November 21, 2017
HOLD FAST!
Proverbs 24:10–22
Brandon Griess
Central Truth
The strength to persevere comes from our faith in the One who endured the ultimate trial.
Key Verse | Proverbs 24:10
If you faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small.
(Proverbs 24:10)
Proverbs 24:10–22
10
If you faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small.
11
Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
and will he not repay man according to his work?
13
My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
15
Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
do no violence to his home;
16
for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
17
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18
lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
19
Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
and be not envious of the wicked,
20
for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21
My son, fear the LORD and the king,
and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22
for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?
Dive Deeper | Proverbs 24:10–22
On September 12, 2001, I joined the Army. While attending the Infantry Officer Basic Course, our commander told us our role was “to bring order to chaos.” Though I may have been successful in carrying out this role in my Army career, I certainly was not successful in applying this in my own life.
Hi, my name is Brandon Griess. I have new life in Christ, and I am recovering from co-dependency, the need for approval, and materialism. This is how we introduce ourselves at re:generation, Watermark’s Christ-centered, 12-step discipleship program and recovery ministry. Believing in Christ brought order to the chaos that I had created in my own life.
At the time of writing this, my wife and I are currently adjusting to a new baby and the loss of a job—perhaps not the most ideal combination. However, being involved in re:generation has taught me the wisdom discussed in this passage—that we alone do not have the ability to bring order to periods of chaos. Rather, it is through Christ, who strengthens us daily, that we are able to persevere (Philippians 4:13), find joy in the midst of this trial (James 1:2), and continue to be comforted with, and amazed by, God’s provision (2 Corinthians 9:8). It has only been through the power of Christ that I have been able remain strong and persevere and not be overwhelmed by anxiety and fear.
Additionally, serving others helps me to think less about myself and more about the needs of other people. While we may struggle to serve others during times of adversity, we can be encouraged in Christ’s example in that He did not come to be served (Matthew 20:28). We also know—as the disciples learned while feeding the 5,000—that what we need to give to others we get from Him.
Serving in re:generation has not only allowed me to continue to remain grounded during my own trials, but it has given me an opportunity to disciple and serve others, which has helped me to be reminded to not focus solely on myself. Thanks for letting me share.
Discussion Questions
1. What is a current trial you are experiencing right now?
2. How are you finding strength in Christ during this trial?
3. In what else are you tempted to find strength aside from Christ?
4. How has serving others helped you to overcome your past trials?