Ruthdr. bill egner | AUGUST 4, 2019

COMING UP ... AUG 11 1 Samuel 1–7 AUG 18 1 Samuel 8–15 AUG 25 1 Samuel 16-17 SEPT 1 1 Samuel 18-21

RUTH SUMMARIZED in a word or phrase: “Hesed”THE BASICS Who: Jewish tradition suggests Samuel When: maybe the time of Gideon or Jephthah Where: Bethlehem Why: “The Lord is faithful in His business of loving, superintending, and providentially caring for His people. God’s people should also be about His business in the ordinary activities of daily living … faithful obedience to Him and gracious acts toward other people.” –John ReedRUTH 1 of only 2 Bible books featuring a woman as the heroine (Ruth and Esther) Ruth is an unexpected and unlikely heroine God uses Ruth’s life beyond her expectations A wonderful picture of our own Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ God providentially guides and blesses those who trust Him and obey His Word

LESSON THEME: The kind of life God uses

The Kind Of Life God Uses (1) Ruth steps into change with faith in God A crisis: there’s no bread in the “house of bread” A family leaves the Promised Land (v. 1) A family runs into the open arms of the Moabites! (vv. 2-5) Ruth’s response and expression of faith and loyal love to Naomi and to Naomi’s God (vv. 6-22) She gave up what was known for the unknown She gave up the security of her homeland for the insecurity of living someplace new ShegaveupthefulfillmentofhavingherownchildrenforthefulfillmentofcaringforGod’s“children”(e.g.Naomi; James 1:27) Ruth sets aside the life she’d imagined for herself for the life God was setting before her Are you willing to set aside the life you’ve imagined for yourself for the life God has set before you?

(2) She works diligently where God places her God providentially guides and provides for Ruth and Naomi (vv. 1-3) God is kind to Ruth through Boaz (vv. 4-16) NaomiencouragesRuthtocontinuetoworkinBoaz’sfields(vv.17-23) Ruth is faithful and loyal to Naomi SheisloyaltoBoaz;shedoesn’tcheathim;shetakesnoshortcuts;shedoesn’tcomplain She is loyal to her task … every day She is industrious, diligent and productive Ruth is content:workinghardeverydayasshepicksupthegleanings—theleftovers—fromBoaz’sfields Are you content—giving your best every day for what God is providing for you through your employer, circumstances, situation, etc.? Are you grateful—daily—for how God has provided for you in your life up to now? When did you last tell Him so?

(3) She’s patiently expectant for more It’s been one year now (3:2 “winnowing barley”) Ruth follows Naomi’s counsel (vv. 1-6)

Ruth presents her request to Boaz (vv. 7-13) Ruth waits on Boaz to act (vv. 14-18) Ruth made a request in line with God’s Word She voluntarily surrendered an independent life for a future wrapped up entirely in Boaz’s Andthoughexpectant,shewaswillingtowaitonBoaz’stimingtofulfillhispromisetoher Ruth formally and fully surrenders her life into Boaz’s hands, expectantly awaiting his follow-through Areyoureadytomovefrompickingup“gleaningsinthefield”toreceivingGod’sinheritanceinyour spiritual walk? Have you taken the risk to ask God for your portion of His inheritance to you? Have you formally surrendered your life into His hands, expectantly waiting on Him?

(4) She’s a blessing to others Boaz becomes Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer (vv. 1-10) Boaz marries Ruth (v. 13) Bethlehem and the women bless Boaz, Ruth and Obed for blessing them (vv. 11-22)

Application: The kind of life God uses

The Kind Of Life God Uses “The Lord is faithful in His business of loving, superintending, and providentially caring for His people … God’s people should also be about His business in the ordinary activities of daily living … faithful obedience to Him and gracious acts toward other people.” –John Reed (1) Step into change with faith in God Are you willing to set aside the life you’ve imagined for yourself for the life God is setting before you? (2) Work diligently where God places you Are you content, giving your best daily for what God is providing for you through your employer, etc.? (3) Patiently expect more from God Are you patiently expectantforJesustofulfilloneormoreofHispromisesinyourlifethroughHisSpirit? (4) As you’ve been blessed, be a blessing to others

To Be A Blessing Daily Means … Beginning each day with a decision Because I’ve been blessed, I want to bless others Making a plan Think about being a blessing to others as you think through your day’s agenda Then look for ways to spontaneously bless others Carrying out your plan Be a blessing!

AUDIO & HANDOUTS ON OUR WEBSITE: www.ccbcfamily.org/sermons/old-testament-surveyAUDIO PODCASTS (no handouts) ON iTUNES: search “Christ Chapel Bible Church Old Testament 2018”

FOR NEXT TIME: _____________________________ ©2019 by Dr. John W. Egner unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved.

RUTH

1:11:18

4:14:22

3:13:18

1:192:23

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“Ruth and Boaz” by Harold Copping

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“Ruth and Naomi”by Sandy Freckleton Gagon

“Ruth Gleaning” by James Tissot