Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-12
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Recap:
Theme for 2021: In Christ and Christ Alone
3 things we must PUT in place:
- P - Point People to Jesus
- U - Uplift Jesus and His Name
- T - Trust Jesus Always and Completely
Trust begins with 2 letters: "Hi". Trust implies relationship, and relationship begins with two parties who acknowledge each other. Therefore, TRUST begins with ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Pro 3:5-6)
3 reasons why we must Acknowledge Jesus and the results of doing so:
I. Wisdom Comes From God
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Pro 3:7-8)
- Paraphrase of Pro 3:5 - "lean not on your own understanding"
The Israelites got into trouble whenever they were wise in their own eyes:
- The treaty with the Gibeonites (Jos 9)
- The time of the Judges (Jdg 17:6) where they had to be repeated delivered from their enemies
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Pro 2:6).
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28)
When we acknowledge the Lord as our source of wisdom, it will bring healing and refreshment.
Even though we live in a natural body that will get sick and shutdown, but we are promised eternal life, and we are able to live healthy and whole - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually - with peace and assurance in our soul.
II. Security Comes From God
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Pro 3:9-10)
Significance of the Firstfruits:
- Cain and Abel (Gen 4:3-5)
- Abraham and Melchizedek (Gen 14:17-20)
- Feast of Firstfruits (Lev 23:9-14)
God is the one who blesses and provides, and we give of our firstfruits - the best of ourselves - in honour and worship to God who is our source of security.
When we acknowledge the Lord as our source of security, God will provide all that we NEED.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:19)
III. Assurance Come From God
11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Pro 3:11-12)
Acknowledge the Lord because assurance comes from Him, especially during the times of adversity when we feel neither healthy nor prosperous.
"If a bird is flying for pleasure it flies with the wind, but if it meets danger, it turns and faces the wind, in order that it may rise higher." - Corrie Ten Boom
The goal of discipline is not affliction; it is restoration.
God disciplined us when we sinned against Him, but Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. Because of God's discipline for our sin has been meted out, we can be restored to right relationship with Him as His children.
Challenge
Acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ in all your ways, because Wisdom, Security and Assurance come from Him.
- Trust in the wisdom of God assures us of health and wholeness for eternity.
- Trust in God for security assures us that our needs will be met.
- Trust in God’s love gives us assurance us of our sonship - that God is our Father who loves us and delights in us.
