Seven Lessons from Ruth…

Seven Lessons from the Book of Ruth. In Ruth and Boaz we see an outline of our own spiritual history and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.    1. The cost of unbelief and disobedience. Chapter 1, vs. 1-21.     A. It is always less costly to obey God.     B. All disobedience is manifest unbelief.  C. Bad decisions made early in life will have bad consequences in years to come.  D. Our example is more important than our words.  E. Do not, for any reason, move your family anywhere you would  not want to die and leave them. 2. God’s sovereign, unconditional Election.     Another meaning for the name of Ruth could be “satisfied stranger.” Ruth was a stranger by nature, but she found satisfaction in the Lord by grace. We need to always rejoice in, give thanks to, our God for His free, electing love in Christ. Ps. 65:4, John 15:16, 2 Thess. 2:13. 3. The Mystery of God’s providence.     Providence is the unfolding and accomplishment of God’s everlasting purpose, which is the salvation of His elect. Romans 8: 28-30, Ps. 76:10. We are ruled, totally, in God’s sovereign providence and according to His eternal purpose of grace. 4. The Blessedness of Redemption by Christ. Boaz, a beautiful picture of Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer. A. Christ assumed our nature: “The Word became flesh.”    B. He was a mighty redeemer. His name is “The Mighty God.” C. Boaz was a wealthy redeemer. Christ willingly laid down His life for us. D. He was a lawful redeemer, such a redeemer as the law required. So, too, is our Lord Jesus Christ. E. Boaz was an effectual redeemer. He purchased Ruth, the object of his love, for his own. The Son of God, our effectual Redeemer, will have as His own the people of His choice. F. Boaz was a complete redeemer. When Ruth married Boaz, she received him and everything in him. God’s Word states, “You are complete in Him.” Col. 2:10. 5. The instrumentality of God’s Word in conversion. Read chapter 1 verse 6. God has ordained the salvation of His people and He has ordained the means by which He will save them. When the appointed time of love comes, when God is pleased to call the sinner He has chosen to life and faith in Christ, He will do so by sending someone to the chosen sinner with the gospel of His grace.  The scriptures declare that God saves sinners only by the instrumentality of the Gospel. ‘It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.’ 1 Cor. 1:121, Rom. 10:17, Eph. 1:13, Heb. 4:12, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1: 23-25. 6. The character of true faith. The book of Ruth shows this- True faith is commitment to Christ. Read chapter 1: 16-18. Commitment was the difference between these two girls. Chap. 2 verse 10, shows true faith acknowledges personal unworthiness. Chap. 3: 4-8 shows true faith humbly takes it place at the feet of Christ. Mary was found here, the leper was found here, John was found here. This is where we should be, at His feet. At His feet is the place of humility, reverence, faith, worship, rest, love and honor. We serve Christ best when we serve at His feet, leaning upon His Word, trusting His grace, and seeking His glory. 7. The reward of Faith. Chapter 2:12 Faith is taking shelter under the wings of the Almighty, fleeing to Christ our refuge. Faith, above all else, honours God.                                                                                                                      References: Ruth and Esther, Women of Faith. Thru the Bible commentary series, Book of Ruth. J. Vernon McGee. Halley’s Bible Handbook, Henry H. Halley. Discovering Christ in Ruth, the Kinsman Redeemer, Donald S. Fortner. Matthew Henry Commentary on the whole Bible, Bible study tools.com Wesley’s explanatory notes, Bible study tools.com. The Scofield Reference Bible.