Christ Alone
“We see that our whole salvation and all its parts are comprehended in Christ. We should therefore take care not to derive the least portion of it from anywhere else. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is “of him.” If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, they will be found in his anointing. If we seek strength, it lies in his dominion; if purity, in his conception; if gentleness, it appears in his birth. For by his birth he was made like us in all respects that he might learn to feel our pain. If we seek redemption, it lies in his passion; if acquittal, in his condemnation; if remission of the curse, in his cross; if satisfaction, in his sacrifice; if purification, in his blood; if reconciliation, in his descent into hell; if mortification of the flesh, in his tomb; if newness of life, in his resurrection; if immortality, in the same; if inheritance of all blessings, in his kingdom; if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given to him to judge. In short, since a rich store of every kind of good abounds in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other.”
–excerpt from Christ Alone: Why indulgences are still a bad idea (read entire article here)
Read MoreThe Purposes of Proverbs
There are six purposes indicated from Proverbs 1:1-7 to study Proverbs (to grow, be guarded, glorify God, not be gullible, get ready, and be guided rightly). They are not obvious and require some thinking and study as the entire book demands. Proverbs are meant to be given thought, reflected and prayed over, and to reach conclusions that are biblical, that make sense, and are personal. In my journey through this book, here is what I found, may it be of some benefit to you. (these thoughts also shared in my recent sermon on the subject here.) Grace and Peace.
1. So you will grow. v. 2a “to know wisdom and instruction” “instruction” here indicates discipline, it takes hard work to be a disciple, and God will not do your thinking for you, and Christians do not grow without thinking over God’s wise words; see Prov. 16:20, 2 Tim. 2:7.
2. So you will be guarded from evil. “to understand words of insight” v. 2b “insight” here speaks of the ability to see further than your senses can take you, your eyes, ears, hands can do only so much, you need the ability to discern what is good and to choose it. And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:28)
3. So you will glorify Jesus when God disciplines you as a legitimate son or daughter of God. “instruction [rather discipline] in wise dealing” v. 3b see Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:5. God’s Son was crucified and brought God the most glory; see also Prov. 3:12, Heb. 12:8, Rom. 11:36.
4. So you will not be gullible. “The simple” are those naïve to the complexities of things, they like things simple. They lack knowledge of God’s Word. And they are characterized by inexperience and indecision (Prov. 1:32). God is in the business of saving simple people (Psalm 116:6); see also Prov. 14:15.
5. So you will get ready. “knowledge and discretion to the youth” v. 4b Knowledge of God, and Discretion (often speaking of plans) prepares us to face the future including temptations (Prov. 5:1-3); see also Luke 12:35-40.
6. So you will be guided rightly.”the one who understands obtain guidance” v. 5 “Guidance” some think comes from a term for ropes used to steer a ship. Proverbs enables us to lead ourselves and others through life, much like a well-steered ship that navigates a difficult waterway (this thought from New Reformation Study Bible).
Update: It would not be outside of the text to add a seventh purpose here, namely Worship, based on Pro. 1:7. “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge…” All the above purposes lead to one main purpose to worship God.
Read MoreCommentary Pics for Proverbs
The major commentary that I am using was recommended by C.J. Mahaney. I purchased it as soon as I could and if you had to buy just one commentary on Proverbs this would be it, in my opinion at least. The devotional quality of the character studies in the beginning of the book are worth it all. In addition, I am using Kidner’s outline of the book to formulate my studies. It is a very helpful resource that has led me to worship God along the way.
The next commentary I am utilizing is by Charles Bridges. I checked this out from the church’s library, thank God for that. It is perhaps the most thorough of the commentaries I am using in the sense it covers each chapter one by one with very helpful notes. It is a classic
As a supplement to the prior two commentaries, this book, which I have already spoken about here will most likely be a book I will refer to. So, here they are the commentaries I will be using mainly, at least that is the plan. I perhaps may add some more reference works along the way. I am planning 11 weeks in this book, the first nine chapters of Proverbs. I am encouraged already as I study God’s Word in the genre of Wisdom Literature. May God be glorified in the church in such a way that his people put their trust in the wisdom of God, Jesus Himself. amen.
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