THE PICTURE OF THE VIRTUOUS CHURCH

"THE PICTURE OF THE VIRTUOUS CHURCH"
Proverbs 31

Intro:
At FhU, there is a running joke which says that many of the young women who attend Freed are there to obtain their “MRS Degree.” The truth is, most of the students at FHU are looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right. They want to find that special someone who will help them to grow as a person and as a child of God. One of the most commonly quoted chapters dealing with the selection of a good wife is Proverbs 31. There we find the words of a mother to her son. Directions and instructions on what it si that he should look for in a worthy mate.
As much as I believe that both men and women should read and take seriously the advice found in Proverbs 31, I think there is a message which we might miss out on in terms of the church if we are not careful. In these 31 verses which conclude the amazing sayings of Proverbs, we find a picture of the virtuous church.
Tonight, for just a few moments, we want to consider the portrait shown here. I pray that you will listen to the three things that the church must do if we are to be both virtuous and prosperous for the Lord.

I THE CHURCH SHOULD BE STRONG (Prov 31: 13-17)

1. The simple truth of the matter is if we don’t work, then we cannot gain strength.
A. Think about those times in life when you were sick, and unable to move around.
B. During that time, you experienced what is known as Atrophy.
C. Atrophy can be caused by either sickness, or a lack of exercise.
D. If we as the church hope to avoid atrophy, then we need to make sure that we are working for the good of the Lord!
2. What must we do if we are to become stronger?
A. Prov 31: 13 we mustn't be afraid of getting our hands dirty!
B. Prov 31: 14-15 we should seek to meet the needs of both those inside the church, that is to say our families, as well as those outside of the church!
C. Prov 31: 16 we must make certain that we are looking to build upon the results of our labor!
D. Prov 31: 17 we must make sure that we are prepared for action at all times!

II THE CHURCH SHOULD BE SUPPORTIVE (Prov 31: 23-27)

1. First, we must be supportive of Christ, and the agenda which he has left for us to do.
A. Eph 5: 23-24 we must support him by becoming submissive to his authority!
B. Eph 5: 30 we must also support him by honoring the monogamous relationship which we as the church enjoy with him today!
C. As with husbands and wives here on earth, we submit willingly because there is no danger of Christ leading you into harm!
D. We support Christ, the husband of the church, by yielding to him, obeying him, and following his example!
2. We should also be supportive to the body of Christ, by which we mean our brothers and sisters.
A. Pro 31: 23-24 we are supportive by not bringing shame to the church.
B. Pro 31: 25-27 we are supportive by serving one another.
C. Pro 31: 28-31 we are supportive by setting a good example for all to follow.

III THE CHURCH SHOULD BE SPIRITUAL (Prov 31: 2)

1. The image found in verse 2 is particularly powerful in light of Christ sacrifice on our behalf.
A. Prov 31: 2 "What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what son of my vowels?"
B. Notice the way in which the kings mother claims him as her own.
C. She leaves no doubt as to how she feels about her son, and in so doing, she provides him with those wonderful guidelines by which he can live his life.
D. I find it interesting that before the author of Proverbs spoke about strength, or support, he spoke about the need for spiritual virtue.
2. There is a great lesson for you and I as the church today.
A. 1Pet 5: 8 we should beware of Satan, who can destroy more souls than any woman in history.
B. Ro 14: 13 we should beware of the stumbling blocks, which we might place in the path of those who are watching us!
C. Mt 9: 12 we should beware to reach out with the word of the Lord to those in need!
D. Prov 31: 10 let it be said, that that the church which meets here at Northjackson, is greater than any number of rubies!