What a joyous Sunday we just experienced, as we worshipped together! It is such a blessing to be a part of the gathered community of God’s people, and pray together, sing together, build friendships, study God’s Word, and celebrate baptism. How exhilarating to see four people baptized this past Sunday! Be praying for them. 

This Sunday we will continue in The Way of Wisdom: A Study of Proverbs. In the first two messages, we have looked at some foundational issues in Proverbs, from chapters 1 and 3. For the next four weeks, we will look at God’s wisdom concerning some of the main practical topics in our lives. 

We’ll see what God says about things like sex, drugs and alcohol, choosing friends wisely, stewarding resources, cultivating a godly work ethic, taming our tongues and tempers, and drawing close to the One who gives us wisdom on all these things. 

This Sunday, we’ll see what God says about “Sex and Substances.” By “substances,” I’m talking about alcohol and drugs. To examine what God says about these two issues, we’ll look at a variety of texts in Proverbs. As you prepare for Sunday, consider the following: 

• On the issue of pursuing purity in sexuality, look at chapters 2, 5, 6, and 7. What is God’s wisdom here? Why do so many of the Proverbs deal with this issue? 
• On the issue of alcohol or any other intoxicating drug, read chapters 3, 20, and 23. What is God’s wisdom regarding substances that can make a person drunk or high? 
• What are the warnings God gives about these things? What are the vivid word pictures and images God uses in these warnings? 
• What is the fallout from disobedience in these areas, and what is the blessing of obedience to God’s wisdom? 
• Obviously we interpret Scripture with Scripture. What are some of the other Scriptures that address sexuality and intoxicating substances? What do those Scriptures teach? 
• What about God’s grace for people who have messed up in these areas? What about his power to enable us to change? We’ll see that there is good news, healing, and new beginnings in Christ. 

We’ll talk about all these things on Sunday. I hope to see you there! 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,  

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.