Sermons and Biblical Studies

PROVERBS 10:4, 26; 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty … (Prov. 21:5). Last week we examined some common stumbling blocks to the effective use of our God-given time. Today we will explore some ways in which you can redeem the time. This lesson will serve as a bridge to the focus … Continue reading “PERSEVERING DILIGENCE”

PROVERBS 6:4, 9, 10 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids (Prov. 6:4). Paul gave a very important admonition to the Ephesian church—“Redeem the time because the days are evil.” A proof of a person’s folly is the squandering of time. If you want to be wise you must improve the … Continue reading “REDEEMING THE TIME”

PROVERBS 30 Give me neither poverty nor riches … (Prov. 30:8). The golden calf of our culture comprises a deadly mix of sexual promiscuity, intemperance, and materialism. Materialism is driven by greed, covetousness, and discontent. Countless families spend more money than they make; they save little or none for the future; they hoard their money … Continue reading “THE GOD OF MONEY”

PROVERBS 6 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? (Prov. 6:27). Various sins often result from a lack of self-control. We have emphasized the need to take practical steps to conquer such sins. Simply to pray for self-control but to take no steps to remove temptations from your … Continue reading “LUST OF THE FLESH”

PROVERBS 20:1; 21:17; 23:19–21 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler … (Prov. 20:1). The abuse of alcohol can have far-reaching and devastating consequences. How many unredeemed souls have traveled the broad road to hell with a bottle in their hand? How many have traded reality for delusion at the cost of their … Continue reading “WINE IS A MOCKER”

PROVERBS 23:1–3, 19–21 Put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite (Prov. 23:2). Seneca once said, “I am greater and born to great things, than to be the servant of my body.” If a heathen can recognize the folly of indulging the flesh, how much more should a Christian … Continue reading “FREEDOM FROM FOOD”

PROVERBS 10:13, 19; 27:2 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking … (Prov. 10:19). Learning to control the tongue involves more than simply knowing when to remain silent or what to say. Times arise when it is proper to speak, but not in abundance. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, … Continue reading “VAIN BABBLING”

PROVERBS 10:31–32; 16:23; 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Prov. 25:11). Job learned a great truth many would do well to grasp, “How forceful are right words!” (Job 6:25). Choosing the right words can pave the way into a stubborn and rebellious heart unlike all the striving … Continue reading “CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORDS”

PROVERBS 10:20–21; 12:25; 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Prov. 15:1). A word gently spoken can turn away wrath and bind the cords of peace around the most ferocious enemy; however, a word spoken in anger can spark a flame that could consume nations. Choosing the road … Continue reading “A GENTLE WORD”

PROVERBS 18:8; 20:19; 26:22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts (Prov. 18:8 niv). When we think of gossips, we often imagine a group of spinsters with too much time on their hands, weaving and embellishing tales about neighbors. Or we envision teenagers whispering secrets … Continue reading “BEWARE OF GOSSIP”