“Wisdom of Receiving Correction (Part 1/2)” - Proverbs 15:32
Sermon series: Navigating Life with Proverbs
Sermon Title: Wisdom of Receiving Correction Pt. 1
Scripture: Proverbs 15:32
Introduction:
It is safe to say that for most of us, if not all of us here today, receiving correction is not something we do well in. From the time we are little children until the day we die, we do not like to receive correction.
Mockers and fools do not accept correction – they resolutely refuse to change their ways. But God calls us to be wise, approachable, teachable, and humble, in choosing to set aside our pride and live in the way of wisdom.
Overview:
The Book of Proverbs continually differentiates how the wise and foolish receive correction:
● “People who listen when they are corrected will live, but those who will not admit that they are wrong are in danger” Proverbs 10:17 GNT
● “whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1 NIV
● “whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:18 NIV
Today’s passage says that “those who disregard discipline sabotage themselves”. This sabotage can lead to unnecessary pain, and even death.
Everybody has blind spots, or flaws that we cannot see ourselves: pride, stubbornness, bad habits, harmful addictions, etc. As family in Christ, we are called to bring to light these blind spots lovingly and carefully.
Realistically speaking though, we end up rejecting correction from others for two reasons:
1. The correction we receive from others is not given in a gentle or loving way (to be expanded on in next week’s sermon).
2. Innately, we are beings who are resistant to change and do not like to be told to make adjustments.
To be corrected means to come face-to-face with our weaknesses. We are uncomfortable with facing our vulnerabilities. Our true selves are riddled with shame and failures, but we try to defend our glorified false identity by comforting ourselves with lies and rejecting corrections from others.
However, the Gospel can help us receive correction and accept our weaknesses:
1. To confess Jesus Christ is Lord means to confess that we are not lord. Our proclamation of who Jesus is frees us from the shame of acknowledging our shortcomings.
2. With a Biblical grasp of reality, we can have room in our hearts to learn to be soft, humble, teachable, and less offended as we are guided into wiser ways, by God’s people, and through God’s power.
No matter how well-rounded and self-aware we think we might be, we all have shortcomings. Receiving help and correction involves humility given through acknowledging that Jesus Christ is Lord. Is your identity rooted in the Gospel truth or are you still seeking yourself as your own lord?
Sermon reflection questions:
In what circumstances do you receive correction easily? Do you respond to receiving correction in a different way depending on the person, the topic, or the mood you are in?
Is there a correction or rebuke in the past that took you a long time to consider or respond with a changed heart in? Looking back, what made it a struggle to receive this correction, and what helped you receive it?
Pastor John mentions that our ability to receive correction is inherently an identity issue. How has your new identity as a child of God bought and redeemed by Jesus Christ personally helped you in receiving correction from others? Is there a recent testimony of this happening that you would like to share with others, being a witness to God’s changing power working actively in your life?
