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Ruth's Commitment
Today's character is Ruth. Create a word picture to show her characteristics.
Ruth was a quiet woman who showed commitment.
Ruth was a quiet woman who showed commitment.
What was Ruth’s temperament? Did it affect her commitment? How was she different from Orpah? How was she influenced by Naomi?
Do a study on what it takes to be committed to God. How can Christians show they are committed? Can a person change his commitment?
A Secret Kindness
“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not” (v. 16).
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day. — Fanny Crosby
A secret kindness is His presence, giving us strength for each day!
Ruth: A Woman of Commitment
Focus Text: Ruth 1:8-18; 4:13-17
Central Truth: God honors those who honor Him.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify areas in their lives in which they can be more committed to God.
Lesson Outline:
I. An Important Choice (Ruth 1:8-14)
II. A Heroic Commitment (Ruth 1:15-18)
III. An Abundant Reward (Ruth 4:13-17)
What Is Valor?
Have the class work together to prepare a word picture of Gideon for the character notebook.
Gideon was an active man who fought evil.
Was Gideon a man of valor? Define valor. What were some other characteristics of Gideon that may have contributed to his success? Maybe there were some characteristics that were a hindrance to him. How did he overcome those hindrances?
God Calls Gideon
“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” (v. 14).
It was during the Friday night missions service at the annual camp meeting in Petersburg, Michigan. The missionary leader had preached. Now he was appealing to everyone, especially young people, to offer themselves to God for Christian service.
It was during the Friday night missions service at the annual camp meeting in Petersburg, Michigan. The missionary leader had preached. Now he was appealing to everyone, especially young people, to offer themselves to God for Christian service.
A large number of people responded by going to the altar and front of the tabernacle. I was a preteen in that service fifty years ago and was one of many who responded to the invitation. When I offered myself to God, He responded by calling me into His ministry. The assurance of His call has inspired and impelled my life since that day.
Gideon had a “God moment.” The angel of the LORD who met with Gideon was probably Jesus Christ himself! This is what theologians call a theophany — an Old Testament appearance of Jesus.
The message of the Lord was clear and specific. Gideon was to rescue Israel from the Midianites. Gideon was very confident of His inability to be used by God, but God assured Him of His presence.
Someone said, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” While God does often use people who have natural abilities, He seems to specialize in gifting people who have few natural gifts but who surrender themselves to His call. (Mark D. Avery)
Are you listening? Will you hear when God speaks to you?
Gideon had a “God moment.” The angel of the LORD who met with Gideon was probably Jesus Christ himself! This is what theologians call a theophany — an Old Testament appearance of Jesus.
The message of the Lord was clear and specific. Gideon was to rescue Israel from the Midianites. Gideon was very confident of His inability to be used by God, but God assured Him of His presence.
Someone said, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” While God does often use people who have natural abilities, He seems to specialize in gifting people who have few natural gifts but who surrender themselves to His call. (Mark D. Avery)
Are you listening? Will you hear when God speaks to you?
Gideon: A Man of Valor
Focus Text: Judges 6:11-16; 7:16-23
Central Truth: God gives us victory as we follow His leading.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to choose one area of life in which they will take a stand for the Lord.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Deliverer Called (Judges 6:11-16)
II. Preparation for Battle (Judges 7:16-18)
III. Courage Brings Victory (Judges 7:19-23)
Lesson Outline:
I. A Deliverer Called (Judges 6:11-16)
II. Preparation for Battle (Judges 7:16-18)
III. Courage Brings Victory (Judges 7:19-23)