The Redemption God Provides

Ruth 4:13-22

Sermon Notes:

1) A Husband for Ruth, 13

2) A Redeemer for Naomi, 13-17

3) A King for God’s People, 17-22

Reflection questions:

1. Ruth provides a link from the time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1) to the time of King David (Ruth 4:17-22). What was the spiritual condition of God’s people during the days of the judges? (See Judges 21:25) What kind of a king to God’s people was David? (See 2 Sam 21:16-17; 23:1-7)

2. Why is David well-regarded as a king despite his spiritual failures? See Psalm 51 (including the superscription “to the choirmaster…,” part of the original text of the Psalms).

3. Ephesians 5:25ff says that marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church. Ponder that same truth as it is expressed in The Church’s One Foundation, v1:

The church's one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is His new creation, by water and the Word; from heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.

There is a Redeemer

Ruth 4:1-12

Sermon Notes:

1) A name forgotten, 1-6

2) A name redeemed, 1-10

3) A name renowned, 11-12

Reflection Questions:

1) Even if you don’t understand all of the transactions and negotiations in v.1- 12, why do you think the “other redeemer” (the unnamed one) chooses not to redeem Ruth and Naomi and the property of Elimelech? See v.5. (Also see question #3.)

2) Read Proverbs 31:10-31 (and Ruth 3:10). How do you see hints of Ruth in this passage?

3) Read Ephesians 5:25-33 and 2 Cor. 8:9. How do you see hints of Boaz in each passage?

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

Ruth 3

Sermon Notes:

(Outline taken from David Strain, Ruth & Esther: There is a Redeemer & Sudden Reversals, 53-62.)

1) The Persistence of Sin in a Believing Heart, 1-5

2) The Good News of Rest for a Restless Heart, 6-14

3) The Promise of Fullness for an Empty Heart, 15-18

Reflection questions:

1. Critique the following statement – “I don’t need to repent anymore; I’m a Christian.” Passages to consider: Ruth 1:20-21; 3:1-5; Romans 7:13-25.

2. How do you sometimes have trouble resting and trusting in the promise of God’s provision? In what ways do you think God is going to come up short? Reflect on Matthew 6:25-34.

3. How is Boaz good news for Naomi and not just for Ruth?

The Long-Lost Hope

Ruth 2

Sermon Notes:

1) The Redemptive Background You Need to Know, 2, 20b

2) The Chance Meeting You Happen to See, 1-7

3) The Worthy Protector You Long for, 8-17

4) The Unfolding Revelation that Keeps You Reading, 17-23

Reflection questions:

1. Gleaning (Dt. 24:19; Ruth 2:2ff) could be seen as extension of the command to love your neighbor as yourself, loving with one’s possessions (See Leviticus 19:18 and 19:9-10). How can we do this today in a non-agricultural society? Consider this suggestion: “We must deliberately plan our financial lives to have extra left over to give to those in need.” (DeYoung and Gilbert, What is the Mission of the Church?, 144.) Also consider Ephesians 4:28

2. How do you see Boaz’s generosity and character in this story? Does it make you think of anyone else who gives far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Eph 3:20)?

3.In what ways are you doubting that God can provide for you – finances, protection, spiritual nourishment, or something else? Are you doubting that God’s grace is greater than all your sin, or all your need?

The Long Way Home

Ruth 1

Sermon Notes:

1) The Road of the Bereaved, 1-5

2) The Request to Leave, 6-13

3) The Resolve to Cleave, 14-18

4) The Report of Grief, 18-22

5) The Reason to Still Believe, 22b

Reflection questions:

1. What does it look like to believe in God’s Sovereignty but not in His goodness? What does it sound like? (Feel free to see Naomi’s examples in vv. 8, 20-21.)

2. Has your bitterness ever made you doubt God’s goodness to you? Has your bitterness ever driven people away from the God you say you love? Has your bitterness ever driven your friends away from you?

3. What can help us to stop feeling bitter and hopeless about our circumstances? See the following passages that start out bitter and end with hope: Psalm 77 (especially vv.7-15); Psalm 73; Lamentations 3 (especially vv.13-27).