The Fool (Part 2)

The Fool

There are 36 references to the word fool in Proverbs alone and over 80 references when you consider its derivatives.  Most of Proverbs deals with comparisons between two people, the wise and the foolish.  

The first mention of the word fool in the book of Proverbs is:

Proverbs 1:7  ⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

As we mentioned in the last lesson, there are three Hebrew words for the word fool in Proverbs.  Here the Hebrew word ʾĕwl is used. The word ʾĕwl  means one who is arrogant and flippant as well as mentally dull. He is coarse and hardened in his ways. This word is used 19 times in Proverbs.

The word despise is the Hebrew word bûz, “to hold in contempt, to belittle, to ridicule”
The word wisdom is the Hebrew word  ḥokmâ and has two primary meanings.  The first refers to the mental and physical skills of craftsmen, sailors, singers, mourners, administrators, counselors, and others.  The second focuses on the application of moral and ethical principles that result in skillful, godly living. 

The word instruction is the Hebrew word mûsār and denotes correction which results in education.

If we put all the words we defined together we can come up with the meaning of this verse.  This verse is teaching that a fool is an arrogant hardened person who belittles and ridicules the necessity of learning how to live life according to Biblical principle and to learn from the correction given by others.

Simply worded, a fool is a person who sees no need of learning or living life according to the Bible and its principles. 

                1.            A Fool is a person who sees no need of learning or living life according to the Bible and its principles.

Are we fools in any areas of our lives?  Are there areas of life where we do not strife to live according to God’s Word?  Are we willing to receive instruction?  Are we growing, learning, and skillfully applying God’s Word to our lives? 

The Fool (Part 1)

The Fool

Erasmus said; Fools are without number.  Certainly all of us at times are foolish. Jean Francois Delavigne said; Ever since Adam fools have been in the majority.  The Bible mentions the word fool 36 times in the book of Proverbs alone.  So, who is a fool, and what does it mean to be a fool? 

In Proverbs three words are rendered fool, kesîl referring to the dull or obstinate one, referring not to mental deficiency, but to a propensity to make wrong choices. ʾewîl refers to moral insolence (rude, arrogant, haughty, prideful), and nābāl to the boorish man of mean disposition.
So who is a fool?  A fool is anyone whose choices, behavior, and attitude are void of God. A fool is anyone living life and making decisions as if there is no God. 
Psalm 14:1 (KJV) ¹ The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
In this study we will see what God teaches in the book of Proverbs concerning the fool and his behavior. 
1.            Fools Commit Immorality
A man choosing adultery with an immoral woman is likened unto a fool bound in chains being taken to prison.
Proverbs 7:21-22 (KJV) ²¹ With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. ²² He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
The same could be said of a woman choosing to get involved with an immoral man.  She would be foolish.

Have you ever thought about how many problems in life are caused by people disobeying God when it comes to their sexual behavior?  Many relationship and financial problems are directly related to immoral acts.  The old adage you cannot win in sin is true.  Sin has consequences. 

Thomas Watson said; What fools are they who, for a drop of pleasure, drink a sea of wrath.  This quote would apply to many wrong choices we make, but specifically to those involving immoral acts. 
It is interesting to note how God chooses to describe people taken in immorality.  He compares them to a dumb animal unaware they are headed towards the slaughterhouse or to a person bound in chains being taken to prison. 

The question this passage leads us to ask ourselves is; Are we immoral?  If we are, what are we going to do about it?  The Bible says in Romans 6:1-2a  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!

Matthew Henry said; Those that disobey the commandments of God do so foolishly for themselves. Sin is folly, and sinners are the greatest fools.

The first act in Proverbs ascribed to a fool is immorality. 

You Can Have My Room

"You Can Have My Room"

Wally was nine years old and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind, but well-liked by the other children in class, all of whom were smaller than he.

At times the boys did have trouble hiding their irritation when the uncoordinated Wally would ask to play ball with them. He would stand by, not sulking but hoping. Always a helpful boy, willing, and smiling, the natural protector of any child he felt was being mistreated.

As Christmas time approached, plans were made for the annual school pageant. Children were being assigned their parts: angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, and Joseph. Wally stood by expectantly then suddenly his joy knew no bounds; for he heard the teacher say, "Wally, I want you to be the Innkeeper." (Not many lines to learn, she reasoned and his size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.) Little did that teacher dream the lesson that such a tender-hearted boy would teach to all who would attend that program.

Then came the rehearsals with the manger, beards, crowns, and a stage full of squeaky voices. Most caught up in the magic of the night was Wally. He would stand in the wings, watching the performance with fascination. His teacher had to make sure he did not wander on-stage before his cue.

Then came the long-awaited night and Wally stood holding a lantern by the door of the Inn, watching as the children who portrayed Mary and Joseph came near him.

"What do you want?" Wally asked with a brusque gesture.

"We seek lodging."

"Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled."

"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."

"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.

"Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired."

Now, for the first time, the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause and the audience became a bit tense.

"No! Be gone!" the prompter whispered from the wing of the stage.

"No! Be gone!" Wally repeated automatically.

Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband's shoulder, and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside his inn, however.

Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.

And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.

"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wally's face grew into a bright smile. "You can have my room!"

A burst of laughter then silence, then tears flowed freely as the message came through to the listeners. Wally, the boy considered 'slow' had made room for Jesus. He could not turn Mary and Joseph away. God's only begotten Son would be welcomed by him! His tender heart had made room for the Saviour.

Have YOU made room for Him Who loved you so much that He died on the cross for your sin? If not, why don't you right now, like Wally, make room in your heart for Jesus, then give Him first place in your life? He is standing at your heart's door. Just invite Him in.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him..."
(Revelation 3:20)

The Mel Trotter Story in His Own Words

HE TOOK THE VERY SHOES FROM THE CORPSE OF HIS LITTLE GIRL AND SOLD THEM FOR DRINK

MEL TROTTER TELLS HIS AMAZING STORY

From the time I began going to school, it was easy for me to make friends. This caught the eyes of some who began to groom me with political ambitions in mind. Soon, what had started as rather innocent affairs, began to turn into social events including the social drink and all that goes with it. It wasn't long before the social drink was not reserved for special occasions, but became a morning, noon and night experience. The virtues I had been noted for began to disappear as steam does when it hits cold air. My ambitious political friends left first. They couldn't have faith in a young lush - even if they had been the ones who started me drinking. It wasn't long before until even the children began to avoid me because I was anything but friendly when I would weave back from the saloon. I went from one job to another and from one place to live to another, and each time both the job and apartment became less desirable.

One day found me in Chicago living in a rat infested cellar apartment in the worst section in the city. Why my wife and little child stayed with me only God knows, for the pain and suffering I caused them cannot be described.

SERIOUSLY ILL
One day our little child was taken seriously ill. A faithful doctor came even though he knew there would be no payment for his call. After diagnosing the case, he reached into his own pocket, took out some money and thrust it into my hands, shouting, "Mel, run, don't walk, to the drug store which is two blocks from here - here's the prescription. Come right back. It might even now be too late - so hurry!"
I climbed the stairs and was out on to the pavement. I looked to my left and sure enough I saw a drug store about two blocks away, but then I looked to my right and saw that the saloon was only one half block away. A sudden desire came over me - one that drove all thought of my sick child out of my head. Even the fact that the money in my hand did not belong to me was erased as I blindly rushed to the bar and shouted, "Let's all drink - it's on me!" Soon the doctor's money was gone and then some other fool threw his money on the bar and we continued on and on through the day and into the night. When it was time to close I was so far gone that the saloon keeper just threw me into the back room to "sleep it off." When he came back the next day, I was still there and it wasn't until the night began to approach that I came enough to my senses to decide to go home.

RICKETY STAIRS
When I arrived back, I slowly descended the rickety stairs. I saw that someone was talking very quietly to my wife and they were crying. I still did not know why and was still too far gone to have understood. There had been no furniture before, but now there was a little box on a stand. I wondered what it could be. As I went over and looked into the box I saw that it was the body of my little child, but looking very different. Someone had put on her clean clothes, new clothes and somehow there was even a pair of brand new little shoes. Still I didn't get the message. As I stood there that urge came over me. I craved another drink. What I wouldn't do for another drink!

My dear friends - as I think back on this next part my heart feels as if it were ripped out - for I am so ashamed. As the urge overwhelmed me, I hurriedly slipped the new sloes from the cold feet of my precious child, rammed them into my pocket - as yet I had not attracted the attention of my wife and the woman with her - I stole out of the apartment and I sold those little shoes for a few pennies and bought another drink. I had gone down so low that I have often said that I had to reach up to touch bottom.

END IT ALL
With all of this, I was not awakened to reality, until one day, after some debauchery, I decided to end it all. With me gone, I reasoned that the world would be a lot better off, especially my wife. With this in mind, I headed for Lake Michigan to drown myself. It had gotten dark and cold and, as I wove down a street that would take me to the lake, I was suddenly given a push by someone who said: "Why don't you go in there Bud? It's nice and warm."

JESUS CHRIST IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU
As I went through the open door, someone set me in a chair. It all happened so quickly that it took my muddled brain a little while to realise that I was in a room filled with men and a man was speaking. He was talking as if he knew all about me as he said: "Perhaps you have come in here tonight and you haven't even planned it - in fact you had decided that you're going to end it all - for you feel that no one understands you, no one cares, and there is no hope. My friend, I'm here to tell you there is someone who understands you, there is someone who cares for you, and I can tell you that there is hope for you. You will find all of your answers when you come to Jesus Christ and receive Him as your personal Saviour. He not only wants to save you from your mess, but wants to go with you the rest of your life, to keep you from getting into any more trouble. "
The speaker was Harry Monroe and the place was the Pacific Garden Mission. I became a different person that night. God saved me and made me a new man. My wife got a new husband - the part with its sin and stain was washed away and I found a brand new tomorrow.
­___________________________________________________________________________________
After Mel’s salvation, he went on to become a preacher of the gospel of the Jesus who saved him.  He saw many hundreds come to trust Jesus Christ as Savior. 
For more information on how one can know for sure they are going to heaven, please visit these website.
http://www.preciousseed.com/
http://www.thegoodnews.org/

And Such Were Some of You!

And Such Were Some of You!

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ¹⁰ Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
And Such Were Some of You
And such were some of you declares the past condition of the believer in Jesus Christ.  Some are guilty of the sins listed here, but all of us our guilty of sin.  The Bible clearly teaches that: Romans 3:23 (KJV) ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Our sin condemns us.  It condemns us to an eternity in Hell.  2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Our eternal destiny is not determined by our own lifestyle, righteousness, or works.  The Bible teaches us that our deeds are insufficient to earn our salvation. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) ⁶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Here God explains that salvation is not via our own good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. The good news is that this can be our past condition.  We do not have to live condemned.  We do not have to live in sin.  We do not have to live addicted and in bondage. 
But Ye Are
I love the word but! God is stating that we are different.  We are not included in the list of those mentioned in verse 9 and 10. We no longer are fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners!  Why?
But Ye Are Washed
To be washed simply means to wash fully, to wash away.  This is exactly what happened when we came to Jesus Christ.  He completely, fully, and permanently cleansed us from our sins. 1 John 1:7 (KJV) ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. The song writer penned it best when he wrote: Wash can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Oh dear Christian friend, be fully reminded that our sins are gone!  They are forgiven. They are cleansed.  They are as far as the east is from the west. They are forgotten. Psalm 103:12 (KJV) ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Hebrews 8:12 (KJV) ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Ye Are Sanctified
God is also teaching us that not only are our sins permanently washed, but we are sanctified.  Sanctification is to be set apart, to be pure and holy.  This sanctification is started at the day of our salvation and completed on the day we graduate to Heaven.  God made us to conform to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ through His Word and His Spirit. Hebrews 10:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. John 17:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Philippians 1:6 (KJV) ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Ye Are Justified
The word justified means to render innocent, to count as righteous.  God is telling us that not only are our sins permanently cleansed, our life progressively becoming more like Jesus, but we are render innocent and viewed as righteous.  God has not only cleansed our sin, but has declared to all that we are innocent.  God is stating that He views all believers as righteous.  Romans 5:1 (KJV) ¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
What a name!  A name that is above all names.  Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And thatis Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Acts 4:12 (KJV) ¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Salvation is in the name of Jesus.  My friend, what a name!  When we come to Jesus all our sins are washed away, we are sanctified or being made holy, and we are delared innocent and righteous.
By the Spirit of Our God
The Holy Spirit of God indwells each believer at the day of their salvation.  1 Corinthians 6:19(KJV)¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? This same Holy Spirit who comes to live within you also seals or protects your salvation to the day God calls you home. Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) ³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Not only does the Holy Spirit indwell us, seal us, but He enables us to live to live the Spirit filled life free from addiction and bondage.  Yes, when we walk in the Spirit, we walk free from sin and its bondage.  Galatians 5:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
And Such Were Some of You
Thank you Jesus that you saved us, washed us, sanctified us, and justified us.  You brought us out of sin, and keep us out.  You provided salvation forever!

Making RU Work 4 U!

Making RU Work 4 U!

Reformers Unanimous is unlike other recovery programs.  Most everyone is familiar with the AA 12 step model, or the Celebrate Recovery program which is also based on the 12 step model.  Reformers Unanimous is not based on the 12 step model and therefore requires a bit of a learning curve.
This is an overview of the RU program.  The intent is to help you become free from addiction.  The intent is educating you on the RU program and how RU can work for you.

1.            RU Slogan: Only the Truth Makes Free

 John 8:32 (KJV) ³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

This is the slogan of Reformers Unanimous and provides a foundation for the RU program.  The clear teaching is the truth of God’s Word can make us free.  Free from sin, bondage, and yes, all addictions.  The question this beckons is…

What is the truth?

                a.            Thy Word is Truth

John 17:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

One source of truth is God’s Word.  The above verse confirms what is taught in John 8:32.  The truth sanctifies.  Sanctify means to make holy or purify.  In other words, the truth makes us free. 

Another source of truth is…

2.            The Truth is Jesus Christ

John 14:6 (KJV) ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Word of God is truth and Jesus Christ is truth.  You will never know the truth and have the truth emancipate you without understanding the importance of Jesus Christ in one’s recovery.

                A.            The first step to victory is Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:36 (KJV) ³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) ⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The foundation or 1^st step of RU is trusting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior or if one has already been saved, is to get right with God.  The above verses give several important facts of salvation.  However, for a clear and concise presentation of the gospel please visit:  http://www.thegoodnews.org/CD/heres_hope/heres_hope.html

Why is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ necessary in a recovery program?  Because receiving Jesus …
                B.            Jesus brings the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV) ¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Salvation in Jesus Christ brings the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.  This changes us.  We now have the very Spirit of God living within us.  Why do faith based programs have a higher success rate?  Because people with saving faith in Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit, people without  Jesus Christ do not have the Holy Spirit living within them.  Does this make a difference?  Yes because …
                C.            The Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth

John 16:13 (KJV) ¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The job of the Holy Spirit is to teach and guide the Christian in the truth.  Remember the RU Slogan?  Only the Truth Makes Free!  Because of the Holy Spirit indwelling and guiding us we know that…

3.            Jesus Christ brings us the Victory over Bondage

1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 4:4 (KJV) ⁴ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The first step of recovery is getting right with God.  It is receiving Jesus Christ as your personal savior if you have not been saved previously or returning to a right relationship with God if you are a believer who has not been living for Jesus. 

Conclusion: 

RU working 4 U is all about trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior and allowing His transforming power to work in your life as you live In Christ.

Romans 8:1-2 (KJV) ¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The first question is, are you right with God?  Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior?  Are you ready to allow Jesus Christ to be your God, and your Lord?