Human Obedience & Divine Providence through our obedience, God directs our steps
outline of ruth • Ch1 – Trusting in ➡ Commitment God’s Goodness • Ch2 – Acting on What ➡ Obedience We Know • Ch3 – Stepping Out ➡ Faith Into the Unknown • Ch4 – Leaving the ➡ Hope Results to God
theme in ruth Providence is the truth that a living and personal God is actively involved in the world he created. We see God’s providence through the eyes of faith but we experience it through willful action.
where we are • Ruth 1 Naomi has returned with Ruth, her daughter in law, to her hometown of Bethlehem after living in Moab for about ten years. During these ten years Naomi’s husband and two sons died.
where we are • Ruth 2 Ruth takes initiative to provide food for Naomi and herself by venturing out into the surrounding fields to pick up barley grain while it is being harvested.
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 Through obedience, God directs our steps. The Mystery
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 • Boaz the Redeemer is responsible to… - Redeem land sold by a family member (Lev 25:25-28) - Redeem a family member from slavery (Lev 25:47-49) - Avenge death of a family member (Num 35:16ff.) - Make restitution for a family member (Num 5:8)
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 • God in his grace provides for our needs before we recognize it.
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 “What she [Naomi] does not see with the eyes of her heart is that in all her bitter experiences, God is plotting for her glory. This is true of all God’s children. In the darkest of our times, God is plotting for our glory. If we would believe this and remember it, we would not be as blind as Naomi was when God began to reveal his grace.” (John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence )
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 • Ruth the Humble Servant • Obedience is doing what you know is right. • Obedience is the intersection of our responsibility and God’s sovereignty.
divine leading Ruth 2:1-7 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
divine exaltation Ruth 2:8-16 Through obedience, we exalt Christ. The Motive
divine exaltation Ruth 2:8-16 Obedience exalts Christ because it models Christ. “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1–3, ESV)
divine exaltation Ruth 2:8-16 Obedience exalts Christ because it demonstrates love for Christ. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9–11, ESV)
divine exaltation Ruth 2:8-16 Obedience exalts Christ because it trusts in Christ. “I know how to be brought low, and I know h o w t o a b o u n d . I n a n y a n d e v e r y circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12–13, ESV)
divine recognition Ruth 2:17-23 Through obedience, we see the hand of God. The Reward
divine recognition Ruth 2:17-23 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)
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