The Ladies’ Corner

Archive for January, 2009

Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

Vessels Unto Honour

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, an some to dishonour.

2 Timothy 2:20

All Bible quotations are from the King James Bible 1611

Text – 2 Timothy 2:20-26

A vessel is a hollow utensil for holding things. Vessels can be different shapes, each for a different purpose. A vessel of honour (such as silver or gold) will be used for a much greater purpose than that of wood and earth (clay).

Symbolic Vessels:

1. Earthen Vessel (2 Corinthians 4:7)

2. Weaker Vessel – Wife (1 Peter 3:7)

3. Vessel of Honor – the saved (2 Timothy 2:21; Romans 9:21-23)

4. Vessels of Dishonour – the lost (Romans 9:21-23)

I. Who Is Represented As This Vessel? ___________

A. Some Biblical examples of what a useful vessel would hold:
1. _________ – Exodus 12:22-23 (The vessel was a _________)

Because of the blood of Christ we have been:
a. _____________________ – Ephesians 2:13-16
b. _____________________ – Ephesians 1:7
c. _____________________ – Romans 5:9
d. _____________________ – Hebrews 13:11-12

2. _____________ – Exodus 16:11-33 (This vessel was a ___________) We as human vessels have Christ, the Bread of Life – John 6:31-35

3. _____________ – Numbers 16:6-18 (The vessel was a censer) As a human vessel we need to offer our incense (prayers) unto God. Exodus 30:7; Psalm 141:1-2; Luke 1:9-10; Revelation 5:8

4. _____________ – Exodus 29:7; 30:22-31; Matthew 25:1-4. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. We need to be ____________ with the Holy Spirit (Psalm 23:5; 45:7) and be ____________ with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21) (Note: this is a COMMAND!)

B. Reasons to be a vessel
1. We are bought with a price – Titus 2:14
2. We are not our own – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3. We love the Lord – 1 John 4:19

II. How To Become A Vessel Of Honour

A. _____________ youthful lusts (1 Timothy 2:22a) Galatians 5:16; James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 2:11

B. _____________ (2 Timothy 22:2b)

1. _____________________ 1 Corinthians 15:34; Philippians 1:11; Proverbs 21:21
2. _____________________ Romans 10:17; 1 John. 5:4
3. _____________________ Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14
4. _____________________ Psalm 34:14, Colossians 3:15
5. _____________________ 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22

C. ________________ questions which gender strife (2 Timothy 2:23) 1 Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9

An honourable vessel is one that is esteemed or regarded highly. In order to remain vessels of honour, one needs to purge or separate from vessels of dishonour (II Timothy 2:21) II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:1-11; 1 John 2:15-17. A vessel of honour needs to maintain its usefulness by avoiding contamination.

III. Areas To Be A Vessel of Honour

A. _________________ – John 12:26
B. _________________ – Proverbs 31:25; 11:16
C. _________________ – Proverbs 31:28-29
D. _________________ – 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20

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Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

***********8

Answer Key

Vessels Unto Honour

I. (Put your name here.) The Christian (child of God)

A.1. Blood, bason
a. reconciled (made close to God, no longer enemies of God.)
b. redeemed (bought with a price – redemption through His blood.)
c. justified (accounting the guilty as just before God)
d. sanctified (set apart for a particular purpose)

2. Manna (food or bread) pot
3. Incense
4. Oil, anointed, filled

II. How To Become A Vessel of Honour

A. Flee
B. Follow (you need to have a leader to be a follower)
1. Righteousness
2. Faith (if we believe, we should obey – example: Abraham)
3. Charity
4. Peace
5. Pure heart
C. Avoid

III. Areas To Be A Vessel of Honour
A. The Lord’s service – as a Christian
B. Spouse / wife
C. Mother
D. Friendships

Monthly Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

2005

 

 

TABITHA: A Woman Full of Good Works

 

Tabitha is a Hebrew name but interpreted in the Greek as Dorcas. Both names signify a doe, or pleasant creature. Tabitha lived in the seaport city of Joppa, which is now called Japho.
 

Acts 9:36-43

1. The __________ of Tabitha
A. She was a ____________ (vs. 36)
** Characteristics of a disciple:
1. ____________________________________ Mt. 16:24
2. _________________________ Luke 14:26 (Turning away from self/family to serve the Lord)
3. _________________ (John. 8:31)
4. _______ for one another. (John 13:35)
5. _____________ John 15:8
B. She was _____________. (vs. 36)
C. She became ______ and ______. (vs. 37)
D. She was __________ missed. (vs. 39)
E. She was _______________for her good works. (vs. 39)
F. She was _________from the _________ by the apostle Peter. (vs. 40-41)

II. The ___________________ of Tabitha
The recorded passage of Tabitha indicates that she demonstrated her faith by her good works. Obviously she was very skilled with the needle and her hands and her hands were never idle, having learned to ______________ good works. Many people are full of good _______, but empty and barren of good _______. Tabitha was not a great _______, rather she was a great ______. Tabitha was very proficient in her deeds and service.

A. ________ in good works. 2 Corinthians 9:8. Meaning over and above just not the bare minimum.
B. _________ in good works. Col. 1:10. This implies one that is productive.
C. _________ in good works. 2 Thess. 2:17. We are to learn to be steadfast in our service for the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58
D. ____________ in good works. 1 Timothy 5:10. Meaning constant in our effort, not idle
E. __________ and ________ to every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21; Titus 3:1

III. The ___________of Tabitha
Prevalence: superior strength, influence or efficacy (able to produce results). As a disciple of Christ, Tabitha had a great impact in her community. She was known for her good works and alms-deeds. She must have had a reputation of a good woman who loved the Lord. When she became ill and died, the apostle Peter was sent for. He came and raised her back to life again. After this miracle, the Bible tells us that “many believed in the Lord.”

Am I a disciple of good works? (Matt.5:16, Eph 2:10, Titus 2:7; 3:14)

Warm hearts, willing hands, and wise heads are needed in the Lord’s work. If the wise head guides the willing hands, and both are influenced by the warm heart of love, then we shall be among God’s superlatives (best).

 

*************

 

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

 

**************

 

Answer key:

I. Profile
A. disciple
1. Self denial / Cross bearer
2. Renunciation
3. Stedfast
4. Love
5. Fruitful
B. charitable
C. sick, died
D. sadly
E. remembered
F. raised, dead

II. Proficiency, maintain, words, works, talker, doer
A. Abound
B. Fruitful
C. Stablished
D. Diligent
E. Prepared, ready

III. Prevalence

Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

February 2005

Teaching Our Children Reverence and Respect

Reverence: (1) Fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration;
(2) To regard with fear mingled with respect and affection.

Veneration- The highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe. -Webster’s 1828 dictionary

I. Reverence for God and the Things Which Pertain to God.

A. The ______ of God (Ex.20:7; Lev.19:12)
B. The ______ of God
1. It is ______ (Ps. 12:6/19:8/119:140; Pro 0:5)
2. It is __________ (Dt.4:2/12:32; Prov. 30:6, Rev.22:19)
C. The _________________ of God (Lev.19:30; 26:2; Ecc.5:1)
D. The ______ of God ( Nu.12; II Kings 2:22-24)

II Reverence for Parental Authority (Ex.20:12; Lev.19:3; Deut.5:16) Disrespect for parents can be demonstrated in many ways.

A. Speech

1. _______________ words (slurred “yeah”, “whatever”, “I know…”, whiny, snappy)
2. ______ of voice

B. ______ language
C. _____________ skills (Pr.: 8/ 4:10, 20/19:20)
D. Rolling of the ______. (Pr.30:17)
E. Murmuring (Phil 2:14, Num. 11:1)
F. Griping to their friends

A child, who has been allowed to disrespect and sass his parents, will have difficulty in reverencing God and other authority that has been set over him. Children need to be taught by example. If the mother is not reverencing her husband, or the father not submitting to God, the child will struggle in his own submission to authority.

If we neglect a problem with our children, the root just gets deeper and deeper.

“The best way for a man to train up a child in the way he should go is to travel that way himself ”
Anonymous

III. Reverence for the Aged. (Lev.19:32; Job 32:6)

A Rise when the elderly enter the room
B. Younger should stand to their feet when greeting / shaking hands with the elderly
C. Assisting the elderly when needed
D. Attentive when the elderly are speaking (Job 32:4, 6-7)

IV. Courtesy to Their Friends and Peers

A. Respect the property of others
B. “If it is not yours then don’t touch it”
C. Use proper manners when fellowshipping with each other (please, excuse me, thank you, etc…. )
D. Don’t be rude
E. Be thoughtful of another’s feelings

Prevention is Better than Repair!

**************8

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

**************

I. Reverence for God and the Things Which Pertain to God.
A. The Name of God
B. The Word of God
1. It is Pure
2. It is Sacred
C. The Sanctuary of God
D. The Man of God

II. Reverence for Parental Authority
A. Speech
1. Disrespectful words
2. Tone of voice
B. Body language
C. Listening skills
D. Rolling of the eyes.
E. Murmuring
F. Griping to their friends

Monthly Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

2005

Quitting Insurance

* * * A Heart of a Handmaiden by Cathy Corle
(Items between ( ) are not a part of her book but were added comments during the lesson.)

Ps 12:1 ” Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”

Micah 7:2- ” The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.”

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And when you want to smile, but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but DON’T YOU QUIT!

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint to the clouds of doubt
You never can tell how close you are­
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.
It’s when things go wrong that
YOU MUST NOT QUIT

1. ____________ that you will be tempted to quit.

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

2. Realize ______ you are tempted to quit. (Satan wants us out of the battle. My flesh carries me to sin, to live contrary to God’s Word.)

3. Be ____________   with some special verses and Bible illustrations that will bolster your resolve to keep on keeping on.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Corinthians 4:1,7-10 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; … But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

1 Chronicles 21 – Satan stands against Israel.

4. Make God some ____________ about finishing what He has for you to do. (Don’t be rash about your promises. Judges chapter 11.)

5. Guard your ___________    and times of ___________.

6. _________ your philosophy to admit that it’s better to fail than to quit.

7. Surround yourself with ________________. (Keep away from pessimistic people. Look for the good – dig if you have to.)

8. ___________ so you won’t cry, or cry if you must.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

9. ____________why you started in the first place.

10. ___________ God’s promises, to stay positive.

11. Count your ____________.

12. Have an `in case of an emergency’ plan. (Have someone you can call for support.)

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

If I quit, what effect will it have on others?

*****************

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up

all verses, and entered in all information for yourself.

************

1. Realize and admit
2. why
3. prepared
4. promises
5. weaknesses, temptations
6. Adjust
7. encouragement
8. Laugh
9. Remember
10. List, claim, fight
11. blessings

Monthly Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

 

VESSELS UNTO HONOUR

 

Personal Appearance

 

 

1 Samuel 16:7 ……for man looketh on the outward ____________ but the Lord looketh on the ____________. 

 

Only God can see the heart. Man can not see the heart, and therefore will draw conclusions by appearance and actions. 

 

Because of this, it is needful that we as Christian ladies maintain an appearance that will be a testimony to those we come in contact with. Although someone may not consider themselves physically attractive, this is not what is important, we can still have an appearance that is well-kept, clean, and tidy. A meek and quiet spirit is reflected on the outside by what is in the heart; therefore, our outer appearance should be a reflection of that.

I. Women Whom God Noted in the Bible as Beautiful Women

A. _______________________ – Genesis 12:11
B. _______________________ – Genesis 24:15-16
C. _______________________ – Genesis 29:17
D. _______________________ – 1 Samuel 25:3
E. _______________________ – Esther 1:11
F. _______________________ – Esther 2:7
G. _______________________ – Job 42:15

II. Why An Attractive Appearance is Needful

A. You are being watched.

B. You are an example:
1. to the world
2. to your family

C. You ____________ your husband. Do you care enough to look nice for him? Do others know how much you love and respect your husband by your appearance? (1 Corinthians 11:7)

D. You are a ____________________ of the King. (Psalm 45:13)

E. You reflect your attitude:
1. Your attitude towards the ____________________ (Psalm 139:14) God made you wonderful, and you should honour the Lord by taking care of yourself.
2. Your attitude towards yourself. Are you displaying the “I don’t care attitude” in your appearance?
3. Your attitude towards others. Are you concerned what people think of you as you display the attitude of your heart through your appearance.

III. Helps in Maintaining Your Appearance

A. Clothing
1. Proper fit. Does is suit your build?
2. Free of wrinkles
3. Maintenance of the garment (buttons, hems, tears)
4. Clean

B. Hair and Face
1. Wash your hair as often as needed
2. Have a style that complements you and is easy to fix
3. Facial work up
(a) cleanser
(b) toner
(c) moisturizer
· Drinking plenty of water is a natural beauty aid for the skin

C. Personal Hygiene
1. Bathe / shower as needed
2. Antiperspirant/deodorant
3. Proper dental care
4. Keep nails clean and filed

**************

 

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

 

************8

 

Answer Key – Vessels Unto Honour

Personal Appearance

 

 

- appearance
- heart

I. Women Whom God Noted in the Bible as Beautiful Women
     A. Sarah
     B. Rebekah
     C. Rachel
     D. Abigail
     E. Vashti
     F. Esther
     G. Daughters of Job

 

II. Why An Attractive Appearance is Needful
     C. Reflect
     D. Child
     E.  1. Lord

Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

October 14th, 2003

 

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Why Am I a Miserable Christian?

 

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart!
Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

 

The Christian life that is joyless is a discredit to God and a disgrace to itself.
-Babcock

 

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
-Spurgeon

 

I. I have lost the joy of my ________. Ps. 9:14; 35:9; 51:12 (Sin affects others around me.) Isaiah 12:3; Hab. 3:18, Luke 10:20)

 

“What we mean by salvation is this-deliverance from the love of sin, rescue from the habit of sin, setting free from the desire to sin .”
-Spurgeon

 

 

We mutter and stutter,
We fume and we spurt;
We mumble and grumble,
Our feelings are hurt;
We can’t understand things
Our vision grows dim,
When all that we need is
A moment with Him!

- Mary Helen Anderson
 

 

**************

 

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

 

***********

 

Answer Key:

I.      salvation
II.     study
III.    supplication
IV.    soulwinning
V.     Spirit
VI.    song
VII.   service
VIII.  second

Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

  August 29th, 2006

The Place of Meribah – The Waters of Strife

Psalms 106:25-33  “They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.”

 Exodus 17:1-7

V 7  “And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel,..”

 Numbers 20:1-13 

V 13 “This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.” 

I.                    The __________________ of Strife

A.     _____________ – Exodus 17:7 “Is the LORD among us or not?”

1.      They doubted His ____________ – Exodus 13:21-22 (They had God’s continual presence)

2.      They doubted His ____________ – God was in control

3.      They doubted His ____________ – Exodus 6:6-9, 14:10-14

B.     _____________ – Proverbs10:12

C.     _____________ – Proverbs 22:10

D.     _____________ – Proverbs 29:22/15:18 – The children of Israel had anger towards Moses and God

E.      _____________ – Proverbs 16:28 – Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: “not willing to yield or comply with what is required, unyielding, disobedient

F.      _____________ – Proverbs 28:25/13:10

G.     ________________________________ – Galatians 5:19-20

II.                 The __________________ of Strife

A.     ______________ – Division – Genesis 13:7-9, I Corinthians 1:10/12:24-27

B.     ______________ – Exocus 17:4 Moses went crying unto the Lord; he was distraught.

C.     ______________ – Moses was so upset with the people that it interfered with his obedience to God’s instruction (Numbers 20:10-11). Strife within the church can cause distraction to God’s service.

D.     ______________ – Because of Moses’ disobedience, he could not bring the children of Israel into the Promise Land  – Numbers 20:12

E.      ______________ – Numbers 16 – account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram – the earth swallowed them up)

III.               The __________________ for Strife

A.     ______________ for the brethren. – Proverbs 10:12, Galatians 5:13, I Thsessalonians 4:9, I Peter 4:8

B.     Be ________ to anger. – Psalms 37:8, Proverbs 14:17, 15:18, 16:32, 19:11, Ecclesiastes 7:9, James 1:19

C.     Demonstrate _________________ – Proverbs 11:2, 16:18-19, 18:12

D.     __________ in the Spirit. – Galatians 5:15-16, 22-26

**************

 

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

 

************8

 

Answer Key

 

I.                    Causes
A.     Doubt
1.      prescence
2.      providence
3.      promose

B.     Hatred
C.     Scorn
D.     Anger
E.      Frowardness
F.      Pride
G.     Works of the flesh

II.                 Casualties
A.     Division
B.     Discouragement
C.     Disobedience
D.     Disapointment
E.      Death

III.               Cure
A.     Love
B.     slow
C.     humility
D.     Walk

 

 

Mean Moms

We had the meanest mother in the whole world!

While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkle for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

 

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

 

She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds.

 

Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up.

 

They had to come up to the door so she could meet them.

 

While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.

 

Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other’s property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.

 

Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that’s what’s wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms anymore.

 

AMEN!
 

Ladies meetings: People’s Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

February 2001

 

 

Women of The Bible:

Naomi
The Woman Who Left Full

And Returned Empty

 

All Bible quotations are from the  King James Version 1611

 

The book of Ruth opens with the sorrowful story of a Hebrew family dwelling in Bethlehem-Judah. Famine plagues the land which prompts Elimelech to take his family from the land of bread to “sojourn in the country of Moab…” Because Elimelech stepped out from under God’s will, his family suffered the consequences of his decision. Hence, the very words of Naomi recorded in Scripture tells us the affliction that came upon this family- 

Ruth 1:21a

“I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty” 

What was it that Naomi lost while living outside of the will of God?

What lessons can be gleaned through the life of Naomi?

I. What Naomi Lost

A. Her Husband
“And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.” Ruth 1:3

B. She Lost Her Children
Ruth 1:5

“And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.” 

C. She Lost Her Witness or Testimony
Ruth 1:8-13 

8 “And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. 
9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. 
10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. 
11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 
12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; 
13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”

D. She Lost The Favour of God
Ruth 1:13b

“…for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” 

E. She Lost Her Beauty
Ruth 1:19

“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?”

F. She Lost Her Joy
Ruth 1:20

“And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” 

G. She Lost The Fullness of God
Ruth 1:21

“I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” 

 

*Other Bible examples of families being destroyed because of disobedience:

1. Lot
Genesis 19:1-38 

1 “And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; 
2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. 
3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. 
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 
5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 
6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 
7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 
8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. 
9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. 
10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. 
11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. 
12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: 
13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. 
14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. 
15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 
16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 
17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. 
18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: 
19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: 
20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. 
21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. 
22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 
23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. 
24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 
25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. 
26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 
27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: 
28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. 
29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. 
30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. 
31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: 
32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 
33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. 
34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 
35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. 
36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. 
37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. 
38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.”

2. Korah
Numbers 16:1-50 

1 “Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 
2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 
3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? 
4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: 
5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. 
6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; 
7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi. 
8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: 
9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? 
10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? 
11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? 
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: 
13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? 
14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. 
15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. 
16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: 
17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. 
18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. 
19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. 
20 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 
21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. 
22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? 
23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 
24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. 
25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 
26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. 
27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. 
28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. 
29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. 
30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. 
31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 
32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. 
34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. 
35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. 
36 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 
37 Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed. 
38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. 
39 And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: 
40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. 
41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. 
42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. 
43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. 
44 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 
45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. 
46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. 
47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. 
48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. 
49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. 
50 And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.”

3. Achan
Joshua 7:1-26

1 “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 
2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 
3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 
4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 
5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 
6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. 
7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! 
8 O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! 
9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? 
10 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 
11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 
12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. 
13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. 
14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man. 
15 And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. 
16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: 
17 And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: 
18 And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. 
19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. 
20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 
21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. 
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. 
23 And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD. 
24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 
25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 
26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.”

II. Lessons Learned

A. Staying in God’s will brings Prosperity for you, your family, and others.
Genesis 39:3-5 

3 “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 
5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.”

Deuteronomy 29:9
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.”

1 Chronicles 22:13

“Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” 

Psalm 1:3

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” 

B. Living in God’s will enables your Light to shine.
Matthew 5:13-16 

13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Acts 13:47

“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” 

Ephesians 5:8

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

Philippians 2:15

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” 

C. Trusting in God’s will grants you the Favour of God
Proverbs 3:1-6 

1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Genesis 6:8-9 

8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”

Genesis 39:21-23 

21 “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 
22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 
23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”

1 Samuel 2:26 

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.” 

1 Samuel 3:18-21 

18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. 
19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 
20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. 
21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Luke 1:30

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” 

D. Doing God’s will gives you Joy.
John 13:17

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” 

Psalm 16:11

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” 

Psalm 40:8

“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” 

Psalm 100:2

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” 

Isaiah 51:11

“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. “ 

 Isaiah 35:10

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

E. Yielding to God’s will brings you the Fulness of God
Ephesians 3:19
“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” 

Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” 

1. Stephen
Acts 7:54-55 

54 “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”

2. Barnabas
Acts 11:22-24 

22 “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

3. Saul (Paul)
Acts 13:9
“Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,”

 

“I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty…” 
Ruth 1:21a 

 

Naomi suffered God’s chastisement,

but she returned to regain God’s best. 

 

************* 

“The will of God will never lead us
where the grace of God is inadequate to keep us.”

“Better to shun the bait than to struggle in the snare”

Dryden

************* 

Personal notes and other points brought up during lesson:

1. C. Naomi was so backslidden she tries to send her daughters-in-law back to an idolatrous nation

E. Isaiah 3:9a, Psalm 149:4, 1Peter 3:3-6, Proverbs 21:29 (Consequence of sin – hardeneth his face…)

F. Fountain can’t give out sweet and bitter water.

G. “Quench not the Spirit…” 1Thes 5:19

The Lord will bless for one righteous in the house, so it indicates she was part of the instigation process – see point II, Gen 39:5)

Prosperity: Matthew 6:33, promise: food, rainment, family, friends

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

II. B. Matthew 5:13-16 How does your light shine? Is your light ineffective because of the way you live? How bright our light shines depends on us!

When bringing the offering for the tabernacle, God told Moses not to accept the people’s offering unless it was given willingly.

Children – Pray openly with your children – for sins they need help with, keep it before them, so they know it’s wrong.

 

Women of The Bible:

Mary

The Woman Who

Found Favour With God

Luke 1:26-56

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshdow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39 ¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

This portion of Scripture declares the exciting story of Mary being made aware that she has been selected by God to give birth to the Saviour of the world. Mary was used of the Lord in a special way. What qualities in Mary’s life enabled her to find favour with God? “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Luke 1:30

I. The Purity of MaryLuke 1:26-27, 34
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

It was prophesied in the Old Testament that Jesus would be born of a virgin.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The Scriptures also record that Jesus would be a descendent of the tribe of Judah.

Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

and the line of David

Luke 3:33
Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

Matthew 1:2-3

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Isaiah 11:1-5
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Matthew 1:1

But the unknown in this Old Testament prophecy is the name of the young maiden, the virgin, who would be chosen for the sacred task of giving birth to the Son of God.

Although Mary did not know she would be selected by God, Mary still made the decision to keep herself pure. Just as Mary had done, we need to keep ourselves pure and clean (physically and spiritually) to be used effectively for the Lord’s work.

A. Purity from Sin

Psalm 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

Isaiah 1:15-18
15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

I John 1:7-9

Revelation 1:5

B. Purity of Heart

Psalm 24:3-4
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Peter 1:22

C. Purity of Conscience

Acts 23:1
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

1Timothy 1:5, 19
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

Hebrews 13:18

II. The Humility of Mary Luke 1:38a
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;Deuteronomy 34:5
So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.Joshua 24:29
And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

3. Hannah
1 Samuel 1:11, 18
1 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life.

Mary could have easily been lifted up in pride due to the praise given by the angel Gabriel. Instead, Mary refers to herself as the “handmaid of the Lord.” Handmaid is synonymous with servant (slave); one who gives himself up to another’s will; those whose service is used by Christ.

A. Examples of Servants

1. Moses

2. Joshua

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

4. Paul
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Philippians 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:B. Characteristics of Servants of the Lord

2 Timothy 2:24, 26
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1. Peacemaker
2. Patient
3. Gentle, Gracious
4. Meek
5. Teachable
6. HumbleIII. The Submission of Mary

Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

5. Our Lord

James 4:10

“…be it unto me according to thy word:.

Mary submitted to the divine will of God.
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.2 Chronicles 30:8
Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.IV. The Faith of Mary

Luke 1:45
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

A. The Divine Example of Submission

Matthew 26:39-42
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

John 5:30
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

B. The Command of Submission

Romans 6:13-19
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Mary demonstrated her faith by never questioning or doubting the message that the angel Gabriel had brought to her. Mary also believed the message that was brought to the shepherds. She believed that God would do what He said. We need faith to please God

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. V. Mary Exalts the Lord Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

A. Her Magnifying

Psalm 34:3
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

B. Her Rejoicing

1 Samuel 2;1
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

C. Her Thanksgiving

Psalm 20:5
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Psalm 33:1
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Psalm 97:2
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

Philippians 4:4, 6

Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 147:7
Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

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Things to ask ourselves:

Am I desiring to be a spiritual success?

Have I found favour with God or with man?

Remember:

“The man who humbly bows before God
is sure to walk upright before man.”