This week we're enjoying coffee with our good friend Martin Luther.

An Advent sermon on Matthew 3:1-12

The Big Picture Proverbs 31:10-31 “is set in the form of an acrostic, in which each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet… The acrostic portrays an ideal woman and shows young men what kind of woman to seek for marriage. The poem begins and ends in the same way—with the value of an excellent wife. However, the woman’s marital status is not the primary emphasis of the acrostic. She is a portrait of feminine wisdom. She embodies in all areas of life the full character of wisdom commended in Proverbs. ” Read the entire passage, is there anything that surprises you? Breaking Things Apart Proverbs 31:11. “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain” (31:11). • In what ways does the woman in this poem depict a wife who can be trusted? Proverbs 31:15-18. • What teaching from Proverbs is seen in the depiction of the woman as active before sunrise till long after sundown? • Question for women only, are there any unique ways women may be tempted to be a sluggard? How have you delt with this is your own life? Proverbs 31:16. “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard” • From the poem overall, identify two or three things that are the basis for her confidence. • What might that kind of confidence look like today? Proverbs 31:21-25. The woman in the poem is depicted as confident. • As you examine her life in the poem, what sort of strength is most likely meant? • What might that look like today? Proverbs 30:21-28. The woman in the poem exemplifies nurturing. No matter what task she is involved in, her primary aim is the nurture of others. She provides food for those in her home, including the servants (Prov. 31:15); she extends her hand to the poor and needy (v. 20); and she watches over the ways of her household (v. 27). • How is this nurturing aspect of her character demonstrated in her words (v. 26)? Proverbs 31:29-31. • How do these verses tie this poem of womanly excellence to the rest of Proverbs? Truth be told, not every aspect of this poem is in reach for all. The woman being depicted is one of significant means in the ancient world. However, verses 29-31 are universal. Whatever a woman’s lot in life is; in fearing the Lord she will have a firm foundation to faithfully go about her vocations. • How might this poem look different if the woman’s lot was one of poverty? • How do you imagine a typical working woman today exuding the virtues of this poem? Conclusion • Reflecting on our journey through the book of Proverbs, is there anything that gave you fresh grasp of who God is, who you are, or how you might live faithfully? • Are there any unique contributions does Proverbs make toward our understanding of who Jesus is and what he accomplished through his life, death, and resurrection? • As you reflect on Proverbs as a whole, what implications do you see for your life? • What might lead you to praise God, turn away from sin, and trust more firmly in his promises? *This entire lesson has been adapted from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-the-bible-proverbs/#week-4-wisdom-personified-81-36