Ruth 2:12
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's reward and trust in His providence, rather than seeking man's recognition or reward.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the theme of divine recompense in his sermon on Ruth 2:12, illustrating how God rewards our labor and faithfulness, assuring that no effort for Him is in vain. He highlights Ruth's journey from Moab to trusting in the God of Israel, showcasing her faith amidst adversity and the importance of seeking God's reward rather than human recognition. Smith draws parallels between God's protective nature and a mother hen, encouraging believers to trust in God's providence and shelter during life's storms.
Text
Intro: Ten years earlier, Naomi (God is sweetness) with her husband Elimelech and
their two sons, because of a famine, went to Moab to live, not long after their
arrival, Elimelech died, sons married Moabites, but in time they both died also.
I. JEHOVAH RECOMPENSE THY WORK.
A. God will not be a debtor to man.
1. Christ told disciples "No man has left houses or family..."
2. "Give, and it shall be given measured out, pressed down and
running over."
B. Labor for God never in vain 1 Cor. 15.
1. Great portion of world's frustrations.
a. Spend a day cleaning house.
b. As you are drying last dish.
c. Spend life building fortune only to see it wiped out.
2. God pays for labor not results.
a. Your responsibility to witness of Jesus Christ not win men to
Him.
II. A FULL REWARD BE GIVEN TO THEE OF JEHOVAH.
A. Some desire their reward from man.
1. "Take heed unto thyself, that you do not your righteousness before
men to be seen."
a. Giving.
b. Praying.
c. Fasting.
2. Tragedy is "They have their reward."
3. How wonderful to serve the Lord and seek only His reward and pleasure.
III. THE GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST.
A. Ruth was by nationality a Moabite.
1. Descendants of Lot.
2. Worshipped Chemosh... infant sacrifice also Baal. that corrupt
religion that filled Canaan.
3. She left traditions of her father to worship God.
B. The beauty of a life of trust.
1. No matter what happens you can accept it knowing God's providence
is over all.
a. Ruth had lost her husband shortly after marriage.
b. Journeyed with mother - in - law.
c. They were destitute of goods.
2. "Why art thou cast down O my soul?"
C. The symbol of wings employed.
1. Mother hen with her brood.
a. When fear element introduced.
b. Should sudden storm come.
2. Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou who stonest the prophets,
how often would I have gathered you under my wings as a hen gathereth
her chicks, but ye would not."
The wings of Jehovah are outstretched, you may be protected from danger,
sheltered from the storm, kept secure and warm by His love if you will.
Sermon Outline
- JEHOVAH RECOMPENSE THY WORK
- A FULL REWARD BE GIVEN TO THEE OF JEHOVAH
- THE GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST
- God will not be a debtor to man
- Labor for God never in vain
- Desire reward from man
- Tragedy is 'They have their reward'
- Ruth's nationality and faith
- The beauty of a life of trust
Key Quotes
“God will not be a debtor to man.” — Chuck Smith
“Labor for God never in vain.” — Chuck Smith
“The wings of Jehovah are outstretched, you may be protected from danger, sheltered from the storm, kept secure and warm by His love if you will.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Seek God's reward and pleasure in all that you do, rather than seeking man's recognition or reward.
- Trust in God's providence, even in difficult times, knowing that He is always working for your good.
- Remember that labor for God is never in vain, and that He will repay you for your work and actions.