God Disciplines Those He Loves Series

INTRODUCTION:

Many of our kids are now back to school, so I thought it might be good for them to be encouraged to see mom and dad take a pop quiz this morning! This morning we are going to continue with our 7th message from the book of Proverbs, “Wisdom for Right Living.” Over the last several weeks we have looked so far at seven keys to have wisdom in our daily lives. Without looking at the sermon notes tucked away in your bibles how many of these can you remember . . . by the way we need to have 5 correct answers to pass!

Key #1: Start with God; Fear the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)

Key #2: Learn wisdom from those who fear the Lord. (Proverbs 1:8-19)

Key #3: Answer wisdom’s call; wisdom is found in our daily choices. (Proverbs 1:20-21)

Key #4: Remember the Law of the Harvest; consequences follow your actions. (Proverbs 1:22-33)

Key #5: Let authentic love lead you everyday; make love your guide and your motive. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Key #6: Depend fully upon God alone; in everything rely upon God with absolute confidence and hope. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

Key # 7: Wealth and possessions are not ours to own; everything belongs to God and is ours on loan. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

We come today to the eighth key; one that all of us know something about (even the kids).

• Proverbs 3:11-18 (NLT)

[11] My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. [12] For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

[13] Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. [14] For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. [15] Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. [16] She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. [17] She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. [18] Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

Key #8: The path to wisdom is not always easy; it sometimes goes through the hard places of discipline. Discipline leads to wisdom through instruction in righteousness. (Proverbs 3:11-18)

Solomon makes a connection between discipline and wisdom. Notice he says those who find wisdom and understanding are happy; they are blessed by God!

The connection between wisdom and discipline is emphasized through what Solomon says about wisdom. Wisdom is more profitable than silver; it’s more valuable than gold or rubies; “nothing you desire compares with her [wisdom].”

How often as children are we disciplined for taking something we were told we couldn’t have. We ask, beg and plead with our parents to give in and let us have what we want, but they tell us “NO!”

When mom and dad say “no” does that change our desire to want what they say we can’t have? Not very often! So when they aren’t looking we take what we want anyway—then what happens. Sometimes we get caught don’t we! That’s when our parents discipline us for our disobedience.

Solomon tells us that wisdom gained through discipline is better than any of the riches this world would tempt us to take for our own pleasure. Wisdom knows it is better to have your parents or God’s pleasure through obedience, than to have the temporary pleasures of sin with your parents and God’s disapproval.

Have you ever asked the question, “What gives parents the right to discipline their children?” Why should moms and dad, grandmas and grandpas be allowed to tell their children or grandchildren what is right and wrong and then correct them for breaking the rules?

> Is it just because they are the parents and the kids are the kids?

> Is it because parents made the rules?

> Is it because parents are bigger and stronger than their kids?

> Is it because parents find pleasure in making their kids’ lives miserable?

> Is it because parents have a biblical basis for correcting their kids? (Well just for the record parents do have the biblical authority to discipline their children.)

• Ephesians 6:1-4 (NLT)

[1] Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. [2] "Honor your father and mother." This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. [3] And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, "you will live a long life, full of blessing."

[4] And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.