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Proverb 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
There are 3 ways in which we can receive reproof. The Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Spirit John 16:8 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” The Saints Psalm 141:5 “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” 10 points of Receiving or Rejecting Reproof & Correction 1. Christians who Receive Reproof will increase, and grow in their Christian faith. Proverbs 9:8-9 “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” 2. Christians who Receive Reproof will not Backslide. Proverbs 10:17 “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” 3. Christians who Reject Reproof are Silly and Foolish. Proverbs 12:1 “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” 4. Christians who Receive Reproof will be Honoured. Proverbs 13:18 “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” 5. Christians who Receive Reproof Demonstrate Spiritual Maturity. Proverbs 15:5 “A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” 6. Christians who Reject Reproof will Die Spiritually, and most likely will Die a Physical Death. Proverbs 15:10 “Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” 7. Wise Christians Receive Reproof instantly, Foolish Christians learn the hard way. Proverbs 17:10 “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” 8. Christians who Reject Reproof do not like Godly Counsel, nor will they seek Godly Counsel. Proverbs15:12 “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” 9. Good Godly Reproof is Hard to do, but Demonstrates True Love. Proverbs 27:5-6 “Open rebuke is better than secret love. vs 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Ecclesiastes 7:5 “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” 10. Christians who Reject Reproof will end up being destroyed. Proverbs 1:20-33
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Acts 11:19-30
Introduction When Stephen was stoned to death, many of the other disciples were persecuted causing them to travel as far as Antioch. As faithful witnesses to Christ and obeying the great commission, they preached the gospel. Acts 11:21 “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” Many people in Antioch came to Christ, and it was there that the name “Christian” was first given to them. Acts 11:26b “… the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” ”The Church in Jerusalem heard the good news and endeavoured to send Barnabas to encourage, teach and disciple them. Acts 11:22 “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.” When Barnabas arrived he saw the hand/grace of God at work in the lives of people and rejoiced. Acts 11:23 “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad,” It is a wonderful and exciting to see God at Work and to be a part of His work. Praise the Lord! 1, Barnabas’ MESSAGE to the SAINTS Acts 11:23 “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” He exhorted them to be faithful to the Lord. Purpose of Heart = to be fixed, firm, steadfast, unmovable and committed in their decision and not wavering. To cleave unto the Lord = to be one with, stuck on, inseparable, to remain following the Lord whole-heartedly. (Joshua 22:5) 2. Barnabas' MINISTRY to the SINNERS Acts 11:24 “…much people was added unto the Lord.” As Barnabas ministered to the saints, he also would have witnessed to other sinners that knew not the Lord. He was soul sensitive, because he was Spirit filled. 3. Barnabas MADE by the SPIRIT Acts 11:24 “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:” It is amazing to me how the Holy Spirit stops here to make a comment on the character of Barnabas. God would have all of His servants to be thus.
4. Barnabas’ MINDSET Acts 11:25-26 “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: (26) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.” Barnabas’ main concern was for the work of the Lord and to see people go on for the Lord. He had a co-labouring Spirit and sought after Paul. He did not care for a man centred ministry. AMEN and AMEN! (Luke 10:1-2) “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. vs 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Introduction In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry He gathered the twelve disciples together to teach, train, and to give them opportunities to reach others for Christ. As well as the twelve we see Jesus appoint seventy labourers for a specific task. The work of the ministry is certainly not limited to only twelve. 1. The Mission (Luke 10:1-2) “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also…” The seventy that were sent out would be instrumental to prepare the way for the Lord in that particular city. As the Lord has given us the great commission, we are to prepare the way for the gospel by being witnesses for Christ. The message we carry is the precious Gospel – the good news that Jesus Saves. The Ministry is about the Lord, and not us. Luke 10:16 2. The Method Luke 10:1“…and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place…” Like the twelve disciples, the Lord sends them out two by two. The Lord knows that certain places can be dangerous. However, having a partner go out witnessing with you is practical, encouraging, and rewarding. (Ecclesiastes 4:9) “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” 3. The Man Luke 10:2 “…pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” The Lord Jesus Christ is looking for Labourers. Before Jesus sends the seventy out, He gives them clear and sober instructions describing a true labourer. a. Selfless, Sacrifices, and Suffers. – Luke 9:57-58 b. Separated to the Gospel – Luke 9:59-60 c. Single-minded and Steadfast – Luke 9:61-62 4. The Mission Field The mission field consists not only of labour intensive work, but it is also a battlefield. We are told to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but it is a place where there are savages, animals that wish to tear apart the work of God, the souls of men, and the Gospel seed-sower. (Luke 10:3) “Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” There are 3 kinds of people on the mission field. a. Wolves (God haters) – Luke 10:3 b. Wasters (God rejecters) – Luke 10:10-11 c. Worshippers (God receivers) – Luke 10:5-7 We are not to waste time with people who disrespect and vehemently reject the Gospel. Certainly contending for the faith has its place. However, we are to seek to reach people that are willing to hear the Gospel and not tread all over it like a pig that treads on precious pearls. (Matthew 7:6) "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." How can a Christian Spiritually Grow into Christ-likeness
To continue to desire the Word of God To passionately pursue the Knowledge of the Lord To seek to have an eternal Focus To endeavor to live the Mind of Christ 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” It is an amazing thing to have the mind of Christ. As Christians, our minds are renewed by God through His Word and by His Spirit. It is one thing to know the mind of Christ, but it is another thing to Live it. It is one thing to know the Will of God, but it is another to fulfil it. It is one thing to hear the Words of Christ, but it is another thing to observe them. Do you know we can be entertained by the truth of God’s Word by being heavily convicted, but doing nothing about it? As growing Christians we must endeavor to have the mind of Christ and live it. Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” As we have the mind of Christ revealed to us by The Word of God and by His Spirit, we must live it out. By the Way, there are so many blessings that come from submitting to what we know we ought to do as Christ-Followers. Note: When we live the mind Christ:
What kind of life did He live before us that we might follow? TURN TO: Philippians 2:1-8 Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Paul is now going show before the eyes of the Philippians the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:6-7 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:VS 7But made himself of no reputation…” Jesus Christ – God, is the perfect example of someone who was selfless. He had others on His mind. The next verse before us describes what it means when Jesus “…made Himself of no Reputation…” Philippians 2:7 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” 2. SERVING MIND - “…and took upon him the form of a servant.”
4. SUBMISSIVE MIND Philippians 2:8 “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. He obeyed even though it cost Him His life. 1. Love
Negative thinking: Nobody cares Positive thinking: Everybody cares Biblical thinking: God cares 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 2. Purpose Negative thinking: I am nothing Positive thinking I am something Biblical thinking: I am made by God Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works…” 3. Sufficiency Negative thinking: I am not sufficient Positive thinking: I am sufficient Biblical thinking: God is my Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” 4. Christlikeness Negative thinking: I cannot change Positive thinking: I can change Biblical thinking: In Christ I can change 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 5. Victory Negative thinking: I am a looser Positive thinking: I am a winner Biblical thinking: I have victory in Christ 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 6. Trust Negative thinking: I can’t wait Positive thinking: I will wait Biblical thinking: I’ll wait on the Lord Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” 7. Forgiveness Negative thinking: God won’t forgive me Positive thinking: God will forgive me Biblical thinking: God can forgive me 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 8. Success Negative thinking: I will fail Positive thinking: I will succeed Biblical thinking: I must obey Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” 9. Faith Negative thinking: I am fearful Positive thinking: I fear nothing Biblical thinking: God is with me Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” 10 Strength Negative thinking: I can’t do it Positive thinking: You can do it Biblical thinking: I can do it through Christ alone. 
Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: vs 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
King Solomon once again is instructing his son to take heed unto Wisdom. This portion of Scripture among many is not only addressed to Solomon’s son but to us also, because the Wisdom given by Solomon is the Word of God. Notice the first part of Verse 1. “My son, forget not my law…” We are to: A. Remember the Word of God The reason we are encouraged not to forget the Word of God is because we are forgetful people. We have the tendency to forget especially when it comes to God’s Word and the things of God. Here are some helpful ways which may help you remember the Word of God: 1. Purposely place yourself under the teaching of the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…” 2. Understand that the teachings of the Bible are the very “WORD of GOD” 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; When you hear the preaching and teachings of the Word of God, keep in mind that your are being taught the Wisdom and Word of God. This will help in remembering the Word of God. 1 Thess 2:13 3. Delight in God’s Word Psalm 119:15-16 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Vs.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. B. Retain God’s Commandments Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” The purpose of remembering the Word of God and keeping it in our hearts is for the vital purpose of keeping it! We are to keep God’s Word, not with our lips, but with our hearts. Warren Wiersbe has called the heart, “The master control unit of the body.” The heart controls our thoughts, emotions, and will. C. The Result of Obedience Proverbs 3:2 “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” 1. Length of day, and Long life. It is God’s desire is to give quality of life here on earth - life and health to our families, marriages, churches, and relationships. But most importantly an abundant life through Jesus Christ. John 10:9-11 2. Peace True peace is found in Jesus Christ – John 14:27 True peace is found in God’s Word – Isaiah 26:3
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