Choices, Consequences, and God's Redemptive Power
Summary
The book of Ruth is a profound narrative that offers deep insights into the human condition and God's redemptive power. As we embark on this new series, we begin by examining the life of Elimelech, a man who left the will of God to pursue his own desires, leading his family into the land of Moab. This decision, driven by a famine in Bethlehem, resulted in tragedy and loss, yet it also set the stage for God's transformative work. Elimelech's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of stepping outside God's will and the impact such decisions can have on our families and communities.
Moab, a land born out of Lot's incestuous relationship with his daughters, represents a place of spiritual and moral decay. Despite its allure, it was a land cursed by God, and Elimelech's choice to settle there had dire consequences. His sons married Moabite women, and within a decade, both he and his sons had died, leaving Naomi, his wife, bereft and alone. Yet, even in this dark narrative, we see the glimmers of hope and redemption. Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem marks the beginning of a journey back to God's provision and blessing.
The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who chooses to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel, is a testament to the power of conversion and the inclusivity of God's love. Ruth's transformation from a pagan background to becoming part of the lineage of the Messiah illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Her story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when circumstances seem bleak, trusting that God can turn our situations around for His glory.
As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded of the importance of making choices that align with God's will. Our lives are a series of decisions, and each one has the potential to draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. By choosing to serve God and remain in His will, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and become conduits of His love to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Consequences of Leaving God's Will: Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab, driven by a famine, highlights the dangers of stepping outside God's will. His choice led to personal and familial tragedy, reminding us that our decisions have far-reaching consequences. Staying within God's will, even during difficult times, ensures His protection and provision. [37:39]
2. The Power of Redemption: Despite the darkness of Moab, Ruth's story is one of redemption and transformation. Her conversion and inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah demonstrate that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their past. This encourages us to trust in God's ability to redeem and restore any situation. [59:33]
3. Influence and Responsibility: Elimelech's failure to influence Moab for God, instead being influenced by it, serves as a warning. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, impacting the world around us with God's truth. Our lives should reflect God's love and lead others towards Him. [59:33]
4. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership: Fathers and leaders are called to guide their families in the ways of God. Elimelech's lack of spiritual leadership contributed to his family's downfall. Strong spiritual leadership is crucial in nurturing faith and ensuring that our families remain rooted in God's word. [59:33]
5. Choices and Their Impact: Our lives are shaped by the choices we make. Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem and Ruth's choice to follow her highlight the importance of making decisions that align with God's will. These choices can lead to blessings and opportunities for God to work powerfully in our lives. [59:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Book of Ruth
- [01:15] - Elimelech's Decision and Its Consequences
- [03:45] - The Land of Moab: A Background
- [06:20] - The Parallel Between Elimelech and Lot
- [09:00] - The Influence of Moab on Elimelech's Family
- [12:30] - The Question of Salvation and Spirituality
- [15:00] - The Role of Spiritual Leadership
- [18:45] - The Power of Redemption in Ruth's Story
- [22:10] - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
- [25:00] - The Importance of Choices
- [28:30] - God's Ability to Turn Situations Around
- [31:45] - Invitation to Salvation
- [34:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Book of Ruth
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 1:1-5
- Genesis 19:36-38
- Deuteronomy 7:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What circumstances led Elimelech to move his family from Bethlehem to Moab, and what were the consequences of this decision? [37:39]
2. How does the sermon describe the land of Moab and its origins? What implications did this have for Elimelech's family? [49:33]
3. What role did Naomi play in Ruth's decision to embrace the God of Israel, according to the sermon? [59:33]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of redemption through the story of Ruth? [59:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab serve as a cautionary tale about stepping outside of God's will? What lessons can be drawn from his story? [37:39]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Ruth's conversion and inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah demonstrate the inclusivity of God's grace? [59:33]
3. How does the sermon highlight the importance of spiritual leadership within a family, and what consequences did Elimelech's lack of leadership have on his family? [49:33]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the influence believers should have on their surroundings, and how did Elimelech's family fail in this regard? [49:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you made a decision based on immediate circumstances rather than seeking God's will. What were the outcomes, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [37:39]
2. Ruth's story is one of transformation and redemption. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God for redemption and transformation? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [59:33]
3. Consider the influence you have on your family and community. How can you be more intentional about being a positive spiritual influence in your daily interactions? [49:33]
4. Elimelech's story warns against being influenced by worldly values. Are there areas in your life where you feel the pull of worldly influences? How can you counteract these influences with God's truth? [49:33]
5. Naomi's return to Bethlehem marked a turning point in her life. Is there a "Bethlehem" you need to return to—a place of spiritual renewal or commitment? What steps can you take to return to that place this week? [59:33]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership. How can you grow in your role as a spiritual leader in your family or community? What specific actions can you take to lead by example? [49:33]
7. Reflect on the choices you make daily. How can you ensure that your decisions align with God's will and lead to His blessings? What practical steps can you take to seek God's guidance in your decision-making process? [59:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Dangers of Pursuing Personal Desires Over God's Will
Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab, driven by a famine, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of stepping outside God's will. His choice, made in pursuit of personal desires and immediate relief, led to personal and familial tragedy. This narrative reminds us that our decisions have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but also for our families and communities. Staying within God's will, even during difficult times, ensures His protection and provision. It is a call to trust in God's timing and His plans, even when they seem unclear or challenging. [37:39]
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"
Reflection: Is there a decision you are currently facing where you are tempted to prioritize your desires over God's will? How can you seek God's guidance and trust in His provision today?
Day 2: Redemption and Transformation Through God's Grace
Despite the darkness of Moab, Ruth's story is one of redemption and transformation. Her conversion and inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah demonstrate that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their past. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chose to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel, illustrating the power of conversion and the inclusivity of God's love. Her story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when circumstances seem bleak, trusting that God can turn our situations around for His glory. [59:33]
Ephesians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt far from God. How did His grace bring you closer, and how can you extend that grace to others today?
Day 3: The Call to Be Salt and Light in the World
Elimelech's failure to influence Moab for God, instead being influenced by it, serves as a warning. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, impacting the world around us with God's truth. Our lives should reflect God's love and lead others towards Him. This responsibility requires us to remain rooted in our faith and to actively seek opportunities to share God's love and truth with those around us. It is a reminder that our influence can either draw others closer to God or lead them away from Him. [59:33]
Matthew 5:13-14 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a positive influence in your community today? How can you actively share God's love and truth with those around you?
Day 4: The Role of Spiritual Leadership in the Family
Fathers and leaders are called to guide their families in the ways of God. Elimelech's lack of spiritual leadership contributed to his family's downfall. Strong spiritual leadership is crucial in nurturing faith and ensuring that our families remain rooted in God's word. This involves leading by example, prioritizing spiritual growth, and creating an environment where faith can flourish. It is a call to take seriously the responsibility of guiding our families towards a deeper relationship with God. [59:33]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you take an active role in leading your family spiritually? What steps can you take today to nurture faith within your household?
Day 5: The Impact of Choices Aligned with God's Will
Our lives are shaped by the choices we make. Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem and Ruth's choice to follow her highlight the importance of making decisions that align with God's will. These choices can lead to blessings and opportunities for God to work powerfully in our lives. It is a reminder that each decision we make has the potential to draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. By choosing to serve God and remain in His will, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and become conduits of His love to those around us. [59:33]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you need to seek God's guidance? How can you ensure that your choices align with His will today?
Quotes
"Man, I don't know about you, but I love the presence of God. And I love being in this house where you are worshiping and glorifying God. Because your worship connected to their worship and their worship connected to their worship. As we began to worship and glorify God, it sounds like that rushing mighty wind as we begin to lift up the Lord. And He is here to minister unto each and every one of you." [00:34:18] (31 seconds)
"This book of Ruth is a book of blessing, and you have to look at it. You know, everything that takes place and transpires in it. And here's what we know, that with great blessing, there's also great trials that comes along a lot of times. And God takes Elimelech's mess up and turns it into a blessing. That's really the basis for this entire book. He turns it into a blessing." [00:39:43] (28 seconds)
"Have you ever had an Elimelech that did something that you had no part of that really messed up your life and your family? Do you know that there are people that will purposely go after you to try to disrupt you and knock you down and just try to destroy you? But whenever these things happen, we have to realize that God can turn it around. He can absolutely make a difference." [00:40:04] (27 seconds)
"Your home is affected by you, not the unbeliever. Now, you may have an unbelieving husband, unbelieving wife, unbelieving children, but your house is blessed because you are there, because you are a believer. And I think sometimes we forget that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. Can I get a good amen right there? Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [00:48:41] (25 seconds)
"And you need to realize that the devil is never and will ever be more powerful than God. So, we are representatives of God. And Lot's family got entrenched in this society as a back story of Sodom. And only him and his daughters, as I said, escaped. And out of this fornication, out of this ungodliness, Lot's daughters bore two sons, Moab and Ammon. And Moab continually looked for ways to overthrow Israel from the time of their inception." [00:49:47] (32 seconds)
"Moab means the product of incest, as I've already shared with you. And it literally means the seed of my father. And she named her son after that act of incest. And this perversion went throughout the entire nation. The chief god of Moab was Baal -peor. Baal -peor. And he was worshipped. And I know we've got some little ones in here, but he was worshipped by child sacrifices a lot of times." [00:51:42] (29 seconds)
"Now, dads, I want you to hear me real good today. I want you to get this. You are the leader of your household. You are the one that God has ordained. And in his order of things from the very beginning of time, you are supposed to be leading your family. You are supposed to be the example to your children along with mom. I get that. It's a package deal. But you are the leader of your family." [00:57:12] (26 seconds)
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