THE BEST IS YET TO COME

The Story of Ruth

Pastor Gary Moritz
pastor@cityunited.church

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INTRODUCTION

A. The book of Ruth describes a time period in Israel’s history when they were divided, famished, and being punished for disobeying God. In this book, God reveals His love and how He works on behalf of those who fear and trust Him. Even during this difficult time, there is still a beautiful love story taking place. This love story between Ruth and Boaz is a picture of God providing a Bride (the Church) for His Son (Jesus). The Book of Ruth is also a harvest story, as the “Lord of the harvest” gathers His sheaves (John 4:31–38).

“Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.” —Ruth 1:16

B. Today we also live in perilous, uncertain, and divided times. The promises and blessings from God in Ruth still hold for us today. The best is yet to come if we…

1. Surrender to the Lord and obey Him.
2. Remember that no person is so far outside the reach of God’s grace that they cannot be rescued.
3. Trust that God guides and provides for those who serve Him faithfully.

C. This series of talks will include:

 TODAY      Chapter 1: Hope in Sorrow
 July 14    Chapter 2: Goodness in Service
 July 21    Chapter 3: Freedom in Surrender
 July 28    Chapter 4: Joy in Satisfaction

D. TEXT: Ruth 1:1-22 (New Testament)

Today’s Takeaway: HOPELESS TIMES CAN LEAD TO HOPEFUL CHOICES

CHAPTER 1: HOPE IN SORROW

I. A

Reveal Answer

SITUATION (vs. 1-5)

A.

prompts the journey

1. The

   Reveal Answer
   
   a. During the time of the Judges
   b. Famine in the land of Judah

2. The

   Reveal Answer
   
   a. A family of four leaves Bethlehem to dwell in Moab
   b. Elimelech the father, Naomi the mother, two sons, Mahlon and Chilion

3. The

   Reveal Answer
   prompted by:
   a. Famine
   b. Lack of faith in God’s provision

“If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall you help him, like a stranger or sojourner, that he may live with you.” —Leviticus 25:35

B.

strikes

1. Elimelech

   Reveal Answer

2. Mahlon and Chilion marry

   Reveal Answer
   women
   a. Mahlon marries Ruth, Chilion marries Orpah
   b. They live in Moab about ten years

3. Mahlon and Chilion

   Reveal Answer

II. A

Reveal Answer

RETURN TO JUDAH (vs. 6-22)

A. Naomi chooses to go

1. The

   Reveal Answer
   in Judah had ended

2. Naomi

   Reveal Answer
   her daughters-in-law to
   Reveal Answer
   in Moab

B. Ruth’s chooses to

her

1. At first, both daughters-in-law

   Reveal Answer
   to go with Naomi

2. Naomi tries to

   Reveal Answer
   them, and Orpah leaves

3. Ruth cannot be dissuaded, and

   Reveal Answer
   with Naomi

C. Naomi and Ruth return

to Bethlehem

1. Their arrival sparks

   Reveal Answer
   in the city

2. In contrast, Naomi’s attitude is one of

   Reveal Answer
   
   a. Naomi = “Pleasant”
   b. Mara = “Bitter”

3. Naomi and Ruth

   Reveal Answer
   in Bethlehem
   a. Naomi is a woman without a husband or sons
   b. Ruth is a Moabitess living in a strange land

D. Their return coincides with the beginning of

APPLICATION

All choices come with

- some good and some bad.

1. Elimelech and his sons made a
   Reveal Answer
   (to leave Judah) which appeared to be a good decision, but ultimately left Naomi a childless widow in a strange land that didn’t know God.
   

2. Ruth made a
   Reveal Answer
   to leave her family, home, and religion for her mother-in-law, a new home in Judah, and a new God.
   

3. Naomi and Ruth’s
   Reveal Answer
   in the midst of sorrow was that in returning to Judah, they would find a
   Reveal Answer
   and provision.
   

4. There was no
   Reveal Answer
   that moving back to Israel would work out for them.
   a. They were
   Reveal Answer
   
   b. They were
   Reveal Answer
   
   c. Naomi was
   Reveal Answer
   
   d. Ruth was a
   Reveal Answer

This was a step of

based on

Reveal Answer

.

CONCLUSION:

WHAT HOPE CAN YOU FIND IN GOD TODAY IN THE
MIDST OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION?

REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE – EVEN IN SORROW

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13

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