Ruth 4:13-22

Old Testament Typology

Type- A person, place, object or event in the Old Testament which foreshadows and/or illustrates New Testament truth

Why Typology is unpopular in some circles
1. Some have taken types too far, finding hidden meanings in almost every detail
2. Some dismiss the idea completely, doubting such divine guidance to Scripture

The New Testament uses 5 key words to describe this concept
1. Tupos (Figure or example...Romans 5:14, Hebrews 8:5)
2. Skia (Shadow...Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 8:5, 10:1)
3. Hupodergma (Copy...Hebrews 8:5, 9:23)
4. Parabole (Figure or illustration...Hebrews 9:9)
5. Antitupon (Figure or pattern or likeness...Hebrews 9:24, 1 Peter 3:21)

Types of 'Types'
1. Typical Persons (Adam, Moses, Joshua, etc)
2. Typical Places (Egypt, Jerusalem, Babylon, etc)
3. Typical Things (Jacob's Latter, Brazen Serpent, Tabernacle, etc)
4. Typical Events (Creation, flood, manna from heaven, exile, etc)
5. Typical Offices (Prophet, Priest, King, etc)
6. Typical Days (Passover, Pentecost, etc)

So what about Ruth?
Boaz- He seems to be a clear 'type' of Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer
Ruth- Ruth could represent gentile believers and/or the bride of Christ
Naomi- She may represent faithful Israel
1st Kinsman- This unnamed man may represent the law, which couldn't redeem

What was the purpose of the book of Ruth?
1. It provides a link to David
2. It shows light during the dark times of the judges
3. It foreshadows Christ
4. It tells a beautiful story

Ruth 3-4:12

* For some time, Ruth continued to work
But when the harvesting was done, questions lingered about her future
Naomi took the initiative to find provision for Ruth
--Ruth hadn't taken the initiative
--Boaz hadn't taken the initiative
--Perhaps both assumed the other wouldn't be interested

Cultural Symbol #1
1. Widow makes herself ready
2. Widow takes part of man's covering off
3. Widow waits to see if kinsman will cover her

Ruth took the risk
Boaz took charge

Why did Boaz accept?
1. Her noble character
2. Physical attraction

Problem: There was a closer kinsman with first rights

3:14 'Don't let it be known'
1. Had they done any wrong? No
2. Would some suspect? Maybe
* How does this fit with Romans 14:16 & 1 Thes. 5:22?

4:1-4 Boaz takes care of business

* What if the story ended at verse 13 :)

Why did the kinsman say no?
1. Maybe he wasn't wealthy enough to take on the additional household
2. Maybe he didn't want to marry Ruth
3. Whatever the case, he was worried about his own estate
Cultural Symbol #2 (Taking off shoe = Letting go of right to something)

4:11-12 Town's Blessing
* They were comparing Boaz's situation with that of Judah & Tamar (a gentile)
* They were wishing Boaz much fruitfulness just as the above union was fruitful

Luke 9:21-26

Luke 9:21-26
The Cost of Christianity

What they expected
The Son of Man must conquer many things and be accepted by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must reign

What Jesus predicted
The Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected
By the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life

1. People often envision their future
2. Life seldom works out as planned
3. We must be prepared for much suffering
4. God must see value in suffering

Jesus gives us a Job Description
If anyone would come after me…
1. They must deny themselves
2. They must take up their cross daily
3. They must follow me
4. They must not be ashamed of me

The Parodox of Faith
1. If you want to save your life, you must let go of it
2. If you don’t let go, you’ll eventually lose everything

Luke 9:18-20

Luke 9:18-20 (Matt. 16:13-19, Mark 8:27-29) Peter’s Confession

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

A Turning Point
1. Jesus had, previously, been extremely popular
2. At this point, many stopped following Jesus
3. Jesus takes this opportunity to ask 2 key questions

Question #1 Who do the crowds say I am?

Popular Theories
1. John the Baptist
2. Elijah
3. Jeremiah
4. Other Prophet

Question #2 Who do you say I am?

1. Peter’s answer wasn’t a new answer
2. Peter had heard others say that Jesus was the Christ
3. Peter was now willing to believe in Christ for himself
4. Jesus was preparing the Apostles for the struggle ahead


Jesus Responds to Peter’s Confession

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not
revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven

1. Simon had, in fact, heard this from man
2. But now Simon truly believed it himself
3. We are ‘blessed’ when our faith becomes personal

And I tell you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church

4 Possible Interpretations
1. The Roman Catholic View
The Church will be built on Peter himself
2. Protestant View #1
The Church will be built on confessions like Peter’s
3. Protestant View #2
The Church will be built on Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11, 1 Peter 2:10)
4. Protestant View #3
The Church will be built on the 1st generation Apostles (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Problems with the Roman Catholic Interpretation
1. Peter didn't interpret it this way (1 Peter 2:10, 5:1 'fellow elder')
2. The other Apostles didn't interpret it this way (James/Paul show leadership)
3. Peter was called 'satan' soon after
4. The disiciples continued to argue about who would be the greatest
5. The early church had various interpretations of the passage
--A French Roman Catholic Launoy surveyed the Patristic evidence and found...
------44 citations claiming 'this rock' = 'Faith'
------17 citations claiming 'this rock' = 'Peter'
------16 citations claiming 'this rock' = 'Christ'
------8 citations claiming 'this rock' = 'Apostles'

and the gates of Hades will not overcome it

4 Interpretations
1. The attack of the enemy will never overcome the church
2. The defense of the enemy will never be strong enough
3. The grave can’t keep those who have Peter’s kind of faith
4. Even the death of Jesus won't stop the Kingdom from overcoming

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven;
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

1. Keys represent authority
2. Binding/Loosing meant disallowing/allowing
3. The Greek actually reads ‘will have been bound/loosed’
4. Jesus is granting the authority to enforce heaven’s laws on the church
5. Thus, we are to submit to those in spiritual leadership over us

1 John

I taught the 2nd half of 1st John. I'm sure I'll teach the 1st half at some point in the next few years.

The Faith vs. Science Error (1:1-2)
The Head Knowledge Error (1:3-4)
The Optional Holiness Error (1:5-7, 2:3-6)
The Denial of Sin Error (1:8-2:2)
The New Wind Error (2:7-11)
The Split Ministry Error (2:12-14)
The Love for World Error (2:15-17)
The Antichrist Error (2:18-27)
The Untransformed Life Error (2:28-3:10)
The No Assurance Error (3:11-24)
The Believe Every Spirit Error (4:1-6)
The Lack of Love Error (4:7-21)
The Failing Tests Error (5:1-13)
The Failing Prayer Error (5:14-15)
The Sin that Leads to Death Error (5:16-21)

Chapter 3 Overview
Chapter 4 Overview

1 John 4

1 JOHN 4

HOW ARE WE FED SPIRITUALLY?

5 RULES FOR THE CHRISTIAN STUDENT
1. Don’t automatically BELIEVE every word you hear or read 1a
2. TEST what you hear/read/see 1b (acts 17:11)
3. Understand that many false prophets have GONE out 1c
4. RECOGNIZE the Spirit of God 2a
5. Make sure they ACKNOWLEDGE who Jesus is 2b-3

4 POINTS TO PONDER ABOUT FALSE PROPHETS
1. Their leader is a loser 4
2. Their worldview is wacky 5a
3. Their fame is of the flesh 5b
4. They cannot be corrected 6

LOVE

1. Love originates from God 8b, 16b
a. So much so that God IS love
b. It’s not something He does so much as it is who He is

2. Love Emanates from God 7b, 9
a. So it’s actually Himself that He sends…Jesus Christ

3. Resides in mankind 12-13, 15-16
a. So it’s actually Himself that lives in us...Holy Spirit

4. Passes through mankind 7a, 11b, 20-21
a. Love one another
b. So it’s actually God shining through us
c. Love is not so much something we show, as it is someone we know

See why God gets all the glory! It’s Him every step of the way

LOVE IS NOT

1. God 8b, 16b
a. God is personal, not a vague concept, a specific Person

2. Human in origin 19

3. Optional for Christians 8, 20-21
a. If you want to know God, you must have God in you
b. If you have God in you, you must love your neighbor

4. A feeling 9-10, 13
a. Sent, Given. It implies action.
b. “I don’t love him/her anymore” EXACTLY

5. Failing 17-18
a. If we apply 1 John 4:7-21 we have nothing to fear in the future

1 John 3

1 JOHN 3

VERSE 1a
How great is the love of God!
1. What if it were a question? How would you answer?
2. ‘The love of God’ story
NFL Draft- It’s good to have a good name (Manning, Winslow)
1. We have an even better name if we are Christians

VERSE 1b
Why are Christians sometimes thought of as crazy?
1. We are foreigners
2. In the early church some thought Christians were cannibals
3. Many wonder why we don’t do bad stuff

VERSE 2
We are already children of God, but there is more to come
1. When we see Christ face to face, who knows what will happen?
2. We need to be preparing ourselves for that encounter
3. Hank Hanegraaff golf illustration

VERSE 3-24
5 WAYS TO PREPARE

1. It has to be a response (v. 3)
a. Respond to salvation, don’t try to earn it
b. This changes your whole attitude

2. We have to recognize what He has accomplished (v. 4-5)
a. Sin vs. Sins
b. Two definitions for sin
c. He saves us FROM all

3. We have to imitate Christ (v. 6)
a. Humans need examples
b. I can’t make coffee

4. We must avoid being led astray (v. 7-10)
a. Don’t let people tell you sin doesn’t matter (7-8)
b. Compare 3:9 with 1:8. What’s the difference (9)
c. A lamb and a pig fall into the mud, the pig wants to stay, the lamb gets out
d. Sounds like James (10)

5. We must love to have assurance. You can know for sure if…
a. Do you love your brother? (v. 14)
b. Do you know Jesus loves you (v. 16)
c. Do your words and actions line up (v. 19)
d. Do you sense the Spirit in you? (v. 24)

Hosea: Part 3

Hosea
God’s Prophet of Love

Man’s Sick Cycle (Hosea 13:6)
1. When I fed them, they were satisfied
2. When they were satisfied, they became proud
3. Then they forgot me

God’s Great Gift of Grace
If God were only just, we’d simply be destroyed
If God were only merciful, we’d simply be spared
Since God is also graceful, we are also loved

1:10-2:1 Grace Explosion #1
1. Hosea seems to be saying that, in the future, the northern kingdom would re-united and restored
2. Hosea goes on, though, to show that the northern kingdom would be absorbed into the nations
3. Paul quotes this passage applying it not to the northern kingdom, but to the gentiles
4. In the light of the New Testament, this passage isn’t about national Israel, but the gentiles
5. Gentile believers & Jewish believers would unite
6. They united under the leadership of Jesus Christ


2:14-3:5 Grace Explosion #2
1. They would experience another Exodus
2. They would experience renewed riches
3. They would experience renewed righteousness
4. They would experience a new covenant
5. They would experience a new peace

5:15-6:3 Grace Explosion #3
6. This future would be accessed by repentance
7. This future would be accessed by resurrection

10:12 Grace Explosion #4
It is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

11:8-11 Grace Explosion #5
8. God’s primary attribute is grace
9. It is grace that makes God different from man

13:14 Grace Explosion #6
10. Grace allows us to be ransomed & redeemed

14:1-9 Grace Explosion #7
11. Grace must be responded to

Ruth 2

Ruth is a 4 part love story

1. Setting
2. They meet
3. Interest & Complication
4. Resolution & Marriage

It's the kind of love story where you're rooting for both people
You want it to work out despite the obstacles

Ruth's Qualities
1. Honorable (2)
2. Hard worker (7)
3. Humble (10-13)

Boaz's Qualities
1. Good Reputation (1)
2. Godly boss in dark days (4)
3. Grateful workers (4)
4. Great Kindness (15-16)

2 Lessons to Learn from Chapter 2

1. The Value of Hard Work

From Ruth
1. Life as service to mother-in-law
2. Long hours, short breaks
3. Finished the job

From Boaz
1. Stayed in communication with servants
2. Continued to work in his fields
3. Didn't just give her stuff, rewarded her for work

From God
1. Work was part of life before curse
2. We don't like work b/c of the curse
3. Not working usually creates trouble

2. Godly Coincidences = Providence

Coincidence is an accidental sequence that seems to have been arranged
Providence is an arrangement of sequences carefully crafted by God

Chapter 2:3 was either a coincidence or God's providence

Various translations:
1. As it turned out
2. She happened to
3. She found herself
4. Her hap was to light
5. By chance

I believe this was God's providence. Much like Abraham's servant arrived to find Rebekah, much like the many instances of providence in Joseph's life, we see God at work in the story of Ruth/Boaz.

I believe the closer we walk with God, the more we'll see His providence. He is carefully crafting our days for holy purposes.

Proverbs

Below are some studies I've done through Proverbs

Proverbs 1
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 3-9
Proverbs 10-11
Proverbs 12
Proverbs 13
Proverbs 14-15
Proverbs 16
Proverbs 17
Proverbs 18-19
Proverbs 20
Proverbs 21
Proverbs 22-23
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 26-27
Proverbs 28-29
Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30

VERSE 1
Who was Agur?
1. We don’t know much about him at all
2. A few theories about him
a. This was Solomon speaking as a gatherer/collector of wisdom
b. A guy named Agur that we know little about
c. A wise man from Massa (northern Arabia) where Lemuel was king
Who were Ithiel and Ucal?
1. We don’t know much about them either
2. The Masoretic text reads “I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and faint.”
3. Most likely, they were students of Agur, perhaps recording his teaching for us
Conclusion:
So most likely Agur was a wise man from another land sharing wisdom with his pupils

VERSES 2-4
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”
1. Agur was in a position in life where many end up being prideful
2. Agur was humble because he compared himself to God, not to others
“What is his name, and the name of his son?”
1. This could be pointing out that no man can claim to compare with God
2. This could be a reference to Jesus as well
Conclusion: So don’t listen to me if you want wisdom. I’m not the source of it

VERSES 5-6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him”
1. The source of wisdom is God, who has done all those things
2. So don’t add to His words, your wisdom won’t stack up
Psalm 12:6-7 (KJV)
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Conclusion: So don’t look anywhere but to God for truth

VERSES 7-9
“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die”
1. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me”
a. No wickedness…only holy living/extreme righteousness
2. “give me neither poverty nor riches”
a. Too much and I may think I don’t need you
b. Too little and I may use desperate measures outside of your will
3. What two things would you ask for?
Conclusion:
So make me obedient and give me only what I need

***verse 10 It gives the servant added burden…and puts you in danger. Not smart.

***There is a lot of wisdom in the world…Jesus often spoke from his surroundings
VERSES 11-14
Four applications of arrogance
1. Graceless children v. 11
2. Hypocrites v. 12
3. The proud v. 13
4. Cruel oppressors v. 14

VERSES 15-16
Just like the leach, these four things are never satisfied:
1. The grave- (27:20)
2. The barren womb-
3. Land-
4. Fire-
*** Verse 17 God hears the words, sees the attitudes, and the looks kids give parents

VERSES 18-19
Four things that don’t seem possible:
1. The way of an eagle in the sky
2. The way of a snake on a rock
3. The way of a ship on the high seas
4. The way of a man with a maiden
*** Verse 20 The way of an adulteress-hides evidence and looks innocent

VERSE 21-23
Four things that shouldn’t be, but sometimes happen
1. A servant who becomes king
2. A fool who is full of food
3. An unloved woman who is married
4. A maidservant who displaces her mistress

VERSES 24-28
Four things that go far beyond expectations
1. Ants
2. Coneys/rock badger
3. Locusts
4. Lizard

VERSES 29-31
Four things that stride with pride
1. A lion
2. A strutting rooster
3. A he-goat
4. A king with his army

***Verses 32-33 Stirring up anger is a recipe for disaster (from mankind or God)

Proverbs 28-29

PROVERBS 28-29

THE WAR: THE WORLD IS TAKING SIDES
28:4
28:5
28:6
28:7
28:10
28:11
28:16
28:18
29:9
29:10
29:27

WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

1. YOU CAN BRING CONTROL OR CHAOS
28:2
28:12
29:15
28:28
29:2
29:4
29:12
2916

2. YOU CAN BE A STEWARD OR STEAL
28:19
28:20
28:22
28:24
28:25
29:3
29:5
29:24

3. YOU CAN GIVE OR BE GREEDY
28:3
28:8
28:27
29:7
29:13
29:14

4. YOU CAN BE A STUDENT OR STUBBORN
28:13
28:23
29:1
29:15
29:17
29:19
29:21
29:23

5. YOU CAN BE AT PEACE OR IN PERIL
28:2
28:12
28:15
28:28
29:2
29:12
29:16

Proverbs 25

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2003
PROVERBS 25

V. 1 Hezekiah was one of the better king’s in Israel’s history
He reformed, cleansed, and found Proverbs 25-29, probably all the way to the end
These are geared towards leaders, but all who’ve lived by 1-24 will be leaders!

V. 2-3 God knows everything. He has more knowledge than we can handle. Rom. 11:33.
Kings don’t know everything. He should seek out wisdom and knowledge.
A King is humbled by the knowledge God has
We haven’t gotten very far out into space
We haven’t gotten very far down into the earth
We haven’t gotten very far down into a king’s heart
A common man is humbled by the knowledge a King has

V. 4-5 You’d want scum off of metal before you used the metal
You’ll want scum out of the castle before you establish your kingdom

V. 6-7 Everyone enjoys the humble being honored
Everyone enjoys the proud being dishonored
Luke 14:7-11

V. 8-10 Do everything you can to settle disputes privately
Once the argument goes public, the public starts to argue
Once others are involved you’ll get enemies and a bad reputation

V. 11-12 Four options for when to use encouragement/rebuke
1. Wrong word/Wrong Time
2. Wrong word/Right Time
3. Right word/Wrong time
4. Right word/Right time

V. 13 They would bring snow from the mountains to cool their drinks, very refreshing
A trustworthy messenger is refreshing to a king

V. 14 Those who put up a big front, those who make big promises….
“Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”
It’s very disappointing, back up your bold claims with action.

V. 15 Rulers don’t typically like people trying to force things on them
Be patient and gentle in your attempts to persuade them, and you may

V. 16-17 There is such a thing as too much of a good thing
Too much honey
Too much of you!
My dorm room door at Bethany

V. 18-19 An untruthful person causes sharp pain
An unfaithful person causes chronic pain

V. 20 It’s possible to be thoughtful without thinking
Laughter may be the best medicine, but sometimes people aren’t ready
People need to go through the grieving process, it’s natural

V. 21-22 Romans 12:19-21, Matthew 5:44
Kindness softens the heart, he’ll feel shameful for treating you poorly
OR get revenge and enjoy it for a lifetime

V. 23 If there is a north wind you can expect rain
If you’re going to make cutting comments, expect anger

V. 24 21:9, 19
It’s better to be alone than with someone who always causes trouble

V. 25 Great to get letters from distant friends and relatives (care-package, The Postman)

V. 26 The opposite of refreshing is polluting. It’s disgusting to see a good man give in

V. 27 27:2 Let others praise you or let it go

V. 28 Self-control is limiting, but necessary. Lack of it leaves you open to defeat.

Proverbs 24

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 2003
PROVERBS 24

V. 1-2, 8-9, 19-22
Do not envy the wicked
Illustration: Sabres game last night- 2 guys sitting next to me in the 3rd to last row ended up being 4th row from the front. I have to admit I was a bit envious. They were stealing, they were cheating, they were lying, BUT they were watching the game from the 4th row!

We envy that sinners get instant gratification
- They cheat and pass the test
- They lie on their resume and get the job
- They steal and have extra money
- They manipulate people and get their way
- Etc. etc. etc.
- BUT their giving up their future v. 20-22, 23:17-18

V. 3-7, 13-14, 27
Wisdom in building a home, waging a war, building your future
God always forms and fills:
- In the first half of creation he formed the universe, the earth, and the sea
- In the second half of creation he filled the universe with stars and planets, filled the earth with plants and animals, and filled the sea with creatures.
- God also formed man, and His goal has always been to fill man with: Himself
- We should mimic God’s wisdom in this, when we build something in our life it is important to fill it as well. What good is a beautiful home if the people living in it are always fighting, backstabbing, and hating. No, we need to fill a house with love and respect and therefore make it a home.
- We can see this principle in practice in the theological works of Allen Jackson:
- And they made their house from a toolshed
Grandaddy rolled down on two logs
And they builts walls all around it
And they made that house a home
They taught us 'bout good living
They taught is right and wrong
Lord there'll never be another place
In this world I'll call home
- Fools never take the time to form, and they don’t know what it takes to fill and so they are left with nothing to say when it’s crunch time. When the rubber meets the road they are ALWAYS left with nothing to say. 24/7

V. 11-12
Rescue the perishing, abortion
- I tend to think there is probably some specific group of people being “led away to death” or “staggering toward slaughter” that God has convicted us about. For some it’s prison ministry, for some it’s those in poverty, for others it’s children killed in abortion.
- These are realities and we need to be very careful about making the claim that “we knew nothing about this.” There certainly are times when we are ignorant of what’s going on, but I think more often we make a choice not to see. We turn away from it because it’s too big. God sees that and we’ll be accountable for that decision.
- Some people argue that babies killed via abortion don’t fit under this command to rescue those being led away to death. They say this babies are not people and therefore don’t count, but:
o They are conceived by 2 humans, so what else would they be?
o Psalm 139:13 speaks of God knitting us together as a person in the womb
o Genesis 25:22 refers to unborn children using same word for children
o Luke 1:41 refers to unborn baby using same word for baby
o They look like you and me
o If left alone they will come to maturity
o Being tiny, aided, ignorant does not make them less human
- We need to be very serious about our duty to intercede for those in need

V. 10, 15-18
Do not lie in wait against the righteous or gloat against your enemy
- We want to be building the kind of faith that survives and thrives
- If we don’t have the strength to hold up in battle, how much strength do we have?
- It’s foolish to go after a truly righteous person because you can’t win
- But when we see someone fall, do not gloat
- Obadiah

V. 23-26, 28-29
Judging without partiality, being truthful, without revenge in mind
- It’s usually not too hard to tell if someone is a guilty or not guilty (court shows)
- So when justice doesn’t happen, people get mad
- People like straight shooters and thick skinned people with integrity

V. 30-34
The story of the sluggard
- Self explanatory

Proverbs 21

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2003

PROVERBS 21

GOD GETS RIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

V. 2 Men are very capable of justifying themselves (Judges, abortion doctor killers)
Only God truly justifies and He sees the heart
Don’t dismiss the “big sin” verses so easily. Test your heart

God looks at the heart….
1. Behind our sacrifices v. 3, 14, 27 Be then Do
2. Behind our confidence v. 4, 24, 29 Prideful humility?
3. Behind our success v. 6-8, 28 Ends don’t justify the means
4. Behind our frugality v. 10, 13, 26 Balancing wisdom and compassion
5. Behind our easy-going-ness v. 17, 25, 26 Carefree: the good, the bad, and ugly

The righteous one’s will win
1. Through irony 18
2. Through planning 5, 20
3. Through learning 11
4. Through understanding 16, 22
5. Through self-control 23
6. Through reward 21

The Righteous One will win
1. Through justice 12, 15
2. Through wisdom 30
3. Through sovereignty 1, 31

Proverbs 20

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2003

PROVERBS 20:

THE ROAD OF LIFE

4 WAYS TO LOSE CONTROL
1. Alcohol- just as dangerous off the road, v 1
2. Authority- not respecting it, Romans 13:1-4, v. 8+26, Adam Bomb, v 2
3. Anger- road rage, aaron, v 3
4. Awake- not being so, v. 13, v 4

8 ROAD SIGNS FOR THE STREET SMART
1. Avoid unjusts scales and measures, v. 23, v 10
2. Caution: Men not working, v. 4, 13
3. Caution: Slippery shoppers, car dealers, sports trades, v. 14
4. Toll Booth: you’ll pay later for being surety to strangers, v. 16
5. Caution: Gravelly road, fraud has nasty consequences v. 17
6. Pedestrian Talkway: gossips, too much talking, v. 19
7. Reduce Speed, patience, don’t rob parents, ask for inheritance, rich quick, v. 21
8. Dead End: making promises you won’t keep, v. 25

3 MISSING PERSONS: ROMANS 3:10-12
1. The faithful man: v. 6, 20 28, 29
2. The pure man v. 9 7, 11
3. The wise man v. 15, 12 18, 24

3 SEARCH PARTIES
1. Man of understanding, real counselors, draws out motives. V. 5
2. Lamp of the Lord, sees the spirit. V. 27
3. Discipline and pain- reveals and corrects evil. V. 30

Proverbs 17

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2003

PROVERBS 17:

Quarreling
v. 1 You can be miserable anywhere
v. 14 Campaigns, water not controlled equals destruction
v. 19 Some personality types just like to stir things up, pride goes before a fall

Justice
v. 3 The Lord knows how to be just
v. 8 Addressing the one who takes it
v. 15 Courts. Important to elect good leaders. Supreme courts = lifetime appointments
v. 23, 26

Love/Friendship
v. 9 We can’t forget, but we can remember not to bring it up again
v. 17 Are you a fair weather friend? Friendships need to be consistent. True friends are
found in hard times.
v. 22 Laughter is the best medicine, but it’s not food. It can help, but not prevent.

The discerning man
v. 10 Learn from mistakes quickly (David in 2 Samuel 12 vs. Pharaoh in Exodus 7-14)
v. 24 long obedience vs. chasing fantasies
v. 27 patience and self-control
v. 28 Even a fool can be thought wise, don’t remove all doubt by talking

A wise kid
v. 2 earns his place
v. 6 treasures his parents
v. 21 honors his parents v. 25

The wicked man
v. 4 They feed off each other, have wicked sources
v. 5 Obadiah example
v. 11 Genesis 6:5
v. 13 It’s bad enough to return evil for evil
v. 20 Wickedness won’t bring good, will bring bad

The foolish man
v. 7 The one’s who know the least think they know the most
v. 12 Feeling superceding self-control is dangerous
v. 16 NKJV we have the resources, no excuse. Romans- but men love darkness
v. 18 Don’t put your family at risk, don’t assume you’ll get it back

Proverbs 16

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3TH, 2003

PROVERBS 16: THE 7 P'S

P#1 PLANS V. 1-4, 9, 25, 33
v. 1 we plan and work, God controls and produces
v. 2 we find a way to rationalize, God looks deeper than that
v. 3 because you'll adjust to His plan
v. 4 God can use bad people and bad situations for good
v. 33 God is in control of everything
-plans are important! NFL, VBS, BUDGETS, FARMING, but God is in control of what actually happens
-Jer 29:11
-Isaiah 32:8 But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
-10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
- We are not to create waves, we are to align ourselves with what God is doingn. Instead of "Lord, bless what I'm doing" it should be "Lord, help me to do what you are blessing" instead of "God bless" it should be "May you be under God's blessing"
P#2 PRIDE V. 5, 18-19
Pride makes you not want to include God in your plans, makes you want to make your own wave
2 Chron. 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.
2 Chron. 32:26 Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them
Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God

P#3 PATH V. 6-7, 17
When you ride the Lord's wave you are safe
v. 6 the path is love, faithfulness, and fear (reverence)
v. 6-7, 17 the reward of this path is peace, atonement, avoidence of evil

P#4 PROSPERITY V. 8, 11, 16, 20, 22, 31-32
Those who ride God's waves prosper in the real sense of prosperity.
v. 8 not as important as righteousness
v. 11 not as important as integrity
v. 16 not as important as wisdom
v. 20 is a result of obedience and trust
v. 22 understanding brings prosperity of life
v. 31 rightousness brings prosperity in wisdom
v. 32 patience brings prosperity in success
-not the health and wealth Gospel

P#5 POWER 10, 12-15
v. 10 a leaders needs to know their influence
v. 12 a leader needs to hate wickedness
v. 13 a leader needs to have honest advisors
v. 14 people should fear the king’s wrath
v. 15 people should delight the king’s joy

P#6 PERSUASIVENESS V. 21, 23-24, 26
You’ll influence people if your
1. words are pleasant v. 21+24
2. words are from your heart v. 23
v. 21-24 Words have tremendous influence, but be careful not to manipulate people.
v. 26 hunger persuades people to work, keep working
Ill. California illegal immigrants/welfare

P#7 PERVERSITY V. 27-30
v. 27 brings destruction
v. 28 brings dissension, disunity
v. 29 brings people with him
v. 30 brings with him warning signs: the wink, the pursed lilps

Proverbs 13

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 2003

PROVERBS 13

Prayer: A.C.T.S.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

Instruction/Discipline v. 1, 10, 13, 18, 24
v. 1 You can't fix something until you admit it's broken. It's a pride issue.
v. 10 James 4:1- the reason people fight is selfish pride.
v. 13 Ill. men trying to put things together without instructions. Relate to living w/o Bible
v. 24 The importance of disciplining children physically

Words v. 2-4 You reap what you sow
v. 2 Faithful-offense-give vs. unfaithful-offense-take
v. 3 Faithful-defense vs. unfaithful-offense-ruin
v. 4 Unfaithful-result-empty sould vs. faithful-result-fully satisfied. No pain no gain.

Integrity v. 5-8, 11
v. 5 Literally: causes a bad odor and shame
v. 6 Are your actions working for or against you?
v. 7 Both are bad! One puts on a show for attention. Another avoids attention at all costs
v. 8 Both are good and bad! The rich get out of jam, but get into more of them. The poor, the opposite
Pastors families seem to get attacked more, good churches get attacked more. Towns with Bible colleges
v. 11 An honest living is productive

Hope/Expectations v. 12, 19
v. 12 Watch your expectations! Hope for the best, plan for the worst
v. 19 patient vs. stubborn: not all goals are worth pursuing

Wisdom v. 14-16, 20
v. 15 Understand people/situations. Ill. Aaron's keys
v. 16 You can't be wise by accident. You can't be a fool in secret.
v. 20 Watch the company you keep BUT it's good that God is different in this way

OTHER NOTES
v. 9 The righteous are able to see ahead of them
v. 17 We are Christ's ambassadors. Sometimes we use the right words, but don't communicate the right message
v. 21 It's natural consequences. It's not always God's wrath.
v. 23 Unjust laws
v. 25 Even if they get their fill they are not content. The key is what point are you content

Proverbs 12

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2003

PROVERBS 12
THE POWER OF WORDS

-Rush Limbaugh: “Words mean things”
-Sticks and Stones

7 Wise Ways to Work with Words

1. Provide good advice v. 5
2. Listen to good advice v. 15
3. Overlook offensive words v. 16
4. Give honest testimony v. 17
5. Provide healing v. 18
6. Limit your use of words v. 23
7. Cheer people up v. 25

6 Wonderful Ways Words Work

1. Rescue us v. 6
2. Helps us escape trouble v. 13
3. Gives us reward v. 14
4. Endurance v. 19
5. Brings joy v. 20
6. Gives us the delight of God v. 22

Other Notes

v. 6 parallels Jesus responding to the Pharisees
v. 11 get rich quick schemes
v. 14 all positive
v. 23 my initial interpretation
v. 26 the company you keep

Proverbs 2

PROVERBS 2

WISDOM IS NOT ONLY A PERSON TO KNOW (CHAPTER 1)
BUT A PATH TO WALK (CHAPTER 2) -w. wiersbe

LIFE IS ABOUT A PATH FULL OF DECISIONS

OUR ROLE v. 1-4
v. 1 Read and memorize Scripture, know it
v. 2 It's not natural, apply
v. 3 Have a passion for understanding
v. 4 Ill. lost sports card, JW's and deity of Christ search

GOD'S ROLE v. 6-8
v. 6 It IS natural for Him
v. 7-8 Put yourself here (upright, blameless, just, faithful one's) and let God do His part, He'll do it!

WISDOM'S ROLE v. 10-11
v. 10 Wisdom personified like in chapter 1. It's not really alive, it takes God giving and us receiving

ENEMY NUMBER 1: v. 12-15 WICKED MEN
v. 12-15 Make wicked decisions (ways, paths, ways, paths, ways)

ENEMY NUMBER 2: v. 16-19 WAYWARD WIFE
v. 16 Flattery vs. Gossip
v. 18-19 Wicked decisions (paths, paths)

SUMMARY v. 20-22

Amos

Below are notes from a 3 week series I did on the book of Amos

Amos Part 1
Amos Part 2
Amos Part 3

Amos Part 3

As part of his prophecy, Amos experienced 5 visions

5 VISIONS OF AMOS 7-9
1. Swarms of LOCUSTS Amos 7:1-3
2. Judgment by FIRE Amos 7:4-6
3. A Plumb LINE Amos 7:7-9
4. A Basket of Ripe FRUIT Amos 8:1-14
5. The Lord Standing by the ALTAR Amos 9:1-10

The contrast b/w Amos and established leadership was stark

THE PRIEST VS. THE PROPHET
The Priest: Amaziah
1. His Business: Priest of Bethel Amos 7:10a
2. His Authority: King of Israel Amos 7:10b-11
3. His Message to Amos: Get Out Amos 7:12-13
The Prophet: Amos
1. His Business: Shepherd/Farmer Amos 7:14
2. His Authority: King of Kings Amos 7:15
3. His Message to Amaziah: Goodbye Amos 7:16-17

But God promised a future restoration with the following details

THE FUTURE RESTORATION
1. A Restored NATIONAmos 9:11
2. A Restored WORLD Amos 9:12
3. A Restored LAND Amos 9:13
4. A Restored PEOPLE Amos 9:14-15

Amos Part 2

Prior to Judgment, God had tried to get Israel's attention.

GOD TRIED TO GET THEIR ATTENTION
1. He withheld FOOD(Amos 4:6)
2. He withheld RAIN (Amos 4:7-8)
3. He withheld FRUIT (Amos 4:9)
4. He withheld PEACE (Amos 4:10)
5. He withheld MERCY (Amos 4:11)
YET THEY DID NOT RETURN TO HIM
SO JUDGMENT (AMOS 4:12-13)

Some Parting Thoughts for Israel & Us

SOME PARTING THOUGHTS
1. Israel was as good as DEAD (Amos 5:1-3)
2. Their only hope was to SEEK THE LORD (Amos 5:4-17)
3. The day of the LORD was BAD NEWS(Amos 5:18-20)
4. Their religion was HOLLOW (Amos 5:21-27)
5. Their complacency was about to END (Amos 6:1-7)
6. Pride comes before a FALL (Amos 6:8-14)

Amos Part 1

Who: Written by Amos, the prophet
What: A prophecy against the nations and Israel
Where: Written specifically to the northern kingdom (Israel)
When: Amos prophesied prior to the fall of Israel in 722
Why: To pronounce judgment on the northern kingdom

Prophecies against the nations

#1 (1:3-5) DAMASCUS
#2 (1:6-8) GAZA
#3 (1:9-10) TYRE
#4 (1:11-12) EDOM
#5 (1:13-15) AMMON
#6 (2:1-3) MOAB

Six represents the weakness of man. It's possible Israel believed the prophecy would end with these 6 judgments, but Amos continued

#7 (2:4-5) JUDAH

Seven represents perfection. It's possible Israel believed everyone (even Judah) was about to be judged but they would remain safe, but Amos continued

#8 (2:6-16) ISRAEL

Thus, just like all the peoples above, Israel was soon to face judgment from God for their wickedness. Why?

THE REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
1. With great power comes great responsibility (Amos 3:1-2)
2. God does not make empty threats(Amos 3:3-8)
3. God would use Israel as an example after all(Amos 3:9-15)
4. Their rulers were like the cows of Bashan (Amos 4:1-3)
5. The people of Israel loved to sin (Amos 4:4-5)

Luke 9:1-17

Luke 9:1-6
Jesus Sends the 12

1. Power without authority is dangerous
2. Authority without power is meaningless
3. As Christians we have the authority (Jesus) & the means (Spirit)
4. This was basically ministry practice for the Twelve

Practice Ministry Finances
---They were not to rely on their own resources
---They were to give those ministered to a chance to give
---They were to leave unfruitful areas
This taught the disciples that God could be Trusted
This was not to be the norm, or forgotten (Luke 22:35)

Luke 9:7-9
Herod Perplexed
* Covered in previous weeks

Luke 9:10-17
Jesus Feeds 5,000

A Significant Miracle
This is the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospels
This miracle made them want to make him king by force (John 6:15)
Jesus used this event as a test for the disciples (John 6:5-6)
They were supposed to learn that Jesus provides (Matthew 16:8-10)

Hosea: Part 2

Hosea
God’s Prophet of Love

Why was God bringing Israel to an end?

1. Israel turned to others for its needs
“I will go after my lovers who give me”

2. Israel turned worship into entertainment
“I will stop all her celebrations”

3. Israel broke their end of the covenant
“They break all bounds”

4. Israel rejected their extra blessings
“You have rejected knowledge”

5. Israel had corrupt leadership
“They feed on the sins of my people”

6. Israel practiced idolatry
“They consult a wooden idol”

7. Israel was stubborn
“Like a stubborn heifer”

8. Israel had a rebellious spirit
“A spirit of prostitution is in their hearts”

9. Israel put their trust in foreign kings
“Ephraim turned to Assyria”

10. Israel had fickle love
“Your love is like the morning mist”

11. Israel failed to view God as Judge
“They do not realize that I remember”

12. Israel was very hot tempered
“Their hearts are like an oven”

13. Israel was very ungrateful
“But they plot evil against me”

14. Israel became too institutional
“They set up kings without my consent”

15. Israel rejected good counsel
“The prophet is considered a fool”

16. Israel produced no lasting fruit
“They yield no fruit”

17. Israel was deceived by wealth
“He built more…he adorned”

18. Israel had a sense of self-sufficiency
“Depended on your own strength”

19. Israel chased the latest thrills
“Ephraim feeds on the wind”

20. Israel was a warning sign for Judah
“Let not Judah become guilty”

The Milton Never Knew

Milton is 6 years old and lives in Guatemala. He enjoys chess and drawing pictures. He wants to be an accountant. He lives with his father, mother & 1 year old sister in a mudbrick house.

Ruth 1

Ben Franklin, when he was US Ambassador to France, occassionally attended the Infidels Club, a group of atheistic and agnostic intellectuals who discussed literary masterpieces and treated Scripture with scorn. Franklin changed the name and places in one of his favorite stories and read it to the group. They loved it. He happily then confessed to them that it was the Old Testament Book of Ruth.

Who
The book of Ruth was probably passed down orally for a few generations. It may have eventually been written down by Samuel and possible updated/modified after Samuel's death.

What
The book provides an account of the events that led to a marriage between Ruth and Boaz, great grandparents of King David

Where
The story takes place in Israel and Moab

When
The first verse tells us that this story took place during the time of the Judges, when there was a famine in the land (possibly around the time of the story of Gideon)

Why
The purpose of the book seems to be to provide some background on King David's lineage and to serve as a type of the union between Christ and the church.

Context
The time of the judges was a period of great darkness in Israel's history
They failed to destroy the enemies God had commanded them to kill
They provoked the Lord to anger
Judges temporarily brought them back
There were gruesome murders, reluctant heroes, and disappointing heroes
There were rapes, mass deaths & civil wars
There were no moral standards (21:25)

The story begins with a man named Elimelech from Bethlehem (which means 'house of bread'). Ironically, there is a famine in this land and so he moved his family to Moab (descendants of Lot). His family consisted of his wife and 2 sons. After Elimelech died, his wife (Naomi) was left with her 2 sons who married Moabite women. Soon after, the 2 sons also died, leaving Naomi with only her 2 daughter's-in-law. At this point Naomi decided to return to her homeland. 1 Daughter-in-law decides to stay in Moab, the other (Ruth) clings to Naomi.

2 Kinds of Love

1. Orpah
--Showed her love with a kiss
--Somewhat like 'lip service'
--Had legitimate sounding reasons
--Didn't walk with Naomi, turned back

2. Ruth
--Clung to Naomi
--Couldn't be persuaded to leave
--Fully committed to Naomi and her God
--Invited potential curse on herself

Ruth's surprising faith...
Think what she had observed about Israel's God
1. His land was experiencing famine
2. All 3 Israelite men she knew died early
3. Her mother-in-law was bitter against Him

She seems to have had many reasons to reject God, yet she didn't
She became 1 of 4 gentile woman to appear in matthew's geneology of Christ
She seems to have been the most virtuous of them all

Ruth

Ruth 1
Ruth 2
Ruth 3-4:12
Ruth 4:13-22

Hosea: Part 1

Hosea
God’s Prophet of Love

Part 1: The Introduction & Illustration

Outline of Hosea

I. Hosea’s Marriage 1-3
---Setting 1
---Struggle 2
---Solution 3
II. Hosea’s Message 4-14
---Punishment 4-13
---Restoration 14

Cultural Context 1:1
2091 BC - Abraham enters Land
2000 BC - Man enters N. America
1885 BC - Joseph Rules in Egypt
1750 BC - Hammurabi’s Code
1526 BC - Moses Born
1183 BC - Trojan War
1010 BC - David Israel’s King
1000 BC - Peking City Built
875 BC - Elijah Prophesies
776 BC - 1st Olympic Games
753 BC - Hosea Prophesies

Crazy Prophets 1:2-3
Isaiah Naked Isaiah 20
Jeremiah’s Yoke Jer. 27
Ezekiel Laid down Ezek. 4
Ezekiel not to mourn Ezek. 24
Hosea Weds Adulteress Hosea 1

The 3 Children 1:4-9
I. Jezreel
“End of Israel”
II. Lo-Ruhamah
“Not Loved”
III. Lo Ammi
“Not My People”

The Restoration 3:1-3
I. New beginning 3:1a
II. Love 3:1b-2
III. Relationship 3:3

Biblical Depictions of God
Father, Husband, Lion, Lamb, King, Servant, Judge, Hen, etc

We must balance our view of God with all the illustrations. Focusing too much on any 1 illustration will lead to a distorted view of God.

Hosea

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Luke 8:40-56

Luke 8:40-48
The Sick Woman

Observations about this Woman
She had a PROBLEM that wasn’t going away
She had a problem that the WORLD couldn’t fix
She was determined to find a solution
She had FAITH in Jesus’ power
The bleeding stopped when she connected with JESUS

Questions to Consider
Why did Jesus ask, “who touched me?”
--I don't think he knew who touched her, but he wanted to
What was different about this woman’s touch?
--It was a touch of faith
Is it possible to be in God’s presence and not be changed?
--Of course, people do it every week
Is faith the only factor in healing?
--No, God's will is the key factor

Luke 8:49-56
The Dead Girl

Points to Ponder
Our position shouldn’t prevent us from expressing need
Our faith can impact the life of another
Jesus is NOT bothered by our requests
The power of Jesus knows no bounds
Some people are invited to see greater miracles than others
1st century Jews often HIRED professional mourners
Jesus sometimes referred to death as ‘sleep’ in light of resurrection
Jesus has further direction for us even AFTER the gift of life

Why do you think Jesus ordered the parents not to spread the news?
--This was probably either to delay his inevitable arrest or to assure that only the Father received glory for miracles

Luke 8:22-39

Luke 8:22-25
Jesus Calms the Storm

This voyage was like a microcosm
of Israel’s 1st century existence
1. The Lord had given them a task
2. They were lost in the sea
3. They were caught in a storm
4. It seemed God was absent (Mark 4:38)

Jesus wanted to teach them about faith
1. It is trusting God, not trusting God will do blank
2. It is trusting God is with you even when He seems absent
3. It is something that should increase with time

This account shows that Jesus was master of nature

This account shows that Jesus was the Messiah

Luke 8:26-33
Jesus casts out demons

Being demonized doesn’t eliminate self-will
The way of the devil drives us closer to death
Mankind cannot triumph over demons
Demons cannot triumph over Jesus
The way of the devil drives us away from relationships

Luke 8:34-39
The People Respond

Fear is only valuable when directed toward the right place
Jesus won’t work where Jesus isn’t wanted
We remain here for the purpose of evangelism
This account shows that Jesus was the master of spirits