Women's Bible Study~ The Virtuous Life ~ Week 1 Prudence

Welcome ladies to the Virtuous Life Women’s Bible Study. This is a 4 week bible study. Week 1- Virtue

Okay, just so we all understand before starting,we’re saved by grace. There’s nothing that we can do to earn our salvation. Salvation has been imputed to us by God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Which means to reckon to someone the blessing, the curse, the debt, etc. Some examples are: Adam, his sin is imputed to all people (Rom. 5:12-21).

       Therefore making us all guilty before God. Our sins were put upon, imputed, to Jesus on the cross where He became sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21) and died with them (Isaiah 53:4-6). That frees us, our sins are forgiven. Understanding imputation is very important. Imputation is the means of our salvation. Our sins were put upon, imputed, to Jesus on the cross. Our sins were "given" to Jesus. When He died on the cross, our sins, in a sense, died with Him. The righteousness that was His through His perfect obedience to the Father in His complete obedience to the Law is imputed, given, to us. In short, our sins were given to Jesus. His righteousness was given to us. Technically speaking our sins were imputed to Jesus. His righteousness was imputed to us. You guys got that?

          Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ believe He is the Lord of lives. When we love God, we are willing to give up all selfish ambition and all sinful desires to follow Him and do His will. Gods wisdom exceeds ours;

 Virtue is about our behavior. It’s normally us yielding our lives to our principles, which isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding. We all have a will to do good, but whether or not we exercise and develop that goodness factor depends on us and our character.

            This definitely does not mean that we have a perfect walk by any means. That’s where  God’s grace is vital to our faith. It’s by the grace of God that we’re saved through faith in Jesus Christ. So while we’re not perfect, We can rest in comfort knowing Jesus is.

            We all struggle in this world. We all have good intentions, but our flesh pulls us back sometimes. Have you ever made a decision and changed your mind? Tried to give up something or change a bad habit. Then a  few days in, you gave up. Even though you knew this was a good decision, you messed up (again) and you’re down on yourself because you’re weaker than you hoped you would be?

           Well, unfortunately, it’s called being human. Our flesh is constantly at war with our Spirit and there’s a battle to win. The good and important thing is that every time we fall, we have the opportunity to get back up again, leave the sin in the past, and focus on the road ahead. We’re growing in grace. And we’re learning what areas God is calling us to, and how to best set our course for life in that call.

           2 Peter Chapter 1 is key to this study. Here we see that we’re called to glory and virtue: You can read it later.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:3-8, KJV

 WEEK 1 ~THE VIRTUE OF PRUDENCE~

Prudence: to be alert,wisdom,foresight, and practical judgment.

It’s important to study the virtue PRUDENCE first because wisdom and foresight dictate the steps that we do don’t take.

We can study the Bible until we know it backwards and forwards, but without prudence we won’t use the Word wisely.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. – Proverbs 14:8

 A great example of prudence is in the story of Esther. She knew what she needed to be done for her people, instead of rushing in, she stepped forward wisely and petitioned her people to fast and to pray before approaching the king.

This week we will also study a portion from Ruth, where Boaz refers to her as a “virtuous woman.”

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. – Ruth 3:11

Ruth counted the cost when she left everything behind to follow Naomi, and stepped forward wisely to win the heart of Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. She’s a true example of wisdom, and prudence, and strength.

The Bible instructs us to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. It also instructs us to think ahead, and to count the cost before stepping in:

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. – Luke 14:28-32

The winds of doctrine are strong, and unfortunately some people are tossed back and forth, never really grasping what their faith means to them and what the Word of God has to say.

I urge you guys to pray and ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to shine light on His Word and to open up your mind to a deeper understanding of His will for Your life. The bible is like a puzzle, we will start putting the pieces together and will make more sense.

If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be giveth him.- James 1:5

Week 1 Questions, Read ~Esther 4:6-5:8 ~ Esther is Courageous and Wise~

NOTES *First and foremost, she takes time to fast, it’s not really said, but we assume she prayed. She asked her people to do the same.

Esther teaches us to be courageous and to step forward wisely. Her situation wasn’t merely a difficult one, it was punishable by death, but she followed God’s will and exercised virtue, which lead to the delivery of the Jews from pending death.

Wisdom should always be exercised in difficult situations. It goes hand in hand with every virtue. And so it’s important to pray and to study God’s word so that we’re acting on His wisdom, and not our own.

Questions

1.What does Esther teach us about wisdom foresight and practical judgment?

The story of kinsman redemption found in the book of Ruth is symbolic to our relationship with Christ, and God’s redeeming love. It’s exciting to see just how much symbolism is used in this chapter.

Washing with water by the word is a continual process of purification. As we follow God’s commandments we’re set apart from the world and conformed to His will. It’s virtue built upon faith as we allow God to change us and keep us from sin.

Anoint means to smear, rub or smooth on. In Biblical times, Shepherds would anoint sheep with oil on the head and around the ears to protect the area from the infestation of insects.In the New Testament it is synonymous with the Holy Spirit upon God’s people. Anointing one with oil is a symbol of consecration. By the anointing of the Holy Spirit we are set apart from the world and purified. Our Raiment as believers is our robe of righteousness that covers our sin. It is the perfect conduct of Christ covering our imperfect sinful lives. It is given to us by the grace and forgiveness of God.

2.Ruth is instructed to wash, anoint and dress herself, before meeting Boaz. How does this custom reflect our faith walk? See Ephesians 5:25,1John 2:27, Revelations 19:8

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. ~ Isaiah 61:10 ~

If you guys are wondering what exactly a “Kinsman Redeemer”is, it’s The law of Kinsman Redemption dictated that if a relative is sold as a servant to a stranger, the next of kin has a right to buy him or her back.

 “And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family: After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him: Either his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.” – Leviticus 25:47-49

And so Naomi’s daughter-in-law would be offered to the next of kin.

Boaz acknowledges his right of kinship, but points out that there is another man who is closer in relation to Naomi’s family. According to the law, this other relative would have to forego his right to the marriage first, and only then Boaz would be free to marry Ruth.

If you read further into the book of Ruth, you see how Boaz went to the relative saying,

“What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy [redeem] it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. " And so by gaining permission to purchase the land, Boaz also purchased the right to marry Ruth. We find symbolism again to our salvation, which has been purchased by the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ also known as our “redeemer.

Read Proverbs 31

Psalm31:26 “ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

What I found most interesting about the Proverbs 31 woman was how she prioritized her life. She was always thinking of others, working for others, she was waking up before the others, and she was clothing others. She was a wise and practical thinker.

This makes me believe that like Esther, she reasoned things out before she spoke or made important decisions. This lesson on prudence has taught me to prayerfully and carefully consider my steps. Human nature tells me to rush into things, but God’s Word reminds me to seek after wisdom, to slow down, and to follow His will. Most importantly, the Proverbs woman respected and honored her Lord. When we truly center our lives around the will of our Lord, we find hope for tomorrow regardless of what today brings.    

3. In this lesson, we leaned about being a virtuous woman, how would you describe a virtuous man?
This ends week 1, I hope you enjoyed this lesson and I thank you all for visiting the blog. Be blessed and I will see you next week.