Why Study the Book of Ruth?

Personally, my inner nerd can naturally dismiss God's purposes for purely academic or (worse) Hebrew practice, which could lead to a boring data-dump instead of powerful exposition and preaching for God's people. Others have neglected the Book of Ruth because it's an all-too familiar story, like the ones you heard at bedtime. Pastors and Church ministries have pulled it off the shelves only to be taught for Women's Retreats and Conferences. But what is the purpose of Scripture, or all of creation for that matter? All things are made for Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:17). So, the real question to why we should study the Book of Ruth is "How does studying/preaching the Book of Ruth Glorify God?"

God tells us "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). "All Scripture"; not one phrase of God's word is unprofitable or unnecessary, let alone a whole book!

So, I believe this message was an important introduction to the Book of Ruth, both, for the church and myself, as God's servant. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of our salvation to be excited to study God's word through the Book of Ruth. This list of reasons aren't meant to be exhaustive, and there are surely better reasons out there. However, these reasons humbled my heart towards an enjoyable and reverential submission to preaching the Book of Ruth.

1. It’s God’s Word
2. The Old Testament was written for us
3. Ruth is World-Class Literature
4. Theme of God’s Sovereignty
5. God’s Redemptive Plan
6. Proverbs 31 Woman, and Man!
7. Romance
8. Themes of Faithfulness
9. God’s Plan through our Pain

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