Proverbs 24:27

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. Definitions
      1. Prepare: In a general sense, to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use, service or state, by any means whatever. We prepare ground for seed by tillage; we prepare cloth for use by dressing; we prepare medicines by pulverization, mixture, &c.; we prepare young men for college by previous instruction; men are prepared for professions by suitable study; holiness of heart is necessary to prepare men for the enjoyment of happiness with holy beings.
      2. Preparation: The act or operation of preparing or fitting for a particular purpose, use, service or condition; as the preparation of land for a crop of wheat; the preparation of troops for a campaign; the preparation of a nation for war; the preparation of men for future happiness. Preparation is intended to prevent evil or secure good.
   2. Context
      1. Proverbs 24:27 – One idea being communicated here is that a field is to be cultivated and made productive, whether with crops or for animals, before turning one’s attention to the more luxurious items such as building a house of comfort. The fruitfulness of the field will, at least in part, supply the financing and/or needed provisions for the house.
      2. Luke 14:28-32 – The stated context is given in verse 33. It is speaking on the subject of discipleship. But the concept given in these analogies is, you must count the cost and prepare before building a tower or going to war. Without proper preparation, a person may not have sufficient funds to finish the building. Without proper preparation, a king may not be able to win a battle. In the context the question is asked, is a person PREPARED to follow Christ at any cost?
2. THE PRINCIPLES OF PREPARATION
   1. Follow God’s Leadership – Be aware of how the Lord is moving you to prepare. He knows what we need to prepare for, so when we follow Him, we are do not over or under prepare.
   2. First Things Come First – Take care of necessary items BEFORE the items of luxury and pleasure. – “Prepare thy work without”
   3. Foundations Are Most Important – Always build from the bottom up. Or, always establish the foundation before erecting the structure. The broader and more stable the foundation, the higher the structure can go.
   4. Develop A Far-reaching Plan
      * As far in advance as you are able.
   5. Allow the events of the past and present to teach us. Jonah 1:17; 4:6, 7, 8 – God prepares events to teach us
   6. Preparation can often take sacrifice – 1 Chron. 29:3
3. THE BENEFITS OF PREPARATION
   1. The Work Moves Steadily – 1 Kings 5:18; 2 Chron. 8:16
      * And all that is needed to do the work is in order.
   2. Preparation Honours God’s Work – 1 Chron. 22:5
   3. Preparation Shows Faith – 1 Chron. 29:15
      * When we prepare, we are looking for the Lord to bring to pass the thing for which we are preparing. He gives the items of preparation; we simply collect it
   4. Those Who Build Are Fully Supplied – 1 Chron. 22; 29
4. WHY PREPARE
   1. Sometimes, It Is Simple Obedience – Ex. 16:5
      1. When the Lord gives us time, material, and/or finance with which to prepare, He is Himself, preparing us for what He has in store.
      2. We are not always, if ever going to understand or know exactly what the Lord is doing, but the preparation is needed in order to obey Him and be ready for what comes next.
   2. It Is Wise – Prov. 30:25
      1. The size of the workers does not matter. – vs. 24
      2. The size of the work does not matter.
      3. The strength of the people does not matter. “not strong”
      4. Sluggards are unwise BECAUSE they do not prepare. They procrastinate their work and miss the ideal times of planting and harvest – Prov. 6:6-11
   3. For God To Use Us – 2 Tim. 2:21
      1. God uses clean, prepared vessels. – cp. John 2:1-7 after the manner of the purifying of the Jews”
      2. We should never expect the Lord to wait on our preparation when He is prepared to use us!
   4. In Anticipation Of God’s Plan And Work – Heb. 11:7; Isaiah 40:3
   5. To Emulate Our Lord – Ex. 23:20; Psalm 9:7; John 14:2
5. PREPARE FOR WHAT?

1. The Catching Away
2. Hearing From God
3. Our Needs Being Supplied – 2 Kings 4:3-4
4. Seeking The Lord – 2 Chron. 12:14; contrast 27:6; Ezra 7:10
5. The Work Of God – e.g., as David etc.
   * As a church we need to prepare:

1. For our worship of the Lord – Num. 15:5-12 – There was preparation for sacrifice
2. To instruct others concerning the Lord
3. For the work of the Lord – 1 Kings 6:7 – there was no sound of hammer etc. while the temple was built
   * You build the forms before the concrete comes.
4. For growth from the Lord in numbers of people being saved and attending.