2015-11-15
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Over the past two months, we’ve examined the life and teachings of Solomon. Going all the way back to his early days when David was preparing him to sit on the throne. Solomon learned a great deal about how to handle life as he made his journey.
While on that journey, Solomon has continually cautioned us not to get away from the Lord! Solomon did not grow weary about cautioning us about this temptation. It is as if he is SO convicted about this, having seen it first-hand himself, and bears the scars of this mistake that he doesn’t care how many times he says it or how frustrated we get hearing it over & over again! Why? Because he cares for us and believes it with all his heart!
Last week, we looked at Solomon’s parting statement:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
In other words, in the midst of saying that all of the things of this world are vanity (useless), the things of God are eternal and important. He tells us IT ALL MATTERS!
Memory Verse:
Proverbs 14:27 NKJV
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 4:13 NLT
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
Solomon was the wisest man to ever live. We should learn from him. but we should also seek the same wisdom he sought from God.
Proverbs 9:12 NLT
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
What does fear of the Lord look like?
Hate Sin
Sin Will Never Produce Happiness
Proverbs 23:17-18, 32 NLT
Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. 18 You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed… 32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
Proverbs 24:20 NLT For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out
Proverbs 5:22 NLT An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.
John 8:34 NLT Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.”
Learn from Others – Fear of the Lord is easier when sought together…
Proverbs 5:20 NLT
Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
Never dismiss the importance of good and Godly friends?
Proverbs 12:26 – “choose your friends carefully.”
Learn From Him – Fall in love with Jesus, seek Him daily. It is our only hope.
Proverbs 6:21-22 NLT
Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.
Proverbs 14:27 NLT
Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
Our only guarantee of avoiding the “snares of death” is Jesus.
God’s wisdom sets us free. However, that wisdom can only come through a personal relationship with Him.
John 8:36 NLT “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
All of Solomon’s life can be summed up to say that our only hope is Jesus. Jesus is the answer!