Friday, September 30, 2011

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 2, 2011

LAW AND ORDER
(We must follow GOD, even in an unjust world)
(Proverbs 29:16-27)

G. K. Chesterton once wrote, “For whatever is or is not true, this one thing is certain, “We are not what we were meant to be”. We are that which was created, and we are the benefactors of the brilliance and largesse of the CREATOR. Men and women were made by GOD to have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth. But instead, we have become creatures who are frustrated by our own, self-imposed circumstances, defeated by our temptations, and surrounded by our own weaknesses. And so, it is into this seemingly hopeless situation that GOD sends us HIS only begotten SON, so that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish, but rather, will have everlasting life. JESUS helps us to overcome an otherwise, saddened and doomed state of existence, and HE helps us to understand, and become, what we ought to be.
In any organization where there is ignorance or indifference towards GOD, crime and sin will run amok. Anarchy prevails and law and order is swept aside. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a government, business, church, or private family, when we allow wickedness to thrive, we provide fuel for a downward spiral towards immorality, and a gradual slide towards an unstructured existence much like we already see developing today, in every area of our society (Proverbs 29:16a). GOD did not mean for this to be so.
GOD has never been, is not now, nor will HE ever be a captive of HIS OWN world, the people of HIS world, or, our opinions about HIS nature. GOD is free, and HE is subject to no one’s will but HIS OWN. HE is not bound by our understanding, nor is HE bound by our lack of understanding. The good news remains, however, that GOD is still in charge, and HIS plan is moving right along as scheduled. And one day, just as promised, JESUS will return and take all believers unto HIMSELF, and HE will mete out punishment to all those who rebelled against him, and dedicated their lives to the hindrance of HIS plan for mankind. And the righteous will witness the downfall of the unrighteous (Proverbs 29:16b).
Law and order really begins at home. How we discipline and rear our children, for most part, will determine how much peace of mind we will be able to enjoy in our latter years (Proverbs 29:17). As parents, we have to take charge of our households from day one, and not allow our children to go unrestrained, lacking any semblance of disciplinary measures during their formative years. There may not be much we can do about little David down the street, but the parents of little David certainly can.
In Proverbs 29:18, the word “revelation” refers to the messages from GOD that, are received by HIS prophets. Public, and private morality, depends heavily on how well we know the Word of GOD, and how well we adhere to HIS laws. In other words, in order for this nation and its individuals to function well, we have to, first, know GOD’ ways, and then, keep HIS laws and directives that HE has set before us. Without GOD’s Word, people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways, but obedience to GOD’s Word, ultimately brings joy to our lives.
In Proverbs 29:19, Solomon warns us that, in the workplace, as well as in the home, mere words will not always get the job done. There must also be some kind of disciplinary actions in place to motivate those who refuse to follow directions, even though they understand clearly what their job calls for. It is that way with GOD also. If we are not willing to follow HIS directions, HE already has a list of disciplinary actions that HE will surely execute, whenever HIS will is disobeyed (Deuteronomy 28). If we pamper our subordinates, or our children, it will likely cause us grief and frustration in the end (Proverbs 29:21). However, when dealing with problems of insubordination in the workplace, or in the home, we must be careful to listen before we speak. Speaking hastily, or in anger, and being prideful and conceited, promises us less hope than a fool has. That kind of attitude, can and will, bring one more trouble than they originally had (Proverbs 29:20 & 22-23).
In Proverbs 29:24 Solomon warns against aiding and abetting in criminal acts such as theft. In fact, the accomplice of any criminal act automatically becomes his own enemy simply because of his involvement in the crime. He can’t even testify truthfully without implicating himself, and he can’t remain silent by pleading the “Fifth Amendment”, because, then, he’ll be assumed guilty by everyone, for sure.
In Proverbs 29:25 the phrase “is kept safe” comes from the Hebrew verb “sagab”, and it means “to be inaccessibly high or exalted”. When we fear what man can do to us more than we fear GOD, we’ve already ensnared ourselves mentally, giving ourselves over to the control of someone who is not in control themselves. Our trust in the LORD is the only thing that can bring us safety. When we fear the LORD, we don’t have to fear anything else, because nothing and no one else can gain “access” to us. Security in GOD removes the intimidation of man and makes us “inaccessible” to anyone, or anything, that is not in GOD’s will. Respect, reverence, and trust in GOD, is liberating, not confining. GOD can turn the harm intended by others into good, for those who trust and obey HIM.
Oftentimes we are surprised by the ineptness of the “human justice system”. We go to human authorities to obtain justice, but, in reality, there is no guarantee that justice will be done. True satisfying justice can only come from GOD, and HE will certainly make things right in the end (Proverbs 29:26). The reason why man’s justice is imperfect is because, man himself is imperfect, and therefore, we can’t judge other men simply because we’re all “men under judgment”. An unjust person is an abomination to those who seek to be upright, and obeys the law. A person who seeks to be upright is an abomination to those who are unjust, and are always seeking out new ways to break the law (Proverbs 29:27).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, September 23, 2011

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 25, 2011

WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT
(A humble attitude is always good)
(Proverbs 25:1-10)

Because the book of Proverbs is a collection of divine wisdom adages based on many different subjects, it is not possible to outline it, or, approach it in study, as we would a typical book of scripture. It has to be taken in intellectually by its various individual collections, (In praise of wisdom - Chaps. 1-9, Solomon’s Proverbs I – Chaps. 10-22:16, Collected Sayings – Chaps. 22:17-24:34, Solomon’s Proverbs II – Chaps. 25-29, Other Sayings – Chaps. 30-31), rather than by its overall contents.
It is always helpful to understand that the book of Proverbs consists of an extensive menu of beneficial traits such as wisdom, honesty, and truth, and, a contrasting menu of negative traits such as foolishness, cheating, and lying. The writers hope to impart wisdom and understanding to the readers so that we might be able to develop a disciplined life, doing what is right, and abstaining from that which is wrong. In other words, this book carefully lays out and defines, both, the right path to go, and, the wrong path, which should be avoided at all times.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “proverb” is “paroimia” (par-oy-mee-ah), and it is “an enigmatic and fictitious illustration of a real life scenario”. Proverbs 25 contains a wonderful collection of divine wisdom adages, that were written by King Solomon, and collected and preserved by the advisers of King Hezekiah many years later (Prov. 25:1). Hezekiah had these proverbs copied, read, studied, and applied to every task that he undertook in service to GOD, both in and outside the temple.
Hezekiah’s story is told in the books of 2 Kings (chapters 18-20), 2 Chronicles (chapters 29-32), and Isaiah (chapters 36-39). He was one the few GODly kings in the Davidic Line, and he restored the temple at Jerusalem after his father, King Ahaz, had actually nailed its doors shut (2 Chronicle 28:24b).
We can see clearly in Hezekiah’s story how he took heed to the advice of Solomon in verses 4-5, for instance, where Solomon says, “If you take the dross from silver, the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the kings court, and his reign will be made secure by justice” (NLT).
Hezekiah aggressively exterminated the evil of idol worship and other ungodly practices from Judah during his 29-year reign. King Ahaz, on the other hand, did not seek wisdom and discernment from the GOD of Israel during his reign, but instead, chose to take a deep plunge into the sinful idol worship practices of the surrounding nations (2 Kings 16 & 2 Chronicles 28). Hezekiah, by contrast, sought GOD’s wisdom and discernment with an earnest heart, and as a result, he prospered mightily.
Idol worship is actually a by-product of “self worship” because self worship occurs whenever we ignore what GOD wants us to do, and instead, do what we want to do, and “pride”, has to come before that. Before we can worship idols, we have to first, ignore GOD’s will, which tells us not to do so. It takes a lot of pride to make us feel big enough to ignore, or omit GOD in the first place. And since it is a fact that, with every ounce of success, comes, an equal measure of pride, we have to make a strong conscience effort to resist our prideful urges more and more, as we become more and more successful. We have to diligently seek humility through the Word of GOD, because, unlike pride, it doesn’t come to us naturally.
One of the great proverbs contained in this passage can be found in verses 6 and 7. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 14:7-11) these verses are actually made into a parable by JESUS as HE taught on the subject of “humility”. There we see JESUS taking note of how, many of the invited quests at a dinner were pridefully trying to seat themselves near the head of the table. On that occasion JESUS gave this advice, “If you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t always head for the best seat. What if someone more respected than you has also been invited? The host will say, “Let this person sit here instead”. Then you will be embarrassed and will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table. “Do this instead”, JESUS suggests, “Sit at the foot of the table, then, when your host sees you, he will come and say, “Friend, we have a better place than this for you!” Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored”.
JESUS saw that occasion as a “teachable Moment” on how we should not let “pride” set us up to be knocked down. We should seek to be humble, focusing on character, rather than reputation. The proud person sets himself up to be humbled, while the humble person sets himself up to be honored.
And finally, in verses 8-10, Solomon advises us against being too hasty to sue our neighbor in court. Remember, plaintiffs have also been known to lose. Being human, we are often mistaken about, or, we misinterpret, even what we see with our own eyes. Oftentimes there can be a completely innocent explanation for what may have seemed wrong to us from a distance, or sometimes, even up close.
So when we argue our case with our neighbor, we must do it with a degree of humility, seeking to hear and understand their explanation, in private, before we jump to conclusions, in public. And we should never argue our case by betraying the confidence of another person in order to win our argument. By doing so, we can run the risk of damaging our relationship with that confidante, sometimes permanently. The Apostle Paul lends us this advice, “we don’t want to do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather, in humility, consider others better than ourselves. We should not just look to our own interests, but we should also, consider the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, September 16, 2011

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 18, 2011

GOOD ADVICE
(Good words bring life and health)
(Proverbs 15)

In today’s world, and, in times past, it may seem to some that GOD has let evil run amok in society. However, GOD tells us clearly in HIS Word that, “The wicked will strut about on every side, when the vilest of men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8). Well, don’t look now, but we have been exalting and supporting the vilest of people, who outwardly profess to being anti-CHRIST, in our music and entertainment industries for instance, for years, and we also exalt vile church leaders whom we know in our hearts are clearly anti-CHRIST, by way of their double life, and, public behavior. It is not GOD who allows evil to run rampant among us, but rather, it is us Christians, who, by way of our behavior, seem to have a greater desire to conform to the world in the Church, than we do to transform from the world to the will of GOD.
Sure, it is a fact that GOD sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do (Prov. 15:3), and HE is by no means an indifferent observer. GOD cares very much about the state of this evil society we’ve allowed and live in, but, because we are so far from GOD’s will and plan for us, we can’t sense HIS unseen navigational favor, presence, and blessings in our lives.
In Proverbs chapters 15-17, we find a variety of good advice and GODly wisdom that we can use to make life more tolerable and beneficial to ourselves, and, to others. The person who is willing to seek GOD’s advice, more often than not, is the same person who has gained enough patience to ponder their thoughts and attitudes, before they take action. They pray and desire GOD’s insight, because they want to live right before HIM. Their desire to change is greater than their willingness to remain the same.
Proverbs 15:14 states in the plain English version of scripture (the NLT), that, “A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash”. What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. This means that the kind of material we read, the kind of music we listen to, and the kind of movies and television that we watch, all play a very important role in our mental and spiritual health. In fact, what we read, hear, and see has a very strong influence on our total health and well-being as well.
Only a fool thinks that there is nothing wrong with the way that the Hip Hop sub-culture influences our children and young adults through all of the witchcraft and satanic messages that it thrives on, and plays into their spirits. Only a fool thinks that our exalting of homosexual behavior, adultery, and fornication both, in the movies, and in real life, doesn’t have a negative spiritual effect on our society, and stirs GOD’s anger to no end, because sexual sin, is the greatest form of “self-worship”. Only a fool thinks that pornography and all forms of anti-CHRIST literature and propaganda doesn’t affect us spiritually, mentally, and physically. Anything that is wicked is anti-GOD, and therefore, automatically anti-CHRIST, automatically anti-mankind, and automatically anti-life, for the LORD is far from the wicked (Prov. 15:29a).
When people cease to care about what GOD says, or, have an attitude of indifference toward GOD, then religion, morality, social customs and values, will all cease to function as mortar, that holds together a society, and maintains the doctrine of ancient Christian faith. We as Christians must, at some point, stand up and defend the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST with the dignity and respect that it requires. We must challenge ourselves, and others who call themselves by CHRIST’s name, about our own personal relationship and obedience to GOD. Are we acting like the Christians that we say we are.
True Christians shouldn’t be satisfied with living a life that is governed by an attitude of indifference toward GOD, nor should we ever support the anti-CHRIST agenda with our GOD-given time, money, or talent. People with an attitude of indifference toward GOD can rationalize anything because they have no standards for judging right and wrong, and, as a result, they end up compromising what they know is right, with what they know is wrong, which is, of course, ridiculous (Proverbs 25:26). We have had set before us in JESUS CHRIST, the greatest standard for living life on earth, that the world has ever seen, or, ever will see. And HE gives us great advice on how to overcome the world, just as HE did, and HIS words and actions also bring with it, life, health, and strength.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, September 9, 2011

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 11, 2011

THE WISE PATH
(GOD’s instructions lead you along a perfect path)
(Proverbs 4)

The book of Proverbs is a divine collection of practical advice and counsel that is intended to be used by the reader as a guide to making more practical and GODly moral decisions along the path of life. The adages that are found in this poetic book, although they are generalizations, touch on a variety of subjects and situations, such as child rearing, wealth, poverty, personal relationships, and attitudes toward work. If we think and meditate on these sayings, and follow their advice, we will find them to be a great source of help and insight to us, as we struggle with the issues that we encounter in our everyday life.
One of our greatest responsibilities as parents is to train and encourage our children to become wise adults. Here in Proverbs chapter 4, in verses 3 & 4, King Solomon tells us how his father, King David, often encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was a child. In fact, David’s encouragement is likely what prompted young Solomon to ask GOD for wisdom and a discerning heart, rather than ask HIM for wealth or long life (1 Kings 3:6-9). GOD honored Solomon’s request because he placed the welfare of his people above his own personal prosperity (1 Kings 3:10-14).
The wisdom of GOD’s Word can, and should, be passed on from generation to generation, simply because it comes to us from GOD. It can be life changing and life-saving for anyone who chooses to incorporate it into their daily plans. Like David, all parents should begin their wisdom teaching by introducing their children to GOD while they are still very young. In fact, even for those parents who were never taught in this way, GOD’s Word can, in itself, function in the same nurturing manner as a compassionate parent does. In other words, the Word of GOD makes it possible for a parent that was raised up, not knowing the LORD, to be able to leave a legacy of faith to their children, just the same as a parent who has known GOD since childhood.
Seeking wisdom is not a once in a lifetime step, but rather, it must become a daily process, if we are to stay on the right path in life. We constantly have to choose between two paths, good and evil, and we need to have the Word of GOD written on our minds and hearts if we are to navigate safely through this worldly maze. In verses 14-17 Solomon admonishes us against making unwise decisions such as getting ourselves on the wrong road, through socializing and associating too much with un-GODly people, or, people who have an attitude of indifference toward GOD.
It is oftentimes difficult, especially for young people, to accept the fact that so-called friends and acquaintances might be leading them down the wrong path. It is our overwhelming desire to want to be accepted by the world that often is the root cause of the bulk of our sins. And even though we sometimes sense the danger or wrong, in socializing with certain people, we reason with our innate sense, and ultimately talk ourselves into conforming to their will, not GOD’s. And while we should be accepting of others, we, more so, need to maintain a healthy skepticism toward human behavior. Always proceed with caution. Don’t let your friends strain your relationship with GOD and family, by leading you to do things that you are not comfortable with in your SPIRIT.
Our heart is what most greatly dictates what we do. In fact, a person always (100% of the time) does that which is in their heart. That is exactly why GOD reads hearts, and not lips, HE knows that the lips deceive when the heart is evil. In verse 23, King Solomon warns us to “guard our heart with all diligence, because, out of it, flows the issues of life”. We should focus on the things of GOD that are found in HIS Word, fill our hearts and minds with them, and never allow ourselves to stray away from them because we didn’t consult with GOD first, through prayer, before making a decision.
“The HOLY SPIRIT” and “the Bride” (The true Christian Church) is inviting us to come. But unfortunately, “the lure of this world” and “the spirits of satan” say the same. The HOLY SPIRIT in us will always try and compel us toward CHRIST. However, the “sin nature” in us will always try and tug us back toward the world. The constant battle that goes on inside of each of us, between “the reason to do right” and “the passion to want to do wrong”, stays with us long after we accept the gift of Salvation. But, through our strength in CHRIST, we can eventually overcome the gravitational pull of this world, just as CHRIST did, and find ourselves in “the ultimate happy ending” that has been prepared for us by GOD since the foundation of this world.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, September 2, 2011

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 4, 2011

WISDOM FOR LIVING
(Trust in GOD and not yourself)
(Proverbs 3:1-12)

The book of Proverbs submits to us, practical instructions for living a successful life. It teaches us that “special wisdom”, as well as “innate wisdom” (common sense), is revealed to us only by GOD, and, that both are an essential part of a person’s successful daily living. The renowned expression, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”, is perhaps one of the ten most profound statements in all of scripture. It tells us that only when a person trusts in GOD, will they ever be truly wise.
The concept of us “trusting in GOD and not in ourselves” finds its roots at the exact center of the Christian Bible (Psalm 118:8). Although “human wisdom” is fine and necessary, “human history” has already clearly shown us that, no matter how skilled a person may be, without a humble willingness to learn from GOD, sooner or later, he or she will end up in trouble. It is a proven fact that, without GOD, man can’t do anything right for too long.
It is a life-changing thing, getting to know, and becoming accustomed to practicing the Word of GOD. GOD uses HIS Word (The Holy Bible) to reveal HIS Will to HIS people. It should be “studied closely” and “closely followed”, not just carried under our arms to church on Sunday mornings. Let us now take a look at some of the profound wisdom that GOD imparts to us, through King Solomon, here in Proverbs chapter 3.
In verse 3, we are advised to never let “love” and “faithfulness”, leave us. We are also told to hang them around our necks like a secure necklace, and to write them on our hearts. Probably the two most important character traits a person can possess is “love” and “Faithfulness”, because both, involve taking action, as well as, having the right attitude. A “loving person” not only feels love, but they also act loyally and responsible to those whom they love. After all, love is the greatest privilege in the world, and we learn over time that, it also brings with it, the greatest responsibility. And then, there’s the “faithful person”, who not only believes the truth of GOD’s Word for himself, but he also works for the truth and justice of GOD’s Word in the lives of others. He recognizes that thoughts and words are not enough, and that, the way we actually live our lives is what really reveals whether or not we are truly loving and faithful.
The very familiar Proverbs 3:5-6, has long been a staple “memory scripture”, even for the “lukewarm” Christian of the 21st century. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight” (NIV). You’ll find a large number of Christians who can quote this passage of scripture, but like the rest of GOD’s Word, you will find very few people who have been able to actually live it when the pressure was on. We must first fill ourselves with the wisdom of GOD, through the study of HIS Word, before we can be able to maintain a GOD-like behavior when troubles beset us, and we feel pressured to revert to un-GODly methods for solving our problems.
We should also remember that the basic issues of wisdom that are addressed in the book of Proverbs won’t do us a bit of good if we don’t, first, acquire and maintain a personal experiential relationship with GOD, and this relationship must include a “prayer life”. Only if we know GOD, and respond to GOD, in a positive way, will the counsel that is offered here in this book bear fruit.
GOD is a better judge of what we need, than we are, and we must trust HIM completely in every decision that we have to make. Yes, our faith must exceed our understanding if we are to be citizens in the kingdom of GOD, while still living here on earth. And while we should never omit careful thinking, or disregard our GOD-given ability to reason, we should also not trust our own ideas to the point where we exclude GOD from life’s process.
In verses 6, King Solomon emphasized that, in order to receive GOD’s guidance, we must first, acknowledge GOD in all of our ways, and over 1000 years later, CHRIST JESUS emphasized the same point of truth in HIS, now famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 6:33). We must never be impressed with our own wisdom (v.7), but rather, we should always be willing to listen to, be counseled by, and corrected by, the Word of GOD. We should bring all of our decisions to GOD in prayer, and then, test them against HIS Word, before we act. HE will make all of our paths straight, as HIS Word guides us, and protects us, all along the way.
When we receive GOD’s benefits (health, wealth, and spiritual vitally) because of the wisdom that GOD has imparted to us through HIS Word, we should be happy to give tithes and offerings that will aid in blessing someone else the way we were blessed. And when we do give, oftentimes, GOD will bless us even more (vs. 8-10). However, we must always keep in mind that our benevolence does not disallow GOD from making exceptions. GOD is not to be invested in, but rather, HE is to be honored. And besides, we don’t ever want to think that we can put GOD into our debt by doing good deeds.
And finally, in verses 11-12, “discipline” is addressed by this wisest of kings of the Davidic line. In the Hebrew, the word used for “discipline” is “yasar”, and it means “to chastise”, or “to instruct”. And although it does involve correction, its main purpose is to make a positive contribution to a person’s training in righteousness. In biblical times “yasar” was always administered in a family setting. The idea was for all to see that the emotion conveyed by the parent was not anger or disgust, but rather, it was love and active concern. GOD disciplines all those who trust in HIM to help them grow to moral and spiritual maturity. It is a “rod of loving correction”, not a “club of hatred and abuse” that GOD uses to get the attention of those who have ignored, or won’t respond positively to, written and verbal guidance. GOD disciplines us because of HIS continuing love and concern for us, not because HE likes to make things difficult for us.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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