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!