Transaction at the City Gate

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Introduction:

Previous Lesson: Strive to treat others in ways similar to Boaz’s treatment of Ruth.

Today’s Lesson:  Conduct your business in ways similar to how Boaz conducted his business.

Ruth 4:1-10 NLT
Transaction at the City Gate
4:1 Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. 2 Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. 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. 4 I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”
The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”
5 Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”
6 “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”
7 Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction. 8 So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.”
9 Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. 10 And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth 4:1-10 NLT

Transaction at the City Gate

4:1 Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there.

Most legal transactions, including property transfers, were carried out at the city gate.  The city gate served as a combined town hall and courthouse.  This was the normal place for business and legal transactions, where witnesses were readily available.

A similar event in Genesis. (Among other places in Scripture.)

Genesis 19:1 NLT
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.

  • Boaz was intent on conducting his affairs openly and correctly.

Boaz was not about to take something or someone that was not rightfully his.

Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. 

The author of Ruth choose not to use the man’s name. (more about this later in the lesson.)

2 Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. 

  • Ten leaders from the town would serve as witnesses for the legal proceedings about to take place.  

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. 

  • Boaz was looking out for Naomi’s welfare as well as Ruth’s welfare.

Naomi was not currently using or controlling the land, but she did have legal title to the land.

It was God’s plan for the Promised Land to remain in the families whose ancestors had originally been assigned to the land.

Leviticus 25:8-10 NLT
The Year of Jubilee
8 “In addition, you must count off seven Sabbath years, seven sets of seven years, adding up to forty-nine years in all. 9 Then on the Day of Atonement in the fiftieth year, blow the ram’s horn loud and long throughout the land. 10 Set this year apart as holy, a time to proclaim freedom throughout the land for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you may return to the land that belonged to your ancestors and return to your own clan. 

The Promised Land ultimately belonged to God.

Leviticus 25:23-25 NLT
Redemption of Property
23 “The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.
24 “With every purchase of land you must grant the seller the right to buy it back. 25 If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and is forced to sell some family land, then a close relative should buy it back for him.

Psalm 24:1
A psalm of David.
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him. 

4 I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish.

  • Boaz knew that the nearest kinsman redeemer had the first right to the property and Boaz gave him the opportunity to redeem the property.

The redeemer would be the caretaker of the land until the destitute landowner could recover economically and buy it back.

If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”

  • Boaz was ready and willing to redeem the land if the nearer kinsman redeemer chose not to redeem the land.

The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”

The kinsman could see a great opportunity. With no male heir and no apparent likelihood that there would be one, this redeemer would end up with the land and would be doing his social duty for the family.

5 Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

Marrying Ruth would not have been required by the letter of the levirate law.

This is a big deal changer.  With the possibility of a male heir things change drastically. The male heir would inherit the land.

6 “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”

Considerations:

If Ruth had a son the land would be passed down to him.

The expense of additional property.

The expense of a wife.

Marrying a Moabite.

  • The nearer kinsman redeemer was not willing to endanger his own estate by redeeming the land that belonged to Elimelech.

By acting to preserve his own name, this man became the no-name who refused to help his close relative.

  • Boaz was willing to assume any of the risks that may accompany this redemption. 

7 Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party.

The process of renouncing one’s property rights and passing them to another was publicly attested by taking off a sandal and transferring it to the new owner.

The passing of the sandal symbolized Boaz’s right to walk on the land as his property.

This publicly validated the transaction. 8 So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.”

  • The passing of the sandal publicly validated the transaction.
  • After giving his sandal to Boaz, the unknown kinsman moved from the scene and into anonymity. The name of Boaz is recorded in Scripture for all to see.

9 Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon.  

Orpah is no longer a part of this story.

10 And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife.

Here Boaz exercised the “spirit “of the law.

  • Boaz respected Ruth as a worthy person in spite of the fact she was a Moabite.
  • Boaz was about to marry Ruth and take her “under his wings.”

Ruth 3:9 NLT
9 “Who are you?” he asked.“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”

  • Boaz clearly intended to raise an heir who would carry on the family name.

Boaz was a kinsman redeemer by his own choice. 

Boaz is an illustration of the Lord Jesus Christ who became mankind’s Kinsman Redeemer.  The one who makes all things right before God the Father for those who trust in Him.

Philippians 2: NLT
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. 

  • Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Paul’s Message Comes from Christ (Part 2)

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Galatians 1:16b – 24 NLT
Paul’s Message Comes from Christ (Part 2)
Paul is defending his apostleship.
16b … When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.
21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.

Examine the scriptures:

Galatians 1:16b – 24 NLT

Paul’s Message Comes from Christ (Part 2) Paul is defending his apostleship.

 16b … When this (Damascus Road experience) happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 

Galatians 1:12 NLT
12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. 

  • Paul received his message by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12)
  • Paul was not influenced by human beings after receiving his revelation from Jesus Christ.

17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was.

Jerusalem, the birthplace of Christianity.

Paul was independent from the other apostles yet in harmony with them.

Galatians 2:6
“And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching.”  Both preached the same Gospel.

  • Paul did not consult with other human beings after receiving a revelation from Jesus.

Instead, I went away into Arabia,

  • The chronology and dating of the events in Paul’s life are still disputed among scholars.
  • The details of Paul’s trip to Arabia are vague.

This trip is not mentioned in the Book of Acts.

Many believe Paul went to Arabia to be alone with the Lord for personal study, meditation, and to receive further instruction from the Lord.

Paul already knew Old Testament Scriptures.

Paul’s experience may have been similar to that of the two men on the road to Emmaus.

Luke 24:27 NLT
The Walk to Emmaus
27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Jesus opened Paul’s eyes to the truths of the scriptures.

Paul would have heard the claims of the first Christians.

  • Paul did not form his theology by consulting with others.

and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 

18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 

Review verse 17

  • Paul went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter.

19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie. 

21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 

After his visit in Jerusalem, Paul worked for an extended time (possibly 10 years) in Syria and Cilicia (this included his home town of Tarsus).

Paul was not commissioned for this ministry by the church or by the Apostles.

Barnabas found Paul in Tarsus.

Acts 11:25-26 NLT
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 

From the time of his conversion till now the churches in Judea did not know Paul personally.

  • Paul’s apostleship did not derive from Jerusalem.

23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!”  

  • Paul was preaching the “very faith” the Jerusalem church was preaching.

24 And they praised God because of me.

  • Paul’s conversion and ministry was a source of rejoicing in the Jerusalem church.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boaz Makes His Decision

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Boaz Makes His Decision

Ruth 3:10-18 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. 11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. 12 But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. 13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.”
14 So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” 15 Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town.
16 When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”
Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, 17 and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”
18 Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 3:10-18 NLT
Boaz Makes His Decision 

10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed.

This is Boaz’s initial response to Ruth’s “proposal”.

Compare this to:
Ruth 2:12 NLT
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.”

Again Boaz addresses Ruth as “my daughter”.

  • Boaz’s initial response to Ruth’s proposal was a blessing: “The Lord bless you, my daughter.”

“You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before,

Ruth was looking out for the welfare of Naomi.

for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. 

Ruth made a decision that was good for her family, by doing something that would continue the family line and provide an heir to the land.

Ruth 4:5 NLT
5 Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

  • Boaz recognized Ruth’s kindness and loyalty.

11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary,

  • Boaz continued to look out for Ruth’s welfare.

Ruth 4:5 NLT
5 Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.  

Proverbs 31:10-31 – A Virtuous (excellent) Wife.

See also 2:1 ESV, NIV, & NLT for Boaz

ESV
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

NIV
Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

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

  • Ruth was known as a virtuous woman.
  • Boaz was known as a wealthy and influential man, a worthy man, and a man of standing. 

12 But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am.  

Boaz knew that Ruth had a relative who was more closely related to her than he was.

  • Boaz was committed to do the right thing.

13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. 

  • Boaz was willing to let the closer kinsman redeemer redeem Ruth.

In Boaz’s mind, marriage was a part of redemption.

But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives,

The phrase “as the Lord lives” makes this a solemn oath from Boaz. 

I will redeem you myself!

  • If the nearer kinsman was not willing to redeem Ruth, Boaz would surely do so.

Now lie down here until morning.”

14 So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” 

  • Boaz is concerned for Ruth’s and his reputation.

Boaz wanted to avoid any chance of gossip.

15 Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back.

  • Boaz continued to look out for the needs of Ruth and Naomi, even before becoming the family redeemer.

Boaz is going beyond anyone’s expectations in giving Ruth this generous amount of gain.

Some commentators say this could be as much as 60 pounds of grain.

Boaz had the “heart” of a family redeemer.

Then he returned to the town.

16 When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”

Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, 17 and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

Naomi’s “matchmaking” seemed to be working out well.

18 Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens.

Naomi knew that Boaz was a man of integrity and would fulfill his promise.

“Just be patient.”

The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

  • At this point, the outcome of this matter is in Boaz’s hands.

Boaz will follow through.

“I will do what is necessary” Quoting Boaz’s comment in verse 11.

 

Paul’s Message Comes from Christ

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Introduction:

Paul defending his apostleship

Galatians 1:11-16a NLT
Paul’s Message Comes from Christ (Paul is defending his apostleship.)
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 1:11-16a NLT
Paul’s Message Comes from Christ
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach

  • Paul’s message was that People are made right with God by Grace through faith, not by obeying the law.

A brief summary of Paul’s message.

Ephesians 2:8-9 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.

is not based on mere human reasoning. 

  • The Gospel did not originate with man. 

This reminder should be reassuring, encouraging, and motivating to us. 

12 I received my message from no human source,

  • Paul did not receive the Gospel from any human source.

Unlike the experience many of us had.

  • Most of us did hear the Gospel message from a human source, which is also part of God’s plan for many people.

The Galatians heard the Gospel from a human source, Paul.

Hearing the Gospel from a human source is Biblical.

Romans 10:13-15 NLT
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 

Psalm 78:4 NLT
4 We 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. 

Acts 1:8 NLT
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Mark 16:15-16 NLT
15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 

and no one taught me. 

Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

Paul, writing to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 3:3 NLT
3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.

  • Paul received his message by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. 

13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion

the traditions of my ancestors (v.14)

Meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of the people made by Jewish rabbis.

Most of these traditions were not Biblical. 

—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it.  

14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

Philippians 3:5-6 NLT
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 

  • Before he was converted, Paul zealously and fanatically persecuted the Christian church.

 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.

Romans 1:1 NLT
This letter is from Paul,

a slave of Christ Jesus,

 chosen by God to be an apostle

and sent out to preach his Good News.

  • Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle.

This calling was not unique to Paul.

Isaiah 49:1 NLT
The Lord’s Servant Commissioned
49:1 Listen to me, all you in distant lands!
Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth;
from within the womb he called me by name.

Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

A similar calling for John the Baptist found in Luke 1.

We too are called by God’s marvelous grace.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
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.

Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me 

“pleased Him to reveal…”

Damascus Road experience

Total and complete transformation

Paul’s life was turned around

Going in a different direction

  • Paul experienced a complete and total transformation. He went from being a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of the Gospel.

so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. 

The Gentiles were the non-Jewish world.

  • Paul became known as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Ruth at the Threshing Floor

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Ruth 3:1-9 NLT

Ruth at the Threshing Floor

3:1 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. 2 Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. 3 Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.”,br>5 “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law.
7 After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. 8 Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! 9 “Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 3:1-9 NLT
Ruth at the Threshing Floor
3:1 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. 

Note the positive relationship between Naomi and Ruth.

Ruth has been looking out for Naomi, by working in Boaz’s fields.

Now Naomi takes the initiative, looking out for Ruth.

Naomi recognized the need to plan for the future.

  • Naomi feels responsible, just as she did in chapter 1 verse 9, for Ruth’s future husband and home.

Ruth 1:9 NLT
9 “May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” 

It was customary for Hebrew parents to arrange marriages for their children.

2 Boaz is a close relative of ours, 

Ruth 2:20 NLT
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.”

  • Boaz met the criteria for being a family redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. 

and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women.

Boaz had been very kind and generous to Ruth.

Boaz was treating Ruth like a daughter.

Ruth 2:8 NLT
8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.”

  • Boaz was treating Ruth like a daughter.

What has Boaz not done?

As a contemporary of Elimelech and Naomi, Boaz is a generation older than Ruth.

  • Boaz had not done anything to initiate marrying Ruth.

Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor.  

After the harvest, the grain is separated from the straw.  This was followed by winnowing the grain.  Winnowing is the process of tossing the grain into the air to finish separating the grain from the chaff.  This process usually took place in late afternoon when the Mediterranean winds prevailed.  The work would have carried over past dark.

Boaz would be sleeping near the grain to protect it. 

3 Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes.

Prepare yourself for a very special occasion.

Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go

Ruth was to be at the threshing floor observing Boaz without being recognized.

Go under the cover of darkness unseen by Boaz or anyone else. 

and uncover his feet and lie down there. 

  • The meaning of “uncovering of the feet” is unclear but it is certainly proper.

The act most likely took place in the dark so that Boaz had the opportunity to reject the offer without the whole town knowing about it. 

He will tell you what to do.” 

(more about this phrase in the next lesson) 

5 “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. 

Again it is clear that Naomi and Ruth had a great mother-in-law, daughter-in-law relationship.

6 So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. 

  • Ruth followed the instructions of her mother-in-law.

7 After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits,

Boaz was in good spirits.
He had worked hard.
He enjoyed a good meal.

The famine in the land was over.
God was giving His people in Judah good crops.

Ruth 1:6 NLT
6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. 

  • Boaz was in good spirits. 

he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. 8 Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!

Afraid
Startled
Shuddered
Troubled
Terrified

  • Boaz woke up and found a woman lying at his feet.

 9 “Who are you?” he asked.

When Boaz woke up he knew a woman was laying at his feet, but he did not know who it was.

“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Boaz’s previous prayer for Ruth

Ruth 2:12 NLT
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.” 

  • Ruth had already put herself under the wings of God.

Other scriptures using “wings” of God.

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 NLT
For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time he fled from Saul and went into the cave.
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! 

The request was clear.

Ruth identified Boaz as her family redeemer, and asked him spread his covering over her.

The corners of your covering is translated as wings of your covering. (Both signify protection.)

  • Ruth was now asking to be put under the wings of Boaz.

Ruth was proposing marriage to Boaz.

“Spread the corner of your garment over me” was a request for marriage.  A similar custom is still being practiced in some parts of the Middle East today. 

To be continued.

 

There Is Only One Good News

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We now move from Paul’s greeting to the content of his letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 1:6-10 NLT
There Is Only One Good News
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.
10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Examine the scriptures
Galatians 1:6-10 NLT
There Is Only One Good News 

6 I am shocked 

Other translations replace shocked with: marvel – astounded – surprised – amazed

Some might say, “I am appalled”.

How is this for a greeting?

Paul is probably feeling astonishment, frustration, and anger.

The Galatian churches that started out believing the truth of the Gospel were now turning away from the true Gospel.

Apparently Paul had visited each of the churches (except Derbe) twice. Once going and once returning.

that you are turning away (deserting) so soon from God, 

Paul had just returned from his missionary journey.

  • The Galatian churches were turning away from the true Gospel “quickly and easily”.
  • The Galatian believers were voluntarily deserting grace to pursue legalism taught by the false teachers.

(God) who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. 

  • God had called the Galatians to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NLT
Believers Should Stand Firm
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

2 Timothy 1:9 NLT
9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 

You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all.

If your teaching adds anything to “The good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone”, your teaching “is not the Good News at all.

  • If your teaching compromises the Gospel in any way, your teaching “is not the Good News at all.

You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 

  • The Galatians were being fooled by teachers who deliberately twisted the truth concerning Christ.

Application for us today.

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

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 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. 

Matthew 13:20-21 NLT
20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

1 Timothy 4:1 NLT
Warnings against False Teachers
4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

Matthew 24: 10-12
10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:24 NLT
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 

  • False prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

Practice discernment. (Teach discernment)

1 John 4:1 NLT
Discerning False Prophets
4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 

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. 

Paul’s counsel to Timothy 

2 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT
4:1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
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.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

  • Examine the scriptures to determine truth and error. 

8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.  

9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

Harsh consequences.

Matthew 18:6 NLT
6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. 

2 Peter 2:1 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.

  • There are severe consequences for those who teach a false gospel.

10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. 

  • If pleasing people is our goal, we would not be Christ’s servants.

 

 

Greetings from Paul (Part 2)

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Greetings from Paul (Part 2)

Review:
Note the difference between Scripture and commentary.

Scripture is God’s Word.  Commentary is man’s word.

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.

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.

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:

1 This letter is from Paul, 

  • The book of Galatians was written by Paul

 an apostle.

An Apostle is “one who is sent”.

We typically think of the twelve men Jesus choose to accompany Him.

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”.  Paul probably wrote this letter from Antioch of Syria.

The letter was most likely 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)

3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 

  • The Judaizers clearly did not understand “grace” and would never experience God’s “peace”. Paul was asking God to give the Judaizers something they really needed.

Philippians 4:7 NLT
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.

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.

  • Paul summarized the Gospel in one sentence. The Judaizers would not “be rescued from this evil world” by keeping the law.

5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

 

 

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.

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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.