An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Monday, January 10, 2022

First Point

(Pro 10:23 KJV)  It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

The first of the five points of Calvinism is Total Depravity.  One way of explaining this is,

“The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades all areas of life and human existence. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body.”
While I don’t think I would agree with the way this is applied by Calvinists, the basic statement is true to all serious, Bible believing Christians.  The result of this in everyday life is what Proverbs is here calling being a “fool” (3684).  Until the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit makes us desire to be righteous, foolishness reigns supreme.  Foolishness is the sinful inclination that makes people do the stupid things they do, things they know are destructive.  They might even accept that they are evil but the foolish, sinful nature gives them the ability to easily look the other way.

Once you are born again and the Spirit does its job of cleansing and empowering we can move on to desiring to avoid the foolishness.

So?  As you know, or should, you can’t do it by yourself.  The good news is that Jesus paid the price with His blood and the Holy Spirit is ready to make the difference.  Good news, indeed. 

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