GBC Connection

June 2010

Beware of drunk people carrying sharp objects!

That’s the warning of the writer of Proverbs 26:9. The verse reads, “Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.” (Prov. 26:9 NIV) Get the picture? Here he comes, some loud-mouthed, giggling guy who is staggering all over the place, and in his hand is a big branch with thorns on it, or little pointed twigs sticking out everywhere – or a chainsaw, or a nail gun! Whatever the implement, the point is this: look out! Somebody’s going to get hurt!

It matters whose voice we choose the listen to. There are a lot of people who have lots to say but for the Christian there is only one who has authority: the Lord Himself. In a world where speaking out and being heard are so highly valued, and qualifying as an “expert” can be simple personal experience or simply being a celebrity, this is ever and always a timely verse.

A fool is someone who does not take God seriously. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” A person could have the knowledge of truth and be able to recite it, but that doesn’t mean that they will embrace it or obey it. The person who gets it in this world, is the one who not only knows there is a God, but trusts in Him and believes on Him – taking God at His Word in all of their living.

Bible commentator Allan P. Ross writes, “A fool can read or speak a proverb but will be intellectually and spiritually unfit to handle it; he will misuse it and misapply it.”[1] There is no shortage of people in this world with things to say, and many of them count themselves experts. A follower of Christ should pay careful attention to whom they allow to speak into their lives. The worthy teachers and examples are those who recognize that the only sure foundation on which to stand is the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Like the wise man who built his house on a rock, which survived the horrific storm, is the one who listens to Jesus and makes Him alone their authority. On the other hand, the fool watched his life work and life savings collapse and wash away because he built on the sand – much like the one who does not listen to Christ and obey Him instead of the “wisdom” of others: you risk losing everything. (Matthew 7:24-27) It is a dangerous thing to allow just anybody to have authority over you or your family.

Making the Connection

In our new series, “Firm in the Faith”, we are studying the book of Colossians where the Apostle Paul’s primary concern is that this young, vibrant church in Colossae be strong and healthy, looking to Jesus as their all in all. It was vital that they not be led astray by people who looked and sounded very wise, but were actually utterly foolish. Paul pleads, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elementary spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” So what’s the standard? That’s right, Christ is. He is our authority. His is our Lord. God’s will for us is that whatever we apply to our lives, or allow to shape us, be in keeping with the teachings of His Son. People can say what they want, but when it comes to influencing and shaping our minds the people of God are loyal to one voice: Christ Jesus.

Taking Action

I will encourage you to read and re-read the book of Colossians throughout this series – so why not get started now? Take care to read through and get a sense of what is healthy and strong about this church, and what are the dangers they are facing.

As you read Colossians, ask yourself:
- What traits of spiritual health am I experiencing now that I need to pursue more fully? What dangers should I beware of?
- Take some time to think about whom your true authority is. Have you allowed someone – someone you know, a relative, a TV personality, an author, a commentator, a musician, or someone bearing any worldview contrary to Christ – to become authoritative in your life? Have you been taken captive by ideas from people who look or sound wise but have no personal relationship with your Lord? (Think drunk person with weed-whacker!)
- Ask God to give you true wisdom and make you firm in the faith.

- Ross Kearney

Suggested Reading: Colossians 1-4 Memorize: Colossians 2:6-7

[1] Allan P. Ross, “Proverbs” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991), 1089.

The purpose of GBC (Graphite Bible Chapel) Connection is to encourage further reflection and study to facilitate a deeper connection between our Sunday teaching and your daily lives – the triumphs, tragedies, and toil that each of us face every month.

Archived GBC Connection:

October 2009