Bible Study 6/9

Proverbs 11:1-15

Most of these proverbs, and a good portion of the collection itself, is emphasizing the idea that the wickedness of the wicked person will be the cause of their undoing. It will lead them into a trap, cause them to fall, destroy them, take them captive, etc.....

I think this again just goes to show how Proverbs is not a book of promises, but rather of general principles of a wise life. While it definitely seems true as a general rule that "your sin will find you out", it seems many wicked people are prospering and able to get away with their wickedness. Of course, all of this will end when their wickedness will be exposed in the 'day of wrath' (v.4).

Romans 8:18-30

In this section Paul talks about the experience of our present sufferings being like nothing when compared to the glory that is to be revealed that we will experience. He says the whole creation, subjected to a curse when sin entered the world, "groans" and longs for total redemption which is to come. This explains the destruction and viciousness of nature.

Not only nature, but also believers 'groan' and long for this final redemption and future glory. We experience a taste of it through the Spirit within us; fellowship with God and with one another. But that fellowship is far from perfect. Paul concludes by saying that it is this very hope of future redemption that was our hope in our being saved. He talks about all things working together for good for those who love God (giving hope in suffering) and confirms that God is sovereign in bringing about our total redemption (v.30, he foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified.)