Ruth: New Beginnings – Ruth 1:1-22

Ruth

New Beginnings – Ruth 1:1-22
Sunday, September 7
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

The book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of God’s redemption at work in ordinary lives. In the midst of loss and hardship, Ruth, a widow, chooses to go with her mother-in-law Naomi, and embraces the unknown future that comes with living outside the social norms. Her new life is challenging but God provides through Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who not only secures Ruth’s future but also restores hope for Naomi. Their lives point to the greater story as God weaves loyalty, love, and faithfulness into his plan of salvation. Through Ruth’s faith we see a glimpse of Christ—the ultimate Redeemer—who brings new beginnings, new priorities, and new purpose to all who trust in Him.

September 7: Ruth 1 – New Beginnings

September 14: Ruth 2 – New Priorities

September 21: Ruth 3 – New Challenges

September 28: Ruth 4 – New Purpose

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

New Beginnings

Ruth 1:1-22

1. Ruth lived in a world. (1-5)

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25

¹⁷ “And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles ¹⁸ to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” Acts 26:17-18

Notes:

2. Ruth to continue forward in the dark times. (6-18)

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

Notes:

3. Naomi allowed the dark times to her. (19-21)

³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Notes:

4. Naomi and Ruth were exactly where God them. (22)

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Notes:

Challenge: How are we choosing to sit in our current circumstances? And should we shift?

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.