We have been looking at the path to God. Five posts ago we said that the Christian life is found in the commands and promises of God’s Word. If we want to receive the promise; we first must achieve or obey the command. We used the saying, “If you want the promise you must meet the prerequisite.” I would like to add “If you want to receive blessings you must achieve obedience.” This is in no way, shape, or form claiming we can earn salvation or grace, but obedience proves our salvation, not earns it!
Then we learned about two different paths. One leads to God and the other is of the wicked. We are on one or the other. We serve sin or righteousness! “RO 6:16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!
After that we learned how to stay on the path that leads to God. We discussed 7 things we must do to remain on that path. These things are not a smorgasbord! You can’t pick and choose which to do. You must be doing them all to remain on that path. This time we will see some “do” and “do not” things on this path that leads to God.
V1-
Ronald Blevins said of this verse, “This shows that God inspires what He desires for us to have.” I find it amazing that 1Ki 4:32 say Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs and so few made it into God’s Word. Dt 29:29 Why is not for us to know!
V2- DO- SEARCH GOD’S WORD
“kings” This means an official on many levels; it was a common term for any magistrate. In this day and time, all civil was based on common law. They couldn’t function on statutory law alone. Their custom was to rely on the magistrates who were considered to be moral men.
If it be God’s glory to partially conceal his purposes, it is the glory of a king to search and examine this word, that he may understand from God how kings reign and magistrates decree judgment.
All of God’s people should be searching God’s Word to see how we are to act in a certain situation! DO YOU?
V3- DO NOT- TRUST THE FLESH RATHER LEAN ON GOD
Many leaders, kings, or magistrates have hidden agendas. We far too often are taken by a good speech and campaign slogan. When we look at leaders, or any person for that matter, we should never fall to lip service because “their heart is unsearchable.” Jesus understood this. He says as much in Mt 7:20
Vv4,5- DO- REMOVE WICKEDNESS FROM YOUR LIFE!
Silver that has not been purified is worthless. So is the king who is surrounded with wicked advisers. You make the silver valuable by removing dross, or the bad stuff/impurities. The same concept applies with a king or magistrate and his bad or wicked counselors.
Sometimes the wicked things or people that must be separated are close to us like friends and family. Jesus knew that too! He said Mt 10:34-39
Vv6,7 DO- BE HUMBLE DO NOT- BE PROUD
PR 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
Jesus makes a reference to this concept in Lk 14:8-11
“Whom your eyes have seen” There was a custom in the ancient world of never looking directly in the eyes of a superior until told to do so!
Vv8-10 DO NOT- AIR DIRTY LAUNDRY
“neighbor” This is a reference to a personal friend, more than just an acquaintance.
In today’s society people are so “sue happy” this verse is more applicable than ever! People today see the court system as a get rich quick scheme! We should be trying to solve our problems with each other outside of a court. Paul says a similar thing 1Co 6:1. May we seek to fix our problems with one another by going to one another. That’s what Jesus taught in Mt 18:15-20
CONCL:
As we travel through life may we all be sure to travel the path that leads to God. Jesus few will find this way and if desire to be part of the few we better be searching God’s Word, removing wickedness from our lives daily, and remain humble. While doing that we must also put no trust in the flesh, avoid be proud, and do not ask others to solve our personal problems! May we all strive to hear, “Weel done good and faithful servant.”
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