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Growing up with those “everyone gets punished” moments at school made me big on fairness as a mom, but I’ve realized that sometimes my obsession with keeping things even has slowed down our willingness to simply serve one another. As I look at Jesus’ call to go the extra mile and Paul’s reminder in Philippians 2:4 to look beyond ourselves, I’m learning that quick, quiet service—without expecting anything back—is one of the sweetest ways we can love like Him.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4sxqDh4

Today’s readings come from Psalm 18:7-15, Matthew 21:33-22:14, Job 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29

Proverbs 1:8-9

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honour around your neck.

I would be fascinated to know what you remember your parents teaching you. Their words shape the whole of our lives. I clearly remember my father insisting that we show “instant obedience”, presumably because we so often failed to do it! I remember my mother giving us great encouragement when we were kind to others. My parents are no longer with us, but their influence lives on. I can still hear their words of guidance, encouragement and warning.

When we became foster parents a few years ago, we were encouraged to spend a lot of time reflecting on parenting skills. Bringing up our own three children we didn’t reflect much on the process – we just did it! Parents are never perfect, and I’ve heard it said that what we need to be is “good enough parents”. I like that expression. We won’t always get it right, but because of our love for our children we will, with God’s help, always seek to be good enough.

Parents are referred to repeatedly throughout the book of Proverbs, and the key theme is discipline. This could easily sound harsh, but it is in fact a loving word. No parent who truly loves their child will let them do whatever they wish. The result would inevitably be disastrous. Loving discipline gives security and direction to children and builds firm foundations for the whole of their lives.

Families take many shapes and these verses remind us that we need to do everything we can to support family life. The early years are absolutely crucial for the whole of life, and each of us needs to invest in the lives of children in whatever way we can.

Question

What opportunities do you have to support family life?

Prayer

Loving Father, give us your strength and grace so that we will be able to have the right influence on the children in our lives, and support those who have the awesome responsibility of being parents. Amen

Today’s readings come from Proverbs 3:21-35, Matthew 21:18-32, Job 22, 23 and 24

Proverbs 1:7

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

You need to be careful with the book of Proverbs. It’s very easy to read too much of it and get indigestion! It’s a book which needs lots of time for careful reflection, and this is the wisest and most crucial verse of all. True knowledge begins with knowing God personally. It’s our relationship with the creator of the universe that enables us to gain access to real knowledge which will help us to live our lives to the full.

I wonder what you understand by the expression “fear of the Lord”. I have been brought up to think of God as my friend and my companion, the one who is always looking out for me. Fear might seem to clash with that sort of understanding of God, but it doesn’t have to. We need to remember that the God who offers us his friendship is not like other friends. None of my other friends has created the universe. None of them has all wisdom, power and authority. Our Friend God is awesome in every way, so when we think about him and share our lives with him, there needs to be a tinge of fear – not a fear which oppresses us, but one which means we show him total respect and reverence. He’s a very, very special friend.

This verse tells us that if we really want to understand life, we need to worship God. As we open our lives to him, he reveals the truth to us about ourselves and the world around us. He will never impose his knowledge on us. The writer of Proverbs observes that there will always be plenty of people who despise wisdom and discipline, bluntly describing such people as fools – a word of which he makes great use throughout this amazing book. You may choose to live the life of the fool if you wish, or you can sink to your knees in worship and let God be your teacher. That’s the way of true wisdom.

Question

What does the expression “fear of the Lord” mean to you?

Prayer

Great God of creation, help me to open my whole self to you so that I may receive your wisdom and knowledge. Amen

1) What does it mean that Christ went and preached to the spirits in prison in 1 Peter 3:19?2) Who are the “dead” the gospel was preached to in 1 Peter 4:6?3) Can you discuss the issue of tongues in light of 1 Corinthians 14:17?4) When did clergy first appear as professionals in church history?5) Why do you read letters before the program?6) Which James wrote the epistle of James?7) Why is Stephen the first martyr of the church instead of John the Baptist?

If you’re a Christian, can people tell that you’re different from the surrounding culture? Study along with Truth For Life as Alistair Begg highlights four attributes that should mark the Christian community—individuals as well as the church as a whole.

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This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today’s program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

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