Ruth Study 2 - Famine

Bethlehem –Judah

Bethlehem means – House of Bread

Later becomes the birthplace of Jesus Christ who is the Bread of Heaven

Judah means – Praise the Lord

Jesus Christ is a descendant of the tribe of Judah

We have food and worship here. There was to be nourishment for ourselves and worship to God.

But there was a famine

It is interesting that within Palestine there were no rivers to rely on for the watering of crops etc. They had to rely on rain. If God stopped the rain there would be famine causing shortage and suffering.

How are we spiritually?

The vigilance of God

Lev 26 – there is 2 pathways outlined – obedience or disobedience

V1 – refraining from idolatry

V2 – regarding the Sabbath

V2 – revering His sanctuary

V3 – respecting God’s law

These were the commands of God to His people. If they did these they would receive a 6 fold blessing. Note the words “I Will”.

V4 – A Plentiful Rainfall

V6 – A Peaceful Rest

V6 – A Powerful Victory

V9 – A prosperous Supply

V11 – A Place of Worship

V12 – A Pleasant Communication

But God was vigilant; He saw their disobedience and tried a chastening method to bring them to Himself

Ruth Study 3

2. The visitation of God

Deut 11:13-14

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

 

The first rain was to prepare the soil and the second rain was to mature the crops.

The drought that brought the famine was a clear indication that Israel had disobeyed the Lord. The heavens were shut.

When we have a spiritual drought in individuals lives or in church organisations, it is because men have departed from the Living God.

It is a clear indication that the hand of God’s chastisement is upon us.

We need a time where Heavens are opened.

Luke 3:21-22

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

 

Acts 7:56

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

 

3. The Voice of God

Call to repentance

He was trying to bring them from idols, rebellion and disobedience

Some people run from the hand chastisement

God wanted a time of soul searching

Many in our ranks have given up the fellowship of the brethren, the worship of God, and their usefulness in service and have gone into a backslidden state rathere than meet the issue of God’s call to repentance.

The Failure

And a certain man of Beth–lehem–judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons

 

There were 3 countries that people living in Canaan have journeyed.

·         Egypt

·         Babylon

·         Moab

Egypt – Israel’s bondage in Egypt – Picture of the sinner in the world

Read Joshua 5:7-9

In their murmurings they wanted to turn back to Egypt

Acts 7:39 - To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

The wilderness was a type of regeneration

·         They were separated

·         Dwelling alone

·         Not welcome among the nations

·         Guide was the pillar of cloud – Holy Spirit

·         Fed by Heavenly manna

·         Drank the water from The Rock

Egypt was behind, Canaan was before them and God was with them

Israel in Canaan is typical of the believer in a fully consecrated, sanctified state.

Ready for the conflict

Joshua 1:3 - Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

Fight of faith

Dressed in his armour – the breast plate of righteousness – nothing to protect the back

No longer manna but milk and honey, grapes and pomegranates.

He is a victor, a conqueror, and an over comer

Babylon – home of the backslider and the apostate

Psalm 137:4 - How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

The picture of the backslider – no song, no joy, in a state of weeping and wanting

Rev 14:8 - And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Rev 18:21 - And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Rev18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Babylon started with the spirit of defiance and independence to ward God and took on the name Babel

Gen 11:1-9

 

 

Ruth Study 1

When does this story take place?

 

Disobedience

Defeat e.g Gideon

Disgrace – Judges 19

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

What has the following in common?

1.       2 Peter 2:5

2.       1 Peter 3:20

3.       Lev 14:10-11

4.       When was the Jewish boy circumcised?

5.       Count from Genesis to Ruth. How many is it?

Ruth :422 – David

Ruth describes the working of grace to the Gentile race through Jesus Christ of the seed of David

The number seven means complete or fullness. Judges is the 7^th book showing that Israel’s apostasy had come to its fullness.

The number 6 – incomplete/man – fallen man without Christ

How many were there in the family?

How many cities of refuge?

How many water pots in John 2:6?

The number 7 seven represents completeness/fullness/perfection.

Who is the 7^th character mentioned in Ruth?

Defeat of Jericho – 7 days and 7 times on the 7^th day

What do the following names mean?

Elimelech

Naomi

Mara – Ch 1:20

Mahlon

Chilion

Orpah

Ruth

Boaz – 1 kings 7:13-22

2 = testimony

John 8:17-18

Ex 31:18

2 goats - one was set free as a testimony

 

Modesty Heart Check

This was an article I came across while reading a book called "Worldliness - Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". It is well worth reading and discussing. Leave your comments

By Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw

“…Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Start with a Heart Check…

"How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance." John MacArthur [emphasis added]
What statement do my clothes make about my heart?
In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?
Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self- control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?
Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?
Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?
Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you’ll look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)
When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.
If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.
The same check is needed if I am wearing a sleeveless shirt. When I move aound, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.
Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter, or sheer blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet.
Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.
More key questions: Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer to anyone of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down...
Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.
I also have to turn around to see if what I'm wearing is too tight around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what I have to do!
And as for shorts - I can't just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.
The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I'm seated.
And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are also helpful here.
Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a sunlight check. Is it see- through? If so, I need a slip.
Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter. And don't forget, this applies to formal wear as well.
A note on swimwear: It's not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren't cut high on the leg and don't have low necklines.

Modesty Check@ 2002 Sovereign Grace MinistriesRepublished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)