God's Sovereign Redemption: Trusting His Faithful Story
Summary
Redemption is at the heart of Ruth chapter 4, where the story’s suspenseful threads are drawn together in a tapestry of God’s faithfulness. Boaz, a man of immediate obedience, steps into the public square to fulfill his role as redeemer, not hesitating or seeking his own timing, but moving decisively in God’s will. This kind of obedience is not passive waiting, but active serving—mirroring the way Christ, our greater Redeemer, entered our brokenness without delay or reluctance. The events at the city gate, though seemingly ordinary, are orchestrated by God’s invisible hand, reminding us that His sovereignty is often most evident in the everyday details rather than in grand miracles.
The process of redemption is costly. The unnamed redeemer, first in line, is willing to claim the land but not Ruth, fearing the complications to his own inheritance. In contrast, Boaz is both qualified and willing, reflecting Christ’s willingness to pay the full price for our redemption. The public nature of Boaz’s commitment—removing the sandal, declaring his intentions before witnesses—foreshadows the public, sacrificial love of Christ displayed on the cross. Ruth, for her part, contributes nothing to the legal transaction; she brings only her need, and Boaz pays everything. This is the beauty of the gospel: we bring our brokenness, and Christ brings His sufficiency.
God delights in using the unlikely. Ruth, a Moabite with a painful past, is not only welcomed but exalted, her obedience blessing Naomi, Israel, and ultimately the world through the lineage of Christ. No past is too messy for God’s grace; He specializes in rewriting stories and changing lineages. Obedience, even in small steps, can have generational impact far beyond what we see.
The story closes with a genealogy, pointing beyond personal restoration to God’s larger, eternal purposes. In a time when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” God was quietly writing a redemption story that would culminate in King David and, ultimately, Jesus. The safest place to be is in the will of God, trusting that He is writing our story, no matter what chapter we find ourselves in. Fear is a lie from the enemy; God’s love and redemption are sure, and nothing can separate us from His love. As we surrender, obey, and trust, we find ourselves swept up in a story far greater than our own.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Obedience Reflects Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Boaz’s prompt action at the city gate demonstrates a faith that does not delay when God’s will is clear. True obedience is not passive waiting but active serving, moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain. This challenges us to examine whether we are hesitating out of fear or stepping forward in faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and His purposes are unfolding even in the mundane. [02:33]
- God’s Hand is Most Evident in the Ordinary
The book of Ruth is marked not by dramatic miracles but by God’s quiet orchestration of everyday events. Divine appointments, chance meetings, and even paperwork are woven together by His sovereignty. Often, it is only in hindsight that we recognize how God has been working all along, reminding us not to despise the ordinary or overlook the subtle fingerprints of grace in our lives. [05:18]
- Redemption is Costly, but Christ Willingly Paid the Price
The unnamed redeemer’s reluctance highlights the true cost of redemption—one that Boaz, and ultimately Christ, was willing to bear. Our salvation required a Redeemer who was both qualified and willing, and Jesus became our relative, sharing in our humanity to lawfully redeem us. We contribute nothing but our need; Christ brings everything, paying the full price for our restoration and belonging. [10:20]
- God Uses the Unlikely and Rewrites Legacies
Ruth’s story is a testament to God’s grace for those with painful pasts or outsider status. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows that no one is beyond the reach of redemption, and that God delights in using the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Our obedience, however small, can have ripple effects that bless generations, reminding us that God’s plans are always bigger than our own. [18:01]
- The Will of God is the Safest Place, and Fear is a Lie
In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, the story of Ruth assures us that the will of God is our true refuge. The enemy’s lies seek to sow doubt and anxiety, but God’s love and redemption are unshakeable. No matter what chapter we are in—hopelessness, waiting, or fulfillment—God is writing a story of hope, and nothing can separate us from His love or thwart His purposes for our lives. [23:29]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Recap and Introduction to Ruth 4
[01:12] - Boaz at the City Gate: The Place of Decision
[02:33] - The Call to Immediate Obedience
[03:56] - Boaz as a Foreshadowing of Christ
[05:18] - God’s Sovereignty in Everyday Details
[07:28] - The Cost of Redemption and the Unnamed Redeemer
[10:20] - Boaz’s Willingness and Christ’s Qualification
[12:12] - The Public Nature of Redemption
[15:15] - Ruth’s Need and Boaz’s Provision
[16:45] - God Uses the Unlikely
[19:36] - Naomi’s Restoration and Generational Blessing
[21:48] - The Genealogy: God’s Bigger Story
[23:29] - The Will of God and the Lie of Fear
[34:25] - Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
[36:24] - The Depth of God’s Love
[37:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[38:28] - Final Encouragement and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth 4 – The Cost and Beauty of Redemption
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### Bible Reading
- Ruth 4:1-22 (Main text of the sermon)
- Hebrews 2:14-15 (“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”)
- John 14:31 (“But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. What steps did Boaz take at the city gate to fulfill his role as redeemer, and how did he involve the elders and the other potential redeemer? ([01:12])
2. What was the unnamed redeemer’s reason for refusing to redeem Ruth, and how did this decision affect his legacy? ([08:19])
3. According to the sermon, what did Ruth contribute to the redemption process, and what did Boaz contribute? ([15:15])
4. How does the genealogy at the end of Ruth 4 connect Ruth’s story to God’s bigger plan? ([21:48])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says Boaz’s immediate obedience reflects trust in God’s sovereignty. Why is immediate obedience important, and how does it differ from passive waiting? ([02:33])
2. The unnamed redeemer was worried about his own inheritance and chose not to redeem Ruth. What does this reveal about the cost of redemption and the willingness required? ([09:17])
3. Ruth’s background as a Moabite and her inclusion in the lineage of Christ is highlighted. What does this say about God’s grace and His use of unlikely people? ([18:01])
4. The sermon mentions that God’s hand is often most evident in ordinary events rather than miracles. How does this perspective change the way we look at our daily lives? ([05:18])
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### Application Questions
1. Boaz acted immediately when he knew what God wanted him to do. Is there an area in your life where you know what God wants, but you’ve been hesitating? What’s holding you back, and what would it look like to take a step of immediate obedience this week? ([02:33])
2. The unnamed redeemer missed out on a legacy because he chose comfort over obedience. Can you think of a time when you chose comfort or safety over following God’s leading? What was the result, and what might you do differently next time? ([10:57])
3. The sermon says Ruth brought only her need, and Boaz paid everything. In your relationship with God, are there areas where you’re still trying to “earn” His favor instead of simply bringing your need? How can you rest more in Christ’s sufficiency? ([15:15])
4. God used Ruth, someone with a painful past and outsider status, to bless generations. Is there something in your past or present that makes you feel disqualified from being used by God? How does Ruth’s story challenge that thinking? ([18:01])
5. The story of Ruth shows that even small steps of obedience can have generational impact. What is one small act of obedience you can take this week that might bless others, even if you can’t see the results right now? ([21:26])
6. The sermon says the will of God is the safest place, and fear is a lie from the enemy. What fears are you facing right now that might be keeping you from trusting God’s plan? How can you remind yourself of God’s love and sovereignty when fear creeps in? ([23:29])
7. Looking back on your life, can you see any “ordinary” moments where God was quietly working behind the scenes? Share one example and how it changed your perspective on God’s involvement in your everyday life. ([05:18])
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Devotional
Day 1: Redemption Requires Willingness and Sacrifice
Redemption is not a transaction of convenience, but a costly act that demands both willingness and sacrifice; Boaz steps forward to redeem Ruth, fully aware of the cost, while the nearer redeemer steps back, unwilling to risk his own inheritance. In the same way, Jesus, our Redeemer, did not hesitate to pay the ultimate price for us, embracing the cost of our salvation out of love and obedience. True redemption always involves a willingness to step into the messiness of another’s life, to bear burdens, and to give up comfort for the sake of another. [09:17]
Ruth 4:3-6 (ESV)
Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.’” And he said, “I will redeem it.” Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Reflection: Where in your life is God calling you to step out of comfort and into costly obedience for the sake of someone else’s redemption?
Day 2: God’s Sovereignty in Ordinary Moments
God’s hand is often unseen, working through the ordinary details of life rather than through thunderous miracles; in Ruth, divine providence arranges meetings, times events perfectly, and weaves together lives for His greater purpose. Even when we cannot see the miraculous, God is orchestrating the details behind the scenes, and it is often only in hindsight that we recognize His fingerprints. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is present and active in the mundane, the paperwork, the relationships, and the timing of our days. [05:18]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Reflection: Think back on a recent “ordinary” event in your life—can you see how God might have been working in the details, even if you didn’t notice it at the time?
Day 3: Obedience Impacts Generations
Obedience to God’s will is never just about us; Ruth’s faithfulness and Boaz’s obedience not only brought restoration to Naomi but also became the foundation for a legacy that would bless Israel and the world through Christ. Every act of obedience, no matter how small or hidden, can have ripple effects that reach far beyond our own lives, touching future generations and playing a part in God’s eternal story. Do not underestimate the power of a single step of faith—God uses it to write stories of redemption that outlast us. [21:26]
Ruth 4:13-17 (ESV)
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Reflection: What is one act of obedience you can take today that might bless someone beyond yourself, even if you never see the results?
Day 4: No Past Is Too Messy for God’s Grace
Ruth’s story reminds us that no background, stigma, or painful past can disqualify us from God’s redeeming love; God delights in using the unlikely, the outcast, and the broken to accomplish His purposes. Ruth, the Moabite from a cursed nation, is not only welcomed but exalted, becoming part of the lineage of Christ. If you feel unworthy or defined by your past, remember that God specializes in rewriting stories and changing lineages—His grace is greater than any label or history. [18:01]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: Is there a label or part of your past that you feel disqualifies you from God’s love? How can you invite God to redefine your identity today?
Day 5: Fear Is a Lie—Rest in Your Redeemer
The enemy seeks to paralyze us with fear and lies, but God has not given us a spirit of fear; our redemption is secure, and nothing can separate us from His love. Just as Boaz’s public act of redemption was final and irreversible, so Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is a public, unbreakable declaration of God’s love for you. When fear and doubt whisper that God hesitates to forgive or accept you, remember that your Redeemer has already paid the price—rest in His finished work and let your mind be renewed in His truth. [32:44]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: What fear or lie is the enemy using to keep you from resting in God’s love? How can you remind yourself today of the security you have in Christ?
Quotes
When God calls you to act, my question would be that. Do you delay or do you respond like Boaz and Abraham? Do you just run into the will and the presence of God? Or do you seek out your own timing? Do you wait? You know, say, "I'm waiting on the Lord," but really it's I'm just staying stagnant. You know, we we talk about waiting on the Lord, and sometimes we mention it too much, like it just means this, but really waiting is serving. I will serve the Lord. I will wait on the Lord. I will serve the Lord. [00:02:39]
We see Boaz as the picture of Christ. His behavior doesn't just show us what godliness looks like, but it reflects Jesus. Just as Boaz ran to redeem Ruth, we see that Jesus quickly and willingly came to redeem us. He didn't hesitate. He didn't consider other options. He stepped into our brokenness to claim us as his bride. We see this in John 14:31. But I do as the Father has commanded me so that the world may know that I love the Father. [00:03:43]
Ruth is a book of God's invisible hand. We see no thunderous miracles, nor are there any angels that I can find. It's just ordinary life directed by extraordinary sovereignty. Boaz goes to the gate and just behold the other redeemer walks by. You know the timing. It's too perfect to be a coincidence. That's God's work in the details. So many Christians, they get discouraged because they're waiting for big miracles. But Ruth teaches us that God's God works through everyday moments. [00:04:41]
How many times have you gone through a trial or test and you've just held on? And sometimes you've held down held on just literally by the skin of your teeth. But once you got through it, you looked back and then you saw God's handiwork that if this wouldn't have happened, that wouldn't have happened. And if that wouldn't have happened, then this surely wouldn't have happened. And at the end of the day, he kept me. He he saved me from whatever or he protected me or he gave me that greater blessing. [00:06:04]
It's interesting how the story unfolds when he offers the land to the other redeemer. We see that he accepts it. It's like, "Well, yeah, free land. I'll take it. sign me up. But when he says, "You also have to take Ruth, who by the way, she's a Moabitete," that's when the story changes. That's when she backs or he backs out. He doesn't realize that there's baggage attached, that this isn't just some Israeli woman, but this is a Moabitete woman that he would have to take. And he's now suddenly worried. [00:08:28]
His disobedience actually costs him his legacy. He was so worried about ruining his own legacy, but yet he did just that. But Boaz, on the other hand, he's honored. Not just in this story but also in Matthew 1 in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. We see he becomes a part of the lineage of the Messiah's family line. You always lose when you choose comfort over obedience. But you always win when you surrender fully to God's will, even if it's costly. [00:11:08]
This was more than just a quirky tradition. It was a public legal confirmation. When the unnamed redeemer removed his sandal and handed it to Boaz, it symbolized a full transfer and the right to redeem. And Boaz declares it before the elders. You are witnesses this day. He makes it bold. He makes it public. It's a public commitment to redeem both the land and Ruth. He didn't hide it. He wanted everyone to know, "I love this woman. I will fulfill the law. I will pay the price." [00:12:08]
The cross stands as the ultimate declaration of God's love for mankind. Every time we hear the gospel, we are witnesses of his public love, his public covenant for us. So Ruth 84:8 says, "So when the redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself," he drew off his sandal. Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses this day that I have brought from I have bought from the hand of Naomi. All that belonged to IMC and all that belong to Chileon and to Milan. [00:13:06]
Also Ruth the Moabitete, the widow of Milan, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day." Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah who together build up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephra and be renowned in Bethlehem. [00:13:47]
When it comes to the legal work, Ruth contributes absolutely nothing. When it comes to the land transaction, Ruth contributes absolutely nothing. It is Boaz that pays the price. That my friends is the beauty of the gospel. We bring nothing but our need but Christ pays everything. In fact, the only thing we have contributed to salvation is the sin that made it necessary. That's how great and prestigious we are. Sinners in need of a savior. Hallelujah. But Christ, our redeemer, would take the pain. He would take the cross. [00:15:20]
He would take the guilt and shame. He would He who knew no sin would take on our sin, would cover our sin, and would redeem us so that we could be forever with him. God's love is immeasurable. It's without ends. God also loves to use the unlikely. That's what makes him amazing as well. Boaz emphasizes Ruth's identity. And I think in some ways, I'm not going to lie, I I I think it was to probably help himself out a little bit. He wanted to make sure that the redeemer knew just what he was getting his hands on. [00:16:09]
Ruth came from a cursed nation, likely with a p a painful past. Yet, she's not just welcomed, but she's exalted by the people. They speak up once he has done this thing. They speak up and speak praises unto her and Boaz and to their lineage and she ends up in the lineage of Christ. What does that mean for you and I? No past is too messy for God's grace. And if Christ can come through Ruth, he can receive you too. That he can take you as well. If you feel like a moabitete, that's okay. He likes to change lineages. [00:17:27]
Obedience, it affects more than just you. That's another blessed thing with this story. All along the pages in every chapter that we have covered, we see Naomi in the shadows being blessed, being uplifted, being spoken about or giving knowledge. As I said before, in reality with this would seem to be the book of Naomi, but no, it's about the legacy that she left. Verse 13. So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went into unto her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. [00:18:50]
Naomi is restored not only by her return to Bethlehem, by getting out of where she was, but also by Ruth's obedience. Had Ruth decided to stay in Moab, the story would have ended differently. Her obedience blessed Naomi and Israel and the world through Christ. Let me say that again. Her obedience blessed Naomi, Israel, and even the world through Christ. Your obedience may bless generations beyond you. Don't ever underestimate a single step of faith. [00:20:50]
The chapter makes sure to end with this genealogy and pointing towards a king because Ruth's story wasn't about just personal restoration. As I said before, it's national. It's global and it's eternal. God wasn't just giving Ruth a husband or Naomi a grandson. He was preserving a line through which King Jesus would come. We have to understand church that the will of God is the safest place in which we can be. That we can't just do it on our own. We can't try it by our own hand. We we we have to fully rely on God. [00:22:19]
The safest place you can be in this life is not in a place of fame, wealth, or even security in and of itself. It's the will of God. And my question for you is, are you in his will today? If you can say, "Lord, I want to live for you no matter the cost." Then you can rest knowing that he is truly writing your story. And if you're outside his will, there's still hope like Naomi was. She was out of his will to begin with, but she came back. He's ready to pick up the pen and continue the story. [00:23:37]
You never have to be called Mara. You never have to live under the name of bitterness or sorrow. You can have a story that ends in redemption, that ends in forgiveness, and that ends in a trumpet call. It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Hopelessness. Chapter one. Utter hopelessness. Death. Death not only in name but death in action. Everything falls apart. But in just four chapters, a king is lined up to be born. What chapter are you in your life? What chapter are you in your life? [00:24:34]
It may feel like all the fields are brown. And like I said, maybe you're Naomi needing to come back to Bethlehem. Maybe you're in chapter two. You've returned. There's still a part of you that holds on to I don't know if this name fits me. I don't know if I am blessed. In fact, why don't we just let's go glean this field and we'll just see if we can get enough to go by. Or maybe you're in chapter three where there's a glimmer of hope and it seems like the will of God is at least being shown in your life, but it doesn't truly look like it could ever come to pass because that was how it was for them. [00:25:38]
Can I tell you a big secret? I'm going to tell you something that the devil would like you not to hear tonight. I'm going to go ahead and I'm just going to give away a bit of his plan. I'm going to slip outside my notes. This might be the only night you don't you don't get out of here late. What is the enemy known as? He's the father of lies. He's a liar. Fear is lies. You see, whenever God moves, we don't see him move through fear. He moves through hope. [00:26:49]
If there is fear coming into your life, like I don't know the end of the day, does God still love me? Yes, he does. And the wonder that's in your mind is a lie from Satan trying to tell you that God don't. But he wouldn't write books telling you how much he loves you. He wouldn't make storylines. He could have just let this thing happen and not tell us about it. We didn't have to know a thing about Naomi or Ruth. We could have just skipped history to David. We could have skipped history to Jesus. [00:28:59]
When Christ paid the price, when Boaz took the shoe, the deal was done. There was no takebacks. It was pronounced when you were filled with the Holy Ghost, baptized in the name of Jesus. There was a name placed upon your life that no man, no angel, no thing above or below, no power from heaven and no power from hell can take away. In fact, it says nothing can separate me from the love of God. So when there's fear in your life, you can look at it and you can laugh because at the end of the day, that's just the devil trying to make you worry about something he doesn't even have the right to do. [00:32:07]
As long as I'm on his side. As long as I'm in covenant. I walk with him. I can know that my steps are ordered. Now, it was a long road from Ruth to David. It's a wrong It's a long road from where you are to heaven. It's a struggle every day. Sometimes you will question it. Some days you will still feel like you want to just put on dark makeup and be called Mara. But I can tell you, if you stay with Christ, your redeemer, at the end of the day, he'll take care of everything. [00:33:30]
Once again, Ruth doesn't have to do a thing. All she had to do was be sheltered under the wings. All she had to do was go to the master one time. She works for him. Yes. She stays is in his fields. Yes. But as far as actually knowing him, she goes one time and has that personal conversation to where she asks the question, "Will you redeem me?" And there's no hesitation. The enemy will speak lies into your mind that God hesitates on your forgiveness, that God hesitates on your walk with him. [00:34:25]
As long as your heart is trying its best and you're following after him, you you're following him with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole mind, then you can trust that he's with you, that he's redeemed you and he'll do the heavy lifting. Sexist could probably look at the story and be like, "Wow." It's pretty uh pretty rough language. Boaz buys her, huh? Buys the land. No, he redeems her. He loves her. God loves you. God loves you. Let me say that again just so you hear it. [00:35:10]
God loves you enough that he would shed blood, that he would send forth his son, that he would be incarnate, that he would take pain. What a God not to go back to that sermon. But what a God. What a God we serve. What a God we serve. Our redeemer, our strength, our high tower. [00:36:32]
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