Wisdom for the Mission (of God’s People)
I. The Mission of God and Our Place in the Story (a brief reminder)
a. The Gospel in Life
b. The Quad Promise
i. People – People Called By God
ii. Protection/Presence – God is With Us
iii. Program (Mission) – Renew All Things and Be a Blessing to the Nations
iv. Place(s) – Where we cultivate and practice “faithful presence” and empowered service

II. Who Are We and Why Are We here? - Proverbs 11:10

Question: Are people rejoicing because of us?

a. The tsaddiqim (the righteous) – mentioned 66 times in Proverbs

“The righteous in the book of Proverbs are by definition those who are willing to disadvantage themselves for the community, while the wicked are those who put their own economic, social, and personal needs ahead of the needs of the community.”
Tim Keller, “Creation Care and Justice,” Sermon delivered 01/16/05

b. The meaning of Rejoice (Rejoiceth) – alats – to jump for joy, to exult, to be joyful, rejoice, to triumph
“Indeed, the profound rejoicing that is happening in the city when the righteous prosper is a result of nothing less than foretastes of the Kingdom of God coming into reality in the city. This kind of rejoicing occurs as the curse is pushed back and the virtues of the Kingdom are pushed in. When that happens, then the whole city dances and rejoices with abandon.”
Amy Sherman, Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good

c. The meaning of the City (Our Places)

The City is simply our place of residence, the place where we live, work and recreate. They are our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, the places we shop, eat and enjoy life and the live life with others. They are the places where there are people (souls); the places where human culture is created, consumed and eventually will be consummated.
 
III. The (wise) Path of the Righteous - Being Faithful to Our Mission
a. Lessons from Proverbs for the tsaddiqim (66 times in the book of Proverbs)
1. Keep us on the path of the righteous (Proverbs 2:20)
2. God provides for them (10:3)
3. They are not duplicitous in their dealings and have a mind toward blessing others (Proverbs 10:6)
4. Their words are life bringing and feed many (10:20 and 21)
5. They will not be shaken (10:30)
6. Their mouths flow with wisdom (10:31)
7. They are delivered from trouble (11:8,9,10)
8. Their descendants will be delivered (11:21)
9. They desire good (11:23)
10. They flourish, because they don’t trust in their riches (11:28)
11. They bear fruit (the tree of life) and they wisely win souls (11:30)
12. They will be rewarded “in the earth” (11:31)
13. They are established/well rooted (12:3)
14. They provide good wise counsel and their thoughts are just (12:5)
15. They are established and not easily overthrown (12:7)
16. They show compassion to animals (12:10)
17. They are righteous at their core (12:12)
18. They escape trouble by not being involved in transgression (12:13)
19. They have peace with God and man (12:21)
20. They have a heart of compassion toward their neighbor and offer wise counsel and guidance (12:26)
21. They act truthfully and in a manner that glorifies God (13:5)
22. They are not selfish, only considering themselves, but consider future generations (13:21, 22)
23. They are satisfied by God (13:25)
24. They triumph over evil and have an eternal refuge (14:19 and 32)
25. Their wealth comes without trouble (15:6)
26. They consider their words and God hears their prayers (15:28 and 29)
27. Their words are delightful to authorities/rulers (16:13)
28. God honors their standing with him (17:15; 17:26; and 18:5)
29. They know well the source of their security (18:10)
30. They understand that true integrity(godliness) is a blessing to their posterity; it is not only for themselves (20:7)
31. They do not neglect to deal justly with the wicked…in a wise manner (21:12)
32. They find great joy in doing justice (21:15)
33. Their conduct is upright (21:8)
34. They give freely without holding back (21:26)
35. Their actions and lives cause their elders to rejoice (23:24)
36. They do not give up, even when they “fail”; they endure (24:16)
37. It is a very sad thing for a righteous person to fall because their ability to be a life-giving blessing is hampered (25:26)
38. They are bold in the face of challenges, trouble and calamity (28:1)
39. When they triumph many exult (28:12 and 28)
40. Others rejoice in their increase (29:2)
41. They are not easily ensnared by transgression, sin, and evil doing; therefore, there a freedom to praise and rejoice (29:6)
42. They have a deep concern for the rights of the poor (justice and mercy) – (29:7)
43. They endure to see justice (29:16)
44. They have enemies (the wicked) and their paths are not always easy or without challenges (29:27)

b. The tsaddiqim work towards Justice
i. Rescue
ii. Equity
iii. Restoration
c. The tsaddiqim work for Shalom (Human Flourishing)

“…the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight….We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or cease-fire among enemies. In the Bible shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight.”
Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., “Educating for Shalom: Our Calling as a Christian College,” Calvin College

i. Peace with God
ii. Peace with Self
iii. Peace with Others
iv. Peace with Creation/Culture

IV. What is the Source of Our Righteousness?
a. Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord, Our Righteousness
i. Romans 5:1
ii. Philippians 3:9
b. Empowered by and Fruitful through God – His Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)