Veritas Columbus Sermons

A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ruth 4, preached on August 27, 2017 at Veritas Short North as part of the sermon series on Fear.

Discussion Questions:

Having now finished Ruth (and with Esther in mind, too), do you see God as present and sovereign in these stories? Do you see Him as good? How so?

Pastor Joe noted that Boaz serves as a sort of representation of Christ in Ruth 4 as he is eager to absorb the cost to redeem Ruth as Christ was eager to absorb the cost to redeem us. How does the Gospel (that Jesus died on the cross and rose again) prove that God is in control? How does it prove that He is good?

Pastor Joe preached that this story should inspire us to have a renewed vision of God and a renewed foundation of faith. We see that He is both sovereign & good and we respond in faith and trust. When you think of God’s sovereignty as Pastor Joe discussed, did it inspire and encourage you to joy and faith?

Often, our last response to fear, doubt, and anxiety is taking them to prayer, processing them with God Himself. What is more often your first response to your fears? How should God’s sovereignty and goodness encourage you to take these things to Him in prayer? Take some time to pray over your fears and anxieties together as a group or in pairs.

A sermon by Mason Good based on Ruth 3, preached on August 20, 2017 at the Tri-Village congregation as part of the sermon series on Fear.

Discussion Questions:

Setting the Context: We know that, historically, the threshing floor is a place where prostitutes visited men. So Naomi sending Ruth into this situation is perhaps a little careless. Mason made the point that this might be another example of Naomi “running ahead of God.”

* Have there been times in your life when you think you see the stars aligning for something you were hoping for, and instead of waiting on the Lord, you “ran ahead of Him”, trying to force along your own plans?

* How can we develop the habits of spiritual contemplativeness that help us avoid this pattern?

* Does Ruth follow the plan that Naomi gave her?

* What does Boaz’s initial response to Ruth’s approach say about his character?

Leaders: The character of both Ruth and Boaz is made manifest in a situation that otherwise might have been very dicey. Ruth improvises on Naomi’s plan, and does not commit any indecency. Boaz displays honor appealing to the right way of doing things (according to the law) rather than taking advantage of Ruth.

During the sermon, Mason asked the question of us: Shouldn’t our faith drive us to action?

* How did Mason describe what it means to “wait on God”?

* Have you seen instances of godly “waiting” from close friends, parents, or others in the church?

* What other examples do we see from Scripture of men and women of faith waiting on God?

Leaders: There’s a difference between waiting on God and taking faithful action, and running recklessly ahead of God. One example from scripture to point to is David’s waiting for the kingdom to be given to him. He didn’t take it by force from Saul, even when he had opportunity to do so. And, of course, Jesus waited on His Father for 30 years before starting His ministry – we see some of this tension in John 2, and the wedding feast at Canaan.

But more often than not waiting on God is actually making steps forwards towards what we see God doing. So often we say things like “lets see if God opens a door!”…what if faith for you this week, was more like you walking towards a door that you see open and asking God to close it if that’s not his will for your life? – Mason, from the sermon

It is apparent from the text, that Boaz wants to take Ruth up on the wedding offer. He must have thought a great deal of her – which makes sense, considering what we learned last week about Ruth’s godly reputation preceding her. But Boaz’s reaction to Ruth’s offer tells us a lot about his character and his affections.

* Although Boaz is evidently drawn to Ruth and willing to marry her, what is governing his affections on a higher plane than his budding affections for Ruth?

* How do Boaz’s affections for the law of the Lord and the ways of God point forward to Christ’s ministry?

* Are there things which you’d like to do or to have that supplant your affections for the Word of God?

Leaders: It is a challenge to answer the final question about our affections in a non-trite manner. Everyone could give flippant examples of times where he/she prized other things above God. But what is the general pattern of our lives? Challenge yourself and your group to examine closely what you do first thing in the morning, and what you think about most of the day. There’s a good chance that those things which occupy your mind and your time are the governing affections of your heart.

“We trust the Lord because he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the great patriarchs, and the God of the apostles, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. But we also know we can trust him because he is the God who has done marvelous things in the lives of very ordinary people. Thus, in Scripture God writes in block capital letters the principles of his providence so that when he rewrites them in our lives in small, sometimes microscopic writing, we see that he is the same God. He uses the same handwriting, and displays the same providential care for our lives as in the lives recorded in Scripture.” –Sinclair Ferguson

We read at the end of chapter four that from the marriage of Ruth and Boaz come the great king – King David. And of course, we know today that Jesus comes from this same line! Ruth becomes an ancestor of the Messiah.

* In Ruth, we’ve seen how God works providentially in the details, in order to achieve His ends. Describe in your own words how the end of Ruth 4 displays this.

* What does it says about God character that he uses Ruth in the genealogy of David and the down the line to Jesus and that Rehab was the mother/grandmother of Boaz?

* Describe the circumstances in which you met your spouse, or the ways in which God led you to Christ. How about the ways in which your grandparents met. How many small circumstances has God engineered in your family’s history to bring things to where they are today etc.?

* Are there examples from the Scripture or even from great literature where you see the hand of God working in small ways to affect the stream of history?

Leaders: Mason pointed out that, in sum, “…we know that our only comfort in life and death is that we are not our own, but belong body and soul, both life and in death, to our faithful savior Jesus Christ. He remembers you in your times of trouble, and in all things he is working for his glory and your good.”

“Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation.” – Matthew Henry

Takeaways: As we seek God’s guidance in our lives, Mason challenged us to consider walking towards an open door rather than waiting for God to open or close a door. What opportunities to serve, i.e. “open doors” exist in your life right now? What is keeping you from stepping forward in faith? Conversely, has God “closed doors” that you had hoped would open? Lastly, we see in Boaz a man whose affections for the word of God trumped all other temptations – can we say the same about our own affections and desires?

A sermon by Aaron Lockhart based on Ruth 3, preached on August 20, 2017 at Veritas East as part of the sermon series on Fear.

A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ruth 3, preached on August 20, 2017 at the Short North congregation as part of the sermon series on Fear.

A sermon based on Ruth 3, preached on August 20, 2017 at the West congregation as part of the sermon series on Fear.

A sermon by Jeremy Hart based on Ruth 2, preached on August 13, 2017 at Veritas Tri-Village as part of the sermon series on Fear.

Discussion Questions:

Big Picture Refresh: God uses the ordinary and mundane along with the suffering to bring about good for all who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). Just like Ruth, we cannot see now how God is using the circumstances in our lives for good, but like Ruth we need to trust in God’s providential care and work in our difficulties and our ordinary days.

Defining our Terms: Last week, Brad said, “God’s providence basically means how his Control and his Care come together.”

Background: Read Deuteronomy 24:19-22.

* What does this text say about how the Israelites were to take care of the poor?

Leaders: Discuss how does this relates to the situation Ruth finds herself in.

Read verse 2: And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”

* What are some steps we can take to make faith-filled decisions in the midst of no obvious signs from God?

Leaders: Jeremy gave us a few steps to consider in our decisions making process. 1. Ask what does the bible say

– pray about it, asking God to bring wise people into your life. 2. Seek counsel from people who love Jesus and are wiser or more mature than you. 3. Consider the circumstances of your life; they aren’t random or inconsequential. Sometimes our circumstances are god-given boundaries. 4. Make the best decision in faith believing that God loves us and is on sovereign control of all the details. This is what Ruth does!

Read verse 3: So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.

* What do you think the author means by his use of the word “happened”?

* How has God used the mundane circumstances in your own life to lead you, and provide for your good and His glory?

* Do you know people (or have you embraced this mindset in the past) who wait for “signs” from God? What is wrong with thinking?

Read verses 4-7

* What is the significance of the way Boaz greets his men? What about the way his men react to the greeting?

* How does Boaz’s initial provision for Ruth showcase his character? What attributes of Christ do we see manifested in Boaz at this point in the story?

* In your own words, talk about how Boaz’s kindness to Ruth specifically points to the kindness of God to us.

Leaders: the godly character of Boaz is made manifest in his reaction to the news about Ruth, and the way in which He talks to his men and his men talk to him. Boaz’s kindness to Ruth is a picture of God’s kindness to us because while we were far off, foreigners to the promises of God, He reached out to us and reconciled us to Himself through the gospel truth that Christ died for us (the unrighteous!).

In the sermon, Jeremy mentioned that no one is too far off to be brought near to God. Boaz displayed his kindness to Ruth, a foreigner – but not just any ordinary foreigner, one of the hated Moabites.

* How does Boaz picture God’s love for men and women of all races and ethnicities?

* What are the implications for our interaction with men and women of other races or ethnicities?

Read verses 17-23. Jeremy said that the providence of God drives us to worship and praise.

* Encourage each other by sharing how God has worked in past circumstances of your life to bring hope and worship.

Takeaways: Are there sinful obstacles in the way of me pursuing the people in my life with the grace of God? Do I see the poor, and the lost through the eyes of Christ, as Boaz demonstrates here? Do I see the mundane circumstances of my life as sovereignly ordained by God? Do I step out in faith to make decisions after seeking wise counsel, and spending time in the word and in prayer?

A sermon by Paul Allen based on Ruth 2, preached on August 13, 2017 at Veritas East as part of the sermon series on Fear.

A sermon by Christopher Stollar based on Ruth 2, preached on August 13, 2017 at Veritas Short North as part of the sermon series on Fear.

Discussions Questions:

Give a brief overview of the book of Ruth (the story, context and purpose), and a general recap of Ruth 1. Who are the main characters in Ruth 2?

How would you describe Ruth? How would you compare her to Naomi? How does Ruth care for Naomi? How does God protect and provide for her and Naomi? What can we learn from Ruth?

How would you describe Boaz? How does he respond to and care for Ruth and Naomi? What can we learn from Boaz?

The book of Ruth is a story of God’s providence. How do we see him at work in this chapter in the lives of each character? How might this encourage us?

In the bible, God is often referred to as an eagle; here in Ruth 2:12 we see Boaz becoming the Lord’s protective “wings” over Ruth. What are some other verses that describe His wings’ of refuge? God provides this same refuge to us in Christ in our time of need and suffering. How can we display this same refuge to those in our community groups and beyond?

A sermon by Chris Lawson based on Ruth 1, preached on August 6, 2017 at Veritas West as part of the sermon series on Fear.

A sermon by Brad Snyder based on Ruth 1, preached on August 6, 2017 at Veritas Tri-Village as part of the sermon series on Fear.

Discussion Questions:

Setting the Context: Read Judges 21:25 and Ruth 1.
* What was the context in which the story of Ruth takes place and what was the ruling/governmental structure in place in Israel at the time?
* If you lived in Israel during this time, would you be anxious about the political situation? Are there aspects of it that sound like anything like we experience today?
* Have you made choices in the midst of difficult circumstances that seemed right in your own eyes, but didn't work out?
In tough times when we're afraid and anxious…sin looks right in our eyes. No one gives into temptation unless they believe what they are turning to will give them what they want. To say it plainly, we give into temptation and turn from trusting God simply because we think what we are turning toward will make us happier! Nobody desires something thinking, this will bring me and those I love destruction and misery…but as people kept doing what they thought was best, things just kept getting worse! - Brad, from the sermon
Brad mentioned that the drought in Israel is part of the covenant curses mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:12/22.
* Why is this important for understanding the way in which God is interacting with His people?
* What was the relationship between Moab and Israel during the time of Ruth?
Leaders: Another way to ask this is "how does God use the drought to bring his people back to Himself?"
In our series of studies on Ruth and Esther this summer, the theme that has arisen time and time again is the “providence of God."
* How Does Brad describe/define the providence of God?
* Have you seen God’s hand of providence in your life? What about in the lives of your parents or friends?
Leaders: Brad said, "God’s providence basically means how his Control and his Care come together.” And said that Ruth and Esther are "books where everything seems to go wrong, when life seems to be entirely out of his control, when we feel separated from his care, and yet Esther and Ruth show us what we need to know about God in our fear…they show us that God is in control and that he cares!”
Brad mentioned that anxiety comes when we try to find our hope, comfort, and meaning in something that’s unstable and uncertain. This is the crossroads where we find Ruth when she chooses between Judah and Yahweh, and Moab and false gods.
* How does Ruth respond to this crossroads moment? What is Orpha’s response to Naomi’s entreaties that she stay in Moab?
* What are examples of things we often place our trust or hope in? What do we turn to in our fear?
* How has this led you to anxiety in the past?
* Can you give examples of how God has revealed to you the weakness of unstable objects of hope?
Leaders: For Ruth, this was a seminal moment in her life. She isn’t just pledging herself to Naomi, but she is clearly and strongly (with an oath!) putting her faith in the God of Israel. If you’re comfortable sharing or have a poignant example to give, it might be a good opportunity to share some personal experience with God’s mercy to you in the area of trusting God over other good, yet unstable things.
God is faithful even in their failures and faithlessness…and he pursues…and we see even their sin and their suffering are redeemed and are wrapped up in his blessing. No matter what you’ve done or what mess you are in…don’t think for a moment that it is to far gone. The point isn’t how Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth got into the mess they're in, but what does God do now that they are there, and how will they respond. - Brad, from the sermon
Knowing our Bibles: Often God lavishes his mercy and goodness upon us in the wilderness in order to lead us to repentance - Ruth is a beautiful example of this! The Bible often uses stories to illustrate important principles and gospel truths that can refresh our hearts even thousands of years later.
* How does the geography in Ruth 1 hint at the broader concept of repentance?
* What literary technique did writers in the Old Testament use to emphasize their point?
* Perhaps you’ve grown up in a church environment and have read this story many times in years past; are there things about Ruth that occurred to you on Sunday which you’d not considered before?
Leaders: Brad mentioned that our English translations miss this, but Hebrew would repeat the same word over and over over again as a way to reinforce a point. In this case, 10 times in 15 verses the narrator used the Hebrew word “ hub” which means "return." There were several words he could use to communicate that idea, but “shub" is the main word used for turning back to God’s grace and mercy - its a word that means repentance. As Brad said, "There is more happening on this road than a geographic returning to the promised land, the question isn’t just will the return to the land, but will the repent and turn to God? Will they trust him and experience his grace?"
The bigger picture: Brad mentioned that Ruth 1 started with a famine and it ends with a harvest. There is bread in Bethlehem...A harvest that came because God visited his people, but there’s a bigger work at play here.
* If we look at the end of the book, what descendent eventually comes from Ruth?
* How does this illustrate the nature of God’s work in our lives? Does He only work through blessings and good times?
Leaders: Ultimately, God brings a worldwide blessing through Ruth - Jesus the Christ will descend from Ruth! God uses the ordinary and mundane along with the suffering to bring about good for all who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). Just like Ruth, we cannot see now how God is using the circumstances in our lives for good, but like Ruth we need to trust in God’s providential care and work in our difficulties and our ordinary days.
Takeaway questions for further reflection...
* Am I following God to get what I want…or is following God enough for me?
* Are there concerns I have that are bringing me anxiety because I’m placing my hope in unstable things rather than in God’s providential care for my life and family?
* Do I really trust that God is working through the mundane and the difficult circumstances of my life for my good and his glory?
* Am I open to guidance from Christian friends when they see me pursuing a path that seems right to me, but not to others?
* How does my heart respond to trials (and...what are my natural inclinations)? Do I grow bitter; do I return to my own gods; or do I trust Yahweh?
* Are there people I can encourage with the truth that God is providentially working in even the wilderness of difficulty, or the mundane details of daily life?
In the worst times, God is at work. He doesn’t give us all our desires he lovingly teaches us to desire him; and then he gives us himself! Trust him, as Peter says, cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you! - Brad, from the sermon