Summer Sermon Series April 25, 2010
Proverbs is a precious book to me. Its teachings are practical,memorable, and accessible. Many people are drawn to this book more than to othersin the Old Testament because of its personal focus and its relative disinterestin covenants, rituals, and cultural peculiarities. Of course, I would agreewith all that; but actually, none of those is my main reason for loving thisbook. For me, it’s much more personal. I was converted reading Proverbs. Surprised?Keep reading…
This summer, we are going to delve into this practicaland precious book. May through August will find us in a sermon series examiningthe principles and people of Proverbs. But let me make this crystal clear rightup front: this will not be a “Work harder! Do better!” kind of series. Rememberwhat Jesus did for the travelers on the Emmaus Road? “Beginning with Moses andall the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures thethings concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).Proverbs, as Jesus read it, was all about Him, and so that’s how we’re going topreach it. Of course there will be practicalapplication. Of course there will be personal conviction. But we will not read Proverbsin a way that implies Jesus has not come. In fact, read rightly, Proverbs mighteven help someone get saved!
One more thing: can I encourage you to read one chaptera day in Proverbs while we’re in this study, especially if you’re not presentlyin a Bible reading plan? If you begin May 1 and read through August 31, youcould work through the thirty-one chapters of Proverbs four times this summer, lookingfor Jesus and learning wisdom. I’m sure the benefits will be incalculable.