Step Up! – Be Purposeful – Proverbs 4:1a

Step Up!

A Study of Proverbs 4:1-3
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

Step Up! explores the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 4 that’s rooted in a father’s wisdom to his children. In a world full of distractions, confusion, and competing voices, we will uncover what it means to live with purpose, lead with wisdom, and walk in godly character. Through practical and biblical truth, we’ll wrestle with the importance of discipline, discernment, instruction, gentleness, and love—qualities that shape strong fathers, faithful believers, healthy families, and purposeful lives. Step Up! offers a challenge for us all to grow, mature, and take the next step God is calling us to.

June 21 – Be Purposeful – Proverbs 4:1a

June 28 – Discipline– Proverbs 4:1b

July 5 – Discern – Proverbs 4:1c

July 12 – Instruct – Proverbs 4:2

July 19 – Be Gentle – Proverbs 4:3a

July 26 – Be Loving – Proverbs 4:3b

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Be Purposeful

Proverbs 4:1a

…when…

My father taught me, Proverbs 4:4a

 1. You have a .

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Notes:

2. Be in your purpose.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:10

Notes:

3. your purpose.

¹³That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. ¹⁴God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Notes:

4. Don’t your purpose.

¹⁵So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

Notes:

Challenge:

How are you being purposeful in your interactions with those closest to you? How are you being dismissive?

It’s your sins that have cut off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

Plan your week with purpose, not convenience.

Reread Proverbs 4 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.