Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry Women of the Bible Part 2 This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number My Group Leader is: Group Number
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 8 From Bitter to Better Naomi As you study Naomi this week and look at the multitude of trials she faced, you might be tempted to say, That's not fair. And it's true - life is not always fair. But God is. Even in the hardest of circumstances He is in control. You may think He's silent and oblivious to your circumstances but the truth is He's there and He's working in every detail even if you don't recognize it. Eventually Naomi realized this truth. It gradually dawned on her that God had provided for her in ways she had never expected and her bitterness was turned to joy. Take time to pray right now before you begin your lesson. Ask the Lord to help you see His hand in all that comes your way. Pray that when trials come you will choose to be a better woman instead of a bitter woman. Memorize This Scripture Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 1. Naomi and Elimelech (her husband) moved from Bethlehem to the country of Moab. This decision is a picture of backsliding and their life in Moab was not pleasant. Read Ruth 1:1-5. Share the unpleasant circumstances surrounding Naomi's life. 2. The move to Moab was a bad choice for Naomi. The end result was broken fellowship with the Lord and that her sons were greatly influenced by paganism. When Christians compromise there's always a cost. For greater insight into what the Lord thinks of compromise look up the scriptures below. a. Revelation 2:4-5 b. Revelation 3:15-16 3. How did the tragedies in Naomi's life affect her attitude toward God? (Ruth 1:13,20-21) Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Although God allows trials in our lives, His intent is never to make us bitter but to make us better. Look up the scriptures below and share what you learn about bitterness. a. Hebrews 12:15 b. Ephesians 4:31-32 5. Naomi was a woman who basically felt that God had forgotten about her. From Genesis 8:1 how would you console Naomi and assure her she wasn't forgotten? 6. When difficult times come, it is easy to focus on all the negative things and lose sight of any good things that are happening. From Ruth 1:14-16 share something good that happened during these difficult years. 7. Share some practical things you can do during the hard times in life to help you keep your eyes on Jesus. 8. Naomi enjoyed a special friendship with Ruth. What value do you see in nurturing godly friendships? 9. Naomi's bitterness is turned to joy as she sees God provide for her in ways she had never expected! Read Ruth 4:16-22 and share how God blessed her. 10. What have you learned from Naomi about trusting God? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 9 Ruth (Part 1) A Loyal Friend The book of Ruth is a simple story about the cost and value of loyalty. Loyalty isn't a quality we hear a lot about these days. We live in times where people are doing what they please and what seems most convenient for them even when it means breaking a commitment they've made. As we study Ruth we will get a refreshing look at what it means to be loyal and faithful. We'll see that there are blessings that come as a result of right choices and a commitment to follow the Lord. Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi and stood by her side through the darkest of times. Through this steadfast commitment Ruth was led to Naomi's God. Before you begin doing your homework take a moment to pray. Ask the Lord to help you be a woman who is faithful in all her ways. Memorize This Scripture But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 1. The book of Ruth is a simple story about the cost and value of loyalty. From a dictionary define the word loyal. 2. Commitment is important in all relationships. Describe the characteristics of Ruth's commitment from Ruth 1:16-17. 3. Ruth made a commitment to God that totally transformed her life. Think about your own commitment to the Lord. How has it changed your life? 4. How does Ruth's relationship with Naomi differ from Orpah's? (Ruth 1:14,15) Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. What do you learn about Ruth's reputation? (Ruth 1:11-12; 3:11) 6. Ruth 2:3 says that Ruth just happened to end up in Boaz's field. How do you think this happened? 7. One of the great lessons we glean from the book of Ruth is that God provides for His children. From Ruth chapter 2, look up the scriptures below and share how God provided for Ruth. a. physically (v.8-16) b. spiritually (v.12) c. emotionally (v.13) 8. What are God's promises to you from these verses? a. Philippians 4:19 b. Psalm 23:1 c. Matthew 6:25-34 9. Boaz treated Ruth with several acts of kindness - this shows us how God is always working in the life of the believer. Read Ruth 2:16 and explain what you think the phrase handfuls of purpose means. 10. What changes in your life do you want to make after studying Ruth this week? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 10 Ruth (Part 2) A Woman of Influence Ruth is not a heroine who did great things for her people. She's simply an ordinary woman who is remembered for her strength of character and the compassionate care she showed her mother-in-law. Because of her lifestyle and the choices she made, she was known as a virtuous woman. As we finish reading the book of Ruth this week, you'll be touched as you see how God had an incredible purpose for this ordinary woman. Without even knowing it, Ruth was set to be the mother of one whose descendants would be King David and Jesus Christ. You, too, may never be fully aware of God's plan for your life, but you can be assured that if you live in faithfulness to Him your influence will extend far beyond your own lifetime. Pause and pray. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and ears so you might glean all that He desires for you from His Word. Memorize This Scripture Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 1. Read Ruth 3:1-5. Naomi gives Ruth some very specific instructions concerning presenting herself to Boaz. Notice Ruth's response to Naomi from verse 5. What does that say about her character? 2. Read Ruth 3:6-9. In verse 9 Ruth makes a request of Boaz. She asks Boaz to spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid. In today's words she asked Boaz to marry her and become her refuge and protection. We know that Boaz is symbolic of Jesus Christ. Think for a moment about your relationship with Jesus. When you are needy, how do you take refuge in the Lord? 3. From Ruth 3:10-11 what was Boaz's response to Ruth? 4. Virtuous is not a word that is common in our vocabulary today. Look this word up in a dictionary and define it below. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. Proverbs 31:10-31 is an in-depth commentary on what a virtuous woman is like. From the verses below describe what you learn about a virtuous woman. a. Proverbs 31:10 b. Proverbs 31:26 c. Proverbs 31:29,30 d. Which of these character traits do you want the Lord to work in you and why? 6. 1 Peter 3:4 gives us further insight into the virtuous woman. List below any beauty tips you glean from this portion of scripture. 7. Read Ruth 4:10. Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer to Ruth. He literally purchased Ruth to be his wife. By doing this, he delivered Ruth from a life of emptiness and poverty. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19 and share what you learn about the price Jesus paid to deliver you. 8. Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer. From Psalm 91:1-6 what is revealed about what the Lord does for every believer? 9. Naomi encouraged Ruth to reveal her needs to Boaz. Boaz reacted like the true gentleman that he was. He publicly bought Naomi's land and acquired Ruth as his wife. What blessing resulted from their union? (Ruth 4:17) 10. Think back over the entire book of Ruth. God used the faithfulness of two ordinary women to accomplish His extraordinary plans. How does that encourage you today? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 11 Hannah Blessings Out Of Brokenness Hannah is the story of a woman dealing with barrenness. We all face barrenness in some way or another. Maybe you're not personally waiting for children like Hannah but you may be experiencing barrenness in the area of friendships, love, work, health, finances or some other personal area. Barrenness comes when our deepest desires are not yet met. This week we will be studying the beautiful story of Hannah and how she dealt with waiting during a season of barrenness. Instead of taking matters into her own hands she took her eyes off of herself and prayed, casting all her cares upon the Lord. In the midst of her agonizing trial, she found the peace of God. Hannah teaches us much about patience and the blessings that come from brokenness before the Lord. Pause right now and pray. Specifically ask the Lord to help you patiently wait for His timing in your life. Thank Him for His wonderful promise to make all things beautiful in His time. Memorize This Scripture He hath made every thing beautiful in His time Ecclesiastes 3:11 1. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-7 and answer the questions below. a. How did Elkanah express his love for Hannah to assure her that he loved her greatly? (v.4-5) b. Why is Hannah's pain so intense? (v.1, 6-7) 2. From 1 Samuel 1:10-12, what four things did Hannah do in her pain and despair? 3. Read 1 Samuel 1:13-14. What was Eli's accusation against Hannah? 4. Hannah responds to this false accusation in a humble and sincere manner. That's what a woman who is Devoted So Completely should do. Look up the scriptures below and share any insight you gain that will help you to be a woman like Hannah. a. Proverbs 15:1 b. Proverbs 15:28 c. Colossians 4:6 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. Continue reading the account of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:16-18. Don't miss the fact that even though Hannah's circumstances had not changed, her countenance had! From the scriptures below share what you can do to hold onto the promises God gives you, even when the circumstances of your life speak otherwise. a. Numbers 23:19 b. Psalm 9:10 c. Romans 4:20-21 6. Hannah made a commitment to give her cherished son to the Lord. This was an awesome act of surrender. God not only gave Hannah five more children (2:21) but He blessed Samuel and used Him mightily (2:26). Read Jeremiah 29:11 and then take a moment to pray and fully surrender your plans to the Lord in exchange for His. 7. In 1 Samuel 1:3,11 the term Lord of Hosts is used to describe God almighty. It is a term that emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. Why would this be a significant name for Hannah to use in reference to her God? 8. What things can you learn from Hannah to help you deal with the pain of any barrenness you are facing? 9. 1 Samuel 2:1-11 is Hannah's prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Write below your own prayer of praise, trusting in the Lord whether He says yes or no to your heart's desires. 10. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Hannah? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 12 Doing What Matters Most Martha Martha is a wonderful godly woman who loves the Lord. She's known for her hospitality and her passion for serving. Jesus often visited her home to enjoy rest and the fellowship of close friends. Martha is best remembered for the incident in Luke 10 when Jesus comes to visit her and has to correct her. She allowed herself to get so caught up in serving Him that she forgot to take time to sit at His feet. Don't be too quick to judge Martha though. She did what many of us would do in her situation. We, too, can fall prey to the urgent things in life and neglect the important things. We have fax machines, cell phones, beepers, computers, e- mail and other kinds of gadgets to expedite getting things done. But if we're not careful, all this will lead us right into a frenzy and we, too, will be distracted by much serving. Begin your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to help you keep your priorities in order and daily do the one thing that matters most. Memorize This Scripture One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 1. Read Luke 10:38-42. If you were meeting Martha for the very first time what would be your initial impression of her? 2. Several things irritated Martha, which caused her to murmur and complain. Read Philippians 2:14,15. Why is it essential that a godly woman Devoted So Completely to the Lord avoids the temptation to grumble? 3. Although Martha made the mistake of complaining about her situation, don't miss the fact that she took her complaint to the right person - Jesus. From Matthew 11:28-30 why is it important for us to go to Jesus when we are troubled? 4. What happens to us when the cares of this world overtake us? (Matthew 13:22) Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. Martha cried out in frustration, Lord, don't you care? It's easy when you're frustrated to ask the same question. How do the following scriptures help you in dealing with this heartfelt cry? a. 1 Peter 5:7 b. 2 Corinthians 10:5 6. Jesus tells Martha in Luke 10:42 that one thing is needful. Look up the scriptures below and share what you learn about priorities. a. Psalm 27:4 b. Philippians 3:13 c. 2 Peter 3:8 7. There was nothing wrong with Martha being a servant. We're called to serve the Lord, but as we serve Him we must always check our motives. Sometimes we serve out of guilt, to win the approval of others or to make a great impression. What should be our motive for serving? 8. John 11 gives us another glimpse into the life of Martha. Read John 11:1-7. Jesus receives an urgent message from his dear friends Mary and Martha that their brother, Lazarus, is deathly ill and they need Him to come immediately. How did Jesus answer their request to come? 9. Read John 11:21-27. During her time of crisis Martha comes to Jesus with her broken heart. Jesus reassures her of His love by reminding her that He is the Resurrection and the Life. Then He asks her, Believest thou this? (v.26). What is Jesus asking you to believe today in the midst of what you are facing? 10. Although Martha didn't initially do what mattered most, we never see her corrected again in Scripture for getting her priorities out of order. In what way is Martha an example or a warning to you? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 13 Making the Best Choice Mary If the truth were to be known, most of us long to be a Mary. We desire her attitude and her disciplined lifestyle. She teaches us the secret of slowing down and sitting still despite the outward commotion that surrounds us. Through Mary we learn that stillness is in the heart. Martha made a good choice and prepared a meal for Jesus but Mary made the best choice and received a meal from Jesus. What a big difference! Though it's an honor to do things for the Lord, it's a much greater thing to first receive from Him. Mary made the decision to do the one thing that was needful and because of this she's forever remembered for her devotion. Pause for a moment and be a Mary. Sit at the Lord's feet and ask Him to speak to you. Listen to Him and like Mary, you'll discover a great mystery - it's not what you can do for Jesus but what He can do for you. Memorize This Hymn Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Charles Wesley 1. Read Luke 10:38-42. The story of Martha and Mary is not about people as much as it's about choices. We see that Martha made a good choice but Mary made the best choice. What was Mary's choice? 2. When Jesus responded to Mary that one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part what do you think He meant by the phrase one thing is needful? 3. There's no doubt that there was much for Mary to do, but she made the choice to put Jesus first. What are some common excuses or distractions that keep you from spending time with Jesus? 4. Mary had a close relationship with the Lord. Consider our theme verse for the year by reading Matthew 22:37 and share the kind of relationship that God desires from you. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. Mary is best remembered for her fervent devotion to Jesus. She not only sat at the feet of Jesus but she also demonstrated her love for Him. John 12:1-8 is a story of her love. What did she do for Jesus? 6. Now read Mark 14:3-9 for another glimpse of this same story of Mary. There were some that criticized her for this extravagant love. Jesus came immediately to her defense and told the critics she hath done what she could. Think about this response for a moment. How does that speak to your heart today? 7. The perfume (spikenard) that was used by Mary to anoint Jesus was very expensive. In those days it was equivalent to a full years wages! Why do you think Mary went to such expense for Jesus? Personal: How is it costing you to love Jesus? 8. When Mary anointed Jesus she was demonstrating the depth of her love for Him. Look up the verses below and share how God has demonstrated His love toward you. a. John 3:16 b. John 15:13 c. 1 John 4:9,10 9. Because Mary spent time at Jesus' feet she came to know and love Him. As we spend time in God's Word, we, too, can come to know and love Him more and more. From the scriptures below, what are the benefits of spending time in God's Word? a. Psalm 119:11 b. Psalm 119:18 c. Psalm 119:45 d. Psalm 119:50 10. In what way were you challenged this week to be more like Mary? Write Out The Hymn You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 14 A Woman Who Said Yes to Jesus The Samaritan Woman The women of Samaria would go twice daily to the well to get the necessary water for their household. They would do this in the cool of the morning and in the early evening. No one went at noon because of the scorching heat. Well, no one except the woman known simply in scripture as the Samaritan woman. She most likely came at that hour because she was an outcast. She had lived a promiscuous lifestyle that brought her nothing but shame and embarrassment. It was there at the well, in the heat of the day, that she first met Jesus. She came seeking water to quench her thirst but by the time she walked away she had received Jesus - the Living Water. She was never the same! Jesus took her broken and ruined life and made something beautiful out of it. Because she said yes to Jesus, many others came to know the Lord. Begin this lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to touch your life in such a way that you, too, will never be the same. Memorize This Scripture How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14-15 1. Read John 4:1-7 and describe what you learn about Jesus. 2. Read John 4:8-10. It was not by chance that Jesus met the Samaritan woman. What were the circumstances that surrounded their meeting? 3. From the verses below describe this unnamed woman that Jesus encountered at the well. a. John 4:9 b. John 4:13-15 c. John 4:17,18 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Even though Jesus was weary from His travels and this woman was nothing more than an outcast, He made time for her. Do you take time for people? No matter what condition they are in? 5. Jesus saw what this woman's real need was. He offered her far more than just earthly provisions, He offered her Himself as the Living Water. From John 4:14 why did Jesus offer her Living Water? 6. It doesn't take long to figure out that this is a desperate woman who has tried everything the world has to offer to fill her empty heart. From the scriptures below what insight do you gain about how Jesus fills empty lives? a. Isaiah 58:11 b. John 6:35 c. John 7:37-39 d. Revelation 7:16-17 7. In John 4:19-26 the Samaritan woman displays that she has religious knowledge but fails to recognize that she's standing before the Messiah. From verse 26 how does Jesus reveal Himself to her? 8. Once she said yes to Jesus and her eyes were opened what happened to her? (v.28-30) 9. What was the result of this woman's testimony? (v.39-42) 10. The Samaritan woman is a beautiful example of Christ's personal concern for individuals. How has this story affected the way you will reach out to those whom God sends across your path? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized