Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 1: 1-7 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Not So Fast
Matthew 4: 1-17 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
See the Need, Take the Lead
Esther 4: 13-14 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth…
The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3: 13-17 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
The Emphasis for the Gospel
2 Corinthians 4 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Clearing the Path
Matthew 3: 1-12 1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Happiness of Humility
Proverbs 29: 23 23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Guarding Against Gossip
Proverbs 15: 28 28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
A Different Way
Matthew 2 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Arresting Anger
Proverb 14: 17 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.