Proverbs 4:11 (Mini Sermon)

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11. Pro 4:11 - "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths." A. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; i. Notice that Solomon had already taught (past tense) his son in the way of wisdom. ii. Yet he exhorted him in the previous verse to hear and receive his sayings (Pro 4:10). iii. We can learn a few lessons from this. a. A father's job of teaching his children (especially when they are still under his roof) is never done (Pro 22:6). b. The same is true of a pastor (1Th 2:11; Eph 4:11-13). c. Just because you've taught something before doesn't mean your children (or church members) heard and received it (Eph 3:2; 2Th 2:5; Heb 12:5). d. Thus the need for repetition (2Pe 3:1; Jud 1:5; Php 3:1). e. Current teaching builds upon previous teaching (Mat 28:19-20; Heb 6:1-3). iv. Notice also that Solomon taught his son in the way of wisdom. a. He didn't focus his teaching in the way of... (i) sports (ii) trivia (iii) hunting and fishing (iv) recreation (v) mechanical skills b. He didn't even focus his teaching in the way of secular education. c. Any of these things are fine to teach your children (some more than others). d. However, Solomon's most important focus was to teach his son in the way of wisdom. e. Christian fathers should follow his lead and focus mainly on training their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4). B. I have led thee in right paths. i. Notice that Solomon did not just instruct his son verbally in the ways of wisdom; he led him in right paths. ii. He taught by example as well as by precept. iii. A pastor must also lead by example (1Ti 4:12). iv. In order to teach your children in the way of wisdom (making good decisions), you must show them how to do it by making wise decisions yourself. v. As the old saying goes, "actions speak louder than words." vi. You can't expect your children to "do as I say, not as I do."