Terry’s Top 25 Proverbs
OBJECTIVE/ STUDY: Sunday Terry gave us his own personal top 25 Proverbs. They are his top 25 because they make him want to do something, not just think something, they are personal and practical for him. He gave us his Top 25 in hopes that we would be challenged to find our own top 5, 10, 20 and internalize/memorize them so they become truth that impacts and shapes us in the way we live our lives.
DISCUSSION 1: Role of Scripture in our lives
Read 2 Tim. 3:15-17
15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Q1: What does this verse tell us about Timothy?
Q2: What did Paul want Timothy to know about the sacred Scriptures? And why is this important for us to know?
Note: Paul is casting vision for Timothy that all of Scripture is useful…so that he would be thoroughly equipped for every good work, he’s helping young Tim have vision for wisdom regarding the power of God’s word to walk the good (wise path).
Q3: What are the implications of this verse in your own life personally?
DISCUSSION 2: Thinking Deeply About Scripture
Q1: Why is it important that we think deeply about scripture?
Exercise: Let’s practice thinking deeply on Scripture. Terry gave his top 25 proverbs in his sermon. Here are three of them. Take the next few minutes and read through them, and as you do, think about how they apply to your own life. Ask yourself: How might this verse shape me? What would you have to do to make these verses a reality in my life? Why would I want this verse to be a reality in my life? How might my life look different if I were to live these verses out?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 3:5,6
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. 3:25,26
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. 21:31
Once your group has had time to think through the verses, have them share their thoughts with the group.
DISCUSSION 3: The Challenge
Q1: What will you do to build and own your own list and internalize it?
Here is Terry’s recommendation (if you don’t have a plan).
- Read through Proverbs in a month…takes a few minutes a day.
- Write down the reference (or just mark) the ones that “hit home” personally.
-Not what you think others need, what hits you?
-Be realistic…5, 10, 50…I don’t know.
*The best plan is the one you will actually do…5 good!
- When you are done…write them out, use an app, whatever…find a way to memorize them…Proverbs are pretty easy to learn.
*It’s not as important that you can quote the chapter and verse (those numbers are not inspired by God)…but it’s great if you do.
- Think about them, review them, watch how they come up when you need them.
That’s it—do it—grow wise.
Ps. 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Ps. 119:32 “I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free”
Ps. 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”