ROCKFORD SPRING OPENER 2014 - Proverbs 1

Pastor Todd Christopherson
Mid American Stock Car Series
April 15, 2014

This year and for the next couple of seasons we are going to go through Proverbs for chapel. I am excited to study together and excited to get the season started. I always look forward to getting the green flag dropped on a new season at Rockford’s Spring Opener. There is no difference this year so let’s get started.

What makes the beginning of the season so exciting? 1) We get back to one of our loves; 2) We get to spend time around friends, race family and those we care about; 3) Being adrenaline junkies, we get our fix; 4) The sound of a roaring engine and squealing tires and the smell of oil, brakes, etc…; 5) Everyone has hope and new goals for a new, fresh start of a new season. We don’t know where it is going to lead but we set the goal for each race and the season; 6) and for me, to be able to minister to the race community and the many needs that people have. There is more but that is enough for now.

When we look into God’s Word and the book of Proverbs we see where God would have us begin. Let’s think and look at how God starts Proverbs. We will study out of the English Standard Version this season.
The Beginning of Knowledge, Proverbs 1:1-7:
"1. The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2. To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
3. to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4. to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5. Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6. to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Five times the word “to” is used. It is a function word that points to something. As we start the season are you pointing towards something, a goal for the season or are you just going to go out there to turn laps and hope for the best? No! You bring out notes from previous years, talk to others, and get a game plan together. You look through the rule book and comply. You work diligently on the car night after night, day after day, to get ready. In this passage the “to” points are a) to hear; b) to increase in learning; c) and first, to the fear of the LORD.

So do you want to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight? Do you want to receive instruction in wise dealing in righteousness, justice and equality? Do you want the simple and the young to have knowledge and discretion?

Those questions lead us to another question – where does that answer lie? Is it in a class room? Is it from another person? Is it in a book? Where are you, we, going to look for those answers? I advocate that the answers are ONLY found in the LORD Jesus Christ and in His Word, the Bible. That is where we can find truth. We can only have that insight if we start, if we begin with the fear of the LORD. In today’s world there are a lot of competing voices for our attention and we want to go to the one that is filled with truth and can be counted on each and every time. That is God and His Word.

As you think of the LORD what do you think? I immensely enjoy studying God’s attributes, character and personality. Searching the Bible to find them and pausing to meditate and pray through them is great. DO you do that? I hope so.

Verse 7 tells us that all this (to, knowledge, wisdom, tec.) starts with a fear of the LORD. That is where salvation begins too. When we realize that we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 6:23) and that the only way to the Father and eternal life is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6) we have started the journey. We need to fear that God, Who, could sentence us to what we deserve: to be thrown into hell (Matthew 10:28) and separated from God for eternity (Isaiah 59:2), That is when we come broken before God and call out on to Him to save us from our sin (Romans 10:9,10,13).

So start the season right, start your life in Christ right! Thanks to the LORD for bringing us to a new season -- Protect us and guide us and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day racin’ in the SONshine. I look forward to seeing you soon at a local race track.

Pastor Todd

Feel free to contact me at: torch_for_jesus@yahoo.com, 608-630-7301 or
512 Chippewa Court, DeForest, WI 53532