The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Reality

Temple Baptist Church - 10-6-2019

Ruth 4:9-22

Introduction:

A.  The Book of Ruth, the “Greatest Love Story” ever told!  A story that surpasses “Romeo and Juliet,” “Cinderella,” and others like these.

1.  Because the Book of Ruth is a true story. 

2.  Because the Book of Ruth is a prophetic story.

3.  Because the Book of Ruth is a personal story.

4.  Because the Book of Ruth is an eternal story.

B.  The Book of Ruth is prophetic of:

1.  The Relationship of Christ and His Church.

2.  The Relationship of Jesus and the Believer.

C.  The Book of Ruth is about:

1.  A Family.  The Family of Elimelech.  The type of Israel.

2.  A Failure.  The Fleeing during Famine.  The rejection of God’s blessings.  Boaz stayed!

3.  A Funeral.  The Finality of a Decision.  The result of unrepentant sin.

4.  A Faith.  The Choice of a Moabite woman.  A “whosoever will” gospel.

5.  A Future.  The Establishment of a Lineage.  An eternal union between Jesus Christ and His Bride.

D.  Let us take a short look at the ending of the Story of Ruth.

1.  Redemption’s Price Paid.  Verse 9.  “I have bought all!” 

Colossians 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

2.  A Bride Purchased.  Verse 10a.  “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife.”

Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

3.  An Heir Promised.  Verses 10b-12.  “To raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.”  A beautiful type of our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection. 

Galatians 3:26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

4.  A Marriage Consummated.  Verse 13.  “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.”

Revelation 19:6-9  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  (7)  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  (8)  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  (9)  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

5.  A Blessing Restored.  Verses 14-16.  “Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.”  This story is as much about Naomi as it is Ruth!

a.  The Blessing of her inheritance returned.  A Restorer of Life.

b.  The Blessing of another Baby Boy to nurse.

6.  A Lineage Completed.  Verses 17-22.  “There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed.”

a.  Obed – Servant.

b.  Isaiah 52:13  Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Redemption

Temple Baptist Church - 9-29-2019

Ruth 4:1-11

Introduction:

A.  We have looked at:

1.  Love’s Resolve – both Naomi and Ruth made choices that involved great resolve.  Ruth was “steadfastly minded.”

2.  Love’s Restoration – Both Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem, “The House of Bread,” in the beginning of Barley Harvest.

3.  Love’s Redeemer – the right place “hap” and the right time, when Boaz came to the field.  Today is the day of salvation, today is the accepted time.

4.  Love’s Rest – placing our needs and fears into the hand of another and resting there.

B.  I think it of great importance for God’s children to often think upon the price of our redemption.  The saved know that they are saved but often get caught up in living or some dire circumstance that has befallen them.

C.  Chapter 4 of the Book of Ruth is a very important one.

1.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verses 1-3.  THE NEED WAS GREAT!

a.  Redemption was needed because of what Naomi had lost. 

1)  Elimelech’s poor decision cost his entire family both their lives and possessions.  The price of Naomi’s redemption had to be paid. 

2)  Adam’s poor decision cost the entire human race as Adamic sin was born in every human except Christ.  The Promised Seed, the Lord Jesus Christ, was promised for the redemption of mankind.

Romans 5:12a  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin …

b.  Redemption was needed because of what Ruth never had! 

1)  A Moabite girl raised in a heathen, godless land.  Helpless and hopeless in her sinful condition.  The time was right because she was brought in the 10th generation.

Romans 5:12b  … and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

2)  Through the providence of God, she married into the right family and followed Naomi to Bethlehem.  Naomi’s God became her God and Boaz, when he paid for the redemption of Naomi.  Ruth’s choice brought her in under the same redemption.

2.  The Great Need of a Kinsman Redeemer.  THE REDEEMER WAS WILLING!

a.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be right. 

1)  He had to be a near kinsman.  Boaz was such a man.  He was of the family of Elimelech.

2)  Our Redeemer had to be a near kinsman.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  The Lamb of God, our Perfect Sacrifice.  The Lord Jesus Christ was the only One who could redeem us from the curse of sin.

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  (The Creator, the great I AM, Jehovah God, The Only Begotten of the Father.)

b.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be willing.  The closest kinsman redeemer was willing to redeem Naomi’s possessions but was not willing to redeem Ruth, the Moabite widow.

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

3.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verse 5.  THE REDEEMER WAS ABLE!

a.  It took a mighty man of wealth with the power to redeem what Naomi had lost. 

b.  Only the precious blood of Christ could pay the cost of our redemption.

1 Peter 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

4.  The Great Need of Assurance.  Verses 9-11.  THE REDEMPTION WAS SECURED!

a.  All that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, Mahlon, and Naomi was purchased and possessed by Boaz.  Boaz left nothing unpaid, he left nothing undone. 

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

b.  Ruth, the Moabite or Gentile Bride, was securely purchased and possessed by Boaz.  He is mine and I am His!

Song of Solomon 6:3a  I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine …

“OH, WHAT A SAVIOUR!  OH, WHAT A SALVATION!’

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Rest

Temple Baptist Church - 9-22-2019

Ruth 3:1-18

Introduction:

A.  What a blessing this morning to be saved and resting in the work that our Lord Jesus Christ finished.  Here in the Book of Ruth, we are looking at the Providence of God in Redemption.

“Redeem how I love to proclaim it; redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!  Redeemed by His infinite mercy; His child and forever I am!”

1.  We live in a world of unrest!  People trying to find happiness in all the wrong places.  The more that they have, the more unsatisfied they become.  The reason: they will never find rest in things.  The more that you get, the more that you want.

2.  Many of God’s children live in restlessness.  The things of the world, that we are not to love, have a strong attraction upon our flesh.

3.  Restlessness is found when our trust is in things that are perishable.  Money comes and money goes.  Beauty soon fades away.  Homes and automobiles began to need repaired, remodeled, or replaced.

B.  I believe that Ruth’s salvation began in chapter 1 when she said, “Thy God, my God.” 

1.  What a beautiful Old Testament example of saving faith!  Ruth turned her back on the things of this world when she turned for the idolatry of Moab and followed the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2.  We that are saved today have turned our backs to the world and placed our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s FINISHED work: the gospel: death, burial, and bodily resurrection.

C.  One of the most important aspects of salvation is salvation’s rest.

Isaiah 32:17-18  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  (18)  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

D.  Salvation’s Rest is found in two different areas of salvation.

1.  Resting from our work in salvation.  Hebrews 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2.  Resting in our work after salvation.  Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

E.  In chapter 3, Ruth finds Rest in her Redemption.

1.  Love’s Rest is a Virtuous Place.  Verses 2-3.  “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee”  Ruth bathed and put on a perfume that would be pleasing to Boaz.

2.  Love’s Rest is a Particular Place.  Verse 4.  “mark the place where he shall lie”   We rest in the place of His choosing.

3.  Love’s Rest is a Near Place.  Verse 4a.  “and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down”   Uncover His feet and lie there.  A place of humility and closeness.  Humbly at His feet we bow.

4.  Love’s Rest is an Obedient Place.  Verse 4b.  “and he will tell thee what thou shalt do”   A place of His will, not ours.

5.  Love’s Rest is a Protected Place.  Verses 6-9.  “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman”   The safest place in the world is under His wings!

6.  Love’s Rest is a Blessed Place.  Verse 10.  “Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter”  Physical, monetary, and spiritual blessings abound in Christ.

7.  Love’s Rest is a Trusting Place.  Verse 11-14.  “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest”  Call unto me and I will answer thee.  God give us the desires of our hearts.

8.  Love’s Rest is a Satisfying Place.  Verses 14-17.  “Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her”  But MY God shall provide all your need!  And he “laid it on her!”

9.  Love’s Rest is an Assuring Place.  Verse 18.  “Sit still, my daughter”  Resting in Christ is patiently waiting upon His way, His place, and His time!

10.  Love’s Rest is a Rewarding Place.  Verse 18.  “for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day”  Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Redeemer

Temple Baptist Church - 9-15-2019

Ruth 2:1

Introduction:

A.  The Story of Ruth!  One of the most beautiful Books of the Bible!  A Book of Love.  A Book of Redemption.

1.  A story of wrong and right choices.

2.  A story of consequences of wrong and right choices.

3.  A story of remorse and gladness.

4.  A story of return and redemption.  A story of the return of Naomi and the redemption of a young Moabite woman named Ruth.

5.  A story of a kinsman redeemer, a type of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

B.  Naomi and Ruth have now returned to Bethlehem-Judah: the place of the Birth of Christ.  The place where our beloved Saviour was born 2,000 years ago.  A place where Ruth’s Saviour would be born 1,000 years in the future.  The place where God became Man, the Word became Flesh, the LORD became a Lamb, and Salvation came freely and underserved for us all.

1.  Verse 1.  The Person of God’s choosing.  Ruth 2:1 is where Naomi’s Kinsman Redeemer is introduced.  Boaz!  “Pillar” or Strength!”

1 Kings 7:21  And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

2.  Verse 3.  At Bethlehem-Judah, we find the Providence of God.  I love the word “hap.”  Ruth gleaned where God intended her to glean.  The place where Ruth would meet her Kinsman Redeemer.

3.  Verse 16.  In Boaz’s field, we find the Provision of God.  “Handfuls of purpose.”  Naomi and Ruth came home at the right time and Ruth gleaned in the right place.

4.  Verse 19-20.  In Boaz, we find the Purpose of God.  Ruth’s Kinsman Redeemer.

C.   When you look at the life of Boaz, you find everything that you should look for in Christ.

1.  Boaz was a Mighty Man.  (Ruth 2:1)  He was both bold and authoritative.  He ruled his house well and protected what was his.  Christ Jesus was such a man!  Though He took the form of a servant, He ruled the universe at the same time.  Mighty to perform and mighty to save.

2.  Boaz was a Wealthy Man.  (Ruth 2:1)  He lacked nothing and had more than he could spend.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He owns the cattle of a thousand hills.  He created the universe for His pleasure and can do as much again and again.  He has need or nothing!

3.  Boaz was a Near Man.  (Ruth 2:1)  Of the family of Elimelech.  Naomi was well acquainted with Boaz as she had married into the family.  Christ Jesus was such a man!  He became flesh and dwelt among us.  He was flesh as well as God.  He knows our weaknesses and understands our failures.  He has made provision for them all.

4.  Boaz was a Man of Providence.  (Ruth 2:3)  He was in the right place at the right time to do the right thing.  He was a man born in Bethlehem-Judah.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He was the God-Man born in Bethlehem-Judah.  Always in the right place at the right time to do the right thing in redemption.

5.  Boaz was a Gracious Man.  (Ruth 2:8-9)  Though he was the owner of all, he treated Ruth with great gentleness and compassion.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He spoke gracious words to both rich and poor.  Never a man spake like this man.

6.  Boaz was a Generous Man.  (Ruth 2:14-16)  He will allow Ruth to glean “hands full of purpose.”  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He has given to mankind so much more than salvation, He has given to us all that we have.

7.  Boaz was a Simple Man.  (Ruth 3:2-4)  Though he owned much, he slept on the ground at the threshing floor with the servants.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  The foxes had holes and birds nests but this man had neither.  He became that was rich became poor that through His poverty, we might be made rich.

8.  Boaz was a Willing Man.  (Ruth 3:9)  He was a kinsman redeemer.  For Boaz to redeem all that belonged to Naomi, he had to be a kinsman as well as a near kinsman.  Under the Law, he had to be qualified in order to take care of the task at hand.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  Our Lord is not only near, He is qualified to save and to save eternally.  He is the Only Kinsman Redeemer for sinful man.

9.  Boaz was a Compassionate Man.  (Ruth 3:10-11)  He took a helpless, hopeless Moabite girl and made her the great grandmother of a King.  She never had to glean again!  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He looked upon the multitudes and individuals that He met as well with compassion.

10.  Boaz was a righteous man.  (Ruth 3:13)  He had a high regard for the Law and operated within its realm.  Christ Jesus was such a man.  He said that the Scripture could not be broken.  He came to fulfill the Law, not to do away with it.  His enemies could lay no sin to His charge.

Conclusion:  Typology in the Bible is a precious thing.  The Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament.  In the Old Testament, Truth is concealed.  In the New Testament, Truth is revealed.  Oh, what a Saviour!  Oh, what a Bible!

a.  We were far from God when Jesus found us.

b.  We were enslaved by sin when Jesus found us.

c.  We were hopelessly, helplessly lost when Jesus found us.

d.  Jesus was willing to lower Himself on our behalf.

e.  Jesus was willing to pay the price of our redemption.