Sermon Notes – A Traveler’s Guide to the Christian Journey - Overview

A Traveler’s Guide to the Christian Journey-Overview, Proverbs 1-31
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church , attended June 6, 2010

Near the end of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells the listeners that they have a decision to make. He paints a word picture of two gates (Matthew 7:13-14). All of life comes down to two ways to live – and one decision to make. That choice has eternal implications.

This beautiful word picture is important. You must come through the gate of Jesus Christ. The gate and the path are inseparable. You don’t have a narrow gate opening into a broad path and vice versa. There is an inseparable connection between trusting and following Christ.

Paul uses this same type of word picture in Colossians 2:6, “…walk in Him…”. Ephesians 4:1, “…walk in a manner…”, also uses it. 1 John 1:6-7, “…walk in darkness, …walk in the light…”, uses this imagery as well. We are on a journey and you have to enter the right gate.

You can see this choice of two ways to live in the Old Testament also. Adam and Eve were given two choices. In Joshua 24:15 they are given a choice, “…choose this day whom you will serve,…”.

The primary question as a Christian then is, since we have come in through the narrow gate, how can I walk the narrow path as God desires? How can I faithfully stay on the path? We know the path is not as easy as you may have thought. It is a difficult path to walk The Bible tells us how to walk in the Way. There is no more practical book than Proverbs to show us how to walk with Him. It is a description of how to walk the narrow path, filled with detailed, practical instructions as we navigate life.

Tips on how to use this travelers guide:

1. Proverbs consistently points out there are two ways to live –

It consistently contrasts two worldviews, two choices. The narrow path is the way of wisdom requiring discipline, discernment and knowledge. The broad path is the way of folly characterized by naiveté, rebellion and scoffing. Only one way leads to life (Proverbs 15:24) and that is the way of wisdom (Proverbs 14:12).

It is written from a father to a son which is an analogy for the Heavenly Father speaking to us, His children.

2. The way of wisdom is entered only through the narrow gate (conversion) –

Matthew 7:13-14 helps us understand this.

A fool can’t, and won’t, learn the ways of wisdom. He has to enter through the correct gate first (Proverbs 1:7), otherwise he doesn’t have true wisdom. Unless you fear first, nothing else will be any good for you (fear of the Lord means converted).

Proverbs 1:28-31 shows this clearly. This book is only for those having a relationship with God. This is not a book just to learn how to have moral leadership or success. You read Proverbs because you long to be like Jesus not just be a success. You can't make a life until you have life.

3. The way of wisdom teaches God’s people how to know God and live for God in a way that glorifies God –

The ultimate desire of wisdom is that God might be known. Only people who want to honor God are God’s people. God’s people will want to honor Him as Proverbs 3:9 and Proverbs 14:31 teach.

4. Proverbs are personified in Christ –

Christ was wisdom in the flesh (Colossians 2:3, 1 Corinthians 1:24). The search for wisdom is a search for Christ.

Mark 8:34 tells us to follow Jesus. Proverbs tells us how.

5. Proverbs gives us both theological foundations and practical instruction –

Our life must be built on solid theology. Practical instruction must be built on a solid theological foundation. Chapter’s 1-9 are the theological foundation. Chapter’s 10-31 are the practical applications.

6. The way of wisdom must be sought diligently –

James 3:17 tells us that wisdom is pure, from God to God’s people only.

We must choose to fight for this purity and holiness. It takes discipline and work, i.e. it takes disciples. Proverbs 2:1-6 shows us this with words like attentive, incline and seek. Proverbs demands us to think, e.g. Proverbs 14:4 is not just about oxen. We must work to pull out the wisdom, we must seek wisdom.

Does your daily schedule show your desire to seek Christ? Are you diligently seeking to walk with Christ?

Proverbs and Matthew 7:13-14 call us to choose, turn and walk. Choose wisely.

NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.