WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

8/28/2011

OUR DECISIONS DETERMINE OUR DESTINYRuth 1:1-18

INTRODUCTION The book of Ruth was written during a time of great difficulty.

Jud 21:25 This book shows us that there is always hope for survival

even when times are rough. This book is a book about redemption.

Ruth was redeemed by Boaz who gave her a second chance in life.

This book shows us the providence of God. Ruth was the grandmother of Jesse, the father of David.

The first chapter of this book gives us some lessons we can learn about our choices we make. Our decisions determine our destiny

The principle of a willing choice The problems of a wrong choice The power of a wise choice

THE PRINCIPLE OF A WILLING CHOICE 1-2 We are free to choose

God gives us the same choice that he gave Elimelech. Life or Death----Duet 30:19

We are not free not to choose. We always have to make a choice. Some refuse to say yes or no to obeying Jesus----When we

refuse to make a choice we have made a choice. Matt 12:30

We are not free to choose the consequences. We make the first choice then the consequences are

already predetermined. Eph 1:3-5

We choose our own destiny in life. Eze 18:20

The biggest decision is to obey the gospel---Mark 16:16

THE PROBLEMS OF A WRONG CHOICE 3-5 Made the wrong choice in deciding to go into Moab.

The Moabites were enemies of Israel and a pagan nation. Leaving God and entering enemy territory is the wrong choice---II

Pet 2:20-21 Made the wrong choice for three basic reasons.

He had the wrong Motive Ruth 1:1 He was motivated by physical reasons and not spiritual. Ps 37:25---Matt 6:33---Sometimes our priorities are out of order.

He had the wrong Method. He walked by sight and not by faith Rom 10:17

He had the wrong Master. Matt 6:24

His choices brought consequences. It brought death Rom 6:23----Adam and Eve

It brought deprivation. Wanted to be blessed----Read Jer 17:5-8

THE POWER OF A WISE CHOICE 7-18 Ruth decided to go with her mother-in-law 7-18

Ruth’s decision changed the course of her life Our decisions have a great effect on our life course---

physical & spiritual Ruth previously lived a cursed and condemned life

She was poor----she lost her husband and father-in-law She was an idolater---Eph 2:12

II Cor 5:17 “All things are new” Determination---Phil 3:13-14 Direction---Gal 2:20 Dependence---Prov 3:5-6 Desire---Col 3:1-3 Devotion---Matt 6:33 Destiny---Rom 6:20-22

WHAT IS YOUR DECISION TODAY? We all have to make a choice.

The wrong choice can lead to destruction.

The right choice and lead to everlasting life.

Have you obeyed the gospel?

The decision you make will determine your destiny.

OUR DECISIONS DETERMINE OUR DESTINYRuth 1:1-18