From a Foreigner to King Jesus (TGC 2011)
Alistair Begg reveals how the story of Ruth, set against a backdrop of hardship and foreignness, ultimately points to the redemptive work of King Jesus and the unfolding of God's providence.
This sermon delves into the book of Ruth, highlighting themes of redemption, provision, and the journey from emptiness to fullness. It explores the characters of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, emphasizing the divine intervention and grace at work in their lives. The sermon draws parallels between Ruth's story and the gospel, showcasing how God's loving kindness reaches across boundaries to bring salvation.
Sermon Outline
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I. Setting the Scene: The Time of the Judges
- A period of instability and moral decay
- Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes
- Introduction of Naomi’s family and their move to Moab
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II. The Story of Naomi and Ruth
- Naomi’s bereavement and return to Bethlehem
- Ruth’s loyalty and conversion to Naomi’s God
- The stirring of Bethlehem upon their arrival
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III. Preaching Christ from Old Testament Narrative
- The challenge and privilege of preaching Christ from Ruth
- The importance of understanding Old Testament in light of Christ
- Using genre and narrative to reveal gospel truths
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IV. Theological and Practical Implications
- God’s providence in the lives of the marginalized
- The lineage from Ruth to King David and ultimately to Jesus
- Encouragement to find meaning and hope in God’s redemptive story
Key Quotes
“The book of Ruth is arguably one of the loveliest short stories ever written.” — Alistair Begg
“The Bible is like a detective novel where all these various themes are woven together until there is a great denouement which makes sense of all the interwoven pieces.” — Alistair Begg
“B.B. Warfield used the analogy of the Old Testament as being like a richly furnished but dimly lit room, only when the light is turned on, in the person and work of Jesus do the contents become clear.” — Alistair Begg
Application Points
- Trust in God's providence even when life feels bitter or uncertain.
- Embrace faithfulness and loyalty in relationships as exemplified by Ruth.
- Seek to understand the Old Testament in light of Christ to deepen your gospel appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the book of Ruth significant in the Bible?
Ruth is a beautiful Old Testament narrative that highlights God's providence and redemption, ultimately pointing to the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.
How does Alistair Begg suggest we preach Christ from the Old Testament?
He encourages understanding the genre and narrative context, reading the Bible 'from back to front,' and seeing Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
What is the historical context of the book of Ruth?
It is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social instability, moral decay, and lack of a king in Israel.
What practical lessons can we learn from Ruth’s story?
We learn about loyalty, faithfulness, God’s care for the marginalized, and trusting in His providence even in difficult circumstances.
How does the story of Ruth relate to Jesus Christ?
Ruth’s story is part of the Messianic lineage, showing God’s redemptive plan culminating in the coming of King Jesus.