Redemption
The Story of Ruth
Life Falls Apart
May 14, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 1:1–14
The Book of Ruth is one of the greatest short stories ever written. It's a love story, but it's about far more than romance - it's ultimately about redemption. What is redemption? Redemption means to claim or buy something back. In this series, we'll look at the story of Ruth to learn how God redeems us - from tragedy, mistakes, loss, despair, and ultimately, sin and death. This teaching will intro the book by looking how and why life falls apart, but also show the beginning of how God brings redemption.
Bitter Providence
May 21, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 1:14—2:4
Is God completely sovereign or do we make real choices? Yes. According to the Bible, the answer is both/and, not either/or. There is no better example of this seeming paradox than the Book of Ruth. If both are true, how do we live in light of God's providence? This teaching will explore how we wrestle with this deep philosophical concept, even when we face untold tragedy. Ultimately, understanding the tension theologically is meant to free us personally.
Redeeming Character
May 28, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 2
Despite a decade of tragedy, hope is on the horizon for Ruth and Naomi. While the reader can clearly see the hand of God working in their favor, it is almost completely hidden from their perspective. In these situations, the relevant question is, "How do I move forward in the will of God?" We tend to get very mixed up when it comes to the will of God and pursue it in all the wrong ways. Ruth shows us that the way to walk in the providence of God is not to try and discover every aspect, but simply to do what's right in front of you. As we pursue biblical obedience and godly character, the good purposes of God are unfolding before us.
Redeeming Romance
June 4, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 3
Modern romance is becoming increasingly confusing and more difficult. Despite the numerous technologies that make connection easier, the vast majority of singles report that dating isn't easy or going well. Further, many are experiencing damage and pain as a result of rapidly changing sexual norms and pressure. Is there a more biblical approach to dating? While "dating" is a very new historical concept, there are numerous biblical principles we can apply to our context. This topic is bigger than just finding someone - it has societal and spiritual implications. In Ruth 3, we see how romance can be a redeeming force in the world.
Redeeming Loss
June 11, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 4:1–12
In the penultimate week of Ruth, we come to the pivotal moment - will Boaz be able to redeem her or will the nearer redeemer step in? Everything up until this point has led to this - the tragedy, mistakes, bitterness, repentance, character, and risk all seem to hang in the balance. As we look at the outcome of Ruth's redemption, we learn three things about the ultimate redemption of God - its route, the cost, and the blessing of redemption.
Redeeming Legacy
June 18, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Ruth 4:13–22
The Book of Ruth could have finished after the beginning of chapter 4 - Boaz has redeemed Ruth and all that's left is happily ever after. However, the story actually continues and gets better. The redemption of Ruth is not limited to her life, but actually extends through her line and legacy. What's a legacy? Put simply, it is the inheritance you pass on to future generations. All of us have a mixed influence of both generational sin and generational blessing. The end of Ruth shows how God redeems legacy and how we can pass on blessing to future generations. While the past has shaped your present, it doesn't have to shape your future - there is redemption in Jesus.