Lasting Words From A Loving Father

LASTING ADVICE FROM A LOVING FATHER

Preached: January 2, 2022

Humor: You Win Daddy

The story is told of a father of five children who came home with a toy. He summoned his children and asked which of them should be given the present. "Who is the most obedient one here? Who never talks back to Mom and does everything that Mom says to do?" He inquired. There were a few seconds of silence, and then all of the children said in one accord: "You play with it Daddy!"

READ Text: Proverbs 3:1-6

(1) My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: (2) For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

(3) Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: (4) So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (5)Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

INTRODUCTION:

Doctor George Campbell Morgan D.D. (9 December 1863 – 16 May 1945) was a British evangelist, preacher, a leading Bible teacher, and a prolific author. A contemporary of Rodney "Gipsy" Smith, Morgan preached his first sermon at age 13. He was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London in the 1900s

G. Campell Morgan, known by many in his day, as the Price of Expository Preachers said these words: “This text has a peculiar place in my heart. It has been with me day by day for 33 years. It was on the morning when I was first leaving for school that my father said to me as his last word, ‘“I want ot give you a text for school and for life; and that was Proverbs 3:6. He gave it to me without note or comment, save the note of his own godly life. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths.”’

This proved to be “Lasting Advice from a Loving Father.

Application: There were many times CG Morgan failed God and failed to acknowledge Him, but in all those failures he proved God’s promise true.

Likewise, I have read this, memorized it and tried to keep it in mind in my own circumstance, but also when giving advice and direction to others.

I am sure most everyone is familiar with at least all or part of Proverbs 3.

NOTE: If you had just a few minutes, and a few words to give your child, or anyone advice, what would you say? What would it be?

I would like to focus on one verse, verse 6.

(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Read it again with me (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This verse has brought wisdom and light to my heart so many times.

I have shared it with so many in an array of different settings!

It has been -

• A compass in a time of confusion.

• A map in the day of madness.

• A defining guide in the time of distraction.

If heeded –

• It would provide the much-needed wisdom we so often ask for.

• It would provide the much-needed humility we so desperately lack.

• It would provide the much-needed stability we so definitely need.

SUMMARY: When I think of all the verses which give hope, provide direction, it is this verse that seems to cover every aspect of our lives.

Ponder with me for a few minutes:

1. What is the primary CONTEXT of this verse?

2. What is the clear COMMAND of this verse?

3. What is the specific PROMISE of this verse?

4. What is the needed APPLICATION of this verse?

I. THE CONTEXT: (3:1-6)

The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom, and it deals with every aspect of a person’s life and practice.

• The Hebrew word for “Proverbs” is “comparison.”

• This book is a collection of the Proverbs of King Solomon, and is made up of mostly short, witty sayings given to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Proverbs deal with every aspect of life.

NOTE: Verse 1 indicates that Solomon is addressing his son personally, but every son and every daughter respectfully.

Notice now…

II. THE COMMAND (3:6a) “In all thy ways acknowledge Him,”

• Having to do with the Present. “Acknowledge Him.”

• Having to do with all aspects of our life. “In all thy ways!”

These are comprehensive words: They cover every aspect of our lives from the moment we became true believers in God and His Son, Jesus Christ!