Stop Grabbing Random Dogs!

Introduction:

Proverbs 26:17 - Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one taking a passing dog by the ears.

Four Reasons I Will Not Be a "Meddler":

1. It's Foolish .

   Proverbs 18:6 - A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

2. It's Hateful .

   Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

3. It's Dishonorable .

   Proverbs 20:3 - It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

   Luke 12:13-14 - Someone in the crowd said to him (Jesus), "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he (Jesus) said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?"

4. The Lord Hates it!

   Proverbs 6:16-19

   1 Peter 4:15 - But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

Why do I want to get involved?

What do I hope to accomplish?

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Proverbs 26:17
See also Proverbs 18:6, Prov 10:12, Prov 20:3, Prov 6:16-19, Luke 12:13-14, 1 Peter 4:15

1. What was your big “take-away” from the passage / message?

2. What do you think motivates someone to “meddle” in something that is not their business?

3. This Proverb specifically indicates that meddling can bring harm back on yourself. In what ways can you get “hurt” by meddling?

4. How do you know when you SHOULD get involved in an argument between two others?

5. How does meddling reveal a “hate-filled” heart (Proverbs 10:12)? Why does God hate “sowing discord”, ranking it up there with murder and theft? See Proverbs 6:19, 1 Peter 4:15.

BREAKOUT
Pray for one another to walk wisely by avoiding strife.

Walk Wisely: I'm Offended! Now What?

Introduction:

Proverbs 19:11 - Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

What is NOT "overlooking"?

1. Getting Even
2. Holding a Grudge
3. Slander

How Do I Overlook an Offense? When You Are "Triggered", Ask Yourself:

1. Is there some Truth here? Then I'm just going to overlook the offense.

   Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend...

   Luke 11:37 - While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table.

2. Is there a chance I Misunderstood what was said? Then I'm just going to overlook the offense.

   1 Corinthians 13:7 - Love... believes all things...

3. Am I making a big deal out of a Minor issue? Then I'm just going to overlook the offense.

   Philippians 4:5 - Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

4. Is this a Lost person just acting like a Lost lost person? Then I'm just going to overlook the offense.

   Luke 23:34 - Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

5. Do I Love the offender? Then I'm just going to overlook the offense.

   Proverbs 10:12 - ...love covers all offenses.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Proverbs 19:11

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

2. Why do you think people seem so anxious to be offended today?
   On a scale of 1-10, how easily offended are you? (1 = nothing offends me, 10 = everything offends me)

3. When is it okay to be offended? How do you know when it is appropriate to be offended?

4. How does being “slow to anger” help you overlook offenses?

5. How does the forgiveness of Christ motivate you to overlook offenses?

   Bonus: What was the craziest thing you’ve ever heard someone be offended over?

BREAKOUT
Pray for one another to grow in being slow to anger and quick to overlook offenses. What kind of a church would HBC be if we all lived by Proverbs 19:11?

Walk Wisely: Seduction Destruction.

Introduction:

How to Avoid Destruction by Seduction (Proverbs 6:20-35):

1. Let God's Word direct you, not your Feelings. (Prov 6:20-24a)
2. Watch out for Bait. (Prov 6:24b-25)
3. Consider what it Will Cost you. (Prov 6:26-35).

1. The consequences are Inevitable. (Prov 6:27-29)
2. The consequences will get you no Pity. (Prov 6:30-31)
3. The consequences are foolishly Self-Destructive. (Prov 6:32-35)

Proverbs 4:26 - Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.

Moral Fences:

1. I will not ride alone in a car with someone from the opposite sex other than my spouse or immediate family member.

2. I will not counsel the opposite sex alone– in a closed room or more than once.

3. I speak often and publicly about my affection for my spouse, when s/he is present and when s/he is not.

4. I will compliment the opposite sex on character, not appearance.

5. I will give my spouse total access to my cell phone / computer.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Proverbs 6:20-35

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

2. List the consequences this passage lays out that people will face by getting involved in a wrong relationship.

3. If the danger is so obvious, and so devastating, why is this temptation so alluring?

4. What “moral fences” have you implemented to protect yourself?

BREAKOUT
Is there an inappropriate relationship that you have been flirting with? What do you need to do to repent?

Walk Wisely: Wisdom: Value It, Get It, Use it.

Introduction: (Proverbs 1-3)

Dremel Rotary Tool: This product not intended for use as a dental drill.

Vidal Sassoon Hair Dryer: Do not use while sleeping.

Rowenta Iron: Do not iron clothes on body. 

Baby Stroller: Remove child before folding.

Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush: Do not use for personal hygiene.

How Do I Get Wisdom for My Walk?

1. You have to go after it Humbly (Prov 1:1-6).
2. You have to go after it Reverently (Prov 1:7).
3. You have to go after it Urgently (Prov 2:1-11).
4. You have to go after it Totally (Prov 3:5-6).

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Proverbs 1:1-7, 2:1-11, 3:5-6

1. Define wisdom. How is wisdom different than knowledge?

2. What is “the fear of the Lord”? Why must “the fear of the Lord” be your motivation to seek wisdom?

3. How is wisdom a protection (Prov 2:7-11)? How are you “in danger” (unprotected) when you don’t walk in wisdom?

BREAKOUT
How much have YOU been seeking wisdom, Monday through Saturday?
In what areas of your life, right now, do you need wisdom? How are you going after it?