Ruth 3:8-18
March 16th, 2008
Under the direction of Naomi, Ruth is told to sleep at the feet of Boaz. The culture of the people, in that day, made allowances for such overt behavior. Such forward actions of a woman, was for the sole purpose of provide refuge to a woman who found herself without protection. Boaz was a kinsman of Ruth and was willing to fulfill the requirements of the Kinsman and redeem Ruth to be part of the family. Like Boaz, Christ is our kinsman redeemer who came to earth and gave his life that we could be redeemed and be part of God’s family.
Startled Experience- “the man was afraid”
• Awaken by movement
• Surprise to see a women at his feet
Spreading of the Skirt- “spread therefore thy skirt”
• The custom of proposal
• Protect me with your “wings”
Showing of Character- “for thou has shown kindness”
• Her life was above reproach
• Her desire was to perpetuate the family name
Selecting the Kinsman- “howbeit there is a kinsman”
• Boaz desire to follow the law
• The kinsman’s Responsibility
• Christ- Our kinsman
Secrecy Required- “let it not be known”
• There are some things that need not be spoken
Safeguarding Reputation- “bring the veil…”
• Keeping a good name
• Avoid doing things that others would misinterpret
Social Acceptance- “go not empty”
• Conforming to social behaviors
• God’s word is always 1st coarse
Sitting Still- “sit still…”
• Waiting is a practice trait
• We must let God work out His plan
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Boaz Meets Ruth
Ruth 2:4-12
March 9, 2008
Boaz who is master of the barely field sees a young girl who has a desire to care for her mother in law and to serve the God that her mother in law serves. He is touched by her willingness to leave the land of her people and her sincerity to do what is right. How like Christ who looks at a sinner who gives up the world to go all out for the kingdom. How like Him to take such a person and place them under His wings.
Man of God (The Lord be with you)
• Man of Wealth and Nobility
• Man of congeniality
• Son of Rahab- Like Ruth a proselyte
Makes Inquiry (Whose damsel is this?)
• He saw something different in Ruth
• Noticed her diligence
• Represents the Church
Moabitish Damsel (It is the Moabitish damsel)
• Foreigner and stranger to the land
Migrate Worker (Out of the country of Moab)
• Known for her work ethic
• Her character was her beauty- Holiness & Simplicity
Meeting Ruth (Then said Boaz unto Ruth)
• Charmed by her loyalty to her mother in law
• Boaz’s first impression- The impression of the Church
Maidens Privileges (Abide here fast by my maiden)
• We are under His protection
• He will provide are every need
Moved to Worship (She fell down)
• Attitude and gratitude of the heart
• Demonstration of love
Ministry of Kindness (Unto thy mother in law)
• Works of righteousness are seen of God
• Selfless and preferring
Mother Bird (Under whose wings)
• The desire of Christ for His own
• Refuge and shelter from the storm
• Protection from the enemy
March 9, 2008
Boaz who is master of the barely field sees a young girl who has a desire to care for her mother in law and to serve the God that her mother in law serves. He is touched by her willingness to leave the land of her people and her sincerity to do what is right. How like Christ who looks at a sinner who gives up the world to go all out for the kingdom. How like Him to take such a person and place them under His wings.
Man of God (The Lord be with you)
• Man of Wealth and Nobility
• Man of congeniality
• Son of Rahab- Like Ruth a proselyte
Makes Inquiry (Whose damsel is this?)
• He saw something different in Ruth
• Noticed her diligence
• Represents the Church
Moabitish Damsel (It is the Moabitish damsel)
• Foreigner and stranger to the land
Migrate Worker (Out of the country of Moab)
• Known for her work ethic
• Her character was her beauty- Holiness & Simplicity
Meeting Ruth (Then said Boaz unto Ruth)
• Charmed by her loyalty to her mother in law
• Boaz’s first impression- The impression of the Church
Maidens Privileges (Abide here fast by my maiden)
• We are under His protection
• He will provide are every need
Moved to Worship (She fell down)
• Attitude and gratitude of the heart
• Demonstration of love
Ministry of Kindness (Unto thy mother in law)
• Works of righteousness are seen of God
• Selfless and preferring
Mother Bird (Under whose wings)
• The desire of Christ for His own
• Refuge and shelter from the storm
• Protection from the enemy
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Ruth's Choices
Ruth 1:12-22
March 2nd, 2008
The choice to serve God and to be identified with the people of God is the most important decision in a person’s life. In the Providence of God, Ruth was stripped of all she had hoped and dreamed. Her husband was dead and she was without child. Naomi, desiring to return to her people entreated her two daughter-in-laws to return to their people. Ruth had committed herself to go with Naomi and serve her God. Her decision required her to leave her old life behind and take up “the cross” and follow after the true and only God.
Turning to the World (vs12. Turn again…go your way)
• Naomi had nothing to offer- Do we have anything to offer?
• Satan paints a dreary picture of the Christian way
• It is impossible to live holy- Why even attempt?
Tarry with God’s People (vs.13. Would ye tarry)
• What are you willing to give up to go with God?
• Take up thy cross and follow Christ-
Torn Apart (vs14. Lifted up their voices and wept)
• Orpah decision to return to her own people
• Like the rich man- He left sorrowful
• Tears- Not evidence of righteousness
Total Commitment (vs15. Whither thou goest, I will go)
• Embracing truth
• Willing to go where God leads
• Work wherever God places you
• Willing to identify with the people of God
• Follow Christ- Whatever the cost- even death
Tenacity of Ruth (vs.18, She was steadfastly minded)
• Does not easily give up- see it through
• Determination to stay by and be counted
Traveling to Bethlehem (vs.19 Went until they came to Bethlehem)
• Followed through on her commitment- more than words
• Naomi needed to face her failure of the past
• The timing of God- The beginning of barley season
Testified By God (vs.20. The Lord hath testified against me)
• Mara- Bitter- Naomi became bitter toward life and God
• She blamed God for her misfortunes
• She saw God as a God of vengeance and not mercy
• We must see God as sovereign and in control
March 2nd, 2008
The choice to serve God and to be identified with the people of God is the most important decision in a person’s life. In the Providence of God, Ruth was stripped of all she had hoped and dreamed. Her husband was dead and she was without child. Naomi, desiring to return to her people entreated her two daughter-in-laws to return to their people. Ruth had committed herself to go with Naomi and serve her God. Her decision required her to leave her old life behind and take up “the cross” and follow after the true and only God.
Turning to the World (vs12. Turn again…go your way)
• Naomi had nothing to offer- Do we have anything to offer?
• Satan paints a dreary picture of the Christian way
• It is impossible to live holy- Why even attempt?
Tarry with God’s People (vs.13. Would ye tarry)
• What are you willing to give up to go with God?
• Take up thy cross and follow Christ-
Torn Apart (vs14. Lifted up their voices and wept)
• Orpah decision to return to her own people
• Like the rich man- He left sorrowful
• Tears- Not evidence of righteousness
Total Commitment (vs15. Whither thou goest, I will go)
• Embracing truth
• Willing to go where God leads
• Work wherever God places you
• Willing to identify with the people of God
• Follow Christ- Whatever the cost- even death
Tenacity of Ruth (vs.18, She was steadfastly minded)
• Does not easily give up- see it through
• Determination to stay by and be counted
Traveling to Bethlehem (vs.19 Went until they came to Bethlehem)
• Followed through on her commitment- more than words
• Naomi needed to face her failure of the past
• The timing of God- The beginning of barley season
Testified By God (vs.20. The Lord hath testified against me)
• Mara- Bitter- Naomi became bitter toward life and God
• She blamed God for her misfortunes
• She saw God as a God of vengeance and not mercy
• We must see God as sovereign and in control
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Micah's idols
Judges 17:1-10
February 24, 2008
The story of Micah and his idols occurred shortly after the death of Joshua and the conquest of the Canaan land. The Israelites had already started drifting away from the laws of God. Everyone was a law unto himself, doing that which was convenient and self-serving. Micah and his mother no doubt had been brought up under the spiritual enlightenment of the OT law, but rationalize the acceptance of idols in their worship to God. May we be careful that the worldly culture of our day not be a substitute for the true worship of God.
Missing Money- (vs.2 “silver that was taken from thee”)
• She cursed the person who took it
• Stealing from your own family
• Greed and selfish desires is the root- love of money
Micah confession- (vs.2 “I took it”)
• Fear of the curse brought concern
• Confession was contrived for his benefit.
• The importance of true confession
Mother’s Spiritual Confusion- (dedicated unto the Lord and idols)
• Religious syncretism- mixing of different beliefs
• There is only one way to heaven, only one God
• James- from the mouth- cursing and blessings?
• The folly of the New Age movement, yoga, ect…
Molten Images- (made graven and molten images)
• Thou shall not have any image before me
• The Lord forbad the use of images as object of worship
• Fashion after the “House of God” – mimic- look-alike
• There is more to the book than the cover.
Man’s Own Eyes- (vs.6 “every man did that which was right”)
• Relativism ruled the day- Truth is relative
• Absolute truth is too restrictive to a heart not submitted to God
Matter of Character (vs.10 a sojourner to be a father and priest)
• The priest had no moral scruples
• Micah disregarded any background check of this Levite
• The importance of integrity and moral character in leadership
Moving in as Priest –(vs.12 lived in the house of Micah)
• Micah’s main concern was that he looked good
• Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the inside (motive)
February 24, 2008
The story of Micah and his idols occurred shortly after the death of Joshua and the conquest of the Canaan land. The Israelites had already started drifting away from the laws of God. Everyone was a law unto himself, doing that which was convenient and self-serving. Micah and his mother no doubt had been brought up under the spiritual enlightenment of the OT law, but rationalize the acceptance of idols in their worship to God. May we be careful that the worldly culture of our day not be a substitute for the true worship of God.
Missing Money- (vs.2 “silver that was taken from thee”)
• She cursed the person who took it
• Stealing from your own family
• Greed and selfish desires is the root- love of money
Micah confession- (vs.2 “I took it”)
• Fear of the curse brought concern
• Confession was contrived for his benefit.
• The importance of true confession
Mother’s Spiritual Confusion- (dedicated unto the Lord and idols)
• Religious syncretism- mixing of different beliefs
• There is only one way to heaven, only one God
• James- from the mouth- cursing and blessings?
• The folly of the New Age movement, yoga, ect…
Molten Images- (made graven and molten images)
• Thou shall not have any image before me
• The Lord forbad the use of images as object of worship
• Fashion after the “House of God” – mimic- look-alike
• There is more to the book than the cover.
Man’s Own Eyes- (vs.6 “every man did that which was right”)
• Relativism ruled the day- Truth is relative
• Absolute truth is too restrictive to a heart not submitted to God
Matter of Character (vs.10 a sojourner to be a father and priest)
• The priest had no moral scruples
• Micah disregarded any background check of this Levite
• The importance of integrity and moral character in leadership
Moving in as Priest –(vs.12 lived in the house of Micah)
• Micah’s main concern was that he looked good
• Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the inside (motive)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Fall of Samson
Judges 16:13-21
February 10th, 2008
God had a divine purpose for the life of Samson. He was brought up in a godly home with parents that desired to serve God. But sin draws out the carnal sinful nature of man to seek pleasure and selfish satisfaction. Man is drawn away from his own lust and is enticed to fulfill lustful desires. When yielding, he falls from God’s grace and is left empty. Dealing with the nature of sin is the first step in overcoming temptation to sin. Trusting God and calling upon the blood of Christ for deliverances will bring the ultimate victory over sin.
Fraternizing with the Enemy (He wanted a Philistine women)
• Disregard of parent’s advise
• Intermarry/relationships with heathen-Yoking with the world
Forbidden Passions (No regard for others, only what he wanted)
• His un-holy desires
• The lust of the world
• Control of passion- Sanctified our desires
Flirting with Sin (He kept going back to Dililah)
• Lingering around temptation
• Living on the edge of sin
• The danger of playing around with sin. FLEE!
Forsook His Vows (He gave his secret away)
• Some things are just between you and God
• Samson caved under the pressure
Foolish Love (Dililah tested Samson’s Love)
• Money was Dililah’s true love
• Satan paints a pretty picture
• Enslaved by our own passion
False Assumptions (“I will go out as other times”)
• The straw that broke the camels back
• Samson’s Hair – Symbolism of God’s strength
• In weakness (hair=shame, humility), we our made strong
• State of deception- Salvation is only of the Lord
• How do we know that we our not deceiving ourselves?
Forsaken of God (God had departed from him)
• Greatest tragedy in life is to wake up and find that God is gone
• He will not forsake His own- We forsake Him first
Fetters of bondage (They bound him with fetters of brass)
• Sin’s Chains cannot be broken without God
• Blindness- Light turned to darkness
• The hopelessness of Samson’s life without God
February 10th, 2008
God had a divine purpose for the life of Samson. He was brought up in a godly home with parents that desired to serve God. But sin draws out the carnal sinful nature of man to seek pleasure and selfish satisfaction. Man is drawn away from his own lust and is enticed to fulfill lustful desires. When yielding, he falls from God’s grace and is left empty. Dealing with the nature of sin is the first step in overcoming temptation to sin. Trusting God and calling upon the blood of Christ for deliverances will bring the ultimate victory over sin.
Fraternizing with the Enemy (He wanted a Philistine women)
• Disregard of parent’s advise
• Intermarry/relationships with heathen-Yoking with the world
Forbidden Passions (No regard for others, only what he wanted)
• His un-holy desires
• The lust of the world
• Control of passion- Sanctified our desires
Flirting with Sin (He kept going back to Dililah)
• Lingering around temptation
• Living on the edge of sin
• The danger of playing around with sin. FLEE!
Forsook His Vows (He gave his secret away)
• Some things are just between you and God
• Samson caved under the pressure
Foolish Love (Dililah tested Samson’s Love)
• Money was Dililah’s true love
• Satan paints a pretty picture
• Enslaved by our own passion
False Assumptions (“I will go out as other times”)
• The straw that broke the camels back
• Samson’s Hair – Symbolism of God’s strength
• In weakness (hair=shame, humility), we our made strong
• State of deception- Salvation is only of the Lord
• How do we know that we our not deceiving ourselves?
Forsaken of God (God had departed from him)
• Greatest tragedy in life is to wake up and find that God is gone
• He will not forsake His own- We forsake Him first
Fetters of bondage (They bound him with fetters of brass)
• Sin’s Chains cannot be broken without God
• Blindness- Light turned to darkness
• The hopelessness of Samson’s life without God
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Nazarite From Birth
Judges 13:2-6, 11-14, 24,25
February 3rd, 2008
Samson was born in a day when the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The pleading of the remnant that still desired to worship the true God was heard from the portal of heaven’s door. God sent His angel to comfort and reassure these remaining few that God was still in control and a deliverer was forthcoming. From the womb of the barren, God brought forth Samson to Manoah and his wife. It was their charge to train this child in the way he should go. Even though Samson fell, he never was able to get away from the seeds that were planted in his heart as a child.
Barren and Childless (vs. 2. His wife was barren)
• The approach of being childless-Bible times
• God hears the plight of Manoah wife
• God sends comfort and reassurance
Beware of Strong Drink (vs. 4. Beware…drink not)
• Wine or strong drinks were prohibited- Biblical principle
• Eating thinks that are unclean- Law of Moses
Born a Nazarite (vs. 5. Shall be a Nazarite unto God.)
• Sacred vow of separation- vine tree, no razor, no dead body
• The cost of discipleship of the believer
o Sacrifice- not just sinful pleasures, but legit pleasures
o Shame- Willing to bare the reproach- pride gone
o Separation- Being dead to the world-avoid it (sin)
Bring Up A Child (vs. 12. How shall we order the child)
• The importance of training- It will not depart
• Love God, love mercy (man), walk humbly (righteous living)
Blessed of the Lord (vs. 24. The Lord blessed him)
• The Lord had a purpose for Samson
• Stayed true to his vow
Being Moved by His Spirit (vs. 25. The Spirit…began to move him)
• What does it mean to be moved by the Spirit?
• His moves will be consistent with God’s Word
• His moving is not always demonstrative
• When was the last time His Spirit moved in your heart?
• Are you sensitive to His Spirit- His prompting and checks?
February 3rd, 2008
Samson was born in a day when the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The pleading of the remnant that still desired to worship the true God was heard from the portal of heaven’s door. God sent His angel to comfort and reassure these remaining few that God was still in control and a deliverer was forthcoming. From the womb of the barren, God brought forth Samson to Manoah and his wife. It was their charge to train this child in the way he should go. Even though Samson fell, he never was able to get away from the seeds that were planted in his heart as a child.
Barren and Childless (vs. 2. His wife was barren)
• The approach of being childless-Bible times
• God hears the plight of Manoah wife
• God sends comfort and reassurance
Beware of Strong Drink (vs. 4. Beware…drink not)
• Wine or strong drinks were prohibited- Biblical principle
• Eating thinks that are unclean- Law of Moses
Born a Nazarite (vs. 5. Shall be a Nazarite unto God.)
• Sacred vow of separation- vine tree, no razor, no dead body
• The cost of discipleship of the believer
o Sacrifice- not just sinful pleasures, but legit pleasures
o Shame- Willing to bare the reproach- pride gone
o Separation- Being dead to the world-avoid it (sin)
Bring Up A Child (vs. 12. How shall we order the child)
• The importance of training- It will not depart
• Love God, love mercy (man), walk humbly (righteous living)
Blessed of the Lord (vs. 24. The Lord blessed him)
• The Lord had a purpose for Samson
• Stayed true to his vow
Being Moved by His Spirit (vs. 25. The Spirit…began to move him)
• What does it mean to be moved by the Spirit?
• His moves will be consistent with God’s Word
• His moving is not always demonstrative
• When was the last time His Spirit moved in your heart?
• Are you sensitive to His Spirit- His prompting and checks?
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Faith in God
Judges 7:13-18
January 27, 2008
Gideon, a might man of courage and fortitude realized his inability to overcome the enemy. God stripped Gideon of any plausibility that the battle would be won through his own strength. The Lord takes the weak and empowers them with His Spirit to overcome the difficulties of life. We must have faith in God that He will enable us to see victory.
Willing Soldiers (Gideon prepares his army)
• Releasing the fearful
• Releasing the careless
• Retaining watchful
Weak Made Strong (vs13. Cake of barley)
• God takes the weak elements of our lives and uses them
• His power is made manifest in our weakness
• As a church, we are weak, but God is in control
Worried Enemies (vs14. God had delivered his enemy)
• The Lord was working and preparing the situation
• The enemy trembles when the saints start to believe God
Worship the Lord (vs.15. Gideon…worshiped)
• We draw our strength by worshiping God
• Through worship we begin to realize our weakness
• God is exalted and lifted up in the place of worship
Weapons of the Lord (vs16. Trumpet, lamps, pitcher)
• God’s weapons are not carnal- (man depended)
• God will often use the insignificant to His glory
Watch and Wait (vs17.19. Look on me…set the watch)
• Gideon’ men needed to obey to see the victory
• Don’t get ahead of God when doing battle-Wait for His orders
War Cry of the Saints (vs20. Sword of the Lord)
• Praising God for the victory that will be won
• Shout your faith- dare to go out on a limb
• With God ALL things are possible-Claim God’s promise
Warfare with the Enemy (vs22. The Lord set everyman against…)
• The battle is not ours, but God's
• We must rely of God to give us the victory
Winning to the Glory of God (vs23. Pursued after the Midianites)
• There is no god, compared to Thee O God!
• To God be all the glory
January 27, 2008
Gideon, a might man of courage and fortitude realized his inability to overcome the enemy. God stripped Gideon of any plausibility that the battle would be won through his own strength. The Lord takes the weak and empowers them with His Spirit to overcome the difficulties of life. We must have faith in God that He will enable us to see victory.
Willing Soldiers (Gideon prepares his army)
• Releasing the fearful
• Releasing the careless
• Retaining watchful
Weak Made Strong (vs13. Cake of barley)
• God takes the weak elements of our lives and uses them
• His power is made manifest in our weakness
• As a church, we are weak, but God is in control
Worried Enemies (vs14. God had delivered his enemy)
• The Lord was working and preparing the situation
• The enemy trembles when the saints start to believe God
Worship the Lord (vs.15. Gideon…worshiped)
• We draw our strength by worshiping God
• Through worship we begin to realize our weakness
• God is exalted and lifted up in the place of worship
Weapons of the Lord (vs16. Trumpet, lamps, pitcher)
• God’s weapons are not carnal- (man depended)
• God will often use the insignificant to His glory
Watch and Wait (vs17.19. Look on me…set the watch)
• Gideon’ men needed to obey to see the victory
• Don’t get ahead of God when doing battle-Wait for His orders
War Cry of the Saints (vs20. Sword of the Lord)
• Praising God for the victory that will be won
• Shout your faith- dare to go out on a limb
• With God ALL things are possible-Claim God’s promise
Warfare with the Enemy (vs22. The Lord set everyman against…)
• The battle is not ours, but God's
• We must rely of God to give us the victory
Winning to the Glory of God (vs23. Pursued after the Midianites)
• There is no god, compared to Thee O God!
• To God be all the glory
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