The second of four Ruth sermons, Tabernacle Baptist Church, February 2013

2. • What do you want from God?
– Power/Position
– Riches
– Strength/Health
– Beauty
– Wisdom
– More?
• I want to find favor in His sight.

3. • Levirate law begins to color the
edges of this story.
– Lev 19:9-10, 23:2
– Deut 24:19
• God cares about
people, especially vulnerable
people.
– He provides protection and
provision

4. • Ruth makes two requests (2:2, 7)
– She asks Naomi if she might go
and work in the fields
– She asks the field manager if she
might work in THIS field
• Then she works hard (2:7)
• and Boaz notices (2:5)

5. on the field? on the couch?

6. God favors workers not slackers.

7. • Boaz offers Ruth a regular spot
in his fields (2:8-9)
– He offers permanence
– He offers protection
– He offers refreshment
• Ruth is amazed and grateful
(2:10, 13)
• and Boaz notices (2:11-12)

8. making sparks?
causing sparks?

9. God favors humble dependence not
defiant entitlement.

10. • Boaz invites Ruth to the
company picnic (2:14)
– He offers bread AND vinegar
– He serves her much roasted grain
• Ruth goes back to work (2:15)
• Boaz bestows even more
blessings on Ruth (2:15-16)
– He offers bonuses AND validation

11. • Ruth finishes the work and the
day (2:17)
• Ruth shares her blessings with
Naomi (2:18-19, 21)
– She has grain reaped, roasted and
remaining
• Naomi shares a bigger blessing
with Ruth (2:20)
– He is our closest relative
– It is good

12. saying a blessing?
being a blessing?

13. God favors people who favor other
people with His favor.

14. • Are you a favored person? (Eph.
1:3-14; 2 Cor. 8:9)
• Now that you have favor with
God, what will you do with His
blessing?

15. • Enjoy it! His favor is for living!
• Recognize its
source, acknowledge Him, be
thankful.
• Consider who may be favored
by your redistribution of favor.
(2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thes. 2:16-17)
• Grow in favor with God and
man.

16. The Lord make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon
you, and give you peace.
Num 6:25-26