August 5, 2020

Which Way Should You Go? #

Proverbs 22:1, 2, 8, 16, 21, 29

Introduction

I have never made any claims about being good with directions, because the truth of the matter is I’m not that good with directions. I have to see a map, and really spend some time looking at a map to figure things out.

Some people struggle with directions on a spiritual level, and are often confused, and struggle with the right direction in their life. All the verses we will look at this evening deal with the Way. Perhaps you ask yourself, Which Way Should I Go? Many times we stand at a cross road in our life, trying to figure out the best path to take. I hope tonights message will help you, and encourage you to take the right path.

I. The Divine Way (Pro 21:1) #

Prov. 21:1 ¶ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

When we attempt to draw conclusions as to the motives, and movements of God, we tread lightly if they are not clearly stated in Scripture. Who is feeble man to define God?

Is. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

A. God’s Plan #

I want to simply present that God sometimes does things we don’t understand.
God has a plan!

B. God’s Moving #

God has a way of moving things …
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened – God’s people were captives
“When one wants modeling clay to be hardened they would withhold water from it and allow time and sunshine to dry it out some. You would say that they hardened the modeling clay. They didn’t. They withheld the water from it, and it hardened as was it’s nature. Consider again that for man to maintain his free moral will, God can not directly impose upon that volitional will.” - Edward Rice

C. Our prayers! #

We are commanded to pray for our leaders
God works through prayer!

II. The Distorted Way (Pro 21:2, 8) #

Prov. 21:2 ¶ Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

A. Prideful way of man (Pro 21:2) #

Often times, men think their life is fine. They acknowledge mistakes, and errors, but after all, they aren’t that bad!
You cannot go against the Word of God, and be ok with God! - Ask Adam how that worked out for him!
Audit your life with God! - He pondereth – that means considers your life’s direction!

B. Perverse Way (Pro 21:8) #

Prov. 21:8 ¶ The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

1. Froward – Perverse, that is turning from, with aversion or reluctance; not willing to yield or comply with what is required; unyielding; ungovernable; refractory; disobedient #

2. Rom. 3:10-18 #

- Out of the way (12)
- Destruction and misery are in their ways (16)
- way of peace have they not known (17)

C. Pure way (Pro 21:8b) #

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Psa. 119:9 ¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
God and the Bible is the ONLY way to purify the distorted way of man.

III. The Departing Way (Pro 21:16) #

Prov. 21:16 ¶ The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

A. Walked in the way #

In order to wander out of the way, you must be walking in the way of understanding.
Many people, walking in the right way, wander astray….

B. Wandered away #

The grass ALWAYS looks greener on the other side of the fence.
Sometimes it is looking at the other things, and desiring that…
Sometimes it is discouragement with current circumstances
Wandering occurs because of dissatisfaction with where you are.

C. Congregation of the dead #

The word congregation is used extensively in the OT, for a religious assembly of people to worship.
A dead congregation, is a group of people assembled, where there is no life!
2Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

IV. The Directed way (Pro 21:21) #

Prov. 21:21 ¶ He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

A. Purposeful directing #

Righteousness – purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law.

Matt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Actively pursuing being right in all areas of your life.

B. Prideful denial #

Prov. 21:29 ¶ A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

You can argue with people, but until they are convinced in their heart, nothing will change.
God, and the Word of God must soften their heart, but they must allow the working of God in their life.
Upright, directeth his way
1. to the Bible
2. to church
3. to good music
4. to christian influences