The Greatest Story of Love
Book of Ruth Sunday July 9th I. Introduction. A. A great love story. 1. Between Ruth who would not have been counted as worthy of Boaz’s love by most Hebrews. 2. Boaz’s is the great redeemer who had no obligation to Ruth. B. This is also our love story. 1. Between us, who unlike Ruth are not worthy of Jesus’ love. 2. Jesus is our great redeemer, who gave up the glory of Heaven and departed from His father’s presence in order to give the greatest give, which was His life for ours. C. Even in the worst of times this story demonstrates that righteousness can still be present. (Gen.6:8 Noah; Gen.19:1, Lot) 1. We may live during times similar to those of the Judges; however just as Ruth had Boaz we have Christ. 2. Even if our society sinks deeper into immorality we must show the world the righteousness of Boaz. D. Let’s examine the story of Ruth and learn more about our own redeemer, Jesus. Departing from the Lord. (1:1-5) A. The problem was not the famine, but sin and faithlessness. 1. God told the nation of Israel that if they departed from obeying Him they would suffer. (Lev. 26:36; 2 Kings 17:15) 2. We can not avoid our responsibilities to provide for our family, but must not be careless in placing them in more danger. B. Taking our family away from the Lord’s care is dangerous. 1. Let your first care be for pursuing His kingdom and His righteousness; and all the physical needs will provided. (Matt.6:33) 2. Pursuing His kingdom while suffering is difficult, but you must have faith in His promises. C. We can not avoid bearing our own cross during difficult times. (Luke 14:27) 1. Sin is the problem, not God. 2. Therefore we must evaluate our life style for sin. (2 Cor.13:5) Returning to the Lord. (1:6-22) A. Don’t wait for a disaster to come to the Lord. 1. The Lord has never intended for us to experience suffering in order to return. 2. He is always there and waiting for us. (Luke 15:20) B. Through suffering we learn to return. (Luke 15:17) 1. Suffering teaches us how good the Lord provides and how the world wants to destroy us. 2. Suffering is the best way to learn humility and dependency on the Lord. 1. Luke 15:19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'
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3. In our weakness the power of Christ can rest upon us. (2 Cor.12:9) C. When we return we must be void of self-worth. (v.19-21) 1. Once we are void of self-worth the Lord then can transform us into His glory! 2 Co 3:18 D. Turn to the Lord’s harvest it will satisfy your souls greatest need. (v.22) The Lord’s Reception. (2:1-23) A. The Lord is a just and gracious Lord. (Isa. 30:18) 1. Even though Ruth was a foreigner in Israel she was blessed by the graciousness of Boaz. 2. Boaz was far more gracious than the law required B. He never rejects us because of our spiritual condition if we are willing like Ruth to humble ourselves and obey the Lord’s commands. (2:10) C. Our obedience to Jesus’ commands demonstrates our love for Him. (John 14:15) The Lord’s Redemption. (3:1-4:21) A. Boaz gave himself as the redeemer for Ruth. 1. There was no obligation by Mosaic Law for Boaz to redeem Ruth. (Deu. 25:5) B. Jesus died to redeem us from sin. (Tit.2:14) 1. Unlike Ruth who demonstrated her love for Boaz before he redeemed her; we are enemies of Jesus when He has already paid for our redemption on the cross with His blood. C. No greater love has anyone ever shown. 1. We like Ruth are without the ability to redeem ourselves. (Rom.5:6-9) 2. For Boaz to redeem a Moabitess during the time of Judges was unthinkable. 3. Truly there is no greater love than for one to give his life for a friend, but Jesus died even for His enemies! (John 15:13) D. Upon our redemption we become equal heirs with Jesus. (Rom. 8:1617) Conclusion. A. Like Ruth it’s almost impossible to resist such gracious love. 1. Remember the last words on the cross spoken by Jesus, “It is complete!” (John 19:30) 2. The plan of redemption for all sinners was complete. B. Accept the redeemers love by obeying His commands, you will never be disappointed. C. Jesus our redeemer told the apostles to teach everyone the gospel story. Those who believe that Jesus is their redeemer and are baptized will be saved because their sins will be forgiven. (Matt.28:19-20;Mark16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)