Trusting God More Than Yourself (Proverbs 16)

Trusting God More Than Yourself (Proverbs 16)

Are you trusting God more than yourself? Every day we make decisions that shape our lives, but are we relying on our own wisdom or seeking God's direction? Pastor Chris Teien continues the Summer in Proverbs series by teaching through Proverbs 16, showing how God calls us to surrender our plans, value His wisdom above worldly success, and faithfully follow His ways in every decision we make. God's wisdom calls believers to trust Him more than themselves in every decision they make. As we surrender our plans, value His wisdom above worldly success, and follow His ways each day, God faithfully directs our steps and accomplishes His purposes for His glory and our good. In This Message: 1. SURRENDER Your Plans to God Planning is wise, but our plans should always be surrendered to the Lord. Through personal stories about financial decisions, caring for a dangerous tree, and everyday choices, Pastor Chris demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance in prayer, examining our motives, and trusting Him to direct our steps instead of relying on ourselves. (Proverbs 16:1–9; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 21:5; Nehemiah) 2. VALUE God's Wisdom Above Worldly Success The world measures success by wealth, possessions, and status, but God values wisdom, humility, and faithful obedience. Proverbs teaches that wisdom is worth more than gold, pride leads to destruction, and true success comes from pursuing God's purposes rather than worldly approval. (Proverbs 16:16–20; Daniel 4) 3. FOLLOW God's Ways Every Day Walking in God's wisdom shapes our words, our decisions, our relationships, and our character. Even when life is uncertain or difficult, we can trust God's sovereign purposes, knowing that He is directing our steps and calling us to live with humility, integrity, and confidence in Him. (Proverbs 16:21–33; Romans 5:8; Genesis 50:20) Illustrations * Making a financial decision without prayer after his wife was placed on bed rest during pregnancy. * Choosing to ask a professional arborist for help instead of taking unnecessary risks with a damaged tree. * A GPS rerouting around a closed road as an illustration of God's guidance when our plans unexpectedly change. * Joseph's life showing how God works through suffering to accomplish His purposes. * Praying with his family before deciding where to attend Bible college. * Investing in a quality Bible as an example of valuing eternal wisdom over temporary pleasures. Key Quotes * "Are you trusting God more than yourself?" * "Planning is good. The Bible is for planning." * "God examines your motives." * "How much better to get wisdom than gold." * "Pride always brings us low, and humility lifts our eyes up to God." * "God's wisdom calls us to trust Him more than ourselves in every decision we make." Search Topics Proverbs, Proverbs 16, trusting God, God's wisdom, biblical wisdom, Christian decision making, God's will, surrender to God, following God, humility, pride, God's sovereignty, Christian living, faith, obedience, Jesus Christ, Romans 5:8, Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel 4, Rockwell Church, Chris Teien Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19516417 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19516417] 26m0719de Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

God-Honoring Relationships (Proverbs)

Healthy relationships do not happen by accident. In this message from Proverbs 6, 10-12, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom transforms the way we think, speak, and treat others. God's wisdom changes our relationships by shaping our attitudes, strengthening love and trust, and guiding the words we use with others. As we follow Christ, His wisdom produces humility, integrity, and gracious speech that honors God and blesses those around us. In This Message:  1. Wise People REJECT Destructive Attitudes Pride, dishonesty, sinful motives, and stirring up conflict destroy relationships and grieve the Lord. God calls His people to examine their hearts, reject destructive attitudes, and pursue humility, honesty, and unity. (Proverbs 6:16-19) 2. Wise People CULTIVATE Love and Trust Healthy relationships require intentional love, integrity, and faithfulness. Christ's love enables believers to forgive others, build trust, and reflect godly character in every relationship. (Proverbs 10:12-21; 11:1-13) 3. Wise People CHOOSE Words Wisely Words have the power to wound or heal. Proverbs teaches believers to speak with wisdom, encourage others, and use gracious speech that brings life. The message also explains Proverbs 11:30 and why careful study helps us understand difficult Bible passages. (Proverbs 12:13-25; 11:30) Takeaway Examine your heart before the Lord. Confess and turn from destructive attitudes, cultivate love and trust, and choose words that bring healing as you seek to follow Christ. Illustrations • A delivery driver's angry outburst cost her family an important business contract, demonstrating how destructive attitudes can damage relationships. • A salesman confidently discussed a fictional "flux capacitor," illustrating how dishonesty quickly destroys credibility and trust. • Cultivating a garden illustrates that love and trust must be intentionally developed over time. Key Quotes "God cares about our attitudes. God cares about our thoughts." "People appreciate honesty." "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Search Topics Proverbs, healthy relationships, God's wisdom, Christian relationships, biblical wisdom, Christian communication, integrity, forgiveness, godly character, Pastor Chris Teien Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19483369 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19483369] 26.0712de Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

True Freedom (Proverbs)

Freedom is more than the ability to do whatever we want. In this message from Proverbs 2-5, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom leads to a life of freedom, integrity, and lasting security through Jesus Christ. God's wisdom enables us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. By revering God, walking in wisdom, refusing the chains of sin, and living with integrity, believers discover the true freedom found in following Christ. In This Message:  1. Freedom BEGINS with Reverence for God True freedom starts with fearing the Lord and trusting Him above our own understanding. As we honor God and follow His wisdom, He directs our paths and helps us live according to His will. (Proverbs 3:5-8) 2. Freedom WALKS the Path of Wisdom God's wisdom provides practical guidance for everyday life. Those who listen to His instruction, remain teachable, and continue walking in His ways find stability and confidence even in life's difficulties. (Proverbs 4:10-13) 3. Freedom REFUSES the Chains of Sin Sin promises pleasure but ultimately leads to bondage and destruction. Proverbs warns believers to reject temptation, pursue purity, and remember that God sees every path we take. (Proverbs 5:3-23) 4. Freedom LIVES with Integrity God blesses those who walk uprightly and preserve wisdom, sound judgment, and discretion. A life of integrity provides confidence, security, and peace as we trust the Lord through every circumstance. (Proverbs 2:7-9; 3:21-26) Takeaway Choose God's wisdom over the world's promises. Trust Him, walk in His ways, refuse the chains of sin, and live with integrity as you experience the true freedom found in Christ. Illustrations • Traffic laws illustrate that true freedom is found within God's design rather than in doing whatever we want. • Practical lessons about electricity demonstrate how wise instruction protects us from unnecessary harm. • Solomon's own failure later in life reminds us that no one outgrows the need to pursue God's wisdom faithfully. Key Quotes "True freedom is the freedom to live in Christ and to work out His will and His ways." "Wisdom is the skill of living." "You have to keep coming back to your commitment to wisdom." Search Topics Proverbs, God's wisdom, true freedom, biblical wisdom, Christian living, fear of the Lord, integrity, overcoming temptation, walking with God, Pastor Chris Teien Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19448870 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19448870] 26.0706de Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Faithful Preparation (Proverbs)

Life is a journey filled with decisions, opportunities, and unexpected challenges. In this message from Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom prepares believers to plan wisely, live with integrity, and trust the Lord as He directs their path. God's wisdom equips us for the future by teaching us to prepare faithfully today. As we seek God's direction, make wise plans, carry the right priorities, and remain spiritually alert, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord establishes our steps. In This Message:  1. Plan Your Route Wise preparation begins with establishing the right priorities. God's wisdom teaches us to seek His direction, make thoughtful plans, receive wise counsel, and trust Him to guide every step. (Proverbs 24:27; 15:22; 16:9) 2. Prepare for Your Journey Preparation means thinking ahead, recognizing potential dangers, and using the resources God has provided wisely. Those who prepare faithfully are better equipped to serve God through whatever lies ahead. (Proverbs 14:15; 22:3) 3. Carry What You Need The greatest preparation is spiritual. Believers are called to carry integrity, faith, God's promises, and a heart free from bitterness, guilt, and unconfessed sin as they follow Christ. (Proverbs 10:9; 10:12; 28:13; Hebrews 12:1-2) 4. Stay Ready Life can change quickly, but God's people are called to remain spiritually alert and sober-minded. As we depend on the Holy Spirit and trust God's purpose, we can faithfully serve Him whatever tomorrow brings. (Proverbs 20:1; 19:21; 31:4-5; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8) Takeaway Seek God's wisdom as you prepare for the future. Trust Him to direct your path, make wise decisions today, and remain faithful wherever He leads. Illustrations • Planning a camping trip demonstrates the importance of preparing today for tomorrow's journey. • A squirrel storing golf balls instead of nuts illustrates the danger of preparing for the future with the wrong priorities. • Joseph's preparation during Egypt's years of abundance demonstrates how God uses wise planning to accomplish His greater purposes. Key Quotes "Wisdom teaches us how the wise normally live in God's world." "Wise leaders prepare today for the future God may bring tomorrow." "The goal is not simply to memorize individual proverbs, but to understand the wisdom behind them and apply that wisdom faithfully." Search Topics Proverbs, God's wisdom, wise planning, preparing for the future, biblical wisdom, Christian leadership, God's guidance, spiritual growth, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19414561 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19414561] 26.0628der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Leading Your Family Well (Proverbs)

Every believer has the opportunity to influence someone for Christ. In this message from Proverbs 4, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom equips us to lead by example, intentionally teach biblical truth, and leave a lasting legacy of faith. God's wisdom shapes the way we lead others. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, mentor, teacher, or friend, faithful leadership begins with a life devoted to Christ and a commitment to pass His truth on to the next generation. In This Message:  1. Lead Through Your Example People learn as much from our lives as they do from our words. A life marked by integrity, humility, and faithfulness provides a powerful example for those God has placed in our care. (Proverbs 20:7; Joshua 24:15) 2. Teach God's Truth Intentionally God's Word should fill our hearts before it shapes the lives of others. As we intentionally teach Scripture through everyday conversations and faithful instruction, we help others build their lives on God's truth. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6) 3. Build a Legacy of Faith A lasting legacy is not measured by possessions or accomplishments but by passing God's wisdom to the next generation. As we pursue wisdom ourselves, we encourage others to know, trust, and follow the Lord. (Proverbs 4:1-9; Proverbs 3:5-10) Takeaway Lead others by faithfully following Christ yourself. Pursue God's wisdom, live what you teach, and invest intentionally in the people God has placed in your life. Illustrations • Noah's life demonstrates that faithful leadership is possible even in a culture that rejects God. • Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," illustrates spiritual leadership through personal commitment. • The Scottish lighthouse keeper reminds us that faithful influence often reaches people we may never see, but God uses our consistent witness for His glory. Key Quotes "People learn what matters by watching us." "We cannot give away what we do not possess." "The light doesn't need me to see the ships. It just needs to keep shining." Search Topics Proverbs, God's wisdom, Christian parenting, biblical leadership, family discipleship, spiritual legacy, raising children, mentoring, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19380307 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19380307] 26.0621der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]