Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31

"Who can find virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."
-Proverbs 31:10
The Virtuous woman, described in vs. 11-31, is rare. She is a sinner (Romans 3:23-24) and not born virtuous (websters: morally excellent). The rich qualities which characterize her life have been diligently learned and applied.
Over the next few weeks I want to delve into this passage, examining these qualities and offering practical applications and giving you some thoughts to mull over.
Before we can begin, we must review three basics of Christianity: First, salvation is a gift from God, and cannot be earned by our works; "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemptionthat is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, the declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through forbearance of God;" -Romans 3:20, 23-25 (see also Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Gal. 2:16, Acts 4:12). May it be clearly understood, I am in no way advocating a works based salvation.
Second, as believers, we are no longer our own, to do as we please. We are Christ's to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of GOd, who loved me and gave Himself for me." -Galations 2:20 (see also Eph. 2:10, Col 3:1-3, Col. 3:23, 2 Tim. 2:4)
Third, In order to cultivate God-honouring character we must acknowledge that it cannot be done in our own strength. If we are to exhibit a Spirit filled life, we must walk in the spirit. (Rom 8:5-6, Gal. 5:16, Eph. 3:18, Col. 2:6). Bearing in mind that walking by the Spirit is not 'mystical' and we are still responsible before God to act. (Gal. 6:6-9, Eph. 5:1 & 15-17, Phil. 2:12-15, 1 Tim. 6:11-12, 2 Tim. 2:3-4 & 15).
Alright, I hope your getting excited, I know I am!

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