Structure: 3 ‘scenes’ a) Ruth & Naomi (2-3) b) Boaz & Ruth (4-17) c) Ruth & Naomi (18-23) KINDNESS SOUGHT v2 “in whose sight I shall find favour” & Ruth 1: 16-17 Lev 19:9-10 KINDNESS FOUND Provision, Protection, Community Hb: “hesed” (loving kindness) Boaz: “in him is strength” – God’s agent of kindness…
MALICE! (v1-6) Negative criticism met with prayer and persistence MENACE! (v7-9) Vicious conspiracy met with prayer and action MESS! (v10-23) ‘It’s all too much’ – met with: Strong leadership! A heart of prayer! A will to fight! And a zeal for the Lord of hosts! Lessons: Do not listen to the voice of hate Do…
1) ITS PRIORITY! Jesus taught it, prayed it & lived it 2) ITS PROCESS! a) Decisional not emotional b) Spiritual not natural c) Essential not optional d) Gradual not instantaneous e) Judicial not sentimental 3) ITS POWER Forgiving others: a) Moves you b) Beautifies you c) Empowers your prayer life d) Sets you free…
Back to Basics Where? Who? When? Why? What? How?
1) DANGER! (v7-9) Into enemy territory 2) DEVOTION! (v10) Obedience is better than sacrifice 3) DISTRESS! (v11-12) Panic & faith 4) DELIVERANCE! (v13-16) The miracle of provision
THE BACK GROUND OF THE LETTER The poor and persecuted Smyrnean Christians THE MESSAGE OF THE LETTER I know your suffering and poverty – Yet you are rich! I know about the slander you suffer – Do not be afraid You will suffer persecution for a time – Be faithful, even unto death, and…