Jesus Our Successor – Part 7

Ruth chapter three. We’re going to canvass all of Ruth chapter three tonight. So when you get there, stand with me. I want to point out one specific verse which I think is really a catalyst of a lot of this chapter, verse 11. “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”

Scripture Reference

Ruth 3:1-18

Introduction

Title: “Jesus Our Successor – Part 7.” Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu.

In Ruth chapter 3 we move from relationship and redemption in Christ to the theme of rest in Christ. This chapter gives us a short, vivid narrative packed with practical instruction for life and for young believers. It shows obedience, patience, propriety, and godly leadership modeled in real people—and points us toward the deeper spiritual truth that Christ is our rest and our Redeemer. As we work through Ruth 3, keep in mind the KJV text and the simple, timeless applications for purity, patience, and providential care

Outline

Context: Relationship, Redemption, Rest
1. Reminder of the book’s flow — Chapter 1: relationship in Christ; Chapter 2: redemption in Christ; Chapter 3: rest in Christ; Chapter 4: reward in Christ.
2. Understanding the place of this chapter helps us see how Ruth’s story points to spiritual truths: salvation changes identity, produces new character, and leads to rest under God’s care.
Prompt: Naomi Seeks Rest for Ruth (Ruth 3:1–4)
1. Naomi’s question: “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” — A mother’s pastoral care, seeking security for her daughter-in-law.
2. Practical instruction Naomi gives: prepare yourself, wash, anoint, put on thy raiment, and go to the threshingfloor but keep hidden until the proper moment. This is not manipulation but culturally appropriate, thoughtful counsel designed to secure protection and opportunity.
3. Application: Leadership in godly families seeks the spiritual, practical welfare of those under their care. Trust and follow wise counsel while aligning everything with God’s truth.
Promise: Ruth’s Commitment (Ruth 3:5–6)
1. Ruth’s pledge: “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.” — Trust and immediate obedience: pattern of a believer who has learned to obey leadership.
2. Promptness of obedience — Ruth goes at once. The sermon stresses that delayed obedience is often disobedience; immediate follow-through is the mark of spiritual maturity.
3. Application for young adults: when godly counsel is given, respond quickly with humility and trust rather than with questions that are rooted in impatience or self-will.
Procedure: The Threshingfloor and the Custom (Ruth 3:2–9)
1. What is winnowing? The preacher explains the threshing-floor procedure—throwing the grain so wind separates chaff from the kernel—used as a practical image: the godly are like planted trees that bear fruit; the ungodly are chaff (Psalm 1).
2. The midnight scene — Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshingfloor, uncovers his feet and lies down. The preacher clarifies: this is not sexual impropriety. It is a culturally symbolic petition asking the kinsman-redeemer to “spread his skirt” (i.e., signify his willingness to redeem and marry).
3. Application: Learn the Bible’s customs so you don’t misread propriety in Scripture. The text must be interpreted by cultural context and the immediate testimony of the characters’ conduct (Boaz’s honor and Ruth’s purity).
Perception & Protection: Boaz’s Response (Ruth 3:10–13)
1. Boaz praises Ruth: “thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning” and affirms that “the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” He perceives her godly character, not just her outward beauty.
2. Boaz’s protection: he promises to do all that Ruth requires but reveals a legal obstacle—there is a nearer kinsman with first right to redeem. Boaz will honor that custom first (illustrating his integrity).
3. Application: Christlike character (honesty, honor, protection) is attractive and trustworthy. True spiritual “virtue” is visible to the community and influences how God’s people act toward others.
Problem & Provision: The Nearer Kinsman and Boaz’s Promise (Ruth 3:12–15)
1. Problem: a nearer kinsman exists and has the legal first right. Boaz is honest about it—he will give that man the opportunity.
2. Provision: if the nearer kinsman declines, Boaz vows, “then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth.” He also gives Ruth six measures of barley — a tangible sign of provision and commitment.
3. Application: Godly men step forward to provide and protect; they do so honorably and patiently. Provision often arrives in ways that are both symbolic and practical.
Promise Confirmed and the Waiting (Ruth 3:16–18)
1. Ruth reports to Naomi and gives the barley to her — an affirmation of generosity and transparency.
2. Naomi’s counsel to “sit still” — wait quietly; Boaz will not rest until he has settled the matter. Waiting on God and on His wise providence is hard but necessary.
3. Application: waiting is formative. It refines obedience, deepens trust, and prepares for proper reward. Instant gratification is the enemy of godly growth; patient obedience is the pathway to blessing.
Spiritual Typology: Boaz as a Type of Christ
1. Boaz stands as a picture of Christ: a kinsman-redeemer who protects, provides, honors the law, and marries the redeemed. He is patient, pure, and committed.
2. Ruth’s transformation (from a pagan wife to a virtuous woman) points to regeneration: only when Christ gets involved does radical life-change happen.
3. Application: our ultimate redeemer is Jesus, who accomplishes what we could not; we rest in His finished work and trust His timing for every good gift.
Practical Ethics for Young Adults
1. Wait on God’s timing in relationships. Avoid the world’s “test-drive” approach to marriage: purity and covenant matter.
2. Respect and involve parental and spiritual authority. It is not about control; it is about accountability and wisdom.
3. Learn to be givers and to honor commitments. Provision, generosity, and honor reflect Christlike character.

Summary

Ruth 3 is a short but rich chapter that teaches rest in Christ by showing faithful obedience, wise counsel, and godly restraint. Naomi’s pastoral leadership, Ruth’s immediate obedience, and Boaz’s honorable responses frame a narrative of protection, provision, and patient waiting. Boaz functions as a kinsman-redeemer type pointing forward to Christ, who is our complete rest and Redeemer. The chapter calls believers—especially young adults—to trust God’s timing, respect godly authority, pursue purity, and develop Christlike character in relationships.

Quote to Ponder

One of the things. Young people, you need to understand this now more than ever. We live in a society of instant gratification. We live in a society that says, if you want something, go and get it. Let me tell you this. There are some things that are worth waiting for. There are some things that are worth waiting for. And the right kind of marriage is one of them.

Application for the Week

Practical, specific steps you can take this week to apply Ruth 3’s lessons:

Practice Prompt Obedience
1. This week, when godly instruction comes from a parent, pastor, or mature Christian, respond quickly and respectfully. If asked to do a task (help at home, meet for discipleship, attend a service), do it promptly without excuse.
Begin a Daily Quiet Time of Rest in Christ
1. Set aside 10–20 minutes each day to read Scripture (start with Psalm 1 and then Ruth 2–3), pray, and ask God to make you more like Ruth in obedience and like Boaz in integrity. Journal one sentence about what God shows you each day.
Assess Your Relationships by Biblical Standards
1. If you’re pursuing romance or friendship, ask: Is this person growing in Christ? Is there parental/spiritual accountability? Are we exhibiting purity and honoring God’s plan for courtship? If not, step back and seek counsel.
Practice Generosity and Provision
1. Find one practical way to bless someone who has invested in you spiritually (bring a small gift, write a thank-you note, give time or simple help). Be a giver like Ruth and a provider as Boaz modeled—little acts of service reveal Christ in you.
Wait Patiently and Pray Specifically
1. If you are in a season of waiting (for a spouse, a job, or God’s direction), write down one prayer request and one promise from Scripture you will claim this week. Repeat that promise when impatience rises, and ask God for humility to trust His timing.
Seek One Mentor This Week
1. Ask one older, godly Christian (a pastor, elder, or mature believer) for 20 minutes of counsel about relationships and life goals. Explain you want godly counsel and invite them to pray for you.

May the Lord help each of us to be more like Ruth in faith and purity and more like Boaz in honor and provision—all pointing us to Jesus, our true Kinsman-Redeemer and the One in whom we find perfect rest.