Untitled Sermon (3)
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Text: Proverbs 16:1-9
Rex Fuller teaching me the “HOW” to putting together a puzzle.
Imagine a child working on a large, complicated puzzle. They’re eager to see the final picture, so they start placing pieces quickly. But in their haste, some pieces don’t fit, and frustration sets in. The child keeps trying to force them, making little progress.
Now, picture the child’s parent watching nearby. The parent already knows the complete picture, having seen the box top and understanding how each piece fits together. But the parent doesn’t jump in immediately. Instead, they gently ask, “Would you like some help?”
When the child humbly asks for help, the parent starts guiding them. The child still puts the pieces together, but now they’re working with direction. The process becomes smoother, and the picture starts to form as it should.
Application:
We often approach life like the child with the puzzle. We have our plans and think we can put everything together on our own. But when we try to force things into place without seeking God’s guidance, we often find ourselves frustrated and lost. True success comes when we invite God into the process, allowing Him to direct our steps. Like the parent with the puzzle, God sees the full picture of our lives and knows exactly how everything fits together.
CIT: "While we may make our plans, true success comes when we commit them to God and trust Him to direct our steps."
Introduction:
Proverbs 16:9 states,
A man’s heart deviseth his way:
But the Lord directeth his steps.
This verse captures a profound truth: while we can make plans, we must always remain subject to God’s guidance. Our plans may seem sound in our eyes, but God has the final word. Today, we’ll explore the nature of our plans—both misplaced and proper—and what it means to pursue a life aligned with God’s will.
Before we delve into Proverbs 16, let’s briefly recap the Spirit of Wisdom as introduced in Proverbs 1. Solomon begins this book with a foundational message to Rehoboam and all who seek wisdom.
The Spirit of Wisdom (Proverbs 1):
Solomon introduces key virtues:
1. Wisdom – Skillfulness in living.
2. Instruction – Learning through discipline.
3. Understanding – The ability to discern.
4. Justice – Right conduct.
5. Judgment – Evaluating what is right.
6. Equity – Moral integrity.
7. Subtlety – Prudence or careful thought.
8. Knowledge – Information rooted in sound character.
9. Discretion – Thoughtfulness, avoiding rashness.
These principles shape how we should approach life, and they remain the backbone of what Solomon teaches in Proverbs 16 about planning our ways and submitting to God's direction.
1. Misplaced Plans: Chasing What the World Values
Solomon warns us that many plans we devise are misdirected. We chase after things the world values, yet these pursuits are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. Let’s examine four common pursuits that lead us astray:
A. The Pursuit of Wealth
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great revenues without right.
Wealth, in itself, is not wrong. However, when it becomes the primary pursuit of life, it leads to emptiness. Solomon’s son Rehoboam would learn this firsthand. Despite great riches, his greed and disobedience cost him both wealth and the favor of God.
In our culture, driven by materialism, we see the same pattern. Many pursue wealth, believing it will bring happiness, but money without righteousness is a hollow victory. The temporal can never bring lasting satisfaction.
Illustration:
Consider the man who proudly showed off his new hearing aid, boasting, “It cost me four thousand dollars; it’s perfect!” His neighbor asked, “What kind is it?” The man replied, “Twelve thirty.”
Just like this misunderstanding, many misunderstand the value of wealth. We can accumulate wealth and still miss what truly matters.
B. The Pursuit of Fame
When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Celebrity culture captivates our society. Fame is worshipped, and many live in pursuit of it. Yet fame destroys as often as it rewards. In Israel’s history, the people clamored for a king, idolizing Saul for his appearance and charisma. But fame and power led to his downfall and nearly tore the kingdom apart.
Solomon offers something better than popularity—peace. Can you imagine a life where not only do some people like you, but even your enemies are at peace with you? That’s what happens when our ways please the Lord.
C. The Pursuit of Pleasure
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:
And by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
We live in a pleasure-seeking world, but this pursuit leads to destruction. James 1:15 reminds us, “…sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
The answer to this spiral into destruction is mercy and truth. It is through these that sin is cleansed. Our world craves pleasure, but true fulfillment only comes from the fear of the Lord. Every week, our churches extend mercy and truth, offering a cure for the sin that pleasure chases.
D. The Pursuit of Power
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord:
Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Pride is the root of the desire for power. It’s the desire to take God’s place, to control others, or to elevate ourselves above His will. Prideful power seekers will be held accountable by God. Solomon reminds us that true leadership is not about gaining power but about humbly serving those around us.
In our families, workplaces, and communities, we may have authority, but it is always an opportunity to minister, not to dominate.
2. Proper Plans: Chasing What God Values
While misplaced plans lead to ruin, Solomon also shows us how to plan correctly—by pursuing God’s glory, knowledge, and walking with Him.
A. The Pursuit of God’s Glory
The Lord hath made all things for himself:
Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
A proper plan begins with asking, “Does this bring glory to God?” Too often, we ask, “What’s wrong with this?” when the real question should be, “What’s glorifying about this?”
Everything we do should aim to glorify God, from our work to our relationships.
B. The Pursuit of God’s Knowledge
To make plans that align with God, we must plan to know Him. Solomon says in Proverbs 16:3,
Commit thy works unto the Lord,
And thy thoughts shall be established.
Knowing God changes who we are. As we study His laws and principles, we are transformed to be more like Him.
C. The Pursuit of Walking with God
It’s not enough to know about God; we are invited to walk with Him. Imagine if every believer at Knollwood lived as if their greatest treasure was knowing God personally. We have the privilege of coming into the Holy of Holies, walking intimately with the Creator. This is the ultimate plan for a Christian life.
CIT: "While we may make our plans, true success comes when we commit them to God and trust Him to direct our steps."
3. The Key to Success: Good Plans, Godly Motives, and Great Commitment
Proverbs 16:1-3 offers us a blueprint for making plans that God blesses:
The preparations of the heart in man,
And the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
But the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the Lord,
And thy thoughts shall be established.
1. Good Plans – “The preparations of the heart in man...”
- We are responsible for making plans that reflect our inner being, but only God can bring those plans to fruition. Parenting is a great example. No parent plans for their child to turn out poorly, but success requires planning according to God’s standards.
2. Godly Motives – “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.”
- We can rationalize anything, but God knows our true motives. We must stop playing games and seek pure motives in our plans, whether it’s for a job promotion or a personal decision.
3. Great Commitment – “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
True commitment means rolling our burdens onto God and trusting Him to establish our plans. Like Captain Scott O’Grady, who survived in enemy territory by trusting God, we must roll our cares onto Him, knowing that He will see us through.
Here is where we get back to the Fear of the Lord…
I imagine if I went around the room today I would take a poll and find that most of this room wants God’s plans, motives and commitment. But like Paul have found that the fool lies ever ready to topple the best commitments.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
We often fail because we lean on our own understanding, but Christ gives us a better way.
Consider when Jesus faced the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). After fasting for 40 days, He was hungry and weak, yet He did not rely on His own power or give in to Satan's offer of immediate satisfaction. Instead, Jesus leaned on the Word of God, responding to each temptation with Scripture, showing complete trust in the Father’s provision and plan.
Where we often fall into temptation—seeking quick solutions, temporary pleasures, or shortcuts to power—Jesus stood firm in perfect obedience. His victory in the wilderness shows us that we don't need to rely on ourselves. Christ’s success in resisting temptation secures the grace we need when we fail.
When we struggle to follow God's path, we can turn to Christ, who not only succeeded where we failed but also offers us His grace and strength. By relying on Him, we can commit our plans to God, trusting in His power to carry us through.
I challenge you to evaluate your plans. Are they misplaced—pursuing wealth, fame, pleasure, or power? Or are they proper—focused on God's glory, knowledge, and walking with Him?
Commit your works to the Lord, and He will establish your thoughts. Let us seek His glory above all and trust Him to direct our steps.
