July 23rd – July 29th, 2023
Sermon Summary
And now this is the conclusion of the whole matter, the Sovereign God was at work in what seemed like a hopeless situation, in one stage of His redemption plan, to reconcile the world to Himself! We are encouraged that even when it doesn’t look like anything good can come from our mistakes, failures, pain and suffering, as God’s children, we can trust that He has a plan to work all things out for our good. This story of Naomi reminds us that we do not always know what God is doing behind the scenes. Ruth’s story reminds us that when we choose GOD He changes the course
of our lives, for good. Boaz’s story reminds us that those who avail themselves to GOD, will be used for His honour and glory. Ultimately, in this we see the redemptive plan of God unfolding as He work in the lives of broken, honest, obedient,
trustworthy men and women to bring His plan to fulfillment.
Verse of the Week
Ruth 4:14-15
14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
Going Deeper
Review Ruth 4: 13 – 17
1) How has the teaching on the Book of Ruth agitated or resolved your understanding of God’s Sovereignty in every situation, including your life and His Church.
2) Without being explicitly told, Scripture guides that Elimelech disobeyed God in leaving Bethlehem to go to Moab; his sons eventually married women whom God had forbidden them to marry (Deuteronomy 23:3-6 &; Nehemiah 13; Numbers 22, 25, Judges 10), yet Ruth is included in the genealogy of Jesus. Using texts from the Book of Ruth, document how Ruth’s brazen decision to follow Naomi, her steadfastness and her transformed life is comparable to a sinner becoming a saint.
2b) Throughout the narrative, direct mention is made of Ruth’s character and ethics as it relates to her commitment to her mother-in-law and her dedication in working to provide for them, and she is commended on these counts. How important is the Christian’s character to the world looking on and why?
3a) The preacher stated that salvation is both an event and a process, he further suggested that it is often a much debated topic. Using Scripture references, describe your understanding of what happens at conversion.
3b) Explain your understanding of the salvation process, as it relates to justification, sanctification and glorification; include references of Scripture in your answer.
4) Oftentimes the Book of Ruth is referenced as a guide for a believer to follow when seeking a mate. The preacher however journeying through Ruth’s life, has provided evidence which ultimately shows the redemptive plan of God in motion. Using the past 8 sermons, summarize the Book of Ruth; include the following words in your summary: Brokenness Commitment Integrity Character Faithfulness Transformation Redemption
4b) After studying the Book of Ruth, who have you concluded to be the true Redeemer? Explain your choice.
Assess Your Life
1) Jesus is the sole redeemer of humanity, He gave His life as a ransom (payment) for our redemption; how has this impacted”
a) I don’t quite understand why I need to be redeemed and why Jesus needed to do it
b) I understand that I am a sinner and I am unable to pay the price for my own
redemption but I don’t quite understand how it works.
c) I know the importance of my need for redemption and I have accepted Christ as Lord of my life but confess I need guidance on the sanctification process
d) What I learned during the series has awakened my awareness of Jesus as my true Redeemer and this has seriously impacted my walk as a believer.
e) I have totally accepted Jesus as the only One who could have redeemed me from my life of sin and death, and I intentionally encourage others to follow the same path.
Application
1) List three points from the series that you will be intentional in commiting to memory to enhance your walk as one who has been redeemed from death to life.
a)
b)
c)
2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
As believers, we accept the truth that we have been redeemed by Jesus, the true Kinsman Redeemer; we therefore can:
I) Trust God’s Process In Our Lives
“One time we were separated from Christ, having no hope without God in the world
but now in Christ we have been bought near by His blood” Ephesians 2:12-13.
II) Rejoice In Our New Life
We have been released from the bondage of sin and death through the payment of a price greater than we could ever pay.
Sermon Reflection
The book of Ruth serves two purposes…
1. to illustrate how God rewards those who make wise spiritual choices and show steadfast filial loyalty, and
2. to explain how Ruth, a Moabitess, came to be an ancestor of David, and ultimately, of the Messiah
The book also reveals examples of commendable character…
1. Nobility of character in Ruth, who proved to be better to Naomi than seven sons!
2. Nobility of character in Boaz, as an employer, and believer in God’s promises and commands —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 do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - John 5:24
Day 2 - Galatian 3:11-15
Day 3 - Philippians 1:6
Day 4 - Acts 10:34-35
Day 5 - Romans 8:27-30
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