September 15, 2014

The Root of the Problem (Part 7): Arrogance

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

The Bible plainly labels arrogance as a sin. James tells us that “God is opposed to the proud” (James 4:6). The Proverb writer lists pride as one of the things which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Arrogance is often mentioned in lists of sins – the sins of the Gentiles (Romans 1:30), those which Paul feared would be found among the saints in Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:20), and the sins of false teachers (2 Timothy 3:2). The reason it can be found in these lists is because arrogance is usually connected to other sins. We can think of arrogance as a “gateway” sin. It opens the door to many others. Often it is the beginning of our downfall.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: SERIES: The Root of the Problem Tagged With: , , ,
July 2, 2014

Lessons on Wisdom from the Life of Solomon

Solomon - old age

Many books have been written in which the author claims to be imparting some wisdom to his readers. What makes the book of Proverbs different is the author and the source of his wisdom.

The last two chapters of Proverbs are attributed to “Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle” (30:1) and “King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him” (31:1). The identities of these individuals are uncertain. However, the bulk of Proverbs can be attributed to “Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel” (1:1). Some of these “proverbs of Solomon” were “transcribed” by “the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah” (25:1).

It is important that we understand how Solomon acquired his wisdom. We find the answer to this shortly after Solomon established his rule as king over Israel.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , ,
March 6, 2014

Lessons from the Conversion of Apollos

There are several accounts of people being converted to Christ in the book of Acts. One such example was the conversion of Apollos in Ephesus.

“Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue.

“But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ” (Acts 18:24-28).

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
October 20, 2013

Audio: Gospel Meeting at the Eastside church of Christ

I had the privilege of speaking in a Gospel Meeting at the Eastside church of Christ in Morgantown, KY this past week – October 17-19, 2013. The three lessons I preached are listed below.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Audio Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
April 16, 2013

What We Profess With Our Dress

Woman Standing in a Field

“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness” (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Paul talked about women wearing clothing that is “proper for women making a claim to godliness.” The King James Version contains this phrase: “women professing godliness.” The point is that our clothing makes a statement. We should ask ourselves: Are we making the right statement with our clothing?

These verses are specifically directed toward women. There is a reason for this – women are much more likely to cause harm with their improper dress. It is not that men can dress however they want without any thought to “godliness.” The principles in this passage – as well as the others we will be considering in this article – apply to both men and women. In this article, we will notice some of the things that we should profess with our dress.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 7, 2013

The Application of Wisdom: Character (Part 1)

Notes on Proverbs

As one learns to accept the wisdom that comes from above, the result will be a change of character. As we consider some of the character traits that one will gain from a pursuit of wisdom, let us first begin by contrasting them with the negative character traits of one who rejects divine wisdom. Below is a list the wise man gives of seven abominations.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: SERIES: Proverbs Study Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
February 21, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Be Humble

Notes on Proverbs

Humility is necessary in order to acquire wisdom. “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom” (11:2). As wisdom comes from instruction and understanding, we must be humble enough to admit our own lack of wisdom and the need to pursue it. Without humility, we will not believe we need wisdom and will, therefore, ignore it.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: SERIES: Proverbs Study Tagged With: , , ,