Proverbs 21:1-4 – The Need of Christ
Verse 1 – This verse teaches us not to worry. God is in control, even over the most powerful people on earth. He is the King of kings. His will will be done, and for His people it is always good. We should also pray for our rulers that they would rule to the glory of God.
Verse 2 – Our hearts don’t just deceive other people, they deceive ourselves. We judge others actions differently than our own; we justify in ourselves the very things we criticise in others. We need to be always praying that God would show us who we really are, so we can turn from our sins and turn to Him for forgiveness. We should also thank God that, even though He knows our hearts, He loves us and forgives us.
Verse 3 – This proverb looks back to Samuel telling Saul that to obey is better than sacrifice. Is sacrifice unimportant? No. But putting on a show instead of actually doing what God says is wrong. If we’re warming a pew every Sunday, going along to our MET, reading God’s Word to our family, but the things of God have absolutely no effect on how we live our lives, we are just putting on a show. There is no heart obedience.
Verse 4 – This proverb tells us that even the lamp of the wicked is sin. How can that be? Because a man’s motive affects what he has and what he does. When a Christian uses lights thankful for what God has given him, and seeking God’s strength and blessing, he is bringing glory to God. But an unbeliever who does the same thing without any thought of God is sinning. Really, no matter what an unbeliever does, it’s sin. Whether he prays or neglects to pray is sin. He can do nothing but sin, yet he is fully accountable for his sin. To die is to be destroyed and to live is to heap up wrath upon himself. What can he do? Flee to Jesus Christ.
Questions
- How do we put on a show about being a Christian?
- How do our motives affect what we do?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for all that Christ has done for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.