Redeemed

Ruth: The Story of Redemption
Ruth 4 | June 15, 2025

Scripture Reading

Ruth 4:1-6 
Boaz meets the nearer redeemer at the city gate and offers him the chance to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. The nearer redeemer declines.

Main Idea:

God is in the redemption business!

I. It’s Always Right to Do Things the Right Way

• Ruth 4:7-12 — The legal custom of redeeming by removing a sandal

• The first redeemer declines to redeem Ruth and Naomi

• Law of the Kinsman Redeemer:

  • Leviticus 25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-6 explain the responsibility of a close relative

• Boaz steps in, redeems Ruth, and preserves Mahlon’s name

• Faithfulness is key: Ruth and Boaz were faithful and God blesses faithfulness

• Proverbs 28:20 — “A faithful man will abound with blessings...”

• Reflection: What has God asked you to do that you’ve hesitated on? Are you positioned to receive God’s blessing by being faithful?

II. There Is Tremendous Joy in Realizing God’s Faithfulness

• Ruth 4:13-17 — Boaz marries Ruth; Obed is born, becoming part of David’s lineage

• Naomi’s sorrow turns to joy

• We can rejoice in suffering because God’s faithfulness never fails

• Matthew 5:11-12 — “Rejoice and be glad... for your reward is great in heaven.”

• Reflection: When have you experienced God’s faithfulness after hardship?

III. Where Is God in the Time In Between?

• Story: Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17) — God works upstream before the people step in

• Ruth 4:18-22 — Genealogy showing God’s long-term plan through Judah, Perez, and Boaz

• Genesis 49:8-10 — Jacob’s blessing on Judah, promising kingship and lasting rule

• 1 Chronicles 2:3-5 — Family background of Perez and Judah

• God’s plan works through generations, including the good and the bad

• Even mistakes and hardships are used by God for His purpose

• Reflection: Are you in a waiting season? Trust that God is working upstream, even when unseen.

Conclusion:

• God’s redemption is evident throughout Scripture and in our lives

• Have you surrendered to God’s redemption?

Gospel Presentation:

• Have you responded to the free gift of redemption from sin that is offered through Jesus?