Pulpit Curriculum - Redeemed
Derek A. Ward
June 4, 2023

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June 4th – June 10th, 2023

Sermon Summary

God has a vested interest in the lives of his people. Even when we seem not to be aware of it, He is never far away. In this epic story of one family’s journey from hardship to death and disappointment, we see God’s inevitable handprint planted all over the outcome as it morphs into yet another uplifting episode of His plan to redeem the world to Himself.

Verse of the Week

Ruth 1: 3-5
3 “But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years,5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.”

Going Deeper


Ruth 1:1-5

1) Pastor explained that there were fourteen judges who exercised authority in Biblical times.

a. Choose one judge and reflect on the highlights of their period of service, supporting your remarks with reference to Scripture.

b. What is your view of the impact of their legacy in today’s world?

2) Pastor stated that “It will be Ruth’s journey but God’s story.” He further explained that it was about God’s ‘redeeming the world’.
a. What is your understanding of Redemption as it relates to Ruth specifically, as well as within the broader context of the life of all believers today.

b. Point to appropriate Scripture to support your comments.

3) a. What is your understanding of the suggestion that individual sins eventually impact the family, and will ultimately become a national issue?

b. Cite one example where you have seen this play out in Scripture and comment on the impact then as well as in our contemporary world.

4) It was suggested that Elimelech may have erred in taking his family to Moab.

a. Point to one other significant event in the Bible where actions taken in desperate times did not necessarily turn out as the lead characters had expected.

b. Highlight any common threads you observe.

5) Mahlon’s and Chilion’s marriages to Moabite women would not have been readily accepted in Israelite society. Why was this? Justify your answer with Scriptural references.

Assess Your Life

1) How focused are you on addressing the patterns of unhealthy behaviour in your own life which you know need to be corrected if you are to serve God in ways that please Him always?

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a) I love the way my life is now, and I really don’t have much time for God.

b) Honestly, the issues going on with some of my friends are making me think I need to start taking stock myself.

c) I sincerely want to do better but am struggling a bit to know exactly how to do so on my own.

d) A Christian friend has been partnering with me on my prayer and devotional life and I am gradually getting there.

e) I am all in for God now and am very comfortable seeking his guidance and assistance in fixing any matter at all that needs to be sorted in my life.


2) When you get real about it, what are the factors blocking the behavioural change that you know you honestly need?

Application

1) List three steps you can take to improve your walk with God.

a)

b)

c)

2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?

I will ask

to hold me accountable to this.

Sermon Main Points

The Israelites were prone to cycles of unhealthy behaviour, no different from what exists in our society today, which must be addressed by:

Breaking the cycle of unhealthy patterns.
This involves accepting God’s discipline for rebellious behaviour, repenting, and seeking God’s restoration.

Accepting that greener pastures aren’t always greener
God always has a plan for our redemption; it is misguided to seek refuge elsewhere.

Sermon Reflection

“Individual sins eventually become family sin, and then it becomes a national issue.”
—Derek A. Ward

“Discipline is evidence of the Lord’s love. If He did not love us, He would not discipline us.”
—Derek A. Ward

“One thing that oppression does is it drives one to repentance.”
God always has a plan for our redemption; it is misguided to seek refuge elsewhere.
—Derek A. Ward

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)

Day 1 - 2 Kings 8: 1-6

Day 2 - Ezekiel 28: 25-26

Day 3 - Joel 2: 12-17

Day 4 - Acts 7: 37-43

Day 5 - Proverbs 10: 22


For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.

Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023