Faith in Motion: Courage, Integrity, and God's Timing
Summary
In the midst of our busy and sometimes chaotic lives, gathering together as a community of faith offers a chance to be re-centered on Christ and our journey of discipleship. Today, we explored the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, focusing on the third chapter of Ruth—a chapter that beautifully illustrates what it means to have “faith in motion.” This is not a passive faith that simply waits for God to act, but a faith that participates, prepares, and steps out with courage, even when the path is uncertain.
The story begins with Naomi, who, after enduring tremendous loss, chooses to act with wisdom and care for Ruth’s future. She instructs Ruth to approach Boaz, their kinsman redeemer, in a way that is both bold and humble. Ruth’s actions are not reckless or inappropriate, but rather a culturally rooted appeal for protection and redemption. Her boldness is tempered by humility, showing us that true faith approaches God and others with both confidence and respect.
Boaz, in turn, responds with integrity. He does not take shortcuts or seek immediate gratification, but insists on following the proper process, even if it means waiting longer for the outcome. His commitment to doing the right thing in the right way demonstrates that integrity is as important as the result itself. In a world that often values speed and instant results, this story reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and sometimes faith means waiting and trusting that God is at work behind the scenes.
The interplay of Naomi’s wisdom, Ruth’s courage, and Boaz’s integrity sets the stage not only for their own redemption but for the unfolding of God’s greater plan—a plan that ultimately leads to King David and, generations later, to Jesus Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Faith in motion is both active and patient; it prepares, acts, and then rests in God’s perfect timing. Like Ruth, we are invited to step forward in faith, to act with courage and humility, to choose integrity over shortcuts, and to trust that our obedience is part of God’s redemptive work in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is not passive; it prepares and steps out. Naomi’s wisdom led her to instruct Ruth to act, not just wait. In our own lives, faith often means planning, preparing, and taking the next right step, even when we cannot see the whole picture. God’s providence invites our participation, not our passivity. [39:34]
- Boldness and humility together are powerful in God’s hands. Ruth’s approach to Boaz was courageous, yet marked by deep humility and respect. True biblical boldness is not arrogance; it is the willingness to step out in faith while honoring others and recognizing our dependence on God’s mercy. [47:09]
- Integrity matters as much as the end result. Boaz’s insistence on following the proper process, even when a shortcut was available, shows that how we act is as important as what we achieve. In a culture obsessed with instant results, God calls us to do the right thing the right way, even if it means waiting longer for the outcome. [52:55]
- God’s timing is perfect, and patience is a part of faithful action. After doing all they could, Ruth and Naomi had to wait and trust that God would bring about the right outcome. Faith is both active and patient; we act when called, but we also rest and trust in God’s timing, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes. [56:44]
- Our obedience, even in small steps, is woven into God’s larger redemptive plan. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is not just about their personal redemption, but about their role in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus. Our acts of faith, courage, and integrity may seem small, but God uses them to bring hope and redemption to the world. [59:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:27] - Centering Ourselves in Worship
[14:46] - Responsive Reading: Trusting God’s Guidance
[27:09] - Affirming Our Faith: The Apostles’ Creed
[31:00] - Giving and Stewardship
[39:34] - Introduction to Ruth Chapter 3
[43:04] - Ruth’s Loyalty and Naomi’s Bitterness
[47:09] - Ruth’s Boldness and Cultural Context
[52:55] - Boaz’s Integrity and the Kinsman Redeemer
[56:44] - Waiting on God’s Timing
[59:30] - Faith in Motion: Key Takeaways
[01:00:34] - Closing Prayer
[01:08:46] - Benediction and Fellowship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith in Motion (Ruth 3)
---
### Bible Reading
Ruth 3 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter together, but here are some key verses:)
> 1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
> 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.
> 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
> 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”
> 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
> ...
> 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
> ...
> 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
> ...
> 18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
> Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Naomi give Ruth about approaching Boaz, and why were these steps important in their cultural context? ([39:34])
2. How did Ruth respond to Naomi’s plan, and what does this show about her character? ([39:34])
3. When Ruth approached Boaz at the threshing floor, what did she ask him to do, and what did this request symbolize? ([39:34])
4. How did Boaz respond to Ruth’s request, and what steps did he insist on before moving forward? ([52:55])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Naomi chose to act with wisdom and plan for Ruth’s future, rather than just waiting for God to provide? What does this say about the relationship between faith and action? ([39:34])
2. Ruth’s approach to Boaz was both bold and humble. What does this combination teach us about how we should approach God and others when we have needs? ([47:09])
3. Boaz could have taken a shortcut, but he chose to follow the proper process. Why is integrity so important, even if it means waiting longer for the outcome? ([52:55])
4. After Ruth and Naomi did all they could, they had to wait for Boaz and for God’s timing. What does this teach us about the balance between acting in faith and waiting on God? ([56:44])
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a situation in your life where you are waiting for God to act. Is there a “next right step” you could take, like Naomi and Ruth did, instead of just waiting passively? What would that look like for you? ([39:34])
2. Ruth showed both courage and humility when she approached Boaz. Is there an area in your life where you need to step out boldly, but also with humility and respect? What’s holding you back? ([47:09])
3. Boaz chose to do the right thing the right way, even though it would have been easier to take a shortcut. Can you think of a time when you were tempted to take a shortcut? What would it look like to choose integrity in that situation? ([52:55])
4. In our fast-paced world, waiting can be hard. Is there something you are struggling to wait for right now? How can you practice trusting God’s timing this week? ([56:44])
5. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz shows that even small acts of obedience can be part of God’s bigger plan. What is one small step of faith or obedience you can take this week, trusting that God can use it? ([59:30])
6. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz each played a different role in God’s plan. Which of their qualities—wisdom, courage, or integrity—do you most need to grow in right now? Why?
7. The sermon mentioned that God’s providence invites our participation, not our passivity. What is one area of your life where you need to move from passivity to participation in faith? ([39:34])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to take the next right step, humility in their relationships, integrity in their actions, and patience to trust God’s timing.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Is Not Passive—It Plans, Prepares, and Steps Out
Faith is not a matter of simply waiting for God to act; it involves taking wise, proactive steps in response to God’s leading. Naomi’s guidance to Ruth to approach Boaz as their kinsman redeemer was not just a passive hope but a thoughtful, courageous plan rooted in trust that God works through human action. In the same way, believers are called to prepare, plan, and step out in faith, trusting that God’s providence invites our participation rather than cancels it. When we act with wisdom and courage, we become part of God’s unfolding story. [39:34]
Ruth 3:1-5 (ESV)
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been waiting passively for God to act? What is a specific, wise step you can take this week to participate in God’s work in that area?
Day 2: Boldness and Humility Together Are Powerful in God’s Hands
Approaching God or others with boldness does not mean being demanding or arrogant; it means stepping forward with courage while maintaining a spirit of humility. Ruth’s approach to Boaz was a courageous act, but she did so with deep respect and humility, seeking protection rather than making demands. This balance of boldness and humility is powerful in God’s hands, allowing us to ask for what we need while honoring others and God’s ways. [47:30]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Reflection: When you need help or guidance, do you tend to hold back out of fear or push forward without humility? How can you approach God or others this week with both boldness and humility?
Day 3: Integrity Matters as Much as the End Result
Doing the right thing in the right way, even when it is slower or more difficult, is a mark of true integrity. Boaz’s decision to follow the proper process for the kinsman redeemer, rather than taking shortcuts, protected both Ruth and himself and honored God’s law. In a world that often values quick results, God calls us to value integrity, knowing that it safeguards the outcome and builds trust. [53:40]
Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are tempted to take a shortcut or compromise your integrity? What would it look like to choose the right way, even if it means waiting or working harder?
Day 4: God’s Timing Is Perfect—Rest in It
After doing all that they could, Ruth and Naomi had to wait for the outcome, trusting that God was at work behind the scenes. Faith is both active and patient; it means acting when called and then resting in God’s perfect timing. Just as an expectant couple prepares and then waits for the right moment, so too are we called to trust that God’s timing is always best, even when we cannot see the full picture. [57:50]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel anxious or impatient for God to act? How can you practice resting in God’s timing this week, trusting that He is working even when you cannot see it?
Day 5: Faith in Motion—Our Obedience Becomes Part of God’s Redemptive Plan
The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz shows that ordinary acts of faith, courage, wisdom, and integrity can become part of God’s greater plan of redemption. Their obedience set the stage for the coming of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. In the same way, your daily choices to trust, act, and wait on God can have ripple effects far beyond what you can imagine, bringing hope and redemption to others. [59:50]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: Think of a recent decision or act of obedience, no matter how small. How might God use your faithfulness as part of His bigger story to bring hope or blessing to someone else?
Quotes
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