Locked In | Pastor Bryan L. Carter | Proverbs 3:5–6

Main message: Trust God and "lock in" for the coming school year by living out Proverbs 3:5-6: trust God fully, reject worldly labels and your own understanding, and submit your ways to Him so He will make your path straight.

Key points:

• The sermon centers on Proverbs 3:5-6 as the formula for success: trust the Lord, don't rely on your own understanding, submit all your ways to Him.
• Three reasons you can trust God: He loves you (John 3:16), He created you uniquely (Psalm 139), and He has a purpose for your life (illustrated by Gideon).
• Reject the world's labels and doubts; instead accept the identity and promises God gives you.
• Submit your burdens to God—cultivate prayer and let God carry you through difficult seasons.
• God guides and delivers His people (examples: Solomon’s wisdom, Gideon, Daniel in the lion’s den, the three Hebrew boys in the furnace); if you trust Him He will make your path straight.
• Closing exhortation to "lock in" this year by trusting Jesus and committing your life to Him.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Kings 3, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 3:16, Psalm 139, Judges 6, Daniel 3, Daniel 6, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19