This study is centered around Peter’s Description of the Promises, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [a]corruption that is in the world through lust” ( 2 Peter 1:4 ). Notice that Peter not only describes the promises as being “great”, but “exceedingly great”, Peter tells us they are “precious” and that God has given them to us. Indeed God is the great Giver and His greatest gift was that of His Son, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16), thus we should all be saying, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
We already know that we must do our best in everything that we do because we reflect God to those around us. Question is, what is our motive? Maybe you’re working hard at your job because really want that promotion because you know people will respect you more or, maybe you’re involved in an academics and you’re working hard to get some letters after your name. Now, there is nothing wrong with working hard to get a promotion at work or with having some letters after your name. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Why are we doing it?” Is it for the glory of God, or to glorify ourselves?
I find it highly significant what and how James and Paul by inspiration penned these words. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (James 2:23). Like Abraham, when members of the Lord’s body say, I BELIEVE GOD. Which is different than, “I believe in God”. We’re saying more than I believe there is a God. We’re saying more than I believe there is a Savior. We’re saying—I am willing to submit—mind—body—soul—life to the will of God (Luke 10:27). We’re saying—I believe the word of God—I accept it as the mirror of my soul (James 1:25). We’re saying—I believe the word of God—alone is the standard—source of all truth (John 17:17). We’re saying I will use His word—to complete me and thoroughly equip me (2 Tim. 3:17).
The book of Ruth is a parallel to life, reflecting good choices, bad choices, tragedy, triumph, and yes even love and relationships. Three Points of our lesson: Dedication to God, Dedication to Family and Two Choices.
Psalm 37:39-40 “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Perhaps we sometimes overlook it, but it is there that we can find powerful help and special providence in time of need. I am interested in affirming that He has promised His help to His people who are serving Him. One of the great messages of the Scriptures is that God helps and delivers those who trust in Him “And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him” (Psa. 37:40).
In the first chapter of Ruth the writer paints a clear picture for us of three women walking down a road that heads out of the country of Moab, and toward the city of Bethlehem Judah. Imagine with me this scene as Naomi stops—turns—and addresses her following daughters-in-law. She said, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband. So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept” (Ruth 1:8-9 ). Such an emotional scene as Naomi reveals two choices, stay, or go. Follow me to a possible life of hard labor, to a land and people you do not know, to live under the law of Jehovah or turn back to your people and your gods, an easier road. What would you have done?
“Therefore Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. 18 I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:17-18) God gave an “exceedingly great and precious promise” (2 Pet. 1:4) “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” He promised that we could have an eternal Father-child relationship with Him the almighty creator. This promise should be sufficient to motivate us to leave the world behind and turn to God. John said, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!…” (1 John 3:1), and we who know God, know that we are because we obey Him.