Sermon #19 Ruth Series:
Title: Seven Lessons From The
Book Of Ruth
Text: Ruth 1:1
Reading:
Subject: The principle things taught in the Book of Ruth
Date: Tuesday Evening - September 21, 1993
Tape
#
Introduction:
I
hope this study in the Book of Ruth has been, by the blessing of God the Holy
Spirit, as spiritually profitable and delightful for you as it has been for me.
To the believer, the story of Ruth and her kinsman redeemer has special appeal,
because we see in Ruth and Boaz and outline of our own spiritual history and of
his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer, of whom Boaz
was but a type.
This
will be my last message in this series. But we will come back to this blessed
fountain of grace again and again for a refreshing drink. I have not begun to
expound all that is contained in this rich, rich little book. But for now, I
want to simply give you an overview of the whole Book of Ruth. The title of my
message is Seven Lessons From the Book
of Ruth. We will begin in chapter 1 verse 1, and just pick up seven of the
golden nuggets scattered through these four chapters.
Proposition:
In these four chapters the Holy Spirit
clearly sets before us seven specific lessons regarding the grace of God,
redemption by Christ, and our relationship to him by faith.
I. The first lesson is a very
sad one, a regrettable one, but one we all must learn. It is set before us in
the very first verse of the first chapter. Here we are taught THE COST OF UNBELIEF AND DISOBEDIENCE.
In a
time of famine, Elimelech, whose name means, “My God is King,” took what he
determined was a prudent step. He moved to Moab. But his move was a very costly
one.
A. It was a selfish act of unbelief.
B. Elimelech died in Moab and left his family in a godless, pagan land.
C. Elimelech’s disobedience led his sons into disobedience. They both
married Moabitess women.
D. That move to Moab cost Elimelech dear.
·
There
he died in poverty.
·
Both
his sons died in poverty and disobedience to God.
·
His
wife was reduced to a bitter existence (1:20-21).
E. Elimelech reminds me a great deal of Bro. Lot!
F. Lessons:
1.
It
is always less costly to obey God.
2.
All
disobedience is manifest unbelief.
3.
Bad
decisions made early in life will have bad consequences in years to come.
4.
Our
example is as important, or more so, as our words.
5.
Don’t
move your family anywhere you would not want to die and leave them.
II. The second thing clearly
taught in this Book is GOD’S SOVEREIGN,
UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION (1:6).
A. Ruth was a Moabitess - A cursed race!
B. Ruth was a stranger - Her name means “Satisfied Stranger.” She was a stranger to God by
nature. But she found satisfaction in the Lord God by grace.
C. Ruth was chosen of God - Thank God for electing love! (Psa. 65:4; John 15:16; Eph.
1:3-6; 2 thess. 2:13; 1 Thess. 5:9).
1.
Eternal!
2.
Unconditional!
3.
Immutable!
4.
In
Christ!
III. Thirdly, the Book of Ruth
beautifully unfolds THE WONDROUS MYSTERY
OF PROVIDENCE!
Providence is the unfolding and
accomplishment of God’s everlasting purpose, which is the salvation of his
elect (Rom. 8:28-30).
We see God’s providence in…
A. The famine in Bethlehem and the bounty in Moab.
B. Elimelech’s wicked move (Psa. 76:10).
C. The word Naomi heard in Moab.
D. Ruth’s Hap (2:3).
E. Boaz’s care for Ruth.
·
Touch
her not!
·
Handfuls
of purpose!
*Will we ever learn to trust God’s
providence?
“God moves in a mysterious
way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in
the sea And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright
designs And works His sovereign will!”
IV. Fourthly, this precious
little Book is most precious, because it sets before us in a beautiful, typical
picture THE BLESSEDNESS OF REDEMPTION BY
CHRIST (2:20).
What a beautiful picture of Christ Boaz is!
A. A kinsman redeemer!
B. A mighty redeemer - (Divine).
C. A wealthy redeemer!
D. A willing redeemer!
E. A lawful redeemer!
F. An effectual redeemer! (He got her!).
G. A complete redeemer - (She got him and everything in him!).
V. I am not straining
inspiration at all when I tell you that the fifth lesson set before us in the
Book of Ruth is THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF
THE WORD IN CONVERSION (1:6).
·
Romans
10:17
·
1
Corinthians 1:21
·
Hebrews
4:12
·
James
1:18
·
1
Peter 1:23-25
VI. Sixthly, the Book of Ruth
shows us THE CHARACTER OF TRUE FAITH.
A. True faith is commitment to Christ (1:16-18).
·
The
difference between Ruth and Orpah was commitment.
·
John
2:25 - (“Believe” and “Commit” - Same word).
B. True faith acknowledges personal unworthiness (2:10).
C. True faith takes its’ place at the feet of Christ (3:4-8).
·
The
Leper!
·
Mary!
·
John!
·
“At His feet!” That is the…
1.
Place
of humility!
2.
Place
of reverence!
3.
Place
of faith!
4.
Place
of worship!
5.
Place
of rest!
6.
Place
of love!
7.
Place
of honor!
VII. Seventhly, this little Book
gives a hint regarding THE REWARD OF
FAITH (2:12).
A. Faith is taking shelter under the wings of the Almighty - Christ our
Refuge!
B. Faith honor God!
C. Faith obtains a full reward of grace!
·
All
of Christ!
·
All
of grace!
·
All
of heaven!