The following blog post contains notes and application questions from our March 27, 2022 message A Story of Romance and Redemption
LISTEN TO THE SERMON
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SUMMARY
Pastor Tim continued our new series, entitled “God’s Providence in Perilous Times” from the Book of Ruth. Tim preached from Ruth 3:1-18. From his message, we see:
- Naomi mentors Ruth (Ruth 3:1-6)
- Ruth 3:1-2 – Intense Need and Hope – Naomi and Ruth must find relief from the vulnerability
- Ruth 3:3-6 – Bold and Daring Plan – a decisive move, bold expression of covenant faith
- Ruth meets Boaz (Ruth 3:7-15)
- Ruth 3:7 – Transition – Harvest meal, the success of the harvest
- Ruth 3:7b – Bold Faith – a response to the providence of God.
- Ruth 3:8-9 – Boaz is startled; Ruth asks Boaz to marry her
- Ruth 3:10-11 – Boaz responds to Ruth’s request
- Blessings are bestowed on Ruth
- Ruth continues to show kindness to her mother in law, Naomi
- Boaz reassures and comforts Ruth and tells her not to be afraid
- Ruth 3:12-13 – Tension Introduced – a closer redeemer exists.
- Ruth 3:14-15 – Boaz shows concerns for Ruth’s safety and their reputation
- Ruth reports back to Naomi (Ruth 3:16-18)
- Hope and Excitement
Principles to Consider
- We need to get serious about purity
- See God’s amazing love for you
- Remember that redeeming love always has a price
Key Takeaway: Be shocked by God’s redeeming love in the midst of your season of need and brokeness
BRINGING IT HOME: (REFLECT, REQUEST, RESPOND)
REFLECT: QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
- Read through the book at least once this week.
- Describe incidences where the providence of God shows up in the seemingly “normal” happenings of life.
- In what does Boaz show the kindness (covenantal love) of a kinsman-redeemer in 3:10-15?
- How is Ruth’s character described in this chapter? What is the definition of character? What challenges you about your own character as you read this story?
- Many in our time would make this very intimate scene into something sexual. In fact, many would see it as a complete failure if the two of them had not engaged in sex. Boaz and Ruth were concerned about covenant promises and faithfulness more than temporal lust. What allowed Boaz and Ruth to hold fast to their integrity and show a willingness to wait for the proper time?
- Pastor Tim, near the end of his message, pointed out some of the similarities and differences between Boaz as a redeemer and Jesus as the Redeemer. What were some of those similarities and differences? Are there others you can think of as well?
REQUEST: PRAYER AND PRAISE
- Ask God to help you to grow in God’s grace and enablement.
- Confess and repent of any sins that are in your thoughts, words, or actions that hinder your growth in grace.
- Ask for the Holy Spirit to enable you to love others by believing and living out the gospel.
RESPOND: APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
- How can you love God more through what you have learned?
- How can you love others more through what you have learned?
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Suggested Scripture Study:
- Caring for the poor and vulnerable
- Isaiah 1:17
- Micah 6:8
- James 1:27
- 1 Timothy 5:4-8
- Mentoring and discipling
- Proverbs 13:20
- Proverbs 27:17
- Titus 2:3-5
- 1 Peter 5:5
- How to deal with temptation
- The temptation of Adam and Eve – Genesis 3:1-24;
- Our struggle with temptation – James 1:2-18
- The temptation of the Lord Jesus Christ – Matthew 4:1-11
