Faith in Action: Embracing God's Sovereignty and Responsibility
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound themes of God's sovereignty and human responsibility through the lens of Ruth chapter 2. We began by celebrating the transformative power of baptism, a symbol of the inward change brought about by Jesus Christ. This celebration set the stage for our exploration of Ruth's story, a narrative that beautifully illustrates God's providence and the importance of taking initiative in our faith journey.
Ruth's story unfolds during a time of despair, yet it is a testament to God's providential care. Despite the dire circumstances, Ruth takes action by gleaning in the fields, demonstrating that while God is sovereign, He invites us to participate actively in His plans. This is a reminder that faith is not passive; it requires us to step out and trust in God's provision.
We also delved into the character of Boaz, a man of integrity and strength, who exemplifies the gospel through his kindness and generosity towards Ruth. Boaz's actions remind us that God often uses us to answer our own prayers. His willingness to go beyond what was required by law to care for Ruth is a powerful illustration of how we are called to serve others, reflecting God's love and grace.
The narrative challenges us to avoid complacency in our faith. While God's sovereignty assures us of His control, it should not lead to passivity. Instead, it should inspire us to engage more deeply in prayer, service, and sharing the gospel. We are encouraged to be proactive, to take initiative, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.
As we reflect on Ruth's story, we are reminded that God is always at work, even in the most challenging circumstances. He invites us to trust in His sovereignty while actively participating in His mission. May we be a church that embodies this balance, stepping out in faith and action, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism as a Symbol of Transformation: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, symbolizing our redemption through Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration of faith, much like wearing a wedding ring signifies marriage. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of God's work in our lives. [46:07]
- God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: While God is sovereign and orchestrates all things for His glory, He calls us to take initiative in our faith. Ruth's proactive steps in gleaning the fields illustrate that faith requires action, not passivity. We are invited to participate in God's plans actively. [52:33]
- Boaz as a Model of Gospel Generosity: Boaz's kindness towards Ruth exemplifies the gospel's call to serve others selflessly. His actions remind us that God often uses us to answer our own prayers, challenging us to be proactive in meeting the needs of those around us. [57:20]
- Avoiding Complacency in Faith: The assurance of God's sovereignty should not lead to complacency. Instead, it should inspire us to engage more deeply in prayer, service, and sharing the gospel. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, trusting in His provision. [01:02:25]
- Trusting God's Providence in Difficult Times: Ruth's story is a testament to God's providential care, even in desperate circumstances. We are encouraged to trust that God is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory, and to remain faithful in our actions and prayers. [01:08:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Ruth Series
- [02:30] - Baptism Celebration
- [05:15] - Prayer for Unity and Sovereignty
- [08:00] - The Story of Mike Tyson
- [12:00] - Misapplying God's Sovereignty
- [16:00] - Ruth's Story Begins
- [20:00] - Introduction to Boaz
- [25:00] - Ruth Takes Initiative
- [30:00] - Boaz's Generosity
- [35:00] - God's Providence in Action
- [40:00] - Answering Our Own Prayers
- [45:00] - Call to Action and Faith
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Response
- [55:00] - Worship and Communion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth Chapter 2
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 2:1-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Ruth take to provide for herself and Naomi, and how do these actions demonstrate her initiative? [52:33]
2. How does Boaz's initial interaction with Ruth reflect his character and the cultural norms of the time? [01:05:52]
3. What specific instructions did Boaz give to his workers regarding Ruth, and what does this reveal about his intentions? [01:08:52]
4. How does the author of Ruth use the phrase "she happened to" in verse 3, and what is its significance in the context of God's providence? [01:02:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ruth's decision to glean in the fields illustrate the balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility? [52:33]
2. In what ways does Boaz serve as a model of gospel generosity, and how does his behavior challenge cultural expectations? [57:20]
3. How does the story of Ruth and Boaz encourage believers to take initiative in their faith journey, even when circumstances seem dire? [01:14:54]
4. What does the interaction between Ruth and Boaz teach us about God's providence and the unexpected ways He can provide for His people? [01:08:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Ruth, needing to take initiative in a challenging situation. How did you see God's providence at work in that situation? [52:33]
2. Boaz went beyond cultural norms to show kindness to Ruth. Identify a situation in your life where you can extend unexpected generosity or kindness to someone in need. [57:20]
3. Consider the balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in your own life. Are there areas where you might be leaning too heavily on one side? How can you adjust to find a healthier balance? [01:14:54]
4. Boaz's actions were an answer to his own prayers. Is there a prayer you've been praying that you might be called to help answer? What steps can you take to be part of the solution? [01:11:15]
5. Ruth's story is a testament to God's providential care. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, especially during difficult times? [01:08:52]
6. How can you actively participate in God's mission in your community, stepping out in faith and action like Ruth and Boaz? [01:16:26]
7. Reflect on the concept of baptism as a symbol of transformation. How does this outward expression of faith challenge you to live out your inward change daily? [46:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of Inner Transformation
Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a profound declaration of an inward transformation that has occurred through faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, marking a new beginning in their spiritual journey. This act of obedience is a public testimony of the change that has taken place within, much like a wedding ring signifies the commitment of marriage. As believers, baptism is a powerful reminder of the redemption and new life we have received through Christ. [46:07]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How does your baptism continue to influence your daily walk with Christ? What steps can you take today to live out the transformation it represents?
Day 2: Active Faith in God's Sovereignty
While God is sovereign and orchestrates all things for His glory, He calls us to take initiative in our faith journey. Ruth's proactive steps in gleaning the fields illustrate that faith requires action, not passivity. Her story is a testament to the balance between trusting in God's providence and actively participating in His plans. As believers, we are invited to step out in faith, trusting that God is at work in our lives and that our actions, guided by His Spirit, are part of His divine plan. [52:33]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to take action? How can you step out in faith today, trusting in His sovereignty?
Day 3: Generosity as a Reflection of the Gospel
Boaz's kindness towards Ruth exemplifies the gospel's call to serve others selflessly. His actions remind us that God often uses us to answer our own prayers, challenging us to be proactive in meeting the needs of those around us. Boaz went beyond what was required by law to care for Ruth, illustrating how we are called to reflect God's love and grace through our generosity. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to look for opportunities to serve others, embodying the gospel in our daily interactions. [57:20]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve with generosity today? What specific action can you take to reflect God's love to them?
Day 4: Avoiding Complacency in Faith
The assurance of God's sovereignty should not lead to complacency. Instead, it should inspire us to engage more deeply in prayer, service, and sharing the gospel. Ruth's story challenges us to avoid passivity in our faith, encouraging us to be active participants in God's mission. As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities, stepping out in faith and action, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [01:02:25]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in your faith community this week? What steps can you take to avoid spiritual complacency?
Day 5: Trusting God's Providence in Difficult Times
Ruth's story is a testament to God's providential care, even in desperate circumstances. Despite the challenges she faced, Ruth trusted in God's provision and took action, demonstrating her faith. We are encouraged to trust that God is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. In times of difficulty, we are called to remain faithful in our actions and prayers, knowing that God is with us and will provide for our needs. [01:08:52]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What challenging circumstance are you facing today? How can you trust in God's providence and take faithful action in response?
Quotes
1. "Baptism is a symbol of something that has happened in a person's life that they have been changed and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. And baptism is an outward symbol of that inward change. Right now I have my wedding ring on, and I wear this wedding ring to show that I am married to my wife, Jess. And I wear it every day to show that. And if I take this off, it doesn't mean I'm not married. If I put it on, it doesn't mean I'm more married. It just means that I'm married. I'm showing this as an outward sign." ([00:42:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Now, ironically, a lot of times, Christians, we can fall into this trap specifically around the sovereignty of God. The sovereignty of God, I believe, is a very important theme in Scripture. And I would argue that there's an aspect of God's sovereignty, every book of the Bible. And it's something that's saturated throughout the story of Ruth. And it's this idea that because God is sovereign, he works all things out for the good of everyone who's a follower of Jesus, and that his Holy Spirit would draw us into a relationship with him, and that the world and our salvation is all in his hands." ([00:50:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "But there can be a danger with some of us, we're not careful, to misapply the sovereignty of God. Sometimes we get into the trap and say, well, if God is sovereign, I don't need to pray because he's going to do what he wants anyway. Or, well, because God is sovereign, my friend who needs Jesus, I won't tell my friend about Jesus because I know that God's going to just save him anyway. Or, well, if God is sovereign, I don't need to name or I don't need to feel my emotions when I go through something difficult. I'm just going to shrug it off and just say that God is sovereign." ([00:51:50] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "We must take action knowing that God is sovereign. And that's what we're going to unpack in this morning in Ruth chapter two. The story of Ruth, it begins with seemingly hopeless. It sets in, it sets, the setting is the time of the judges. And we saw this in last series in Samson's life. It was the season of the judges was one of the most painful and evil, wicked seasons in Israel's history." ([00:51:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "And the text even says in Ruth chapter one that there was a famine in the house of Bethlehem or in Bethlehem, which means the house of bread. The irony of that is like saying there's no chicken at Chick-fil-A, right? That's when Christ is ready to return, when there's no chicken at Chick-fil-A." ([00:52:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "And the Moabites were a wicked, evil, pagan nation that were against the Jews. And so they move and they live there. And then we hear that Elimelech gets sick and he dies. And then his two sons, they get sick and they die. And then it leaves them with Naomi, who's Elimelech's wife, is now left with her two daughters-in-law who married these two men who eventually died. And their names were Orpah and Ruth." ([00:52:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "And Ruth is now friends. She's friends with her mother-in-law. She's living back in Bethlehem. And what we're going to see is God is going to provide for them more than they had ever imagined. Not only is he going to provide food, but he's going to provide for them a legacy. And what we're going to see also is that although God is at work and his hand is moving all these circumstances and people together, there's still a responsibility that each person has in Ruth chapter 2." ([00:53:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "The name Boaz, it actually means strength. And this isn't about his physical strength, but rather his character, his personal, his spiritual maturity. And this shows up through the story, meaning he is a prospect. And ladies, here's what this means. He works. He has a job, right? He leads. He's not entitled. He doesn't make excuses. He bathes regularly with this thing called soap." ([00:56:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "And church, I got to tell you, sometimes God wants us to answer our own prayers. I remember when I was 17 years old, I knew about Greenville. I would come to visit my friends here who went to ECU and I would hang out with them. And I remember having a stirring in my heart about this place, that it would need more gospel-centered churches to be planted. I remember then going to, to Bible college and then telling people that I went to Bible college with, hey, if you're ever going to plant a church, you should plant a church in Greenville." ([01:11:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "And church, may we believe in the sovereignty of God. Yes, that he's at work, that he's moving and he's working in our lives, but may we never allow that to be something that causes us to be complacent or lazy. If anything, might it give us courage to go. Don't just sit back, but go. And yes, God will say, God will save people, and God will invite us to pray, and God's going to move, and God's going to work, but maybe the fact that God is saving and knowing that he's working inspires us to go even." ([01:14:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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