Embracing God's Grace: A Journey of Redemption
Summary
Summary:
Today, we gather to reflect on the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of living a life of faithfulness. As many of you prepare to leave for the summer, remember that your journey is not just about you. You carry the grace, mercy, and power of God wherever you go, bringing transformation to those places. Easter is approaching, and we have a unique opportunity to serve and invite others to experience the resurrection's power. Our 21 days of prayer and fasting begin today, a time to focus on connecting with the Lord and seeking breakthroughs in our lives. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it can be a time to disconnect from distractions like social media or television, creating space for deeper spiritual engagement.
We are in the midst of our "One Heart" series, exploring the book of Ruth. Today, we delve into chapter four, where we see the culmination of God's redemptive plan through the lives of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Boaz's commitment to God's ways and his role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadow the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey from emptiness to fullness, from a Moabite widow to a mother in the lineage of King David, exemplifies the transformative power of faithfulness and God's providence.
As we reflect on this story, we are reminded of the importance of generational impact and the call to be faithful in our own lives. Whether you are experiencing abundance or brokenness, remember that God is close to the brokenhearted and specializes in resurrection. Our response to His redemption should be one of rejoicing and trust, knowing that He is with us in all circumstances. Let us embrace the oneness with God and each other, living lives that reflect His love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Carrying God's Grace: As you prepare to leave for the summer, remember that your journey is not just about you. You carry the grace, mercy, and power of God wherever you go, bringing transformation to those places. Your presence can create momentum for change and renewal in the communities you visit. [00:00]
2. The Power of Fasting: Our 21 days of prayer and fasting is an intentional time to focus on connecting with the Lord and seeking breakthroughs. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it can be a time to disconnect from distractions like social media or television, creating space for deeper spiritual engagement. This period sharpens our worship and aligns our spirit with God's will. [06:28]
3. Faithfulness and Redemption: The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz highlights the transformative power of faithfulness and God's providence. Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey from emptiness to fullness exemplifies how God can bring restoration and hope to our lives. [13:41]
4. Generational Impact: The importance of generational impact is evident in the story of Ruth. Whether you have been influenced by someone older or are called to lead younger generations, your faithfulness can have a lasting impact. Pray for the opportunity to be a vessel of God's love and grace in your family and community. [41:02]
5. Rejoicing in Redemption: Our response to God's redemption should be one of rejoicing and trust. Even in brokenness, God is close to the brokenhearted and specializes in resurrection. Embrace the oneness with God and each other, living lives that reflect His love and grace. Let gratitude suppress anxiety and allow faith to flourish. [35:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Preparing for Summer
- [02:30] - Easter and Serving Opportunities
- [04:15] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
- [06:28] - Night of Worship
- [08:00] - Baptism Sunday
- [09:30] - One Heart Series Introduction
- [11:00] - The Book of Ruth Overview
- [13:41] - Boaz and the Kinsman Redeemer
- [17:53] - The Legal Transaction
- [21:59] - Boaz's Declaration
- [25:48] - The Role of Women in God's Plan
- [29:11] - Naomi's Restoration
- [32:07] - The Birth of Obed
- [35:08] - Rejoicing in Redemption
- [38:02] - Generational Impact
- [41:02] - Restoration and Redemption
- [43:55] - Prayer and Surrender
- [46:22] - Oneness with God
- [49:03] - Closing Worship and Prayer Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ruth 4:1-17
2. Matthew 5:16
3. Galatians 6:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What role does Boaz play in the story of Ruth, and how does his commitment to God's ways reflect in his actions? [13:41]
2. How does the act of fasting, as described in the sermon, go beyond just abstaining from food? What are some examples given? [06:28]
3. In the sermon, what is the significance of the number ten in the context of Boaz's legal transaction? [13:41]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation in Ruth's life from emptiness to fullness? [32:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadow the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ? What does this tell us about God's plan for redemption? [13:41]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of generational impact. How can one's faithfulness influence future generations, according to the story of Ruth? [41:02]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fasting and spiritual breakthroughs? How might this practice align one's spirit with God's will? [06:28]
4. How does the story of Ruth and Naomi illustrate the concept of God's providence and faithfulness in times of brokenness? [32:07]
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Application Questions:
1. As you prepare for the summer, how can you intentionally carry God's grace, mercy, and power into the places you visit? What specific actions can you take to bring transformation to those communities? [00:00]
2. Reflect on your current distractions. Is there a specific area, like social media or television, that you feel called to fast from to create space for deeper spiritual engagement? How will you replace that time with spiritual activities? [06:28]
3. Consider the generational impact of your faith. Who in your family or community can you influence with your faithfulness? How can you actively pray for and support them? [41:02]
4. In what ways can you rejoice in God's redemption in your life, even amidst brokenness? How can gratitude help suppress anxiety and allow your faith to flourish? [35:08]
5. Think about a time when you experienced a breakthrough after a period of faithfulness. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's providence and timing? [32:07]
6. How can you embrace the oneness with God and others in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live a life that reflects His love and grace? [46:22]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God's redemptive power. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him and walk in faith? [43:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Carrying God's Transformative Grace
As you prepare to embark on your summer journey, remember that you are not traveling alone. You carry with you the grace, mercy, and power of God, which can bring transformation to every place you visit. Your presence, infused with God's grace, can create momentum for change and renewal in the communities you encounter. This is a reminder that your journey is not just about personal experiences but about being a vessel of God's love and transformation. Embrace this opportunity to impact others positively, knowing that you are equipped with divine grace to make a difference. [00:00]
"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life or community can you intentionally bless with God's grace this week, and how can you do so in a tangible way?
Day 2: The Power of Intentional Fasting
Our 21 days of prayer and fasting is a dedicated time to deepen your connection with the Lord and seek breakthroughs in your life. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it is an opportunity to disconnect from distractions such as social media or television, creating space for deeper spiritual engagement. This period is designed to sharpen your worship and align your spirit with God's will, allowing you to hear His voice more clearly and experience His presence more profoundly. Consider what distractions you can set aside to focus on your relationship with God during this time. [06:28]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific distraction can you fast from this week to create more space for God in your life, and how will you use that time to seek Him?
Day 3: Faithfulness and God's Redemptive Plan
The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faithfulness and God's providence. Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey from emptiness to fullness, from a Moabite widow to a mother in the lineage of King David, exemplifies how God can bring restoration and hope to our lives. This narrative encourages you to trust in God's redemptive plan, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that He is working behind the scenes for your good. [13:41]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's redemptive plan, and how can you actively demonstrate faithfulness in that area today?
Day 4: Generational Impact Through Faithfulness
The story of Ruth highlights the importance of generational impact. Whether you have been influenced by someone older or are called to lead younger generations, your faithfulness can have a lasting impact. This is a call to be a vessel of God's love and grace in your family and community, recognizing that your actions today can influence future generations. Pray for the opportunity to make a positive impact and to be a source of encouragement and guidance for those around you. [41:02]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or influence positively, and what steps can you take this week to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 5: Rejoicing in God's Redemption
Our response to God's redemption should be one of rejoicing and trust. Even in times of brokenness, God is close to the brokenhearted and specializes in resurrection. Embrace the oneness with God and each other, living lives that reflect His love and grace. Let gratitude suppress anxiety and allow faith to flourish, knowing that God is with you in all circumstances. This is an invitation to live a life of joy and trust, celebrating the redemption that God has provided through Jesus Christ. [35:08]
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy in response to God's redemption, especially in areas of your life where you feel broken or anxious?
Quotes
What you get to do, actually, provides a momentum into where you are going. Well, we're not just about, oh, the name above this church door. We're about the name that is over all names, above every single church door. And so what you are going to do the next few weeks is get absolutely filled up that wherever you go for the next four months, you carry the grace, the mercy, the power of God into that space, bringing transformation there, so that when you return, you'll be sharing stories about transformation there. [00:01:02] (35 seconds)
It's not just a food issue. For some of you, fasting from social media will be a bigger challenge than fasting from food. Now, I'm being serious. Like, I'll just share it because I was asked until I make it public. Me and my wife, we like to relax and unwind. And for me, watching something on Netflix or television, watching sports, down, just unwinding. Kind of at the end of the day, a little bit of that. That's what we do. Go home, maybe at a weekend. Relax, let's watch a movie. Let's just help and wank. We're having no television at all for 21 days of any kind. Like, I've not done that. Like, I don't know. Anyway, but what it creates for us is a bunch of time. [00:04:26] (42 seconds)
And so, in every way possible, but here it is. It isn't just a self -discipline 21 days. As much as that will benefit you. It is a war with the spirit man and the flesh man. And I'm going to declare and say the spirit man needs to win. Holy Spirit reign, flesh dares surrender. And by having the season of prayer and fasting, that's what it enables you to do. Hey, if you want to know more or anything else, I'll be out on the porch. We can have conversation. We can set up a phone call, whatever it may be. We're here for you in all of that. [00:05:26] (38 seconds)
The Bible is living and breathing and active. God has something to say to you today through his word, through the book of Ruth. Yes, Boaz is this foretelling of his character of being a redeemer, which is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Ruth, the bride of Christ, his people, us, is a foreshadowing. But there's more to it than that. There's these individuals that are picked out. And today is really, really significant. If you've missed any previous message, you're here today. Great. Here, part four. Go back in the week. [00:11:32] (37 seconds)
You need to understand that the Redeemer, God setting you free, was that you would worship him. Because that's the very center of your essence. You were created in his image. Worship. Set my people free. 10 plagues. God then establishes the 10 commandments. When Jesus talks about the parable of the virgins, how many is there? 10 virgins. Now, in addition to all of this, you've got this storyline where at the very end of chapter 4 of Ruth, there's a lineage landing at King David. There's 10 names in that lineage. [00:15:13] (41 seconds)
I've acquired as my wife in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today, you are witnesses. Now, we see a restoration story in Naomi and Ruth in this. Yes. Don't be remiss here. Boaz experiences completion. Because up to now, he doesn't have a wife. Up to now, he is living this godly life that is benefiting all those around him in an amazing way. And now, he steps in and he has the boldness, the beauty, the joy to boast. [00:21:59] (57 seconds)
I mean, this is so rich, so powerful, so beautiful. Do not settle for any other title, ladies, than you are a daughter of the Most High King. You are a child of God, but you're a daughter. You're a warrior princess in the kingdom of God who has a stature and a name. When you understand when God created woman, he named her a helper. Our culture absolutely butchers that. And ezer in Hebrew means a help, a completer. God himself calls himself a helper. [00:24:48] (38 seconds)
A future suddenly is full of hope. It was all over. Ruth and Naomi were as empty as empty could be. There was nothing left. They were as empty as empty could be. Life change. And we know that that life change and the legacy that comes from that is unbelievable. We better carry on. Now, verse 13 to 17, when I was reading it, this is genuinely what happened to me. I was preparing it. I was reading 13 to 17, and I went, oh, wow. This would make an awesome Mother's Day message. [00:27:49] (41 seconds)
The Redeemer brings restoration and rejoicing. Again, I don't just want you to focus on what you've not got. I want you to have an overflowing gratitude to look what the Lord has done. It's really key. There's rejoicing. And some of you are longing for a breakthrough. I said this each week. Your provision is on the other side of your decision. Well, one of those decisions is I will praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord, you people. That's what it means, I will. [00:34:54] (39 seconds)
Faithfulness leads to blessing. And so this is what I wanna do today. Just remember right now, we have Naomi, we have Ruth, we have Boaz, we have you. I wanna list a few single words right now that are all in this book. And I think at least one of them applies to you. Maybe life feels really full right now in a good way. The abundance and the goodness of God. Thank you, Lord. You are blessed to be a blessing. [00:37:11] (46 seconds)
No matter what seems dead right now, God's unique, specialized subject is resurrection. We trust in that. So when Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem, humility was their only option. And they were humbled and they operated with humility. But their posture early on was, but there is a Redeemer. There is a Redeemer. And that's the one in whom I can run to for all things. So what I want to do in a response today is this. Restoration is generational. [00:40:25] (54 seconds)
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