Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize that the words we listen to and believe shape our lives. They explain that Proverbs 4 calls us to guard our hearts and pay attention specifically to the words of Christ and the New Covenant, not a mixture of law and grace. Paul’s writings remind us that faith comes from hearing the gospel of Christ, not from condemnation or works-based messages. Believers are urged to shut out words that bring guilt, shame, or mixture and instead focus only on the life-giving words of Jesus. True freedom flows when our hearts and minds stay fixed on His gospel.
Bible verses referenced
Proverbs 4:20-23- "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Romans 1:16- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 10:17- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
2 Timothy 2:14-16- "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Scripture Reading
- What Words Are We to Guard?
- The Mixture of Covenants
- The Gospel of Christ: Power and Salvation
- Faith Comes by Hearing the Words of Christ
- Paul’s Instruction to Timothy
- Guarding the Soul: Heart, Mind, Will, and Emotions
- Setting a Watch Over Your Soul
- Closing Encouragement: Walking in Freedom
Introduction and Scripture Reading
The message begins with thanksgiving from Pastors Leonard and Lori, who express gratitude for letters, encouragement, and gifts from their congregation. Pastor Lori then reads from Proverbs 4:20-23: "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart, for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." This foundational passage is called a beautiful portion of Scripture, urging diligence in guarding the heart and remaining in the Word.
What Words Are We to Guard?
The pastors stress the importance of asking: What word? While the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation is the Word of God, Proverbs 4 points to something specific. The focus is not on all words in general but on the particular words that bring life—those about Christ and the New Covenant.
The Mixture of Covenants
They explain the historical tension between Paul and Barnabas, who taught freedom from the law, and the group in Jerusalem led by James. This conflict shows that even in the early church there was a mixture of covenants being taught. The same problem persists today, where many pulpits still mix law and grace, producing a mixture of words.
The Gospel of Christ: Power and Salvation
Pastor Leonard reminds the listeners of Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
The gospel, meaning good news, is the true Word we are to attend to. It is the power of God for salvation, rescue, healing, and health. These words of Christ carry the life-giving power of God.
Faith Comes by Hearing the Words of Christ
Paul further explains in Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The pastors clarify that the "word" here refers to the words of Christ, the message of grace. Our faith grows when we continually hear and guard these words.
Paul’s Instruction to Timothy
The pastors then turn to 2 Timothy 2:14–16: "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
Paul charged Timothy to teach “all these things”—referring specifically to the grace-based truths Paul had taught him. Timothy was to rightly divide the Word of truth, keeping the new separate from the old, and avoiding useless arguments.
Guarding the Soul: Heart, Mind, Will, and Emotions
Returning to Proverbs 4, Pastor Lori reads again: "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart, for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
The pastors explain that the heart here refers to the soul: mind, will, emotions, and intellect. This is the area we must guard because it determines how the issues of life flow. If our souls are fixed on wrong words, the power within us cannot flow freely.
Setting a Watch Over Your Soul
The word "diligence" means to be diligent, like a prison warden. We are to guard our souls against teachings that mix law with grace. Words that bring guilt, shame, or condemnation are not the words of Christ. Believers must close their ears and eyes to mixtures and keep them fixed on the New Covenant. Only then can the life of Christ flow unhindered.
Closing Encouragement: Walking in Freedom
The pastors conclude by reminding listeners that the true gospel is all about Jesus. If you hear words that make you feel unworthy or not enough, those are not the words of Christ. The gospel frees us, not condemns us. Believers are encouraged to keep their soul gates ready to shut out anything contrary to the gospel of grace and to walk in their freedom daily.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too can be encouraged to guard their hearts, shut out mixture, and focus only on the life-giving words of Christ. Join us again for more messages of freedom and grace.