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Greetings from Paul

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Greetings from Paul

Themes in the book of Galatians:

Salvation was available to the Gentiles.

Gentiles did not have to become Jews in order to become full members of God’s family.  They only had to put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Pass out maps of Paul’s 1st missionary journey.

Locate Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia on a map.

Refer to Acts 13: 13-14 & Acts 14:1, 7

Upon arriving back in Antioch from his first missionary journey after eighteen months on the road, Paul received a report that the churches he had started in Galatia had been led away from the truth of the Gospel by a group of Judaizers.  Judaizers taught that all Christians were required to live under the Mosaic Law.

Galatians 1:1-2 NLT
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Read Paul’s greeting to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossi, and Thessalonica.

Romans 1:6-9 NLT
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

1 Corinthians 1:1-4 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes.
2 I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:1-2 & 15-16 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,

Philippians 1:1-6 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Colossians 1:1-4 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.
2 We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
May God our Father give you grace and peace.
3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 

Thessalonians 1:1-4 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
May God give you grace and peace.
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 

Read Paul’s greeting to the churches in Galatia.

Galatians 1:1-5 NLT
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.
3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

What’s missing in this greeting to the Galatians?

  • The usual expression of thanksgiving and praise for believers is totally absent.

Examine the scriptures:

Galatians 1:1-2 NLT
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.

1 This letter is from Paul, 

  • The book of Galatians was written by Paul

 an apostle.

Paul immediately defends his apostolic credentials.

When the Galatians fell away so quickly from the gospel of grace Paul had preached to them, they also made clear their disloyalty to Paul’s authority as an apostle.

  • The Galatians were being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. (Galatians 1:7)

Paul was accused of changing the Gospel message.

The Judaizers stated that his version of the Gospel had never received the apostles’ sanction.

The Judaizers also stated that Paul’s presentation of the Gospel was incomplete.

Paul begins the letter to the Galatians by spending two chapters defending that very issue. 

Paul’s apostolic credentials were being challenged.

Though not one of the original Twelve, Paul claimed equality with them as an apostle. Paul claimed the right to speak for God as His representative or delegate.

Ambassador

Messenger

  • Paul felt a strong need to defend his authority as an apostle. 

I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 

But by Jesus Christ. That is, directly by Christ. He had been called by him, and commissioned by him, and sent by him, to engage in the work of the gospel.

Paul made the bold claim that his call was of heavenly origin, from God the Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s apostleship was not from men, that is, he was not appointed an apostle by any official body such as the leaders in Jerusalem or Antioch.

  • Paul’s apostleship was not from men but from Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 

2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul did not stand alone.  Paul was supported by others in the “church”.

The letter was sent to Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia

Acts 13: 13-14 & Acts 14:1, 7

  • The recipients of the letter were the churches in Galatia.
  • All the brothers and sisters in Antioch of Syria joined Paul in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia. (commentary)

 

Disclaimer
Note the difference between Scripture and commentary.
Scripture is God’s Word.  Commentary is man’s word.
Most of the content in this lesson is from the Scripture.  Some of the content is from commentaries.

Why Do We Do Bible Studies?

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Why Do We Do Bible Studies?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.

 1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

Proverbs 4:10-13
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

 Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

The Bible gives us peace and hope.

Imitate the early church.

Acts 2:42 NLT
42All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
The Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

John 15:4-8 NLT
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

What can scripture do?

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.

 Psalm 119:50 NLT
50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

 Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

 2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
              A supernaturally discerning agent showing us right from wrong.

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Scripture transforms not just our minds, but our lives.

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Bible study deepens godly community

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.

Remember Your Mission (Part 1)

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Remember Your Mission.

Current events

When we examine current events: (Just to name a few.)

Coronavirus
Left wing policies – government spending – government defying the constitution.
Events in Afghanistan.
Support of Pro-abortion views.
An atheist is now Harvard’s head chaplain.
The modern revolt against marriage.
The breakdown of the Biblical “male” and “female” marriage.
Wide spread acceptance of alternate life styles.

We see the demise of America as we once knew it.

           We are surrounded by moral decay.

It’s easy to become discouraged.

It’s easy to lose focus.

We read about the rise and fall of nations (God’s people) in the Old Testament.

The outcome for America is predictable.

Don’t lose your focus.

Remember Your Mission.

Where do we start?

Philippians 4:6-9 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

You all know a lot of scripture.  Focus on what you know.  Do the things you know you should be doing, and don’t be sidetracked by the things you don’t understand.

Actions:

Don’t worry about anything.

Pray about everything. – Tell God what you need.

Thank God for all He has done.

Fix your thoughts on Scripture.

Put into practice all you learned from scripture.

  • Keep putting into practice all you learned.

Results:

You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

  • You know a lot of scripture. Focus on what you know.

What are some things that you know?

  • God is Sovereign

God is the supreme authority.

God is sovereign over history and time.

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

1 Timothy 6:15 NLT
15 For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Psalm 47:7-9 NLT
7 For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm.
8 God reigns above the nations,
sitting on his holy throne.
9 The rulers of the world have gathered together
with the people of the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere.

  • Some things never change.
  • God never changes.

Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
6“I am the Lord, and I do not change. …

Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)
8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

 Numbers 23:19 (NLT)
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

  •  God’s Word never changes.

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)
8The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”

Psalm 119:89 (NLT)
89Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven.

Luke 21:33 (NLT)
33Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

John 10:34-35 (NLT)
34Jesus replied … 35And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. 

Matthew 5:18 (NLT)
18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.

  • Remember Your Mission.

Don’t forget!  Busy schedules!

What is something that God has called you to do?

Our mission. (from the scriptures)

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 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 2:8-10 English Standard Version
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

 

Remember Your Mission (Part 2)

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Remember Your Mission. (Part 2)

Psalm 78 (NLT)
1O my people, listen to my instructions.
Open your ears to what I am saying,
2for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
3stories we have heard and known,
stories our ancestors handed down to us.
4We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.
5For he issued his laws to Jacob;
he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands.

Actions

1O my people, listen to my instructions.
Open your ears to what I am saying, (be receptive)

 YOU:

Listen – hear  (God speaks to us!)

Bible study is all important!

I will teach you …

I will speak to you …

  • Listen to God’s instructions. Open your ears to what God is saying to you. (be receptive)

Tell

4We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the LORD,
about his power and his mighty wonders.

Desired outcome

6so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands.

  • Help others (your students)

You want your students to:

Know God’s Story – Biblical truths

Trust in God.

Remember Biblical truths.

Obey Biblical truths.

  • Repetition is good.

How

  • Remember Your Mission.

Deuteronomy 6 (NLT)
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Repeat again and again.

  • Start with yourself.

YOU:

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 

6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 

  • Repeat them (Biblical principles) again and again to your children.

Readily available resource.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Remember Your Mission.

  • Building on a Solid Foundation

Luke 6:46-49 NLT
Building on a Solid Foundation
46“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
Building on a Solid Foundation
24“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Foundation

Costly

Things people do not see

Hear and do

Rain came

Proverbs 22:6 NLT
6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Psalm 127:1 (NLT)
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fields

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Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fields

Things are getting better for Naomi and Ruth.

Naomi is recognizing God’s kindness in the life of her family.

Ruth 2:17-23 NLT
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fieldsbr17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.
19 “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”
So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”
20 “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”
21 Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”
22 “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.”
23 So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fields
Ruth 2:17-23 NLT
17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.

Repeated from the last lesson.

      • Ruth worked all day and into the evening.
      • Ruth made sure Naomi’s needs were being met.

19 “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? 

  • Naomi knew Ruth could not have gleaned an entire basket of grain in one day under normal conditions. 

May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”

  • Naomi prayed a blessing on the person who had been so generous to Ruth before she knew who he was. 

So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”

  • Ruth told her mother-in-law that she had worked in the field of Boaz.

20 “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law.

  • Naomi repeated her blessing on Boaz.

“He (God) is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. 

  • At the end of chapter one, Naomi saw nothing ahead but the loneliness, abandonment, and helplessness of widowhood.

1:13 … Things are far more bitter for me than for you, (Naomi’s comment to her two daughters-in-law.)

        • Naomi felt like her situation was “far more bitter” than Orpah’s or Ruth’s situation.

1:13 continued because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” 

      • Naomi believed that the Lord had caused her to suffer and the Almighty had sent tragedy upon her. 

1:20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

      • Naomi was sure her problems were all God’s fault.
      • Naomi was feeling “empty” and depressed.
      • Naomi saw nothing ahead but the loneliness, abandonment, and helplessness of widowhood.

Naomi now sees hope for a better future.

  • Naomi was now beginning to feel God’s kindness on her family.

Note: Our relationship with God should not be based on “feelings”.

That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” 

Naomi saw the potential for good to come from this situation.

  • This situation combines two Israelite customs. “That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

One of our closest relatives
and
One of our family redeemers.

The Family Redeemer

In the book of Ruth, the phrase “family redeemer” has a specific, technical meaning. Elsewhere, the underlying Hebrew term go’el is translated “nearest relative”.

According to the law, family redeemers had three main responsibilities in Israel:

      1. Leviticus 25:23-34 stipulates that if an Israelite became so poor that he had to sell his land, a family member was to pay off the debt so the land would remain in the family. If no relative could purchase the land and the seller was unable to buy it back, the land still reverted to the seller or his heirs in the jubilee (fiftieth) Year. Two examples of family redeemers buying land for their relatives are Boaz (4:1-12) and Jeremiah (Jer32:6-15).
      1. Similarly, if an Israelite became so poor he had to sell himself into debt-slavery, a family
        redeemer was to buy his relative from service to a non-relative (Lev 25:35-55). The poor Israelite would pay off his debt by working for his relative, who could be expected to treat him better than a stranger would.
      1. The family redeemer was to pursue justice for an Israelite killed by another’s hand, under conditions described in Numbers 35:9-34.

The concept of the family redeemer reminds us that God is the true owner of all things,
and he commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The NT presents Jesus as the perfect family redeemer, buying us from slavery to sin and death.

Source: NLT Study Bible-Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Close relative.

Boaz was a close relative, but more than that he was a kinsman-redeemer of property and persons.  He could act as a levir, a Latin term for brother-in-law.  Boaz could redeem by fulfilling the levirate law, which required a brother of a deceased man to marry his widow and raise a son to his name (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

Ruth had more good news. 

21 Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”

  • God’s timing: Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time when work was available for Ruth.

22 “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest.

Naomi is excited.

  • Naomi wants to make the best of this opportunity.

Naomi doesn’t want Ruth to minimize the chance of a good thing that is coming her way. 

You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.” 

This most likely was not Naomi’s primary motive for Ruth to continue working in Boaz’s fields. 

23 So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer.

  • Ruth continued working in Boaz’s fields through the wheat harvest in early summer.

This was about 2 months of labor.

And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law. 

To be continued.

Paul’s Warning

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This lesson:

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:10      Paul’s Warning

2 Corinthians 13:11-14           Paul’s benediction

Paul’s letter is coming to an end.

Paul is hoping to see two responses from his letter.

  • Repentance (involving obedience to God) for wrong. (Getting right with God.)
  • An affirmation of loyalty to himself and his associates as authentic servants of Christ. (Getting right with Paul.)

This letter is not ending on a high note.

There are still issues in the church that need to be dealt with.

The letter (not including the benediction) ends with a warning from Paul.

 

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:14 NLT
Paul’s Warning
20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.

Paul’s Final Advice
13 This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”). 2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them.
3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.
5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.
7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. 8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.
10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

Paul’s Final Greetings
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. 13 All of God’s people here send you their greetings.
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:14 NLT
20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 

A description of division in the church.

21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. 

And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.

A description of the lax morality in the church.

  • Paul feared encountering renewed rebellion and resistance during his upcoming visit, with the Corinthians relapsed into their old ways.
  • To find the Corinthians still living in unrepentant sin would both humiliate and sadden Paul.

Paul’s Final Advice
13:1 This is the third time I am coming to visit you 

(and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).  Deuteronomy 19:15 

Matthew 18:16 NLT (Jesus speaking)
16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

  • Paul will practice Biblical principles when dealing with the Corinthians.

Paul wants to handle the situation correctly. 

2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. 

  • Paul promised discipline for the unrepentant.

3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. 

  • Paul relied on God’s strength, not his own, to deal with the Corinthians. 

Hebrews 12:5-11 NLT
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 

5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves.

Turn your focus away from me and examine yourselves.

  • Examine yourself.

Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

  • If Jesus Christ is not living in you, you are not saved.

 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 

7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come

  • Do the right thing by accepting correction.

—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority.  

8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.  

9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong.

  • Paul is concerned with the Corinthians standing with God, not his reputation.

We pray that you will become mature. 

10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

Paul’s purpose in writing this letter.

  • Paul’s hope is that the Corinthians church repents of their sins before he arrives in Corinth.

Paul’s Final Greetings

A call for unity:

11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words:

Be joyful.

Grow to maturity.

Encourage each other.

Live in harmony and peace.

Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 

12 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. 

An expression of unity.

  • Paul’s final greeting is a call for unity.

13 All of God’s people here 

  • Paul is in Macedonia, about to travel to Corinth for a third visit. Paul is preparing the Corinthian Church for his visit. 

Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea are in Macedonia. 

 send you their greetings. 

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

Did the Corinthians respond positively to Paul’s warning?

2 Corinthians 10:15-16 NLT
15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. 16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory. 

4th letter (2nd Corinthians) From Macedonia A.D. 55/56 

3rd visit  A.D. 56 -57

Acts 20:2-3 (NLT)
2 While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia. 

                      While there Paul wrote to the Romans.

 Romans 15:23 NLT
Paul’s Travel Plans
23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you.

 

Ruth Meets Boaz

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Ruth Meets Boaz

Boaz turns out to be a very special man with many outstanding character qualities.

Ruth 2:1-17 NLT
Ruth Meets Boaz
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field
1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.
2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”
Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.
4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said.
“The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied.
5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”
6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”
8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”
10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”
14 At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.
15 When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. 16 And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”
17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth 2:1-17 NLT
Ruth Meets Boaz
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field

1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

  • Boaz was a wealthy and influential man.

Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s husband.

(Boaz was qualified to be a family redeemer for Naomi and Ruth.  This will be discussed in more detail in the next lesson.)

Boaz had a reputation for being both wealthy and influential.

The name Boaz means “in him is strength”

The Hebrew words describing Boaz means “a man of valor”

Boaz exhibited many outstanding character qualities.

  • Boaz is listed in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke.

Luke 3:32 NLT
32 David was the son of Jesse.
Jesse was the son of Obed.
Obed was the son of Boaz.
Boaz was the son of Salmon.
Salmon was the son of Nahshon.

Matthew 1:5 NLT
5 Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).
Obed was the father of Jesse.

Since biblical genealogies sometimes skip generations, it’s possible that Rahab was Boaz’s grandmother or great-grandmother. 

2 One day Ruth the Moabite

“the Moabite” a foreigner (more about this later)

said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

  • Ruth took the initiative to support herself and her mother-in-law.
  • Apparently, Ruth knew the Mosaic Law.

Leviticus 19:9-10 NLT
9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God. 

Leviticus 23:22 NLT
22 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.” 

Deuteronomy 24:19-22 NLT
19 “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do. 20 When you beat the olives from your olive trees, don’t go over the boughs twice. Leave the remaining olives for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. 21 When you gather the grapes in your vineyard, don’t glean the vines after they are picked. Leave the remaining grapes for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. 22 Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. That is why I am giving you this command. 

This was a way that God used to provide food for the poor.

Ruth was aware of her options.

Two widows living by themselves. 

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 

Naomi supported Ruth’s initiative. 

3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. 

And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. 

“as it happened”

  • The events in this story are not mere chance.

Two factors:

God’s providence was at work in Ruth’s life.

Ruth took the initiative to “get a job”.

  • God works through ordinary choices to provide for those who trust Him.

Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, is clearly God working in this occurrence.

The phrase “a relative” repeated here for the second time.

4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said.
“The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. 

Note Boaz’s relationship with his harvesters.

A blessing indicating that faith in God was active in the life of Boaz and the lives of his harvesters.

  • Faith in God was active in the life of Boaz and the lives of his harvesters. 

5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”

Boaz noticed Ruth.

6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 

The foreman was informed. 

7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters.

  • Ruth had asked for permission to work the fields.

She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

  • Ruth was a diligent worker.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT
10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.

Boaz: 45-52 years old.

  • At this point in the story, Boaz treated Ruth as he would treat a daughter.

Ruth 3:10 NLT
10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.

Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them.

Boaz was kind to Ruth from the time he first met her.

Boaz invited Ruth to continue working in his fields.

This could mean 4 months of work harvesting both the barley and wheat crops. 

I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly.

Boaz protected Ruth from being mistreated by the young men.

And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

The special treatment continued.

Ruth would not have to draw her own water. (Which was often the case.) 

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly.

A common gesture of humility.

“What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 

  • Ruth was surprised by the favor or acceptance she was receiving from this important man since she was a foreigner and a stranger.

Deuteronomy 23:3-6 NLT
3 “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the Lord. 4 These nations did not welcome you with food and water when you came out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in distant Aram-naharaim to curse you. 5 But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. 6 As long as you live, you must never promote the welfare and prosperity of the Ammonites or Moabites.

She asked, “What have I done to deserve such kindness?”

Ruth was a recipient of grace and she was grateful.

  • Ruth asked, “What have I done to deserve such kindness?”

11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.  

Boaz had heard about Ruth.

News travels fast in small towns.

  • Initially, the special treatment from Boaz to Ruth was because of everything she had done for her mother-in-law Naomi.

12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Somehow Boaz recognized that Ruth had come to the place in her life where she was truly trusting in God for all of her needs.

Boaz prayed that God would reward Ruth as repayment for the kindness she had displayed toward her mother-in-law.

Psalm 17:8 NLT David
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7 NLT David
7     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings. 

Psalm 57:1 David
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.

Psalm 61:4 NLT David
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! 

Psalm 91:4 NLT (anonymous)
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Matthew 23:37 NLT
Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.

Soon Boaz would be used by God to answer his own prayer. 

13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

  • Ruth continued to respond in humility.

She mentioned her gratitude for his kind words.

14 At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.

  • Boaz continued his kindness to Ruth.

He invited her to eat the food provided for himself and his harvesters.

This was very generous.

Generally, gleaners, like Ruth, had to fend for themselves.

It was very unusual for someone like Ruth to get some of the food that was intended for the harvesters. 

15 When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. 16 And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”

  • Boaz went far beyond what was required by the Mosaic Law.

He instructed his workers to deliberately drop handfuls of barley stalks for Ruth to gather. 

17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 

  • Ruth worked all day and into the evening.

An entire basket was a lot of barley.

Commentators believe this would amount to about half a bushed, likely weighing about 30 to 40 pounds, and would be food for many days.  

18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.

  • Ruth made sure Naomi’s needs were being met.

 

 

 

Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem

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Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem

The famine in Judah is over.

Naomi and her daughters-in-law are getting ready to leave Moab to return to Naomi’s homeland.

Dialog is the primary device used by the author.  85 verses in the book of Ruth.  59 verses contain dialog.

Ruth 1:6-22 NLT
Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem
6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.
8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.
10 “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.”
11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”
14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.
19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.
20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”
22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth 1:6-22 NLT
Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem

6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again.

  • The famine in Judah was over.
  • The Lord blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again.

So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. 

Naomi was going home.  She was leaving Moab, an idolatrous land, and was going back to Judah, the land of promise.

60-75 miles away.
7-10 days of travel.

Naomi was reversing her direction and was going back home (like repentance).

  • Naomi had good reasons to return to Bethlehem.
  • Naomi had friends, family, and property in Bethlehem.

Friends:

Ruth 1:19 NLT
19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.

Family:

Ruth 2:1 NLT
1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

Property:

Ruth 4:3 NLT
3 And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech.

7 With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living,

and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah. 

  • Both of the daughters-in-law were loyal to their mother-in-law and were willing to move to Judah.

(Verse 10 “We want to go with you to your people.”) 

8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes.

  • Naomi believed that she had to leave her daughters-in-law in Moab because she thought that would be best for them.

The prospects of a Moabite female remarrying in Israel would be slight.

  • Ruth and Orpah had good reasons to remain in Moab. 

And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.

  • Naomi blessed her two daughters-in-law.

Naomi viewed both Orpah and Ruth as kind individuals in light of the way they treated their husbands and her.

The three women had a good relationship with each other.

Since they had married Israelite men they were under God’s covenant. 

 9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.”

Naomi asked that God would bless them with another husband.

At this point in time marriage was security for a woman.

  • In the ancient Near East a woman without a husband, especially a widow, was very venerable.

It is clear that Naomi loved her two daughters-in-law and wanted what she thought was best for them. 

Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. 

10 “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” 

11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 

Deuteronomy 25:5-10 NLT
5 “If two brothers are living together on the same property and one of them dies without a son, his widow may not be married to anyone from outside the family. Instead, her husband’s brother should marry her and have intercourse with her to fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law. 6 The first son she bears to him will be considered the son of the dead brother, so that his name will not be forgotten in Israel.

12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! 

  • Naomi knew that she was too old to provide her daughters-in-law with new husbands. (She was probably over 50.) 

Things are far more bitter for me than for you,

  • Naomi felt like her situation was “far more bitter” than Orpah’s or Ruth’s situation.

because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” 

  • Naomi believed that the Lord had caused her to suffer and the Almighty had sent tragedy upon her. 

Looking ahead to verses 20-21

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” 

14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye.

  • Orpah did exactly what her mother-in-law asked her to do.

She does what makes sense from a human perspective.

Nothing more is said about Orpah in the book of Ruth.

But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.  

An expression of loyalty and devotion. 

15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” 

This does not seem to be the best advice she could have given.

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back.

  • Three times Naomi had encouraged Ruth to return to her people.

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 

  • Ruth chose life with Naomi over her family, her national identity, and her religious idolatry.

Ruth chooses a path that doesn’t make sense humanly speaking, and God will honor her for her loyalty to him and to her mother-in-law.

Ruth chose the people of Israel (your people) and the God of Israel (your God).

  • Ruth was making a complete break from her past despite Naomi’s encouragement to do otherwise.

Ruth’s commitment was for life.

Ruth invoked judgment from Israel’s God if she were to break her commitment of loyalty to her mother-in-law.

  • Ruth was turning away from idols to serve the living and true God.

18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.

  • Many changes had taken place in Naomi’s life from the time she left Bethlehem until the time she returned home.

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

Naomi’s grief and depression (verse 13) continued.

Instead of being called Naomi (sweetness or pleasantness) she wanted to be called Mara (bitterness).

  • Naomi was sure her problems were all God’s fault.

Naomi was feeling “empty” and depressed.

  • Naomi saw nothing ahead but the loneliness, abandonment, and helplessness of widowhood.

22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Ministry Can Be Very Difficult

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Ministry Can Be Very Difficult

Paul’s letter was coming to an end.

Paul was hoping to see two responses from his letter.

      • Repentance (involving obedience to God) for wrong. (Getting right with God.)
      • An affirmation of loyalty to himself and his associates as authentic servants of Christ. (Getting right with Paul.)

This letter is not ending on a high note.

There are still issues in the church that need to be dealt with.

Paul is not the “bad guy”.

Paul is not the problem.

Paul’s intentions are right.

The letter (not including the benediction) ends with a warning from Paul.

2 Corinthians 12:11-20 NLT
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
Ministry Can Be Very Difficult
11 You have made me act like a fool. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all. 12 When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you. 13 The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
14 Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. 15 I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.
16 Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery. 17 But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you? 18 When I urged Titus to visit you and sent our other brother with him, did Titus take advantage of you? No! For we have the same spirit and walk in each other’s steps, doing things the same way.
19 Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 12:11-20 NLT
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
Ministry Can Be Very Difficult

11 You have made me act like a fool.

… listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.  (2 Corinthians 11:16-18 NLT)

11 You (the Corinthian church) have made me act like a fool.

You ought to be writing commendations for me,

  • The Corinthian church had not come to Paul’s defense against the innuendos (a remark that suggests something but does not refer to it directly) of the false apostles.

for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” 

  • Paul knows that he is not inferior to the “super apostles”. 

even though I am nothing at all. 

1 Corinthians 15:10 NLT
10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NLT
4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. 

  • Paul always credits God for his accomplishments. 

12 When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle.

  • Paul was able to give proof of his apostleship.

First and foremost:

2 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT
1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

  • The conversion and gifting of the Corinthians are proof of Paul’s apostleship.

Secondly: 

For I patiently did

  • Paul was able to deal patiently with difficult people.

many signs and wonders and miracles among you. 

All these are the evidence that mark an apostle.

Acts 2:22 NLT
22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.

Acts 14:3
3 But the apostles stayed there (Iconium) a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Romans 15:18-19 NLT
18 Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. 19 They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.

 Hebrews 2:4 NLT
4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. 

  • The many signs and wonders and miracles Paul did among the Corinthians are proof of Paul’s apostleship.

 13 The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!

Tongue in cheek – a touch of irony

14 Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. 

Paul is planning a third visit with the Corinthian Church. 

I don’t want what you have—I want you.

  • Paul’s concern was for the Corinthian people, not their money.

After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.  

15 I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you,

  • Paul was willing to sacrificially serve the church.

even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me. 

16 Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. 

But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery. 

Paul’s opponents circulated a vicious rumor that he was using craftiness and cunning to deceive the Corinthian church.

  • Apparently the false apostles were suggesting that Paul was planning to take from the funds the Corinthian Church had collected for the church in Jerusalem.

17 But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you?  

18 When I urged Titus to visit you and sent our other brother with him, did Titus take advantage of you? No!

2 Corinthians 8:16-22 NLT
Titus and His Companions
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.
20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you.

  • Paul rejects the idea that he used the collection to take money from the Corinthians.

For we have the same spirit and walk in each other’s steps, doing things the same way. 

  • The credentials of all of Paul’s coworkers were good. 

19 Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. 

No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness.

  • Paul understood that he was accountable to God, not to the Corinthian church.

Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. 

  • Paul’s goal was to strengthen the Corinthian church, not exonerate himself.
  • Paul loved the Corinthians and was looking out for the well-being of the church.

20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 

  • Ministry Can Be Difficult

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

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Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

A short, but powerful passage of scripture.

You may want to be asking yourself how this lesson applies to you personally.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 NLT
7 …. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Examine the scriptures:

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 NLT
7 …. So to keep me from becoming proud,

  • It’s not good to be proud. (This is not a given in today’s secular society.)

Pride: a preoccupation with self and one’s own importance, achievements, status, or possessions.

Note how many of today’s current commercials focus on one’s own importance, achievements, status, or possessions.

Proverbs 16:5 NLT
5 The Lord detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.

Proverbs 16:18 NLT
18 Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.

Pride leads to one’s downfall.

1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud …

Romans 12:3 NLT
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 

  • The Lord detests the proud.
  • God did what He had to do to keep pride from hindering Paul’s ministry. 

I was given a thorn in my flesh,

We do not know what the thorn was, but we do know that it was to keep Paul from becoming proud.

A thorn in the flesh suggests some sort of physical condition.

Some even think this thorn was a (demon-possessed) person.

A constant reminder. 

  • Paul was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming proud.

a messenger from Satan

God permitted Satan to do this. (However, Satan’s plan backfired and Satan was defeated.)

Romans 8:28 NLT
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

 to torment me

Thorns are certainly a deterrent.

Numbers 33:55 NLT
55 But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live.

Ezekiel 28:24 NLT
24 No longer will Israel’s scornful neighbors
prick and tear at her like briers and thorns.
For then they will know
that I am the Sovereign Lord.

Hosea 2:6 NLT
6 “For this reason I will fence her in with thornbushes.
I will block her path with a wall
to make her lose her way. 

  • Thorns are certainly a deterrent. 

 and keep me from becoming proud. (repeated)

We do not know what the thorn was, we know it was to keep Paul from becoming proud. 

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 

Paul prayed three times for its removal and each time He said “no”. 

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need.

James 4:6 NLT
6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.” 

Philippians 4:13 NLT
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Colossians 1:29 NLT
29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. 

  • God’s grace is all we need.
  • Grace rules out all human merit.

Ephesians 2:8 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

My power works best in weakness.” 

1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT
27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him.

John 3:30 NLT
30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 

Isaiah 55:8 NLT
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

  • God’s power works best in weakness.
  • God’s ways are far beyond anything we can imagine.

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 

  • Paul’s affliction brought glory to God and allowed Paul to experience the mighty power of God in his life.

Christ’s strength showed itself through Paul’s weakness.

“It must be God at work in my life because I know it sure isn’t me.” (My quote)

10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. 

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

  • When I am weak, the stage is set for God to display his power (through me). 
  • A proud person is not a good ambassador for Christ.