IBC Richmond

Application Questions:

How does God discipline like a father? What two motives does Proverbs give for God's discipline?

What is life like without discipline? How would you explain God's discipline to an unbeliever?

Does age guarantee wisdom? Why or why not?

What role does the heart play in receiving correction?

Application Questions:

Since listening presumes someone is communicating, when should you speak and when should you listen?

Can listening be a gift given to the speaker? How does ‘feeling heard’ affect a person?

How can Christians ask questions in order to listen well?

When should you stop listening to voices in social media, cable news, or other culture shapers?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

What does Proverbs mean by urging, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7)? Isn’t the whole book about wisdom?

If humility leads to wisdom (Prov. 11:2), why does the New Testament say knowledge puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1)?

What benefits does God give to the humble? Use key words from the text.

If God let you choose three ways by which he would humble you in the next 30 days, what three would you choose and why?

Pastor Michael Wilburn on the ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.

Application Questions:

When do you laugh? What place does joke-telling and comedy have in the Christian life?

What does the ‘tree of life’ symbolize in Proverbs 13:12? How does this affect the emotions and well-being?

How do wise people use words?

Do you use social media? How can you share good news, speak encouragement, or commend others online?

Application Questions:

What is a friend? How is friendship defined? How many friends do you have based on that definition?

Who was the last friend to rebuke you as in Proverbs 27:6? What was the issue and circumstance? How did you respond?

What does friendship mean during a time of comfort?

Should there be a distinction between friendship with believers and unbelievers?

Application Questions:

What does discipline include? How do definitions of instruction, training, and correction inform the goal of discipline?

What motivation must underline all child discipline?

Read Proverbs 22:6. How would you counsel, pray for, and encourage parents of an estranged child?

How were you disciplined as a child? What methods would you recommend or discourage for the next generation?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. Who are better planners—the wise or the foolish? Compare Proverbs 16:3 with Proverbs 24:8. What distinguishes wise and foolish plans?

2. How will you know if plans are the Lord’s will? How do you make decisions without 100% certainty?

3. Who helps you plan? What value does counsel and advice provide?

4. Is there any randomness in life? Are you able to plan for everything? How does Proverbs 16:33 match life’s randomness and God’s sovereignty?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. How is laziness hidden, excused, or overlooked? When and where do you find yourself struggling to work?

2. What is the last project you started but did not complete? What will it take to finish the job?

3. Do your emotions help or hinder your work? List emotional triggers and how they affect your discipline.

4. What Proverb from today’s sermon will help you start, do, and finish a delayed task.