Two Great Tests – a sermon by Dr. Timothy J. Keller
Proverbs 3:9-14; 10:16, 25; 24:10-12
“There are two spiritual tests highlighted in these passages: good times and bad times. These circumstances show our sin in general or our idols in particular. We can choose whether to deal with them or deny them, but we will not stay the same.”
wisdom – guidance to choose the right path; observing human nature
The secret of wisdom can be found in common experiences
two tests:
1) prosperity – everything going your way
2) discipline (pain) – nothing working out right
learn and grow from each test!
righteous – those who disadvantage themselves for the community; unselfish
success is the worst possible thing for a selfish person because he doesn’t know how to process it
– points out sin in general
– points out idols in particular
when the consequence of bad behavior is removed = majority of people do bad behavior