• proceeding from Rome to the Sonburst Class
• shift from shameless immorality (1:18-32) to the world of self-conscious moralism

• inexcusable
• inescapable
• insensitivity

• discernment
• distinction

• sinners
• secrets
• standard

• Because God’s standard of righteousness is found exclusively in Christ Jesus, rely entirely on the righteousness He provides.
• three words of application: comparison, condemnation and confession
• “Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin; Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within. Thy love to me, O God, not mine, O Lord, to Thee, can rid me of the dark unrest, and set my spirit free…” (Bonar, “Not What These Hands Have Done”)

• theological treatise: doctrine and duty
• Paul’s relationship with the church at Rome

• objective
• obligation

• shameless
• substance (Hab. 2:4)

• wrath
• removal
• reality

• given up (3 times)
• devastating exchange

• Because only the gospel delivers desperate sinners, delight in its transforming power.
• “On that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy loving face; Clothed then in blood-washed linen, how I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace…” (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Robinson)

• Three scenes in Ruth: road (1), field (2) and threshing floor (3)
• continuation of Naomi’s concern

• Because the LORD providentially intervenes in the lives of His people, trust Him to replace your emptiness with His fullness.
• connection to NT and Jesus: Heb. 2:11, 17 and Eph. 5:29
• Remember: both the crushing and the caring are in God’s hands
• “Blessed Redeemer” (A. Christiansen)

• deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion and Naomi left with Ruth and Orpah (1:1-5)
• Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest (1:6-22)

• introduction to Boaz and Ruth’s initiative
• she “happened…”

• Boaz arrives from Bethlehem
• greeting and inquiry/information about Ruth

• permission, protection and provision: “hesed”
• reward and refuge (Psa. 5:11)

• significance of meal and unheard-of favor
• a long way from Moab!

• quantity of grain and identity of Boaz
• no resolution-yet!

• Knowing that the LORD faithfully provides refuge for His people, rest in His providential care.
• connection to Jesus and NT: Ruth 4:22 and Matt. 1:5
• two applications: rely and remember
• “The providence of God is like Hebrew words-it can be read only backwards.” (J. Flavel)
• “…redeemed through His infinite mercy-His child, and forever, I am.” (F. Crosby)

• after Jephthah (11:1-12:7) and the “directory” of Judges (12:8-15)
• keeping the focus on the God who saves

• amazing grace amid idolatry, sterility and obscurity
• angelic assessment and assurance
• a Nazarite who “shall begin to save…”

• the voice of Manoah heard and confirmation of previous information (4-5, 7, 13-14)

• meal invitation declined and burnt offering to Yahweh option announced
• His name is wonderful (Psa. 139:6; Rom. 11:33-36)

• ascension of the Angel of Yahweh
• responses of recognition and reverence (Psa. 2:11) and the nativity of Samson

• Because the LORD repeatedly initiates the deliverance of His people, trust His wonderful character and compassion.
• connection to NT and Jesus: 1 Peter 1:20
• Live with the mystery and let it fuel humility.

• humiliation under Midianite oppression (6:1-10)
• enter Gideon, the mighty man of valor (6:11-16)
• fiery rock, altar destruction and fleece laying (6:17-40)

• motivation and proclamation
• from 32,000 to 10,000

• test at the water
• 300 lappers retained

• but if you are afraid…
• overheard dream and response of worship

• divisions, equipment and instructions
• blown trumpets, smashed jars and flaming torches
• rock and winepress: full circle

• Because the LORD intentionally minimizes human confidence, rely on His strength rather than your resources.
• connection to NT and Jesus: 2 Cor.12:9-10, Heb. 11:32-34, Phil. 2:5-11
• Never forget that salvation belongs to the LORD (Jonah 2:9).
• “…for out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again…” (A. Flint)

• repeated cycle in Judges, preceded by Othniel and Mesopotamia (3:7-11)

• again…the LORD strengthened Eglon of Moab
• 18 years of oppression

• Israel cried…the LORD raised up…
• left-hander who delivers tribute with a sword on his right thigh
• turning back with a message for a fat king

• attendants exit…Ehud enters
• sword to the belly and locked doors
• waiting servants and their dead lord

• a sounded trumpet and a summons to follow
• 80 years of rest

• Because the LORD achieves His purposes through unconventional means, trust His sovereign deliverance now and forever.
• connection to NT and Jesus: 2 Tim. 3:16 and Rev. 1:5-6

• ongoing conquest and a glaring omission (1:1-2:5)
• another generation and a repeated refrain (2:6-11)
• observable cycle of sin in Judges

• abandonment and provocation
• kindled anger and opposing hand

• provision against plunderers
• refusal to listen and resolve to lust

• designed for a new generation
• assessment and exposure

• Considering the connection between amnesia and apostasy, cling to the LORD and avoid compromise.
• connection to Jesus/NT: looking to the permanent Deliverer (Heb. 7:23-25)
• two applications: address and engage
• “Musing on my habitation, Musing on my heav’nly home, Fills my soul with holy longings: Come, My Jesus, quickly come. Vanity is all I see: Lord, I long to be with Thee! Lord, I long to be with Thee!” (Williams, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”)

• Shechem
• repetition of “summoned”
• “…before God”

• review of covenant history with emphasis on God’s activity (“I” 18 times)
• amazing grace: they “served other gods”
• unhurried pace: “made his offspring many”

• logical: “Now therefore…” (Rom. 12:1-2)
• exclusive: “serve” (18 times in Josh. 24)
• cautious: “You are not able…”

• implied sacrifice: covenant=”to cut”
• written record
• a stone witness

• Because the Lord relates to you graciously and faithfully, serve Him gladly and exclusively.
• “Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I come…Let Thy goodness, Like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee…” (R. Robinson)

• from taking the land (5-12) to possessing the land (13-21)
• prizing Yahweh Himself more than Yahweh’s gifts

• tribal allotments in Canaan
• no trivial commands

• a five-fold repetition
• remembering God’s past word
• anchoring identity in the Master’s promise, not the majority report

• a request for the hills
• cultivating strength for later faithfulness
• the blessing that follows obedience

• Because you can trust the LORD of the promises completely, wholly follow Him.
• Think recalibration rather than retirement.
• connection to Jesus/NT: the ultimate “rest” of Heb. 4:9-11
• “Since from His bounty I receive such proofs of love divine, had I a thousand hearts to give, Lord, they should all be Thine.” (S. Stennett, “Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned”)