As we come to the end of our series on the book of Ruth, the main question we should ask is, “What is the lesson of this book? If I could take it down to a central theme what would it be?” In this book we’ve seen hardship, death, commitment, love and the joy of marriage and a son born. But after all the ups and downs of life what we really should see is, the best is yet to come.
Paul used the Adjective, Verb and Noun all in one sentence: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Description of God, how God modified the saved in Christ, and the blessing in Christ are tangible. This message will only point to six of the many blessing.
This study is centered around Peter’s Description of the Promises, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [a]corruption that is in the world through lust” ( 2 Peter 1:4 ). Notice that Peter not only describes the promises as being “great”, but “exceedingly great”, Peter tells us they are “precious” and that God has given them to us. Indeed God is the great Giver and His greatest gift was that of His Son, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16), thus we should all be saying, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
We already know that we must do our best in everything that we do because we reflect God to those around us. Question is, what is our motive? Maybe you’re working hard at your job because really want that promotion because you know people will respect you more or, maybe you’re involved in an academics and you’re working hard to get some letters after your name. Now, there is nothing wrong with working hard to get a promotion at work or with having some letters after your name. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Why are we doing it?” Is it for the glory of God, or to glorify ourselves?
I find it highly significant what and how James and Paul by inspiration penned these words. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (James 2:23). Like Abraham, when members of the Lord’s body say, I BELIEVE GOD. Which is different than, “I believe in God”. We’re saying more than I believe there is a God. We’re saying more than I believe there is a Savior. We’re saying—I am willing to submit—mind—body—soul—life to the will of God (Luke 10:27). We’re saying—I believe the word of God—I accept it as the mirror of my soul (James 1:25). We’re saying—I believe the word of God—alone is the standard—source of all truth (John 17:17). We’re saying I will use His word—to complete me and thoroughly equip me (2 Tim. 3:17).
The book of Ruth is a parallel to life, reflecting good choices, bad choices, tragedy, triumph, and yes even love and relationships. Three Points of our lesson: Dedication to God, Dedication to Family and Two Choices.
Psalm 37:39-40 “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Perhaps we sometimes overlook it, but it is there that we can find powerful help and special providence in time of need. I am interested in affirming that He has promised His help to His people who are serving Him. One of the great messages of the Scriptures is that God helps and delivers those who trust in Him “And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him” (Psa. 37:40).