Faith takes the next step
Faith knows when to move – and when to wait
Ruth & Naomi’s desperate situation: loss, uncertainty, poverty, no provider, an uncertain future
Ruth, Naomi & Boaz: provision, redemption, restoration, hope, a future
Faith in Action
Ruth 3 – Ruth 4:1-12
Thoughts on Faith
-Faith is not as abstract of a concept as we like to make it
–Often faith is simply doing what God asks
–Typically, this comes from His word
–Often it requires us to humble ourselves to act on it
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6, 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, Galatians 5:6
Action (Faith) Starts in the Heart (What happens when we are more concerned for others than ourselves?)
Hearts are changing
Naomi; Ruth 3:1
Ruth; Ruth 3:3-5
The Ask; The Response; Ruth 3:5b, Ruth 3:10
The Twist; Ruth 3:12-14
Understanding Redemption; Leviticus 25:25, Deuteronomy 25:5
Boaz and the Kinsman Redeemer; Ruth 4:3-4, Ruth 4:5-6
Faith costs something?
-Redemption to gain an asset was appealing
–First right to a new farm!
-Redemption to help a foreigner was appalling
–The money I spend on the farm will not be for my children
What costs more?
-Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 27:9, Matthew 22:36-40, James 1:27, John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:18, 1 Peter 4:8
Thoughts on Faith
-Faith is not as abstract of a concept as we like to make it
–Often faith is simply doing what God asks
–Typically, this comes from His word
–Often it requires us to humble ourselves to act on it
Faith often just requires the next step
What act of faith are you being called to?
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