Living From Biblical Theology

Great Passage: Theology & Application. James was guided by God to write this to people he cared for, so he encourages them to think rightly about God and then act from there. James first shares biblical theology on important topics: Our Sin, God’s Essence, God’s Grace, The use of God’s Word. Then he gives us an overview of how we are to live in response to God’s Revelation. As followers of Christ this is our lifelong pursuit: Application of Scripture!

Pt. 2 James 1:12-25

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

• The blessings are the intimacy that happens when you trust God in faith
• ‘Crown of Life’ = eternity with God…we can only give our life to Him out of love

13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.

• Temptation has 3 sources as revealed in Scripture (Our Flesh / Satan / World)
• None of the sources are God, yet HE allows them

14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

• Our desires, NOT God’s…
• Acting on our desires is when it moves from temptation to sin
• When that sin action is not repented of & renounced it becomes open rebellion
• James wants everyone to be clear: Don’t let sin have a place, don’t let it grow

17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

• God is Unchanging Good; Author of all Creation
• This birth He chooses us for is ‘Eternal Birth’ a gift that is personal in Christ
• The gift of salvation thru His True Word (Christ)

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

• We need to understand how important what we do is (Matthew 15: 18-20)
• The heart of who we are is reflected by our life-style
• We must let our transformed heart lead our actions to renounce old lifestyle
• What will save our souls is nothing short of total surrender to the Gospel

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

• A difference between acknowledging Scripture & crafting a life based upon it
• Constant reference and adjustments: Active Ownership of Your Discipleship

25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

• James comes from a perspective of ‘The Law ‘ being God’s revelation
• God’s revelation has now been perfected in Christ Jesus
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the perfect Law that sets you free!
• So we are to Know it well and consistently apply it to real life (ritual & habit)
• The blessing again is the intimacy of God’s presence and communion with Him!

Application Questions:

Why is it important to know where God is in the process of temptation and sin?

How can you create a truly ‘Biblical’ view of who God is & how He interacts with you?

What influences can you reduce in your life to allow the righteousness God desires?

What are aspects of your lifestyle that enable or hinder application of God’s Word?

What God is Birthing

Loss / Hope / Hardship / Isolation / Faith / Seeking Good / Trust / Blessings

The Book of Ruth amplifies the story of all Scripture: Redemption by God’s Grace! What was lost in the garden, our intimacy with our creator; can be regained. Ruth is a short story that could almost be seen as a ‘Cliff Notes’ for all scripture.

We left our story at this point last week:

Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”

Ruth 4:11-22

11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel.

• They publicly attest to being witnesses (basically going on the record)
• 1^st Blessing: Rachel & Leah were grafted in like Ruth is
• God builds His nation of Israel by including outsiders

May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.

• ‘Ephrathah’ is the revered ancestral line of Caleb, from the tribe of Judah
• Caleb’s descendants settled what became Bethlehem: ‘House of Bread’
• From the ‘House of Bread’ will come the ‘Bread of Life’

12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

• In the story of Judah & Tamar the brother didn’t act as Guardian Redeemer
• God preserved the lineage even through all of that sin
• Judah’s line is where Sin and Grace collide…all the way to ‘The Cross’
• Perez’s offspring were numerous and influential then and in the future

Nehemiah 11:6

The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of standing.

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

• The Lord given the credit… Miracle? Was Ruth Barren? Was Boaz too old?
• Bottom line: It is God who conceives ALL Life

14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

• Boaz is an example of and an instrument of: God’s Redemptive Character!
• This is all being attributed to God!
• The Child is to be famous, and a blessing to Namoi
• The Child would be the heir that will protect and provide for Namoi
• ‘Better than seven sons’…

16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

• A Son as in a way to keep the family name going
• Obed means ‘Servant’…

18 This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, 19 Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, 20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 21 Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, 22 Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.

• Why is keeping track of the lineage important?
• God uses uncommon ways to bring forth His Messiah from His people
• This union ultimately produces David (Foreshadow of Christ)

God in His sovereignty Provides & God by His Grace Redeems!

Application Questions:

The blessings the crowd bestows on Boaz…why so elaborate?

Why does all the attention shift to Namoi regarding the child?

What does this book say to you about follow-ship in the midst of hardship?

What does it look like for you trust God for both provision & redemption?

Living God’s Way Reveals God’s Will

Our Vision: To be Gospel-Living, Disciple-Making, Community-Serving followers of Christ.

Our Values:Scripture / Prayer / Family / Generosity

Our Practices:Building Biblical Community / Forming Intentional Relationships / Prioritizing Active Involvement / Embracing Ongoing Transformation / Focusing on Multiplication / Fostering Collaboration / Pursuing Truth

We focus on these things, based on Scripture because we believe God has called us to live in these ways.

If we live the way God has called us to we will understand more clearly His will for us

Ruth 3

1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours…

• Namoi looking to other’s interests…(Philippians 2:4)
• She is looking to work within the circumstances God has created
• God’s way is seeking Him where He has you & in the circumstances you are in

Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

• Present your best self; it honors God, He made you!
• Doing good things without a spotlight and without public witness (Performance)
• Biblical principals of humility and honor.
• Choosing tho align ourselves with others who have Christ Centered Priorities
• Depending on God is God’s way of living (for us who follow Christ)

5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down.

• Ruth trusts Namoi & God taking advise; submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21
• She could try to take control but she does what Namoi tells her to do

8 In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

• She references God’s way (the guardian redeemer) to see where He is
• She asks him to accept the God-given role by making gesture (be her covering)

10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

• For Boaz, The Lord is the source of all blessings
• He affirms Ruth’s way (God’s Way) of seeking provision / protection
• He noticed she didn’t take the route most pleasurable to her thought of others
• He uses the term ‘daughter’
• They have shared values that come from good Theology

12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

• Boaz will not cut corners, he wants to do it God’s way
• Has Ruth stay for safety reasons
• Boaz wants to redeem Ruth but is willing to trust God to give him the chance
• If given the chance, he will do it. (as sure an oath as he could make)

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.

• She does what he says to do, following Namoi’s instructions
• Everything was above board but Boaz is wise to eliminate wrong perceptions
• He is concerned about Ruth reputation
• He gives her a reason to be out this early, she just went and bought barley

16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17 and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” 18 Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

• Namoi knew what was at stake
• Boaz is letting Namoi know, through Ruth, that he is looking to bless them both
• Namoi knows it is a done deal, tells Ruth to wait (Wait on The Lord)
• Tune in next week when…

Living God’s way involves Waiting & Acting:

Ruth & Boaz in some way ‘wait on The Lord’ to discover His Will

Boaz and Ruth act with intention when they see God move

Application Questions:

How can you help others figure out their way in this life using Biblical Principals?

How willing are you to humble yourself for others in ways that will not be noticed?

Boaz is a role model of God given integrity; how can you imitate him?

Where in your life should you wait? Where in your life should you act intentionally?

Obedience & Blessings

Ruth 1:19-2:12

19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

• Not a lot of coming and going in those days… little chance to see her again
• Namoi means ‘Pleasant’… Mara means ‘Bitter’
• Full: A husband and two sons…’of course I was pleasant then’
• Empty: Loss of family is loss of everything
• The level of anguish is know only to those who have experienced it
• She is equating her earthly suffering with God’s displeasure / lack of blessing
• “I cannot be ‘Pleasant’ if the Lord has sent this level of loss into my life.
• She cannot see the big picture…she is thinking like one of Job’s ‘friends’

22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest. 1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

• These lines provide context & backdrop for the remainder of the story
• There are no coincidences!
• Right time of year, right industry, right role for Ruth
• Traditional role of ‘foreigners’ as ‘Gleaners’

2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.

• Ruth asks permission to go work to be a vehicle of provision
• She is aware of the command from God to let foreigners, widows & such ‘Glean’
• Namoi gives the go ahead and look where Ruth ends up

4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. 5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” 6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

• This exchange tells us who Boaz is and how he runs his business: God honoring!
• He know his business well enough to see there is a new person working
• The foreman knew what Boaz would have wanted done…’Biblical Culture’
• The foreman notices the work ethic and shares that with Boaz
• What is Ruth’s motivation to work so hard?

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

• Boaz quickly sets up the environment for her, gives her clear expectations
• He let’s her know she is an ‘official part of the operation’
• He let’s her know she will be taken care of
• Does Ruth ‘earn’ these blessings by obedience to God’s ways?

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

• Ruth responds in humility, she expresses that she not expecting such treatment
• Ruth’s reputation proceeds her: The kind of person she is has been noticed
• Boaz affirms her attitude and actions and asks God to bless / reward her
• Is she doing what she is doing to be rewarded by God? Is it an expectation?

Application Questions:

When bad things happen in your life what do you consider the cause of them to be?

What motivates you to do things for others and how much of that do you do?

What is the relationship between our obedience & God’s sovereignty in being blessed?

How important to you is having a reputation for helping others? What drives that?

How has God used His people to clearly bless you when you were pursuing His will?

1^st Corinthians 16 Building Biblical Church Culture

Paul ends this letter to the Corinthian Church with some specific instructions that give us principles for how we should do things here at Midtown Church.

This whole letter is full of building blocks for a Biblical Church Culture.

The purpose of this scripture is to give them & us clear direction for Christ’s church

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

• This is the Scripture that sets the cultural standard in Christ’s body for giving
• Giving / allocating is to be done regularly
• The longer you have it the better chance you will spend it
• This is a prescription for how we should give. Why?

3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

• The norm is not to just give, but to be involved in the ministry
• Working with others in our church and others is how ministry is to be done:

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.

• This is an example of on-going involvement as a church with other ministries
• Taking the time to build relationships that honor Christ

7 This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

• Paul is an example of investing in others based on being led by God
• Working hard where you are, looking for the next opportunity
• Opportunities to serve God will come with Opposition: Paul trusts God

10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

• There may be people doing ‘The Lord’s Work’ that you don’t think should be in that position
• Proper authority structures are put in place by Christ to lead HIS church
• The standard is that people will be sent with Timothy to do missionary work

12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity. 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

• The Corinthians were big fans of Apollos, they want him to come, so did Paul
• Apollos had to do what Christ wanted, not what the Corinthians wanted
• The exhortation is to do what Apollos stood for in his absence (Grow Yourself)
• This echoes previous messages: Love has to be the overriding influence in life

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

• Stephanas was an example of one who came to Christ and poured out his life
• God’s Leaders (proved by the laying down of their lives) are to be followed
• Why are the Corinthians not in tune with God’s chosen leadership?
• Apollos was the flasher, more accomplished leader, but God placed Stephanas

17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

• These Corinthian men had brought the questions to Paul from the Corinthians
• These are men who were surrendered to Christ and the work of the Gospel
• Christ’s Churches are to show appreciation to those who sacrifice like this

19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

• There is to be fellowship with other groups of believers
• They know each other well enough to really care about each other

21 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come! 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

• This letter was dictated by Paul, he wanted to be sure they knew it was from him
• This statement is much like what Jesus says in Matthew 12:31

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.”

Application Questions:

How do you give? Do you see a Scriptural imperative to do what is being prescribed?

How are you getting involved in ministry besides giving monetarily?

What investments in Midtown are you making right now? What are you planning to do?

Are you in tune with what the leadership of Midtown is doing? Why or why not?