May 2020 Bible Study Outline

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Introduction

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According to the Bible, wisdom is always God-oriented and practical. Wisdom is the right use of one’s knowledge, insight, and skill to the glory of God. It originates in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). So, the Word defines wisdom in terms of our relationship with God rather than formal education or achievements from men. Worldly wisdom is knowledge apart from divine revelation and is often God-opposing in nature. The ordering of one’s life by God given guidance is true wisdom.

1. Wisdom According to the Bible

2. Discourse of Wisdom

  • A study on Proverbs Chapters 5-9.
  • Overarching Theme – Wisdom from Above
    1. Ultimately God is the Source of Wisdom (Proverbs 2:6)
    2. Insights from Proverbs will help us adhere to God’s wisdom in our daily walk.
    3. As we seek to answer the question, “What constitutes a Good Life?”, we should know that God will fill us with His wisdom and guidance to fulfill our dreams and aspirations.

3. 05/06/20 - Proverbs 6

Theme: Wisdom from Above
Focus: Relationships
Insight: A Blessing to Your Loved Ones

Relationship begins with God – who is three Persons in one (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The Father is in perfect union with Himself; and as we imitate Him, we also come into relationship with the three Persons of the Godhead. All that we learn from Him can be applied to our interactions with those entrusted to us.

Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 5:18 – Let your fountain be blessed, and take pleasure in the wife of your youth.
    • Deuteronomy 6:5-7 – Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Discussion Questions:

    •  In Proverbs 5, “fountain” is symbolic of what?
    • Describe 2 ways that Deuteronomy 6:5-7 is God’s foundation for a strong family.

4. 05/13/20 - Proverbs 6

Theme: Wisdom from Above
Focus: Living Wisely
Insight: The Ant Approach

There is no greater, more abundant, or blessed life than the one based on God’s wisdom. We exchange our earthly perspective for His omniscient understanding of all things and partake in the remarkable and incredible blessings of walking in His ways.

Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 6:6-8 – Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.
    • Romans 12:11 – Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
    • Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
    • Philippians 3:14 – I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

    • What lesson is implied in the ant’s having no leader, administrator or ruler?
    • Are you taking the initiative in the tasks God has asked you to accomplish?

5. 05/20/20 - Proverbs 7

Theme: Wisdom from Above
Focus: Stewardship
Insight: Ritual or Relationship

Each day of our lives is an investment – either for what is temporary or what is eternal. And, as we walk with God as steward of all He has blessed us with, we have the awesome daily privilege and confidence that we’re leaving a legacy with significance and impact.

Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 7:14 – I’ve made fellowship offerings; today I’ve fulfilled my vows.
    • Matthew 7:21-23 – Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!

Discussion Questions:

    • In what ways can acts of piety interfere with experiencing a loving relationship with God?
    • Do you give as a ritual which points to your righteousness rather than out of a sincere and devout love of God?

6. 05/27/20 - Proverbs 9

Theme: Wisdom from Above
Focus: Blessings of Wisdom
Insight: The Blessing of Obedience

Unsure of the importance of obeying God in all areas? If you think that obeying God means only trouble and difficulty, you’ve forgotten Whom you are serving. The Lord has planned and mighty blessings for those who walk on the path of wisdom with Him – expressing His goodness and love in every area of their lives.

Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 9:11 – For by Wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
    • Luke 5:1-11 – Read about the First Disciples & Simon Peter’s obedient response to Jesus’ request.

Discussion Questions:

    • Has God ever asked you to do something that makes no sense from your perspective?
    • Peter made the right choice. Is there a choice you made or did not make which has changed your life forever?

Bonus Lesson

Theme: Wisdom from Above
Focus: Honoring God
Insight: He Is with You

Each day, determine and prepare your heart to honoring and obeying God in all things. As you do, you will gain more clarity and purpose every day.

Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me.
    • Exodus 20:20 – Whoever curses his father or mother – his lamp will go out in deep darkness.

Discussion Questions:

    • Are there times that you feel alone in your struggles? If so, how can wisdom help?
    • Has your lamp gone out when facing dark challenges?