Theme
Personal commitment to God is much more important than a family that just attends church.
Introduction
The events of the book of Ruth occur during the time of the judges, when there was no king in Israel.
The book records God’s dealings with a Moabite woman named Ruth, who was willing to leave her home country and the gods of her people in order to serve the God of Israel and be counted with the people of God.
The book is generally taken to be a picture of God’s redemptive work.
- Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, pictures the Lord Jesus Christ who redeems His bride out of the world unto Himself.
- Ruth pictures the child of the world who is redeemed by Christ and made His bride.
Today we will focus our attention on verses 16-18 and consider Ruth’s godly character under two headings:
Sermon Outline
- Ruth’s Rejection of Worldly Priorities (Vs 1-15)
- Ruth’s Adoption of Godly Priorities (Vs 16-18)
Ruth’s Rejection of Worldly Priorities
(Ruth 1:1-15)
Ruth Rejected Worldly Places (Her Home, Moab)
Ruth Left the Place of Comfort
Ruth’s decision not to return home meant giving up certain things.
Moab was where she had been raised, but Bethlehem was foreign to her.
Ruth was willing to leave the place where she was most comfortable in order to go where God wanted her to be.
As Christians, it is not enough to surrender to serve God only where we are comfortable. We must be willing to serve Him wherever He would have us to be.
The place of service is just as important as the mode of service.
Ruth Chose Dependence Upon God
Moab offered security in her father’s house, but Bethlehem required dependence upon God.
If Ruth had returned home, she would likely have been provided for by her family, but in leaving Moab she entered an uncertain future that required faith.
There are often sacrifices required in serving God faithfully.
Psalm 127:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
The world says children are a burden, but God calls them a blessing.
Titus 2:4-5
“That they may teach the young women to be sober… keepers at home…”
God’s design for the home still matters today.
Ruth Rejected Worldly Practices (Her Home Religion)
Ruth Rejected the Gods of Moab
The chief god of Moab was Chemosh.
Like many pagan religions, the worship of Chemosh involved sacrifices and wicked practices, including child sacrifice.
Ruth rejected the false religion of her people in order to follow the God of Israel.
This meant risking rejection by her own family and culture.
Choosing God Above Family Pressure
It is difficult to follow God when doing so places you at odds with your family.
Many refuse to follow Christ because of fear of rejection.
Ruth chose acceptance with God over acceptance with the world.
Ruth Rejected Worldly Relationships
Ruth Chose God Over an Unbelieving Future
Naomi encouraged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab where they would likely remarry and find security.
If Ruth travelled to Israel, she faced uncertainty and possible lifelong widowhood.
Yet Ruth chose the people of God and trusted God with her future.
Biblical Warning About Unequal Yokes
Amos 3:3
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
The Bible warns believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Different worldviews create tension within the home.
Ruth Rejected Worldly People
Ruth Left Her Former Life Behind
Ruth gave up everyone she had known in Moab in order to follow God.
This pictures what the sinner must do in following Christ.
Luke 14:26-27
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother… he cannot be my disciple.”
This does not mean literal hatred for family, but that Christ must come first.
Separation from the World
The Christian has been redeemed out of the world and brought into the family of God.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate…”
God calls His people to separation from worldly philosophies and sinful influences.
Protecting the Home from Worldly Influence
Parents are the God-ordained line of defence for the home.
Children need protection from worldly influences that oppose biblical truth.
Areas Requiring Discernment
- Entertainment and media
- Ungodly friendships
- Corrupt worldly influences
- False ideas about family and authority
Parents must remain spiritually vigilant.
Ruth was willing to sacrifice all she had known in order to pursue a relationship with God.
Ruth’s Adoption of Godly Priorities
(Ruth 1:16-18)
Ruth Prioritised the People of God
Ruth determined to go with Naomi and identify with God’s people.
Commitment to God’s House
Christians should determine to be faithful in church attendance.
There is no better place for children to be than hearing the Word of God taught faithfully.
Willing to Be Peculiar
Ruth was a foreigner in Israel, yet she served God anyway.
1 Peter 2:9
“A peculiar people…”
Christians should expect to appear different from the world.
Examples include:
- Faithful church attendance
- Christian education or homeschooling
- Guarding children from worldly influences
- Maintaining godly standards in the home
Ruth Prioritised the Pursuit of God
A Relationship with God Above All Else
Ruth understood that a right relationship with God was more valuable than all the comforts of Moab.
As Christians, our relationship with God should be valued above:
- Friendships
- Careers
- Social acceptance
- Family approval
A close walk with God sustains believers through life’s trials.
A Challenge to Christian Mothers
A godly woman must cultivate a close relationship with God.
Do not allow the pressures of society to pull you away from the role God has given you.
A close relationship with God provides wisdom, perspective, and strength for the home.
Determined to Serve God
Naomi recognised Ruth’s determination to follow the God of Israel.
Christians should likewise be known for their passion to serve God faithfully.
Many are passionate about sports, entertainment, or worldly pursuits.
Wouldn’t it be better to be known for a love for Jesus Christ?
Joshua 24:15
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Conclusion
Ruth’s decision to leave Moab demonstrates that a true walk with God is more valuable than comfort, culture, possessions, religion, or even family ties.
Have you made a close relationship with God a personal priority in your life, or do you keep God at a distance for fear of the changes He may require?
Choose this day whom ye will serve.
What sort of home will you create?
- A godly home where Christ is honoured
- Or a worldly home where the Holy Spirit is grieved