| These Sermon outlines were written and submitted by: Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Biloxi, Mississippi 39532. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite. |
Teaching Through Ruth
Seven Sermon/Teaching Outlines
by Pastor Joseph M. Willmouth
Trinity Bible Church, Biloxi
Mississippi, in the Book of Hosea
Introduction: While the misfortunes of Naomi had made her bitter, Ruth had remained faithful and God was about to use that faithfulness to change these two lives forever.
I. Through Provision (vv.14-18a).
1. Boaz's Unmerited Favor (vv.14-16).Application: True grace always go beyond our wildest expectations. Boaz was not required to do one thing beyond what the Law provided for, yet he extended his favor well beyond what was required. The love of Boaz for Ruth compelled him to pour out his grace upon her, and to meet her every need. True grace is love that pays the price to help the undeserving one. Likewise, God's grace was poured out upon us, through Jesus Christ, although we didn't deserve it.A. Boaz invited Ruth to dine among his reapers whereupon he served her so much roasted grain that she ate until she was full and had some left over (v.14).2. Boaz's grace was more than sufficient (vv.17-18a)
B. Boaz ordered his servants to make her work easier and more prosperous by allowing her to glean among the sheaves, and by throwing down grain for her to glean (vv.15-16).A. When Ruth beat out her day's work of gleaning she had acquired somewhere between a half to two thirds of a bushel which would be enough food for the two women for nearly a week.
B. Ruth was a diligent worker and was careful not to waste anything that God had given her.
II. Through Goodness (vv.18b-20).
1. When Ruth returned to the city, her mother-in-law saw all that Ruth had gleaned and what she had left over after she had eaten (v.18b).Application: God can use a believer, like Ruth, to turn the bitterness of another into gratitude, and restore a weakened faith. When one person trusts the Lord and obeys His will, it will often change a situation from defeat to victory.2. From bitterness to blessedness; Naomi's change of heart (vv.19-20).
A. The last time we saw Naomi, she was sharing her bitterness with the women of Bethlehem, but this was about to change.1) When Naomi saw the harvest of Ruth she blessed the benefactor (v.19a).B. Naomi's prayer (v.20).
2) Ruth tells Naomi the name of the man with whom she worked was Boaz (v.19b).1) Naomi prayed that Boaz would be blessed by God (v.20a)
2) She proclaimed that the God had not withdrawn his loyal love from the living, or from the dead (v.20b).
3) She tells Ruth that Boaz is their relative--one of their closest relatives (v.20b).A) Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer (Lev.25:47-55).
B) He could act as a levir (Deut.25:5-10: Latin term for "brother-in-law" or "a husband's brother").- The kinsman redeemer had to marry his deceased brother's wife who came with the property.
- This would allow him to bring up children bearing the name of the deceased, and they would inherit the property; allowing for the family name and family possessions to continue to be theirs.
- Note that the author of the book of Ruth doesn't explain how Ruth's husband, Mahlon, was connected with his father's property so that Ruth had to be included in the purchase.
III. Through Protection (vv.21-23).
1. Boaz's grace extended protection to Ruth throughout the harvest (v.21).Application: While as Christians we have the assurance of our salvation and we can't lose it, we can still find ourselves in situations if we wander from God's promises and provisions. Just because we are the benefactors of the grace of God doesn't mean that we can act foolishly and not worry about paying the price of our sins. Like Ruth we must be obedient and faithful to the Lord until He comes.- Ruth tells Naomi of Boaz's protective provisions for her.2. Naomi agreed that Ruth should go out with Boazs' maids so that others would not hurt her in another field (v.22).A. Naomi reminded Ruth of the danger that might lurk in another field.3. Ruth loyally obeyed (v.23).
B. This reveals to us the low morals of the people in the days of the Judges and Ruth.A. Ruth stayed close by the maids of Boaz as she gleaned until the end of the barley harvest (v.23a).
B. Ruth lived with her mother-in-law (v.23b).
| On Your Own: Review this chapter at a later time and ask yourself the following questions to see if there are other applications for us to apply in our walk with the Lord. Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there a promise for me to claim? Is there a difficulty here for me to explore (more research needed)? Is there something in this passage that I should pray about today? What does this passage teach me about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit? ("How To Give Away Your Faith" by Paul E. Little, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL., pp.126-27, 1980) |
Introduction: Naomi's first plan was to return to Bethlehem to eke out an existence in the best they could, but now Naomi had a new plan that would require Ruth to take steps in faith.
I. ...Should Be Based Upon God's Word (vv.1-2a).
1. The Law of Moses required that when a man died childless a close relative should marry the widow so that the family name would be perpetuated, and to allow his property to remain in the family (Deut.25:5-10).Application: The number one concern that any believer should have when stepping out in faith is what does God's Word say about it. We want to always be in agreement with God's Word, or else we may learn that God was never in our plans to begin with. Naomi's plan was based upon and in God's Word.A. Ruth had been left childless.2. Naomi was anxious for Ruth to find security in a husband and a home (v.1).
B. Boaz was a relative of Elimelech, and as such was eligible to serve as the redeeming relative by marrying Ruth (v.2a).A. She was willing to relinquish her own claims to marriage and property to Ruth.
B. It was customary for Hebrew parents to arrange marriages for their children (Jud.14:1-10).
II. ...Should Be Carefully Planned And Prepared For (vv.2b-4).
1. Naomi's new plan (v.2b).Application: While some would criticize Naomi for her planning, the simple truth is if we would take the time to plan we would find it easier to reach our goal. It has been said that, "Planning is drawing a map as to how you are going to reach your goal. (Mack R. Douglas)" Having a map often helps to keep us from getting lost along our life's journey.A. Naomi knew where Boaz would be and when he would be there, and made plans accordingly.2. Ruth's preparations (vv.3-4).1) Threshing and winnowing were a time of great festivity and rejoicing in Israel.B. Her plan was to impress Boaz in at least three areas.
2) The owner of the grain and his servants usually spent the night on the threshing floor to prevent the stealing of the grain, and to insure the prompt start of the work the next day.1) His responsibility to be kinsman-redeemer to Ruth and to her.
2) Ruth and Naomi's desire for him to be their kinsman-redeemer.
3) And with Ruth's desirability as a woman and a wife.A. First she was to wash herself (v.3a).3. Naomi's final instructions (v.4).1) In the East, the heat and the dust made frequent washing a necessity even though water may not always be plentiful.B. Second, Ruth was to anoint herself (3b).
2) Naomi may have been telling Ruth to act like a bride preparing for her wedding (Ezek.16:9-12).1) In the East, people used fragrant oils to protect and heal their bodies and to make themselves peasant to others.C. Thirdly, Ruth was to change clothes (v.3c).
2) A bride would especially want to smell nice so that she would be "nice to be near" (Song 1:3, 12-14; 4:11-16).1) She was to change out of her everyday work clothes and put on her best clothes.
2) Some believe that the reference to her "best clothing" could be rendered, "a large outer garment" so that Ruth could conceal her identity from being detected until the right time.A. It was important that Ruth knew when to present herself to Boaz.
B. This was a step of faith to claim her kinsman-redeemer.
III. ...Should Be Joyfully Accepted (v.5).
1. Ruth was willing to respond with unquestioned obedience to the plans of Naomi.Application: The best plans in the world are of no lasting benefit if we are not willing to respond with the right heart and attitude. Ruth was tireless in her devotion to Naomi and in her faithfulness to obey. Think what a church could do if we all where willing to respond like Ruth!A. "All" (kol {kole}: the whole, the entirety.
B. "Shall Do" ('asah {aw-saw'}: to do or make, accomplish; is often used with the sense of ethical obligation.
IV. ...Should Be Faithfully Carried Out (vv.6-18).
1. Ruth followed Naomi's plan to the letter (vv.6-9).2. Boaz's Response (vv.10-15)
A. Boaz joyfully received Ruth's proposal by blessing Ruth and showed no hint of being embarrassed, or that she had done anything wrong or improper (vv.10-11).3. Ruth returns and tells an eager Naomi everything that had happened, and Naomi tells her that it is in Boaz's hands now (vv.16-18).
B. Boaz informs Ruth that he would be her kindsman-redeemer, but there is another relative who is closer to Elimelech's family that would have a say in the matter (vv.12-13a).
C. Boaz instructs Ruth to stay where she was for the night (v.13b).
D. Boaz sends Ruth home just before daylight to protect her from gossipers, and gave her gain to take home (vv.14-15).
Application: The
best of plans are useless if they are not carried out, and sometimes when
they are carried out we can do nothing else but to watch and pray. If we
are faithful to God and His Word we can count on God to be faithful to
us....no matter how it turns out.
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Introduction: The key theme of this last chapter is redemption. The words "redeem," "buy," and "purchase" are used at least 15 times. Redemption is very costly and comes with a price that has to be paid. And as we will see, not everybody is willing or able to pay the steep price of redemption.
I. The Faithful Redeemer (vv.1-12).
1. Boaz was faithful to his word and sought to redeem Ruth (vv.1-2).Application: This is a good example to us to make sure that we are faithful to our word, and that we try carry out the affairs of our life in a proper manner so that there can be no dispute as to what we say or do.A. Boaz went to the town gate where personal business, and the civic affairs of the people were transacted (Deut.21:18-21; 2 Sam.15:2; Job 29:7; v.1).1) When the kinsman-redeemer closer to Elimelech came by, Boaz asked him to sit down.B. Boaz called together 10 men who were elders in the Bethlehem to serve as witnesses to the legal transaction (v.2).
2) The term "friend," or "my friend" was a catch phrase in Israel, and was usually a
designation for an unknown "John Doe." It may have been used here simply as a greeting.- The reason for the number 10 is not known, but centuries later it became the number necessary for a Jewish marriage benediction or a quorum for a synagogue meeting.
2. Not all are willing or able to pay the price to redeem (vv.3-6).Application: While our motives may be "above board" we need to remember that when dealing with others their motives may be less than honorable. But this shouldn't stop us from doing what's right. This is also a lesson about how Jesus Christ is the only person who was able and willing to pay the price of our redemption. There may be many who claim that they are willing, but in truth there may be none who are able.A. Boaz tells the nearest kinsman about Naomi's property that was for sale, and the un-named man agreed to buy the property (vv.3-4).1) No information is given as to Naomi's land, but it seems that her poverty caused her to sell it.B. When Boaz revealed that if he (the nearest relative) was going to buy the land then he had to take Ruth also, he quickly changes his mind (vv.5-6).
2) If it were possible the land should remain in the family (Jer.32:6-12).1) The relative was not willing to take on the responsibility of marriage and supporting the widow.
2) This would have been a double financial burden and would jeopardize his own inheritance.A) We don't know if he was just too poor to sustain a wife and the land, or if he wasn't willing to marry a Moabitess.
B) If he had married Ruth and had a son, and that son was the only surviving heir, then his estate would also go to Elimelech's family (which didn't seem to appeal to him).
3. The true kinsman-redeemer (vv.7-12).Application: When we are faithful to our word and to our Lord, people notice. The unknown relative was never mentioned again, but Boaz who was faithful received the blessing of being an example for generations to follow. What kind of testimony are you leaving?A. Boaz was faithful according to the custom of his day and was granted the right to redeem (vv.7-8).- The legal transaction was finalized by a symbolic act of passing a sandal which symbolized Boaz's right to walk on the land as his property (Deut.1:36; 11:24; Josh.1:3; 14:9).B. Boaz quickly moved to complete the redemptive process (vv.9-10).- He claimed and received the right of redemption, both for Elimelech's land and for Ruth.C. Boaz received the witness, approval, and praise of the elders to be the kinsman redeemer (vv.11-12).1) The elders prayed that Boaz would have many children (v.11).
2) They also prayed for numerous and distinguished decedents for Boaz (v.12).
II. The Blessings Of Redemption (vv.13-22).
1. God's blessings on Boaz and Ruth's marriage (v.13).Application: This book opened with three funerals, but closes with new life. The Lord blesses those who are faithful. We may not understand why He allows us to suffer and go through trials, but if we put our trust in our Kinsman-Redeemer, He is faithful to see us through to the end where we will find His blessings.A. Boaz and Ruth were married.2. God's blessings upon Naomi (vv.14-16).
B. The Lord blessed them and gave them a Son (Gen.29:31; 30:1-2; 33:5).A. The woman who had seen Naomi's emptiness when she came back to Bethlehem, now praised God that she had received a kinsman-redeemer (vv.14-15).3. God's blessings upon the line of Judah (vv.17-22).
B. Naomi because her grandson's nurse (v.16).A. The women called Ruth's son Obed (v.17a).1) The term Naomi's son is a reference to a descendant that would carry on Naomi and Elimelech's family name. Naomi would adopt him as her own son and become a foster mother and help in the raising of Obed.B. Obed would have the pleasure of being a blessing to the world (vv.17b-22).
2) Obed (oh'bid), which means "servant" or "worshiper."1) His lineage: Perez (pee'riz: "breach"), Hezron (hez'ruhn: "surrounded by a wall"), Ram ("high" or "exalted"), Amminadab (uh-min'uh-dab: "my kinsman is noble"), Nahshon (nah'shon: "enchanter"), Salmon (sal'muhn: "garment"), Boaz (boh'az: "fleetness"), Obed (oh'bid: "serving"), Jesse ("possesses"), David ("beloved").
2) The lineage of David (Matthew 1:1-17).
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Be Committed: Doing God's Will Whatever the Cost, by Warren W. Wiersbe, Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1993
Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville Tennessee, 1995
Bible Book Study for Adult Teachers: Ruth, 1 Samuel, Vol.12, Number 14, The Sunday School Board, Nashville, Tennessee, July-August-September, 1990
The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985
From Joshua to David, by John L. Hill, Convention Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1934
How To Give Away Your Faith, by Paul E. Little, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.,1980
A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments, Vol. 1, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, & David Brown, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids MI, 1990
Ruth, by J. Vernon McGee, Vol.11, Thru The Bible Books, Pasadena, California, 1983
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines On the Old Testament, by Warren W. Wiersbe, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1993