Lessons from Ruth

Chronological Series – BSMc – April 10, 2011

Overview of Ruth

• During time of Judges, Elimelech and Naomi travel to Moab fleeing a famine.
  • They have two sons – Mahlon and Chilion
  • Elimelech dies living widow and two sons.
  • Mahlon marries Ruth from Moab, Chilion marries Orpah.
  • Mahlon and Chilion both die – now three widows.

• Naomi believes God is punishing her – Ruth 1:13, 20-21.
  • She plans to return home
  • Orpah stays, Ruth wants to go with Naomi – Ruth 1:14-18.

• Naomi and Ruth Come to Bethlehem
  • Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field
  • Boaz cares for them.
  • Boaz becomes Ruth and Naomi’s redeemer-kinsman. Marries Ruth.
  • Ruth and Boaz are the great-grandparents of David.

Lesson One: Choices and Consequences

• Elimelech and Naomi chose to leave home during famine.
  • Good business decision
  • Resulted in death of Elimelech and sons in a foreign nation.

• Ruth chose to follow Naomi
  • Left family and native religion for God and His people (family)
  • Mk 10:29-30.

• Pelagius – 354 – 440 AD – humans are sinners by choice, they are therefore criminals who need the atonement of Jesus Christ. Sinners are not victims, they are criminals who need pardon.
• Choices are not always “right / wrong” but “good / better”
  • God can and will bless our choices if:
  • Matt 6:33 seek first
  • Rom 8:28 love His appearing

Lesson Two: Humility

• Ruth 2:1-7
• Gleaning was God’s care for the needy, the traveler, etc.
  • Lev 19:9-10
  • Deut 24:19-22

• Her humility brought about Boaz’s kindness
  • Lunch with workers
  • Stay in his fields alone
  • Protected from harm
  • Workers told to “drop” extra
  • Approx.. 40 lbs of grain from gleaning.

• Naomi’s realization – Ruth 2:20 – God has not forsaken me.
• God has a place in His heart for the humble – 1 Pet 5:5-7.

Lesson Three: Light in Darkness

• Ruth’s story occurs during the time of the Judges.
  • Jdg 21:23

• Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz seem to follow God
  • Not all (everyone) was in the wrong all the time.

• Learn to live right among people who seem to follow self instead of God.
  • Eph 5:7-12
  • Matt 5:13-16