When God Laughs

Temple Baptist Church - 10-04-2009

Proverbs 1:20-33

Introduction:

A. Before us in these verses lies one of the most sobering phrases in the Bible: “I also will laugh at your calamity!” vs. 26

B. It reminds me of another verse of Scripture: Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (In these last days, people mock God and scoff at His Word!

Romans 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

C. I am reminded of the second thief who was crucified with Christ. The thief who was saved asked him this question: “Dost not thou fear God?” (Luke 23:40)

D. Without a proper fear of God, a man will never repent of sin and come to Christ! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and in verse 20, wisdom cries while in verse 22 wisdom is rejected.

1. A Divine Call - vs. 20-21

a. The Person Who is Speaking vs. 20
b. The Place of His Speaking vs.21

2. A Desirable Counsel vs. 22-23

a. The People to whom He is Speaking - vs. 22
b. The Promise from a Compassionate Savior

(1) Gift of Repentance "turn you" - vs. 23
(2) Guidance of Spirit "pour out my spirit" – vs. 23
(3) Granting of Knowledge "my words" – vs. 23

3 . A Deliberate Callousness - vs. 24-25

a. The Call to Salvation- Refused – vs. 24
b. The Hand of Mercy- Rebuffed – vs. 24
c. The Counsel of Wisdom- Repelled – vs. 25
d. The Reproof of Scripture-Rejected – vs. 25

4. A Destructive Calamity vs. 26-30

a. The Uncharacteristic God "I will laugh"
b. The Unforeseen Tragedy "fear, destruction"
c. The Unanswered Request "I will not hear"
d. The Unforgiven Sins vs. 29-30

5. A Disturbing Conclusion vs. 31-32

a. Their Diet shall be of their own Choosing
b. Their Devices shall Fill them
c. The Deliberate Simplicity of the Gospel slays them
d. The Deception of the World shall Destroy Them

6. A Delightful Comfort v. 33

a. Salvation
b. Safety
c. Security