Text: Ruth 1:6-18
Faith Begins at Home (Full Sermon Manuscript)
Introduction:
God has seen the significance of mothers in the Bible. Many times, God would not only use men like Abraham, Moses, David, Matthew, and Paul to be part of the building of the kingdom of God on earth. God had used women—specifically, mothers—in shaping the heart and character of the people of God.
Background:
During the time of Naomi, Elimelek, Ruth, and others, there was a famine. But being familiar with the times of the Judges, it was not only a physical famine but also a spiritual dryness. The people of God were lost spiritually. They were struggling to survive their daily battles in their lives. Now it is at that point where our story begins.
Main Idea: Three Biblical Portraits
I. Confessional – it was in that similar situation wherein we see that being confessional is important. When I say, confessional, it is the same as how Ruth devotedly stood on her ground saying that “Your people will be my people; Your God, my God.” This is confessional. To be a mother is to be confessional, our supreme confession is “Jesus is Lord” as stated in Philippians 2:11, “every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
II. Truhearted/ Faithful – At first, Naomi thought the best way for Ruth is to return home and get remarried. Yet, God in his sovereign providence has another plan—a better purpose. *Amidst trials and sufferings, we tend to go ahead with God and act as if we have a better plan than His. Surrender your wills to God and be faithful to His plan.
III. Redemptive or Salvific – Through the faithful act of Boaz, the guardian-redeemer (kinsman), plus the faithfulness and obedience of both Naomi and Ruth, they have been redeemed. I believe the structure of the entire book of Ruth is providentially Christ-exalting. How? It ended the book by pointing to the ultimate kinsman-redeemer, the Son of David, Jesus Christ.
This is what I mean when I say redemptive; not that a mother can save their children, but they have the authority and influence to shape the faith and thinking of their kids.
Conclusion:
Charles Spurgeon:
O dear mothers, those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing think reverse of what is true. Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship. However, dream not that she is lost to the work of the church. Far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord.
Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty. Christian women, by teaching children the holy scriptures, are as much fulfilling their part for the Lord as Moses did in judging Israel, or Solomon in building the temple”.
Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
May 8, 2022
This section is an excerpt only; download the full manuscript here.