Hebrews 5:13 NASB For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

1 Peter 2:2 NASB like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Hebrews 5:14 NASB But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Philippians 3:13-14 NASB 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away

to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after

1. to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
2. to pursue (in a hostile manner)

to run after, follow after: someone

metaph., to pursue

to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire

Philippians 3:1-21 NASB 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Definition: 1) any refuse, as the excrement of animals, offscourings, rubbish, dregs 1a) of things worthless and detestable

1 Peter 1:13-19 NASB

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

• Prepare our minds for action by,
• Keep[ing] sober in spirit by staying focused and
• Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
• As obedient children, and not be
• Conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance
• be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."

Psalm 86:11 NASB Teach me Thy way, O LORD; I will walk in Thy truth; Unite my heart to fear Thy name. Philippians 2:12-13 NASB Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 2Timothy 2:21 NASB Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Romans 6:13 NASB And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Ezekiel 1:5-14 5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.6 Each of them had four faces and four wings.7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.12 And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire. 14 And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.

Ezekiel 2:1-3:14 1 Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!”2 As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me.3 Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.4 “I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God .’5 “As for them, whether they listen or not--for they are a rebellious house--they will know that a prophet has been among them.6 “And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 2:7-10 7 “But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.8 “Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it.10 When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe. Ezekiel Chapter 3 1 Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”2 So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll.

Ezekiel 3:3 3 He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.

Ezekiel 3:4-11 4 Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them.5 “For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel,6 nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them who should listen to you;7 yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate.8 “Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.9 “Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.”10 Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely. 11 “Go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, ‘Thus says the Lord God .’”

Ezekiel 18:4 4 “Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die.

Ezekiel 18:19-23 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. 20 “The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. 21 “But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die.22 “All his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he will live. 23 “Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God , “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?

Ezekiel 18:29-31 29 “But the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Are My ways not right, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not right? 30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord God . “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you.31 “Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?32 “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God . “Therefore, repent and live.”

Ezekiel 36:16-32 16 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying,17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel was living in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and their deeds; their way before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity.18 “Therefore I poured out My wrath on them for the blood which they had shed on the land, because they had defiled it with their idols.19 “Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the lands. According to their ways and their deeds I judged them.20 “When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the Lord ; yet they have come out of His land.’ 21 “But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went. 22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God , “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.23 “I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord ,” declares the Lord God , “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.24 “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.26 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.28 “You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.29 “Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you.30 “I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine among the nations.31 “Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and your abominations. 32 “I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord God , “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel!”

Ezekiel 37:3-14 3 He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God , You know.”4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord .’5 “Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. 6 ‘I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the Lord .’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.8 And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.9 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God , “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. 11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’12 “Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God , “Behold, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel.13 “Then you will know that I am the Lord , when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. 14 “I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord , have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord .’”

Romans 10:8-20 ”8 But what does it say? “The word is near you , in your mouth and in your heart ”--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed .”12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved .” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things ! 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord , who has believed our report ?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth , And their words to the ends of the world .” 19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation , By a nation without understanding will I anger you .” 20 And Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who did not seek Me , I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me .” 21 But as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people .”

Amos 5:21-24 “I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. “Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. “But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amos 5:14-15 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; And thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, Just as you have said! Hate evil, love good, And establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the LORD God of hosts May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Isaiah 66:2b "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

• Number of marriages: 2,162,000
• Marriage rate: 7.1 per 1,000 total population
• Divorce rate: 3.5 per 1,000 population (44 reporting States and D.C.)

FAITHLESSNESS IN PROVERBS

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,

Proverbs 23:27-28 For a harlot is a deep pit And an adulterous woman is a narrow well. Surely she lurks as a robber, And increases the faithless among men.

Proverbs 25:19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.

2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Proverbs 12:1 … But he who hates reproof is stupid.

FAITHFULNESS IN PROVERBS

Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing.

[Ruth 2:14-3:13- NASB]

V14-16 Continuing from Last Week...

• V10 tells us that the Excellent Wife is of high VALUE; meaning, higher moral worth, loyal and to be honored.
  • What this means, a woman who stands up for what is right. Who doesn’t give in to peer pressure, but who stands firm in Jesus even when she doesn’t want to. There have been times where I have had loving lead my wife to do the right thing; just as she has done the same for me. At times are times tough? Yes, but it is easier when we know we both love one another
• V11a tells us an Excellent Wife is to be TRUSTED.
  • Meaning, not only the husband, but others have FULL confidence in her. This takes time and is earned but can be augmented by a loving husband who is seeking to build you into this example.
    • For instance, I am confident my wife (Rachel) doesn’t push me to do things for her own selfishness. I know and trust and am confident in her choices and for THAT I love her. So when God said He will “ make him a helper suitable for" man (Genesis 2:18) I know Rachel is that helper for me and I accept her as an equal.
• V11b tells us an Excellent Wife is not incapable or helpless but CAPABLE :
  • Meaning The wife’s capabilities in business and domestic matters guarantee a rich profit and inspire the confidence of her husband. It amazes me, when I look at Rachel’s life, how she is good at everything. Because I see that, I am CONFIDENT in her skills and abilities
• V12 tells us that the Excellent Wife will do her husband good all the days of his life.
  • I know that Rachel always has my best interest in mind.

V17-23 :: Girl Talk about the guy

[Ruth 1:6-22 NASB]

V6 –7 God’s Grace & Setting Out to Receive It

At some point, Naomi and her daughters heard of God's visiting Bethlehem and blessing and giving them food. This act of grace, one could say it was a miracle, was provided to the Jews who remained in Bethlehem but not with Naomi who resided in Moab. Her first response was to immediately return home where God made his presence known. However, I do not believe the text tells us Naomi's motivation was due to God but to receive the fruits of God's visit. Based on what I will get into later in this post, I am leaning more toward Naomi returning to Bethlehem for the same motive she left Bethlehem, that being to find food. 1.) She returned home where God visited and food was now present and 2.) God sovereignly chose to remove the famine after Naomi had lost her husband and two sons...

This brings me my first point, it is so sad when someone has to hear about God's grace in other people's lives rather than personally experience it themselves. It reminds me of the many people wanting to be healed, see a sign or receive some benefit from Jesus - but truly didn't want Jesus. This consumer mindset is something that is overtaking the evangelical world with it's consumer, stadium watching Christianity. People are drawn for the wrong motives. But that is another message for another time.

One reason why I don’t believe she was drawn by God’s Grace and she was drawn by her own selfish reasons to have a place to consume food; her decision making was similar to that of Elimelech (Her deceased husband). As Warren Weirsbe asked in commentary on Ruth "Why would a believing Jewess, a daughter of Abraham, encourage two pagan women to worship false gods?" (p23) Perhaps she thought God was only blessing the Jews and the Moabites were already blessed with food so "why fix something if it is not broken" or because God didn't punish the Moabites with a famine or perhaps she didn't want to bring home two Moabite women who married her daughters after her husbands death? Perhaps that would reflect negatively on her? It seems to me, that Naomi was attempting to not bring these women home with her. Although, this can't be answered by this text itself; it seems to me, Naomi was seeking practical reasons to survive - moving to Moab for food, all men close to her die in Moab so she lives with her two younger daughters-in-law and when she can go home she "doesn't need" Ruth and Orpah anymore. Or she could sincerely believe they would be better off in Moab. Either way, it still tells me, Naomi didn't get the worshiping God means living for God; as if she was someone who went to Church when comfortable but when "times got tough" she chose her own means over God's.

V8 – 10: Naomi Urges Ruth and Orpah to Return to Their Moabite Homes and Find New Husbands

Namoi immediately informs Ruth and Orpah to stay in the land of Moab, get married and forget her. She evens goes as far to pray that The LORD (YHWY) would deal kindly with them. The word "Kindly" (NASB) here is the hebrew word "checed"; which cannot be defined by one English word; rather multiple words like: loving-kindness, faithful/strong devotion - combined. For sake of this post, I am using the word faithfully devoted.

Naomi prays that God would personally (Note the use of LORD or YHWH; using God's personal name - indicating His personal attention) be faithfully devoted to them as they were faithfully devoted to Naomi's sons and herself. The use of the Name YHWH is very important because it provides us a "look into" the author's mindset; meaning, the author believes that God/YHWH, deals personally with people. For example, I will us an iPod. The new iTunes has a new tracking feature entitled: "iTuneds Genius. If a user is faithfully devoted to purchasing, placing and updating their iTunes library with all the music they purchase iTunes Genius will as, Apple states, "...finds songs that go great together, and creates multiple mixes you’ll love. "

Therefore, Naomi wants The LORD to deal personally with Ruth and Orpah. However, they do not want to go back to the life they once knew; rather stay with Naomi.

V11-13: Ruth Persuasion & Implications

Naomi begins to provide practical examples why they should not stay with her. Naomi stats she is too old to get married, have children to raise for Ruth and Orpah to marry and therefore, she is without hope. Then Naomi tries to persuade Ruth and Orpah by indicating their lives will be harder if they followed Naomi because Naomi will have a harder path than them.

Again notice how this thought process resembles Elimelech's – circumventing God’s will for practical reasons. Furthermore, it is Interesting Naomi indicates God is against her. As if all this horrible "stuff" is because of Naomi - as if she was cursed.

V14-Orpah Listens

Both Ruth and Orpah cried together, indicating this was a very hard decision. However, Orpah ends up choosing Naomi’s way of understanding and takes off to follow Naomi’s advice heading back to her false gods; all the while Ruth remains with Naomi.

V15-18 Ruth Remains/Disobeys and Declares Her Allegiance to “All Things” Naomi

Naomi commands Ruth to go and follow her sister and Ruth decides to disobey Naomi and pledges her allegiance to Namoi. Ruth responds with 4 responses every Christian should live out: Discipleship, Community, Theology, Faithfulness

1. 1. Discipleship: Ruth indicates she will not leave, but follow and live where Naomi lives. Ruth is disciplining her life to that of Naomi's.
   2. Community: Ruth, pledges her allegiance to Naomi's people (Jews) and considers them part of the same family.
   3. Theology: Conversion
      • Although Ruth uses the generic term for“God” (Elohim) ; however, uses the term YHWH when speaking of The LORD dealing personally with Ruth when she is to be judged by The LORD.
        • Ruth Knows 2 things about The LORD
          1. YHWH is faithfully devoted to His people (notice the use of the word YHWH - indicating personally devoted)
          2. YHWH will personally judge His people (notice the use of the word YHWH - indicating personally administering justice)
   4. Faithfulness: Ruth will be faithful to Naomi even through death and burial

V19: The Homecoming

Bethlehem is "stirred", which means to be wined up, begin commotion or excite. The idea in this tense/context is not in the negative/gossip sense; rather in the excited/positive sense. As if the people of Bethlehem are saying “Is this really you!!!”. If it were gossip, then why would Naomi answer that her name is bitter (i.e. Mara means Bitter) ? It doesn't seem consistent with the definition of gossip.

V20--22: Naomi’s Recognizes God Sovereignty

Naomi calls God “Almighty” (sovereign/most powerful/the one in control) has dealt bitterly; was upset with me. Naomi indicates, "the one in control" has punished her for her sins. Naomi believes she has done wrong and she is being punished for it and she believes that The LORD (YHWH) personally brought her back empty, broken and without hope.

Review: What do you remember about Chapter 1?

Ruth lived in a HARD time; where she was literally broken by God and hit rock bottom in her life. In a time of her life without any hope. The reason why, she followed her Husband’s leadership, whose decisions making was not based on glorifying God’s Glory; his chivalrous attempt to take care of his family ended up resulting in unintended consequences; that being his death, his son’s death – leaving his wife and daughters-in-law without hope. Naomi’s believed this all happened because The Soverign God was bitter/upset/angry against Naomi for her sins & personally brought Naomi home empty, breaking her and making her hit rock bottom.

namoi & proverbs

Don’t trust yourself [Proverbs 28:26]

Naomi was a fool who trusted in her own mind. She chose to follow her husband’s faithless walk to move to Moab. Her and Elimelech didn’t seek any guidance. But found it wise to circumvent God’s judgment. Then Naomi attempted to rationalize why she should not bring her daughters to Bethlehem with her by saying they would be better off in a pagan land of false gods. At times, we too, trust ourselves rather than walk in wisdom.

Proverbs 1:20-33 tells us that wisdom is not some 'hidden' secret thing rather it is readily available. In fact it is screaming at you, wisdom is attempting to get to you. The text continues to tell us wisdom is screaming in a noisy street. This reminds me how many of our decisions today are clouded by noise (i.e. Other people, bad teaching, emotion filled bias ect). With all that said, the text provides us with 3 characteristics of those who not only hear but "do" wisdom.

3 Characteristics of Those Who Do Not Hear Wisdom

1. They are Simple-minded or Naïve (i.e. untrained/inexperienced)
   • Someone who makes decisions about things they shouldn't. For example, a Christian family that has never been a part of public schools or asked someone who has been in public schools; wants to put their child in public school because they believe their child will be a "light" and "testimony" to all non-believers in public school. I am sorry but that is naive. They didn't seek advice, they didn't seek to understand what they are putting their child into.
2. Scoffing (i.e. Arrogant speech, blow off others and/or mocks others)
   • Someone seeks to badmouth others and/or mocks. Specifically dealing with decision making. For example, one who has a heart for talking about how "stupid" one is because their decision making is not their decision making. For instance, one who belittles one's decision to choose get pregnant when they can't afford it. That couple doesn't need to be scoffed at; rather, prayed for.
3. Fools (i.e. Stupid, arrogant)
   • This is the overarching characteristic of the above, they are plain stupid. They are arrogant and seek only themselves. They fail to understand.

V23 But When We Follow Wisdom, Wisdom Will:

Pour out its spirit on you

You will be a wiser person. It isn’t just one decision but you will be a spiritually discerning person; one who makes good decisions all around. This doesn’t mean you can’t make bad decisions, it just means the majority of decision making will be spiritually discerned. Nor does it mean that one will only get wisdom for one decision; rather for many decisions. The reason being, we will know where to find wisdom; so we can come back to it.

Make its words known to you

The words of wisdom will now make sense; we will know what Wisdom has to say. This means a couple of things.

1. You know where to find wisdom
   • Kind of like a guidance counselor at school. When you want to know how to graduate one semester earlier, you seek the guidance/wisdom of the guidance counselor and you follow his/her direction because you desperately want that goal.
2. You actually listen to the wisdom provided.
   • When you want to be wiser, you will know where wisdom lies (i.e. pastor/teacher/elder, close Godly friend ect) and you will WORK to accomplish that goal because you understand what you have to do because you actually listend.

The text continues to say that ff we listen – we will be at ease when evil comes around. Because we will trust the word of God.

V24-32 If We Choose to Ignore Wisdom, We Will Receive:

Calamity(i.e. destruction), dread (i.e. Terror/anxiety), storms (i.e. Difficult situations), anguish (i.e. Anxiety/Distress/Stress). These are just part of what we will receive. We will also be ignored as made obvious in the days of Judges; where people cried out to God and God ignored them due to their sinfulness. This is the law of the harvest, indicating we will reap what we sow. Therefore, if we don't seek wisdom then our lives will be filled with unwise decisions leading to destruction, terror, difficulty and stress. Finally, w hen we move our lives without wisdom, we will end up becoming hard hearted to wisdom and become stubborn. This ultimately leads to being "self satisfied", doing right in our own eyes because we chose to glorify self and not glorify God.

Challenge this week:

"What in my life is currently eclipsing the glory of God?" Like Naomi, are you seeking your own sustaining power or are you like Elimelech seeking to save your family before obeying God? What idols are in the way of God's glory shining through your life?

God’s Ultimate Purpose

Ephesians 1:4–6 takes us from eternity past to eternity future—from the cause of all things to the goal of all things. I am especially interested in the goal of all things. Why has God created the universe, permitted the Fall, planned redemption, sent his Son, founded the church, guided history? Here is his answer:

God chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace.

This is the most ultimate statement in the book of Ephesians. The reason for election. The reason for holiness and blamelessness. The reason for predestination and adoption. The reason for bringing all this to pass through Jesus Christ” is “to the praise of the glory of his grace.” (That is a more literal translation than “to the praise of his glorious grace.”)

Made to Praise the Glory of His Grace

God has done everything with a view to one great end—namely, that the glory of his grace should be praised by innumerable redeemed human beings. You, and everybody you counsel, were made by God to praise him. More specifically, you were made to praise his glory. And more specific yet, you were made to praise the glory of his grace. He says it two more times in this chapter. Verse 12: “So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” So this is why we exist: We exist to praise the glory of God. Then verse 14: “The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Our final inheritance is this: that we will see the glory of God and praise him for it. We will see his glory, savor his glory, and show his glory

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

"there was a famine in the land"

Who is Elimelech?

What did Elimelech do?

What does this tell us about Elimelech?

What are the consequences of Elimelech's Actions?

So what is Elimelech's Story?

Proverbs and Elimelech

[Proverbs 16:26 NASB] A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.

[Proverbs 4:26 NASB] Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.

[Proverbs 4:27 NASB] Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.

4 Characteristics We Need To Look For In A Spouse

1. They Trust God
2. They Discern Righteously
3. They Take Responsibility
4. They Live Out Godly Stewardship

1.) Trusting God – do not listen to yourself

[Proverbs 28:26 NASB] He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

[Proverbs 21:2 NASB] Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.

We all think we are right, but it is not us who judge what is right but God who does. That is trusting God: A man must trust God over himself and His Family. Women look for a man who seeks the counsel of God. If he goes to make a decision without prayer, you got the wrong guy. Men look for a woman who is going to guide guide/direct/help you to do so.

2.) Biblical Discernment – true wisdom

We need to not only receive the word of God but keep the word of God in front of us[Proverbs 6:20-24 NASB] . We must seek continually seek to make it a priority or we will forget God Deuteronomy 6:6-9. We are called to obey pur teachers, parents all the while using the word of God to guide us. For the purpose of not making unwise decisions that will greatly impact others . Otherwise "Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them".[Proverbs 28:4 NASB]. Men look for a woman who is going to assist you in raising righteous children, they need to be “on the same page” and able to keep Jesus central in your child raising.Women, you need a man who is going to lead you and your family to raise Children who actively pursue righteousness.

3.) Responsibility

[Proverbs 6:6-10 NASB] Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest"--

• The Excuse Maker [Proverbs 26:13-15 NASB]
• The Let Down [Proverbs 10:26 NASB]
• The Prideful [Proverbs 11:14 NASB]
• The Whiny Dreamer[Proverbs 13:4 NASB]
• The "Innovator" [Proverbs 14:23 NASB]

4.) Stewardship

[Proverbs 27:23-27 NASB] Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.

Conclusion

VoM| Ruth Series

Finding Wisdom in the Book of Ruth – Introduction

Finding Wisdom in the Book of Ruth – Ruth 1:6-22

Finding Wisdom in the Book of Ruth – Ruth 2:1-13

Finding Wisdom in the Book of Ruth Chapters 2:14-3:17 (a)

Finding Wisdom in the Book of Ruth Chapters 2:14-3:17 (b)

Colossians 1:12-14 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened...

This “Domain of Darkness” is a place of jurisdiction/rule/influence or authority of evil that engulfed all mankind...[where] we have chosen a darkened mind – one where sin has rule/control/authority.

Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Colossians 3:1-25 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

If you have been transferred to the kingdom, ask yourself - do you merely try to conform to outward actions of the "Gospel" or does your placement into the kingdom permeate your conduct and ultimately your character? A transformed heart pours out into your life; however, if you are trying to conform your behavior by outward performances - you are living religion. God is very clear, "religion" is something God hates. So don't be religious but out of genuine love and desire to know God more, love Jesus and allow Him to rule and drive your life to righteousness. You live in a kingdom now; therefore, this involves a community of people, coming together and loving the King of Kings.

Colossians 1:12-14 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God

• In James 4:17, James is telling us that if we sit under teaching and we hear the truth then do not do it we are in sin.
• James 5:1 tells us that we need to pay attention to our lives and what judgment is coming in our lives. We need to realize what we are doing that abuses the grace of God. Once we realize it we need to return and repent from sin This is the second time James is exhorting us to weep over sin [James 4:9]
• James moves on to tell us that our works/lives on earth are storing up judgment for us on the day of judgment. He tells us that our works, if not for God, will be destroyed and that our works that are not for God will have become an idol to us. [James 5:3]
• In James 5:4, he gives us a practical example of what this looks like. If you are doing everything in your life, ignoring the Grace of God for your earthly possessions/desires; this will ultimately be destroyed and then God is going to be very angry with you because you have withheld what is owed to God.
• All because you want this life of luxury and selfish desires to “have it all” and “take advantage” of everything apart from God’s will. So you have turned against those who want to lead you to Jesus and true joy.

• We have all been enriched by the Grace of God (believers and unbelievers) and have abused the Grace God has given us. How have you abused the grace God has given you?
• And as we do this we are going to be just adding up the judgment that will come to us on judgment day. Unless we realize, repent, return and regenerate our hearts for the Love of God through the Son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. What are some areas in your life you need to realize you need to repent of?
• For the purpose of putting God first, destroying our idols and love one another. What idols in your life are you putting before God?
• Look at your life this week. Check out what people do for you (i.e. Boss, Pastor, Parents etc) and give back to them this week

• Praise God for the life you have to lead, praise Him for His mercy and grace.
• Confess to God those areas in your life that you have put before Him and agree with Him that you need to change.
• Thank God for repentance and his Grace
• Ask God to grant you a heart’s desire for Him.

• In James 4:11, James is telling us that we should not speak evil against other Christians (specifically, but this application must be spread to all people) because our speaking evil is our evil attempt to infect other people with our heart’s judgment.
• Ultimately your hearts desire and motivation is to infect others and influence others with your heart’s judgment because you are motivated to get others to have the same evil feelings toward someone as you do. God says that judgment is evil.
• This creates confusion among believers because we are slandering God’s word and translating it in a way that is not God’s word. That is why we must take our influence seriously because God’s word is at stake. James 3:6
• James also tells us that we are able to save nor destroy; therefore, only He who is able to do those things should judge Matthew 10:28.
• Finally James tells us that we must acknowledge God in our decision making because to do otherwise is to make God jealous by not involving Him; which ultimately is not giving Him glory. To boast about something without God is evil.

• Think of those you have spoken bad about. Are they Christians or not? How does this text fit your understanding of “why” you do this?
• Do you try to justify your slandering/speaking evil of others using the Bible? If so, how?
• Do you translate Biblical text in such a way to “do what you want to do” or do you translate only part of the Bible and forget other parts?
• When you have made a decision about someone, have you attempted Galatians 6:1?

• Praise God for your salvation and praise Him for the word that is able to save your soul.
• Confess to God your unbiblical judgments and slander toward other Christians
• Thank God for repentance.
• Ask God to give you wisdom and Grace to follow through with Galatians 6:1.

• James quickly begins to speak about what man can control/tame (i.e. every specifies, beasts, birds, reptiles) This cross references with Genesis 1:26-30; Where God said we are made in His image (Imago Dei) and we are to rule over the fish of the sea, birds of the sky, cattle, creeping things and subdue the earth. Therefore, mankind was given the authority to rule over all creatures of the earth and creation itself.
• In Verse 8, James quickly tells us that no person can control/tame the tongue. This cross references with the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus say that what is in our hearts, we will speak. [Matthew 12:34, 15:18, 10:26]
• James also gives us two more characteristics of the tongue. It is a “restless evil” (restless can be defined as “twitchy, fidgety or impatient). This gives us the idea that this evil reacts rather than “thinks things through”; it also gives the impression that it is not comfortable.
• The tongue is also characterized as being “full of deadly poison”. As we read in James 3:6, the source of this poison is Hell (Ghenna). The idea of poison tells us it is infectious and because we have an infection it will kill us from the inside out. Giving credence to the power within us, sin. When you take this in context, you see that a human needs something “added” to it to control this power of sin. Just like the horse needs a bit and ship needs a rudder. The Christian needs the Holy Spirit synergistically working with a pastor/teacher.

• There are five systematic results of those teachers who aren’t guided/controlled/lead by the Holy Spirit in their teaching/preaching.
• Religion – Read Acts 15:1-26. There were Jews who taught you can have faith but need to do add “works” to really be saved. What do you believe about salvation? What verses would you reference?
• Hypocrisy – Read Romans 2:17-24. Some people believe they are teachers and guides; yet, they do not apply the Word to themselves; the rubber doesn’t hit the road in their life. Look at your life. Do you minister to other Christians? Does your walk resemble what you talk?
• Wrong Jesus – Read 2 Corinthians 11:2-15. Some teachers want to teach for prestige and therefore, are preaching a different Jesus; thus they are not orthodox in their theology. Do you live a life that is different from what the Bible says? Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 to compare your life to scripture rather than another person.
• Arguments – Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7. Some teachers want to teach because they would rather argue and divide than converse and unify. This is prideful. When you speak about theology, do you tend to get into mental battles or do you have a peace in your discussions?
• Selfish Ambitions – Read 2 Timothy 4:1-4. Some teachers teach because they want the lime light. They don’t preach parts of the Bible but leave out all the “bad pr” and they stay “pc” in all their theology. When you speak about Jesus, do you let your “yes be yes and no be no” or do you water down the Gospel to include those who God doesn’t include?

• Adore God for His clear truth in the Bible. Adore Him for those in your life that are in authority over you that use the Bible and show their love for you.
• Confess to God your love for His word and your love for Jesus. Confess any watering down of the gospel you may have committed.
• Thank God for the opportunity, today, to get into His Word and read it.
• Ask God to work in the lives of teachers, preachers, elders and deacons in your local community. Particularly mention local young adult ministries in your region.

• The Jews desired to become teachers (Rabbi’s) because that title came with prestige, popularity and recognition. It was said, if you had to choose who would live between your parents and your Rabbi, you should choose your Rabbi, because your parents bring you into “This World” and your Rabbi brings you into “The Next World”; thus their job was “more important”.
• Therefore, James encourages the Jews, who are scattered abroad, not to desire to become teachers; for a couple of reasons.
• One, they will incur a stricter judgment [James 3:1]. Two, they are sinners [James 3:2]
• James correlates the control of our tongue with Jesus’ teaching of controlling the heart [Matthew 12:34, 15:18, 10:26]. If one can do this they are perfect and able to control the whole body.
• However, gives us two practical examples of why this is impossible. You must put a bit into a horses mouth to direct it and you must add a rudder to a ship to guide it. Without those “additions” the horse will go where it wants and the ship will be blows around by the wind and you will never get to your destination.
• James correlates a teachers responsibility to be the bit to a horse or a rudder to the ship. When we become a child of Jesus, we get something added to us, the Holy Spirit and we get the church. The church has a hierarchy of those blessed with specific gifts of the Holy Spirit to various things. One of those is teaching, a teacher is the bit or rudder working synergistically with the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you through your lives.
• If a teacher doesn’t know how to respond to trials [James 1:1-18], God’s word [James 1:9-17], discrimination [James 2:1-13] or religion [James 2:14-26] their teaching is not from above and is demonic [James 3:15].
• A teacher must be able to rebuke, correct and sanctify their students with scripture and not just words or feelings, but the living and active Word of God [Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17] and we must be willing to put ourselves under the authority.

• James is calling out these Jews on their lack of alignment with their walk in the name of Jesus. James tells us In Chapter 2, a person’s works show one depth of faith and a in Chapter 3 he tells us one’s speech is the spiritual thermometer.
• Think of your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon etc., do their works show their faith? If so, is it a shallow faith or a deep faith? Do they sacrifice? How much time and effort do they put into their ministry?
• Do you know what your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon does for the church or do you only see them teaching? Reach out to your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon and get to know them, ask them what they do and ask if you can assist them.
• Think of your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon etc., what does their speech look like? When they speak to do speak scripture or do they speak about “good ideas” or “catchy lines”?
• It is highly important a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon know how to use the Word of God; therefore, evaluate your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon speech and see if it reflective of scripture.
• Have you been corrected by a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon, if so, did they use scripture or did they just talk?
• Have you reached out to your teacher/pastor/elder/deacon for discernment? If so, did they use scripture or did they just “talk through it”.
• Do you need a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon whose works and speech align with scripture? Most people who have a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon whose works and speech align with scripture can offend us, because we are being confronted, for the purpose of redemption, about our sin and this creates a anger for those “calling us out” [John 15:18]

• Praise God for His Word that progressively sanctifies you.
• If you have put yourself under a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon who is not congruent with what scripture says one is, confess to God your sinfulness and begin to look for that new teacher/pastor/elder/deacon to put yourself under their authority.
• Thank God for time and effort teacher/pastor/elder/deacon put into the Jesus. Find out what yours does and thank them for it.
• Ask God to give you the wisdom to make Biblical decisions and provide you with a teacher/pastor/elder/deacon you can submit to.

• People show what they believe by how they live their life.
• If you say you believe “one thing” and do not show, through your actions, you believe that “one thing” then you are proving by your actions you do not believe that “one thing”.
• A demon’s theology is more orthodox than an unbeliever’s theology.
• Abraham was justified by faith before God and works before mankind.

• Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Why would God have created “good works” for a Christian?
• Read Galatians 5:19-26. Make two columns on a piece of paper. Name one column “works of the flesh” and the other “fruit of the spirit”. In each column write out what that verse specifically say are in each column.
• Using your list from, Galatians 5:19-26, write out specific outward physical indicators indicators, that people can see (public or non-public) of each “work” and “fruit”.
• Still using your list from, Galatians 5:19-26, write out how someone can “cover up” or “mask” the “works of the flesh” and fake the “fruits of the spirit”. Then write out how what you are going to do to kill the “works of the flesh” and build up the “fruits of the spirit”.
• Take time this week and evaluate yourself, according to the scriptures in the same way as you did with Galatians 5:19-26; except use Ephesians Chapter 5, Colossians Chapter 3, Matthew Chapter 5 and Mathew Chapter 7.

• Adore God love for you.
• Confess any shortcomings/sin you discovered/realized in this study and His Word that proves it.
• Thank God granting your repentance of sin and administering grace in your life to be conformed into His Holy Image.
• Supplicate (Ask) God to correct, reprove and train you in righteousness this week.

• The results of a trial are revealing. Either a.) you prove you love God or b.) you prove you hate God.
• If we are not draw, dependent or dedicated to Jesus it will show in our response to the trials in our lives, and how we will blame God for putting them in our lives.
• However, this is wrong because God does not put a trial in your life to make you sin, but to make you more like Jesus.
• It is your choice to run from that purpose, and the opposite of becoming like Jesus is to be become unlike Jesus (i.e. remain sinful, unclean, unrighteous, evil)
• God intends to call forth His troops by His word and His Word is what wetrust and desire to know.
• Therefore, we seek out every opportunity to hear His word (i.e. read the Bible)
• Finally, if we are doing this (counting trials as joy, asking God for wisdom in tough times, seeking His word) we will prove that we love Jesus by doing what the Bible says.

• Think of a trial (can someone recently went through and write out the outcomes if a.) the person endured it with faith and b.) Ran away, gave up or side stepped the trial. What are the differences? What did they prove about themselves?
• How about yourself? Do you see an area in your life that you need to change?
• Look at the last week of your life. How much “Jesus” did you put into your bank account and how much spending did you take out. Honestly examine yourself asking “Am I dedicated to the Spiritual Disciplines”? (i.e. Reading/Studying, Memorizing, Meditating on the Bible, Fasting, Praying, Celebrating/Fellowship, Confession, Service, Submission, Purity, Sacrifice etc)
• Do you have a sense of how much God invests in your life?
• What can you do this week to seek to know God more?

• Adore God for His investment in you.
• Confess any shortcomings you discovered in this study and His Word that proves it.
• Thank God for His time in your life and how we can come to know Him more through Spiritual Disciplines.
• Supplicate (Ask) God to give you grace to walk worthy of your calling and be more like Jesus. Ask God to bestow this grace on all other Young Adult Ministries in NWI.

This video is worth taking a few minutes to think about—what are some of the ways that you should change some of your ministry methods to tell more people about the principles of Scripture that we hold so dear?...How many people first hear about the gospel of Jesus through online ministries?

• You must be saved. If you are not saved, this will sound like rubbish to you and you “won’t get it” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
• You need to understand that you will really need to honestly examine yourself (1 Corinthians 13:5)
• Obey God no matter what (Acts 5:29; John 7:17)
• Start off by reading scripture and start now!
• Read James through once a week, out loud, download mp3, no money – print out from biblegateway.com in different translations

• James calls himself a “bond-servant” of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • This word “bond-servant” is the Greek word d?????? (doulos - doo'-los). It is translated, in the NASB: bond-servant (11), bond-servants (12), bondslave (3), bondslaves (8), both men and women (8), servants (1), slave (58), slave’s (1), slaves (39) & in your KJV: servant, 66; servants, 53; bond, 6; bondman, 1; servant’s, 1. Therefore, as you can see by sheer numbers, this word is more than often than not indicating someone who is under the power or the will of an owner.
• James states that he under the will of Jesus; indicating he doesn’t do anything without the say so of Jesus nor does he willfully do anything against the will of his master, Jesus.
• The next part of the verse you see, that the James, being a “bond-servant” to Jesus is reaching out to the Jewish people (“twelve tribes”). Yet, these Jews are not in one place but are actually “dispersed abroad”. That means scattered, meaning not local.
• When you look at these two parts of the same verse you see that James only does what his master will’s him to do, as a servant of Jesus, and that includes reaching out to Jewish Christians who are not only in one location but who are dispersed or scattered about.
• So from this verse, we see three characteristics of James: obedience (“bond servant”), engaging (“To the twelve tribes”) and missonal (“Who are dispersed abroad”).

• How do you view your life? Does your life mirror the life of James?
• Do you view your life this way, as a “slave, bond-servant, servant” to Jesus?
• Name three (3) ways you give/allow your master, Jesus, to lead, direct and drive your life.
• Do you see your life not only as obedience to Jesus, but also missional?
  
  • Do you see yourself as engaging the people of the Church?
  • Reaching out, spurring on, and calling out other Christians that are not only in our church but in our lives?
  • Do you pray for other young adult/college ministries in NW Indiana?

• Give praises about God and His will. Specifically for giving people the Spirit to be obedient and reach out to Christians in need. Life up the spiritual leaders in your life.
• Confess the greatness of His plans and any disobedience you may have in your life.
• Thank God for a man like James to step up and lead. Thank Him for other young adults/college ministries in NW Indiana. (Catalyst, Transit, Echo etc.)
• Ask God to give you the grace to grow in your obedience and missional focus on all people.