SERMON_Ruth_4_1-12___The_Price_and_the_Prize_of_Redemption.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Integrity in the Process of Redemption

True redemption is not just about the outcome, but about the way we pursue it. Boaz’s story shows us that honoring God means respecting the process, even when it’s inconvenient or uncertain. He did not try to manipulate the situation or cut corners to get what he wanted. Instead, he followed the law, involved the right people, and trusted God with the results. This kind of integrity is rare, but it is what God desires from us.
When we face situations that require restoration or reconciliation, it can be tempting to look for shortcuts or justify bending the rules. But God calls us to walk in honesty and faithfulness, even when it’s harder or slower. Our willingness to do things the right way, with patience and transparency, is an act of worship that honors God and builds trust with others. Redemption that is rooted in integrity brings lasting peace and reflects the character of Christ.

“So Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city and said, ‘Sit down here.’ So they sat down. 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.”’” (Ruth 4:2-4a, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are tempted to take a shortcut or avoid a difficult but right process? What would it look like to honor God by choosing integrity today?

Day 2: The Hidden Cost of True Redemption

Redemption often comes with a price that is not immediately visible to others. In Ruth’s story, the unnamed kinsman-redeemer was unwilling to risk his own inheritance for the sake of Ruth and Naomi. Boaz, however, saw the value in what others overlooked and was willing to pay the cost, even if it meant personal sacrifice.
In our own lives, God may call us to step into situations that require us to give up comfort, reputation, or resources for the sake of restoring what is broken. The willingness to bear that hidden cost is a mark of Christlikeness. It is often in these costly decisions—when no one else is watching or applauding—that God’s redemptive work shines most brightly through us.

“But the man said, ‘I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.’” (Ruth 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Where in your life is God inviting you to pay a hidden cost for the sake of someone else’s restoration or good? What is holding you back from saying yes?

Day 3: Love, Not Gain, as the Heart of Redemption

Boaz’s actions were motivated by love and a desire to honor Ruth and her late husband, not by personal gain. He did not stand to profit from this act; in fact, it could have cost him dearly. In the same way, Jesus redeems us not because we add value to Him, but because He loves us and delights in us.
This challenges us to examine our own motivations. Are we willing to serve, give, or forgive when there is no visible return? True redemption is always rooted in self-giving love, not in what we might get out of it. When we act out of love, we reflect the heart of Christ to the world around us.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship or situation where you are tempted to act only if there is something in it for you. How can you choose to act out of love instead of self-interest today?

Day 4: Legacy Through Self-Sacrifice, Not Self-Preservation

The story of Ruth highlights a striking paradox: the man who tried to protect his own name is forgotten, while Boaz, who was willing to risk his legacy for another, is remembered forever in the lineage of Christ. In God’s kingdom, true legacy is not built by self-promotion, but by self-sacrifice.
When we live to exalt Christ’s name rather than our own, we find our true identity and legacy secured in Him. Our acts of humility and service may go unnoticed by the world, but they are remembered by God. The greatest stories in God’s kingdom are written by those who are willing to be forgotten for the sake of others.

“And all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, ‘We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem.’” (Ruth 4:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you most concerned about your own reputation or legacy? What would it look like to lay that down for the sake of Christ and others?

Day 5: Living for the Name That Endures

The ultimate response to being redeemed is to live for the glory of Jesus’ name, not our own. Every earthly name, achievement, or trophy will eventually fade, but the name of Jesus endures forever. Our greatest honor is not in what we accomplish, but in knowing our names are written in the book of life because of what Christ has done.
Letting go of the need for recognition or security apart from Christ frees us to live boldly and joyfully for Him. When our lives point to Jesus, we find true life and eternal remembrance. Our legacy is secure, not because of what we have done, but because of who He is and what He has done for us.

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally point to Jesus’ name instead of your own today—in your words, actions, or attitude?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored Ruth 4:1-12, focusing on the biblical concept of redemption through the story of Boaz, Ruth, and the unnamed kinsman-redeemer. Using the modern analogy of someone buying back their own stolen car, we saw that redemption is about buying back what was lost, often at great cost. Boaz’s willingness to pay the price for Ruth, even when another relative refused, points us to the greater redemption found in Christ. Jesus, like Boaz, did not circumvent the law but fulfilled it, paying the ultimate price to redeem us—not out of obligation, but out of love. The sermon concluded by challenging us to respond to our own redemption by living not for the preservation of our own name, but for the glory and remembrance of Christ’s name, trusting that our true legacy is found in Him.

**K

Key Takeaways

1. Redemption Requires Both Process and Integrity Boaz’s approach to redeeming Ruth was marked by a careful adherence to the law and a respect for proper process. He did not seek shortcuts or personal advantage, but honored the requirements set by God, even when it meant risking the outcome he desired. This integrity in the process reminds us that true redemption—whether in relationships, reconciliation, or spiritual matters—cannot be separated from honesty and faithfulness to God’s ways. Our willingness to do things rightly, even when it’s harder, is itself an act of worship.
2. The True Cost of Redemption Is Often Hidden The unnamed kinsman-redeemer calculated the cost and decided it was too high, unwilling to risk his own inheritance or reputation. Boaz, on the other hand, saw the value in what others overlooked and was willing to pay the price. In our own lives, the call to redeem or restore—whether it’s a relationship, a reputation, or a broken situation—will often come at a cost that others may not be willing to pay. The willingness to bear that cost is a mark of Christlikeness, and it’s often in those costly decisions that God’s redemptive work is most powerfully displayed.
3. Redemption Is Motivated by Love, Not Profit Boaz’s motivation was not personal gain, but love for Ruth and a desire to honor her late husband’s name. In Christ, we see this truth magnified: Jesus did not redeem us because we added value to Him, but because He loved us and saw us as His joy and prize. This challenges us to examine our own motivations—are we willing to serve, give, or forgive when there is no visible return, simply because love compels us? True redemption is always rooted in self-giving love, not transactional gain.
4. The Paradox of Name and Legacy The story highlights a profound irony: the man who tried to preserve his own name by refusing to redeem Ruth is forgotten, while Boaz, who was willing to be forgotten for the sake of another, is remembered forever in the lineage of Christ. In God’s kingdom, legacy is not built by self-promotion, but by self-sacrifice. When we live to exalt Christ’s name rather than our own, we find our true identity and legacy secured in Him, written in the book of life.
5. Our Response to Redemption: Living for Christ’s Name The ultimate response to being redeemed is to live for the glory of Jesus’ name, not our own. This means letting go of the need for recognition, security, or legacy apart from Him. As Forrest Frank’s testimony illustrated, every earthly name and trophy will fade, but the name of Jesus endures forever. Our greatest honor is not in earthly accolades, but in knowing our names are written in the book of life because of what Christ has done. Let us live in such a way that our lives point to Him, trusting that in losing ourselves for His sake, we find true life and eternal remembrance.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth 4:1-12 – The Price and the Prize of Redemption**

---

### Bible Reading

- **Ruth 4:1-12**

---

### Observation Questions

In Ruth 4:1-6, what steps does Boaz take to make sure the process of redemption is done properly and publicly?
What reasons does the unnamed kinsman-redeemer give for refusing to redeem Ruth and the land?
According to verses 7-10, what is the significance of the sandal exchange, and what does Boaz declare to the elders and people?
How do the people and elders respond to Boaz’s actions in verses 11-12?

---

### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the author of Ruth leaves the other redeemer unnamed, while Boaz’s name is remembered?
What does Boaz’s willingness to pay the cost, even when it meant personal sacrifice, reveal about his character and his understanding of redemption?
How does Boaz’s story point forward to the redemption we have in Christ? In what ways are Boaz and Jesus similar or different as redeemers?
The sermon mentioned that true redemption is motivated by love, not profit. How does this challenge the way people usually approach relationships or opportunities to help others?

---

### Application Questions

Boaz chose to do things the right way, even though it was harder and risked losing what he wanted. Is there a situation in your life right now where you’re tempted to take a shortcut instead of following God’s way? What would it look like to choose integrity, even if it costs you?
The unnamed redeemer calculated the cost and decided it was too high. Are there relationships or situations in your life that you’ve avoided because the cost seemed too great? What might it look like to trust God and step into those costly places?
Boaz redeemed Ruth out of love, not for personal gain. When was the last time you did something for someone with no expectation of return? How can you grow in serving others out of self-giving love this week?
The sermon talked about the paradox of legacy: the one who tried to save his own name is forgotten, while the one who was willing to be forgotten is remembered. In what ways are you tempted to build your own reputation or legacy? How can you shift your focus to making Christ’s name known instead of your own?
The people blessed Boaz, asking that his name would be renowned. How does knowing your name is written in the book of life because of Jesus change the way you view recognition, success, or failure in this life?
The story of redemption in Ruth points to the greater redemption in Christ. How does remembering the cost Jesus paid for you affect your daily choices, especially when it comes to forgiving, serving, or loving others?
The sermon ended with a challenge to live for the glory of Jesus’ name, not our own. What is one practical step you can take this week to point others to Jesus instead of seeking attention or praise for yourself?

Sermon Quotes

Redemption isn’t free. There’s always a price to pay. The question is, will there be a net gain, or a net loss? Sometimes, what looks like a loss to the world is actually the greatest gain in God’s eyes.

Boaz was willing to carry the potential stigma, eat the cost, and bear the baggage that came with redeeming Ruth. Why? Because he loved her. She was the joy set before him, worth every sacrifice.

Isn’t it ironic that the one who tried to protect and preserve his own name ends up forgotten in history? We don’t know his name. But Boaz, who was willing to be forgotten, is now remembered forever.

With Christ, redemption is no accident. He knows exactly who He’s buying back, what it will cost, and He pays the highest price—not with regret, but with joy—because you are His prize and His possession.

Much of the power of redemption is found in the preservation of your name. To be forgotten was to die twice—once physically, and once in memory. But in Christ, your name is remembered forever.

Boaz points us to Christ, who goes through the process of redemption, pays the price of redemption, all for the prize of redemption—us. We are His joy, His treasure, and His beloved.

Will you live to be forgotten, so that Christ will be remembered? In response to our redemption, will you trust not in the glory of your own name, but wholly in the name of Jesus?

Every name on earth will fade away except the name of Jesus. Our real trophy isn’t found in awards or recognition, but in knowing our names are written forever in the book of life.

Sometimes, the greatest legacy isn’t building a name for ourselves, but humbling ourselves so that Christ’s name is exalted. The one who humbles himself will be exalted in God’s story.

Redemption always comes with a price, but for Christ, the cost was worth it. He gave up the riches of heaven, endured the cross, and bore our shame—all for the joy of having us as His own.

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Give me some sermon illustration ideas

Create a fill-in-the-blank worksheet

Sermon structure and transition feedback

Sermon application ideas