Pastor’s Bible Class
Thomas Road Baptist Church
Mother’s Day
Dr. Elmer L. Towns
Every Woman Can Be A Ruth
May 11, 2008
A. RUTH MARRIES INTO BACKSLIDDEN FAMILY
1. Naomi and Elimeleck were bluebloods. “Ephrathites of Bethlehem” (1:2), original settlers of Bethlehem.
2. Planned temporary regression from God. “Went to sojourn in Moab” (1:1).
3. Could not leave. “Continued there” (1:2).
4. Compromised separation. The two sons, “Took them wives of the women of Moab” (1:4).
5. Ruth was hopeless because God condemned Moab. A “Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord: even to their tenth generation” (Deut. 23:3).
6. God’s grace. Ruth was the eleventh generation.
7. All the men lost their property, and died; Naomi was backslidden in:
a. Despondent attitude. “Call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (1:20).
b. No godly testimony. Told Ruth to go back to her culture (heathen) and her gods (idols).
B. RUTH’S DECISION CHANGED EVERYTHING
1. Ruth was:
a. Widow.
b. Poor.
c. A foreigner.
d. No hope of marriage, happiness, family or support.
2. Ruth chose to go to Israel because of God.
a. She had never seen Bethlehem.
b. She would be an outcast.
c. She would have no family.
3. Ruth had a road block in Orpah who:
a. Chose idols.
b. Chose heathen culture.
c. Followed Naomi’s advice.
4. It is hard to go on when fellow travelers turn back.
5. Ruth’s decision was tested by Naomi.
a. Naomi had compromised.
b. Naomi discouraged her about marriage.
c. Naomi gave bad advice, return to heathen culture and idols.
6. Backslidden Christians probably won’t give you good advice.
7. Most people need encouragement to make good decisions. Ruth didn’t get it.
8. Ruth’s decision changed everything.
a. God lead Ruth to Boaz’s field.
b. Boaz knew of Ruth’s spiritual testimony.
c. Ruth’s hard work opened doors.
d. Ruth married Boaz.
e. Ruth became a mother.
f. Ruth’s great grandson was King David.
g. Jesus came from the linage of Ruth (Matt. 1:5).
C. TEN DECISIONS-MAKING STEPS
1. Yield to God. “Pray for God’s plan for our life.
2. Define the problem in your mind. Many problems come from confusion or fear because we don’t know what to do.
3. Gather as much information as possible before decision.
Towns Law of Decision-Making
· You make good decisions on good information.
· You make bad decisions on bad information.
· Without information you make lucky decisions.
4. Compare decisions to truth.
a. Never go against scripture.
b. Don’t deny your godly character.
c. Don’t compromise your faith. “Whatsoever is not of faith, is sin” (Rom. 14:23).
5. Seek the advice of older mature believers. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14).
6. Don’t decide against your conscience. “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
7. God guides through opportunities. “An open door” (I Cor. 16:9).
8. God guides through common sense (Prov. 16:9).
9. God guides through prayer.
10. Look at all your options (possible solutions).
NOW, CHOOSE BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION!
D. RUTH – THE MOTHER
1. Ruth was blessed by the community. “We are witnesses . . . make (Ruth) like Rachel and Leah” (4:11).
2. Ruth’s child came from God. “The Lord gave her conception” (4:13)
3. A type of Christ. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer who brought back their lost inheritance and restored the line (Ruth) to her rightful place.
a. We lost our inheritance in the Garden.
b. Christ redeemed (buy back) sinner.
c. Christ makes us stand justified in God’s presence.
4. Ruth’s son was Obed (servant) grandfather to King David.
5. The passion of every mother, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed her husband also and he praiseth her” (Prov. 31:28).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
