Trouble of fools
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The Fool
Definition: In Proverbs, the fool is someone who despises wisdom and instruction, rejects knowledge, and repeatedly makes poor choices despite correction.
Key Verses:
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
The Scoffer and Scorner
Definition: Scoffers (or scorners) are those who mock or show contempt for wisdom and correction. They not only refuse instruction but also actively oppose or ridicule those who follow the path of righteousness.
Key Verses:
Proverbs 21:24: "Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath."
Proverbs 9:7-8: "He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame... Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."
The Simple
Definition: The simple person is naive, lacking experience, and easily led astray. They are not inherently foolish but are easily influenced and can go down the wrong path if not guided by wisdom.
Key Verses:
Proverbs 1:22: "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?"
Proverbs 14:15: "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
The Wise
Definition: The wise person seeks knowledge, fears the Lord, and is open to instruction and correction. They have discernment and understanding, often gained through humility and a willingness to learn.
Key Verses:
Proverbs 1:5: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Blessed is the man
That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor standeth in the way of sinners,
Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Application: Psalm 1:1 outlines a progression away from godliness: walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful. The wise person avoids these steps, contrasting sharply with the fool, scorner, and simple who are more likely to walk, stand, or sit in these destructive paths.
Relationship Between These Characters:
Fools: lack wisdom and despise it, while scorners mock and oppose wisdom. Simple people are undecided and vulnerable to being influenced by either path. Meanwhile, the wise embrace instruction and follow the path of righteousness, avoiding the progression described in Psalm 1:1.
Why do we look at this tonight…
I want you to see that there is nothing new under the sun.
Two events take place that demonstrates the frustrating nature of wickedness that we see in our culture today.
Following their ministry on Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Perga of Pamphylia...
At which point John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem - Ac 13:13This later became a sore point between Paul and Barnabas - Ac 15:36-40From Perga they journeyed to Antioch of Pisidia...
An arduous trip over the Taurus mountain rangeA road known for robbers and brigands - cf. 2Co 11:26
[At some point Paul may have become ill, either in Perga or on the way to Antioch (cf. Ga 4:13). But neither illness nor physical dangers prevented him from carrying on his mission. And so we read of...]
PAUL'S SERMON IN THE SYNAGOGUE
THE SETTING...
As noted earlier, Paul's custom was to first visit the local synagogue - Ac 13:5; 17:1-3At Antioch of Pisidia, Paul accepted an invitation to speak - Ac 13:14-16THE SERMON...
He reviews God's dealings with Israel - Ac 13:17-22He proclaims that Jesus is the promised Savior - Ac 13:23-26He reviews Jesus' death, and evidence for His resurrection - Ac 13:27-37He proclaims that forgiveness is now offered them through Jesus - Ac 13:38-39He warns not to fulfill prophecy by rejecting God's work in Christ - Ac 13:40-41
[Paul's sermon echoes the same themes preached by Peter (Ac 2:22-36; 3:12-26), and the defense given by Stephen (Ac 7:2-53). We saw how some responded to Peter and Stephen. Now let's consider...]
THE RESPONSE TO THE SERMON
ON THAT SABBATH...
The Gentiles (people, ESV) begged for more on the following Sabbath - Ac 13:42Many Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who persuaded them to continue in the grace of God - Ac 13:43ON THE NEXT SABBATH...
Almost the whole city came to hear the word of God - Ac 13:44The Jews were envious of the large crowds, and began resisting Paul - Ac 13:45Paul and Barnabas grew bold, and turned their attention to the Gentiles - Ac 13:46-47
Jews had the privilege of hearing the gospel firstBut those who did not believe judged themselves unworthy of eternal lifeGentiles would then be given the opportunity, as God commanded - Isa 42:6; 49:6The Gentiles were glad and glorified the Word, and many believed - Ac 13:48
MUST ALL CHRISTIANS SUFFER TRIBULATION FOR THE KINGDOM?
THE APOSTLES CERTAINLY DID...
As Jesus said they would - Mt 10:22As Paul mentioned of others and himself - 1Co 4:9-12; 2Co 4:8-10; 11:23-29Indeed they all died as martyrs, with the exception of John who suffered exileMANY EARLY CHRISTIANS DID...
The church in Jerusalem - Ac 8:1,3The churches in Thessalonica and Philippi - 1Th 1:6; 2:14; 3:2-4; 2Th 1:4-6; Php 1:29-30As Jesus warned those of Smyrna - Re 2:10BUT NOT ALL EARLY CHRISTIANS DID...
There were periods of peace among the churches - Ac 9:31Jesus promised the church at Philadelphia they would be spared - Re 3:10Why pray for peace /aspire for quiet lives/ if tribulation is inevitable? - 1Ti 2:3-4; 1Th 4:11HOW DO WE RECONCILE PAUL'S STATEMENTS...?
Which sound as though all Christians must suffer - e.g., Ac 14:22; 2Ti 3:12Consider the context: To whom and when did he say such things?
Was it to those who would be given the privilege to suffer? - cf. Php 1:29-30Living at a time and in a place where persecution might arise?It seems that some of the early Christians were permitted to suffer
To confirm the testimony of those early witnesses of the faithBut not all Christians suffered the persecutions of othersBut Christians were not told to seek out persecution
They were permitted to flee persecution - Mt 10:23As Paul did on one occasion - Ac 9:23-25; 2Co 11:32-33If they were persecuted for the cause of Christ...
They were told to glorify God - 1Pe 4:16They were told to rejoice for the honor - 1Pe 4:14; Mt 5:10-12
Divided over Race…
The Jews of Acts 13 were fine with hearing the word but not willing to share with the Gentiles.
Divided over Misinformation…
the lie that religion satisfies
the lie that philosophers have answers
the lie that life is found outs the source.
I heard a reporter really going after the president’s spokes person this week. He kept asking if the president misspoke. I never got in trouble for misspeaking. My dad never one time paddled me for misspeak. We just know that the word you’re hunting for is LYING.
Satan has never wondered away from this one tool. This is why we as God’s people do not go down the same path as those that peddle in lies. We cling to this book because it is the foundation upon which we stand.
Divided over peer pressure…
One of the wildest accounts in Scripture is the healing of the lame man of Lystra (8)
The people had to be constrained from worshiping. Paul and Barnabas. Don’t fall down and worship us we’re not Jupiter and Mercury.
The next day they stone Paul to death.
Why because the Jews from Iconium have come to stir the “Lystrines” (I think that’s how you’d say it).
Here is what we need to know is that the opposition is one of lies and emotion. Our weapon is Spirit and truth.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
We see this same weapon utilized in our culture today. We are being asked in modern Christianity to give up a little bit of what sets us apart as believers. We are asked to be less and less holy in hopes of winning the world. What we find as early as this last week they offer no leaders that are not also morally compormised. Gateway is firing another and putting in a woman pastor. Why because there is nothing to the modern worldly Christianity.
We live in a culture that says let us have our way and we will live at peace with you. And the one thing the Apostle was not willing to do is give up the truth. Whether kicked out, threatened, chased and even killed.
Why did he not compromise? Because the truth cannot be compromised. The Gospel cannot be compromised. When it does it ceases to be the truth.
Christian it is that true for you. I want a comfortable safe Christianity. I fear it doesn’t exist. IF it does I don’t know that it is worth much.