineate the scope of a law without exhaustively listing every potential instance of application.  A classic example would be Paul's exposition of the ox & his “wages” (I Tim 5:27-28).  His point here: If the farmer is morally obligated to feed his working livestock then those who labor in the ministry are certainly worthy of the church's support.     In the context of ‘wisdom literature' a similar device is featured in our text. In calling the student of wisdom to integrity and righteousness in the context of romantic relationships and sexual temptation, Solomon is citing “the most difficult case” to illustrate the sufficiency of wisdom.  Our passage is a proclamation that godly instruction is effective to guide and guard what might otherwise be the most obstinate student facing the greatest of temptations. Sexual temptations are a significant test of wisdom.  In the warnings against adultery in chapters 5 through 7 we consider situations where wisdom is often disregarded and consequences of doing so are most devastating

Psalm 135 publishes a command to worship Yahweh and chronicles occasions for worship from nature, history, and covenant. Echoing themes from Ps 134, Ps 135 opens reprising a call to worship extending firstly to those with priestly duties commissioned to serve the Lord in His house (temple). The song continues by recounting & extolling works of the Lord and condemning the foolishness of idolatry. Finally Psalm 135 closes with another call to worship chorus this time broadcasting across the world that all the people of God might join him in song. Note: portions of this song might sound familiar. Verses 15-21 are a nearly word-for-word parallel with Ps 115:4-13 reminding us that the church has gathered together to repeat songs of worship for millennia from the days of leather scrolls to our own assembly here today.

In Philippians chapter 2, Paul encourages the church to be united in the faith. He instructs the church to remain humble, using Christ as his primary example. He then encourages the church to work out their salvation, without grumbling, but with joy amidst a crooked and twisted generation.

John's gospel introduces Jesus by way of His pre-incarnate glory in the first 18 verses typically referred to as "The Prologue of John". (This was our text for last week's sermon entitled: "Introducing Jesus"). The introduction of Jesus in John continues by way of testimony in verses that follow. The message of the book and John's intentions in writing are reinforced by his introduction. Later he will reveal emphatically that he himself is providing testimony (20:31) so that" ... You may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." A primary vehicle for revelation in John's gospel is that of 151 hand testimony defined by Webster as: "A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact." In our text today, he features the testimony of John the Baptist.

How do the Gospel writers introduce Jesus? The question of where to begin recounting the world's greatest narrative with an eternal back story would be a daunting task indeed. All 4 gospels begin in different ways providing a multi-faceted perspective on the greatest eventsI n history. The Gospel authors were keenly aware of the significance of the historical timing of the incarnation Just as Gene noted from Paul's letter to the Romans last sermon( Rom 5:6)" At the right time Christ died for the ungodly". In today's message we will seek to glean more insight on the timing of the incubation from the vantage point of four Spirit inspired witnesses.

In Romans chapter 5, verses 6-11, the apostle Paul expounds on the atonement. The condition we were in, how we are reconciled, and justified through Christ. Gods love for us is such that while we were still enemies of God, he sent his Son to take the punishment we deserve, that we might be reconciled to him.

In I Cor chapter 7, Paul continues with his teaching strategy introduced in chapter 6. Adding to the phrases:  All things are lawful for me• & the phrase: -Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food', Paul addresses a 3rd popular notion of the day denoted by the phrase 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman· (7: 1). This was a matter of concern the Corinthian church had addressed In their own letter to Paul. The apostle takes the occasion of the cultural presumptions of Corinth to provide Biblical correction as necessary alongside helpful applications to disciple these new believers. Paul's instruction presents helpful teaching for us today on these particular matters as well as a model approach to address popular notions of our own time. Here he is demonstrating the principle he will lay out in his 2nd epistle to the church (II Cor 10:5). Paul is taking thoughts on human relationships including marriage captive to obey Christ.

Our passage today introduces another unique feature which will resurface later in the book of Proverbs. The ascending numerical device of verse 16 is a feature of Wisdom Literature & Hebrew poetry. The 6 followed by 7 reference is designed to emphasize that the author's point Is strengthened by the frequency of examples, the number of which exceeds his present accounting. One commentary explains the implicit message of this proverb structure is: • ... to invite further appropriate answers. Wisdom literature often lists things together that are perceived to have something in common. Relationships are established in surprising ways, and the process of discerning orderly relationships in the universe increases wisdom: -Other examples of numerical Proverbs include Prov 30:18-31, Amos 1 :3-13, 2:4-5, & Job 5:19. --Proverbs of this type have been called: numerical ladders or instances of numerical heightening.

The first half of Proverbs chapter 6 contrasts the ambitions of the wise with the efforts of the wicked. The student of wisdom will work to reinforce a stable and virtuous vision for life while the fool uses corruption as leverage to benefit himself at the expense of others and God's design for relationships. Proverbs 6 contains perhaps the 10th 'My Son' oracle. Here again the 'father' (as the classic example) stands for: the source of wisdom. The son (as the classic example) stands for: the student of wisdom. These are joined by the forbidden woman introduced in the last chapter as the classic example standing for: sources of temptation.

Ps 134 is a fitting conclusion & crescendo to the Songs of Ascent summarizing central themes of this catalogue in the Psalter. In the context of temple worship at the time of authorship, Psalm 134 serves as an appropriate salutation and benediction. In its historical context, the people wave “goodbye” to the priests returning to their various vocations while their representatives perform the sacrifices in their stead.  The promise & picture of a tireless priesthood is celebrated in this anthem.  The hopes of Israel at the time rested upon the shoulders of many mortal men, themselves sinners, to intercede on their behalf with merely symbolic sacrifices day & night in the house of the Lord. —Not so today! We have our great eternal, omnipotent High Priest Jesus Christ! (Hebrews 7:22-25). And as such, priestly duties of spiritual service unto God now fall in a secondary sense on all believers (I Peter 2:5) as they step through the veil (Heb 10:19-22) torn at Calvary into otherwise unmediated communion with God. Thus, on this side of the New Covenant, the call to worship of Psalm 134 extends beyond the old tabernacle order to all believers… Come bless the Lord all you servants of the Lord!

In I Cor 6:12-13, Paul cites several general statements that are context dependent. In light of what the Apostle has addressed thus far and what he proceeds to cover in this chapter, Paul provides categorical qualifications to equip the church with discernment pertaining to matters of moral order within their community given the norms of society around them. Remember, the Corinthian church was just down the street from a bustling cultural center boasting the great wealth of a dual port city and international religious tourism making pilgrimage to the goddess Aphrodite and engaging in rampant prostitution and other debauchery she stood for.

In Titus chapter 2, Paul lays out the qualities and characteristics of the biblical woman. He gives instruction on how they are to conduct themselves, as well as instruction relevant to their God given role. Although men and women have different roles in God's plan for the church and the family, they are equally as important, and it is essential for women to know how to navigate their calling in an ever changing culture.

We have noted how the entire book of Proverbs by design is an exposition of the 5th commandment (Ex20:12) “Honor your father & your mother...”. Properly applied within the covenant home, Solomon demonstrates that to obey this commandment is to obey them all. In this way, the framework of Proverbs presents an exhortation to all parties in society. If we serve as a source of wisdom for anyone, especially our children, may our instruction be consistent with all the law of God. As we are students of wisdom, under anyone, especially our Christian parents, may we honor the whole council of God in honoring them. In chapter 5, the author emphasizes the relationship between the 5th & 7th commandments. Those who heed the council of their godly parents, will not commit adultery, instead their upbringing will prepare them to discern and resist unfaithfulness to their covenants with God and their family.

The poetic imagery of this song evokes the beauty and blessings of condescension. Anointing oil poured from above, dew falling, as it were, from on high and appearing at the mountain of God where heaven touches earth. Ps 133 expounds in metaphor the precious gift of the God-glorifying communion of the saints. David compares the gift of brotherly love to blessings descending from the storehouses of glory reassuring the people of the Lord's favor, faithfulness, and sufficiency. Paired with the Lord's prayer in Mat 6:10, it is clear, one sign of God's will and kingdom present on this earth is the sweetness of Christian fellowship. Where Jacob's ladder is touching ground, brethren dwell together in unity. For those who have the atonement of Christ in common, there can be no greater experience of solidarity and joy so long as we walk in the Spirit. Let us repair our souls to the affections expressed in Psalm 133 as we behold this text.

Yet today, despite the moral degradation of our society, in a court room the judge is referred to as “Your Honor”, to acknowledge the solemn duty and sacred authority of justice. If order breaks down at any point in the court proceedings, what does the judge do? He takes up the gavel (symbolic of his authority) and strikes the desk, reminding the court of their appropriate disposition in the context of the moment. We recognize we dare not disrespect the solemn and consequential responsibility of the occasion and the presiding officer. These are matters of life and death, not trivial diversions. This is one of the few remaining such rituals in our culture broadly speaking. How much more important are matters of eternal life and death and therefore how much more sacred honor is warranted in the worship of Jesus Christ and the order of His church?

In 1 Timothy chapter 3, Paul lays out the qualifications required for church leadership. These are the standards set forth for a man to be in a position of authority in the church. But the qualities and characteristics of such a man, are also a good benchmark for all Christian men. All men should aspire to meet these requirements, regardless of their aspirations regarding church leadership.

The concept of baptism precedes the New Testament church. If we told someone from the promised land generation of Israelites about our baptism here today, they would, no doubt, liken it to the events at Gilgal upon crossing the Jordan river into the promised land of Canaan. Likewise, we can greater appreciate their experience in light of our service here today. The name 'Gilgal' is explained in Joshua 5:9. Here the Lord says: “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Gilgal means: “rolling”. We can appreciate this event all the more in light of (Mat 28:2-7) where the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Greater Joshua, is punctuated by way of an earthquake, an angel, lightning, and the rolling away of the grave stone. Here, the hope of Gilgal extends to all eternity. In the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord has rolled away the reproach of our sin. Gospel connections are abundant at this chapter in Israel's exodus. Attention is drawn to this moment in the redemptive history of the people of God in multiple ways. In addition to telling literary devices like repetition, the text itself documents: divine revelation, symbolic imagery, miracle, memorial, covenant sign, and ceremony.

Today's sermon title is derived from several verses in Proverbs chapter 4 which reveal the connection between the wellbeing of the student of wisdom and what the wise father endeavors to teach him. (4) “Keep my commandments and live”. (10) “...Accept my words that the years of your life may be many”. (13) Instruction is to be guarded, Solomon says because: “She is your life.” (22) The words of the wise are “life to those who find them...”. Building his case with faithful repetition, Solomon continues to expound the virtues of Biblical wisdom. His instructions in this chapter are presented in 3 categories delineated by calls to attention in his “my son oracle” introductory framework as well as 3 distinct, yet mutually reinforcing metaphorical themes. These divisions form the outline for our message today.

The final three songs of this division in the Psalter introduced by Psalm 132 all include references to the apex of the songs of the ascent. The destination and desire of every faithful pilgrim is poetically proclaimed in these songs. “May the Lord grant us entry to the place of his dwelling and the fullness of covenant promises fulfilled”, the authors cry.  Psalm 132 is structured around four weighty symbolic references to the communion of God and man pictured in the temple worship order revealed to Moses and later restored and enhanced under David & Solomon. Each reference contains an appeal to prophetic assurances proclaimed in years past which grounds the author's prayerful worship.  Answers to the heart cry of Ps 132 all hinge on one central confession & petition expressed in verse 10.  Here the singer pleads for the presence & favor of YAHWEH's anointed one to visit them face to face.  Appropriately, centuries later, the angel Gabriel would reveal to Mary the child conceived in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit was the heir to David's throne.  The anointed Messiah worshipped in Psalm 132 had visited His people to save and to rule forever!

The next pressing issue Paul addresses after concluding his exhortation on the relationship between the congregation and their leaders and influences is one of blatant immorality exceeding the sexual misconduct of the unbelievers. There were reports of incest tolerated among members of the Corinthian church. Recent lectures from our church family camp featured themes like the abiding validity of God's law. Our passage today adds another reference to reinforce this thesis. Here in Paul's exhortation, applications from Leviticus 18 are in view. The sacred bonds and boundaries of marital covenant are to be maintained among the people. Even unbelievers affirm this so some degree, and in this case, the social norms of the pagans only strengthened the witness against the corruption in the Corinthian church.

Depending how you mark them, we have in our text today, the 5th extended “My son” oracle of Proverbs. The parallels between the book of Proverbs and the 10 commandments (Ex 20:1-17) abound and this passage is no exception. Like the Law of Moses, Solomon's instructions here contain 8 prohibition statements. The corrigible son is exhorted in the 5th oracle with as many “do not” commands as there are “Thou shalt not..” statements in the decalogue. Additionally parallel, the 1st 3 “do nots” of Solomon are more vertically oriented, while the remaining 5 are explicitly with reference to human relationships. Solomon's lesson contains these elements organized in 3 distinct sections which establish our outline for today's message

As an ascent of David, Ps 131 is remarkably and appropriately brief. The length serves as a poetic device to emphasize the psalmist's main idea. If David were to go on and on expressing lengthy lamentations or desperate appeals, the form would contradict the theme. As it stands in its beautiful simplicity, the tone of Ps 131 breathes a sigh of peaceful contentment. While the song itself contains just 3 short verses in our translations today, the many chapters documenting the life and calling of David elsewhere in the scriptures provide an extensive context for this song. Given this record, David's heart expressed in this song is a striking testimony to peace surpassing understanding.

The occasion of Paul's opening remarks in I Cor chapters 1-4 came by way of distorted views of the nature of the church and her leadership. Many in Corinth had a corrupted view of the identity of church influencers and the relationship between these men and the church generally speaking. In writing to correct these errors, Paul is provided opportunity to expound and apply elements of the Gospel that will address these challenges and many others that may present themselves. In the providence of God, we can be thankful for problems arising in the early church which redound to our benefit as we eavesdrop on practical instruction underscored by apostolic authority. In chapter 4, Paul gives his closing arguments on the issue of membership/leadership church relationships before moving on to address other matters of concern in his letter.

Once again calling the attention of the student of wisdom in verse 11 with the adjuration "my son·: Solomon continues with an exposition of the virtues of wisdom in verses 11-20 of chapter 3. We find here, in the light of her great benefits, that wisdom is rejected at an infinite cost of our souls. On the other hand ... Would you have great stores of wealth? Would you have abundant life? -Then "Lady Wisdom" is your best friend and you are in the company of the Lord Himself who by wisdom created all things in heaven and on earth.

The Third “My Son” oracle of Proverbs opens in chapter 3. Verses (1-10) comprise a set of 5 of condition/benefit couplets…followed by an exposition of the virtues of wisdom (11-26)…closing with a list of prohibitions and warnings (27-35).  Conditions, virtues, & warnings are key categories of Proverbs chapter 3. The genre of wisdom literature classically exemplified in our text today occasion some commentary on the relationship between obedience and blessing in the economy of godliness.  Here we recognize a distinction between grounds of justification and CREATION ORDER FRUITFULNESS for instance. The temporal relationship between Biblical law and the common good affirms the Lordship of Christ over the full range of human calling and experience.  The evangelical church has missed the message of Proverbs at times by hyperextending the “Law/Gospel” distinction or by overcorrecting against “Prosperity Gospel” heresies. While faithfulness to Biblical law does not secure our salvation, Solomon reminds us in his great wisdom treatise that it certainly is foundational to fruitful stewardship.  Furthermore while it is the height of presumption to assume godlike powers to manifest things & material wealth is neither the measure nor the objective of faith, nevertheless, there is a cause and effect connection between God's commands and promises that He has established within the order of creation.

We are quite familiar with the term 'existential threat' these days. This term is appropriate with respect to our guilt before a holy God.  The existential hope published & heralded in Ps 130 is indeed our only prayer and this hope is unto eternity.  In terms of this song, ‘forever' is not hyperbole.  The weight of anguish the author associates with his iniquity/sin is unto eternal damnation while the steadfast love of Yahweh is as enduring as God Himself.  Textual Parallels with Ps 130 abound in both testaments. The cross references are too frequent to cite exhaustively in this brief message.  The Psalmist has touched a central nerve in redemption's story arc with this song.  His themes here are echoed throughout the scripture…. May they be echoed in our hearts as well.

The "temple vantage point" of Paul's instruction to the church in Corinth in chapter 3 extends to his applications in chapter four. In our text today, Paul writes to correct the view of the Corinthians toward apostolic ministry and authority. Once again, he addresses a primary theme and purpose in writing that has surfaced several times early in his letter. This concern involved the role of and response to Christian ministers in the early church. Exhortations referencing specific individuals and the Corinthian's attitude toward these leaders appear in (1:11-13), (3:3-5), and here in ( 4:1-6). In chapter four Paul gives his closing arguments on this issue before moving on to address matters of ethical concern, worship order, spiritual gifts, and central theology through the rest of the book ...