A Receptive Heart/A Willingness To Learn - 1/28/07

Introduction - Any teacher will tell you that the student who has a genuine interest in learning a subject will accomplish more than the one who could not care less about being in the class.  A biology or a math class in school is certainly important, and there's no denying that everyone should put forth the best effort possible in the classroom.  In many cases good grades can help someone get into college, get a better job, etc. But, principles learned in scripture, if properly applied, will enable one to gain eternal life.  How important is it then for someone to have an open, receptive heart to Truth?


1.  How Does It Begin And What Is The Benefit?
     a.   With a fear of the Lord - Proverbs 1 : 7;  A faith in the Lord .
      b.  The purpose stated in the introduction of Proverbs -  Proverbs 1: 1 - 6
      c.   We simply don't know how long we will have the opportunity - Proverbs 1: 20 ff
      d.   Having a receptive heart / seeking knowledge is beneficial - Proverbs 2 (Discuss whole chapter)
                1.  Helps us understand that God is on our side
                2. Give us moral discretion - 2: 11  How?  Because we understand what the standard is!
                      a. Delivers us from evil -  2 : 12 -13 ; 2 Peter 2 : 20 - 22
                3. Will  protect and preserve us - 2 : 7 - 8 
      e.   A  plan for living - Psa 23 ; Psa 37 : 3, 37 - 38

2.  Biblical Examples Of A Willingness To Learn And Heed The Instruction
       a.   Noah - in spite of the fact the majority was not willing to learn and obey - Genesis 6 : 22
       b.   Abraham - left Ur of Chaldees - Genesis 15: 7 - God revealed Himself again, Abraham obeyed
               Genesis 12: 1 - 4,  12: 6 - 7,  13: 14 - 17,  15: 1 - 17,  17: 1 - 27,  18: 1 - 33,  22: 1 -19
       c.   Joshua - one of the great statements of commitment ever made  - Joshua 24 : 14 - 15
       d.   David - Psalm 27, I Samuel 13: 13 - 14 - a man after God's Own Heart
       e.   Early Christians - Acts 17 : 11
       f.    Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8 : 26 - 40
       g.   Lydia and the Philippian jailer - Acts 16 : 6 - 34
       h.   Great examples of faith - Hebrews 11
       i.    many, many more

3.   Jesus, Our Perfect Example
      a.  Even as a very young man he was receptive to His Father's will - Luke 2: 49
      b.  Always obeyed the Father - Mark 14: 36, Isa. 53:4 ff,  John 18: 11,  John 17: 1 ff

 4. Why Is A Receptive Heart So Important?
      a.   Must be obedient to enter the Kingdom - Matthew 7: 21,  Romans 10: 17,   2 Thess. 1: 8, I Peter 4: 17
        b.   Involves faith -   Romans 1: 5, 16: 25 - 26

        Invitation

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