Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 24, 2017
Series Title: “Third Way Living – Seeing More to Life than Good & Evil”
Today’s Title: “Insiders, Outsiders, and Character”
Today’s Text: Ruth 4:1-12
We can all relate to being both an insider and an outsider. No matter which “side” we find ourselves on, it is character that leads to inclusion.
The Character of Ruth (an outsider)
- Loyalty to Naomi (1:16-18)
- Willingness to change cultures (1:16-18)
- Willingness to change gods (1:16-18)
- Hard working (2:6-7)
- Humble (2:10, 13)
- Willing to accept kindness (2:13)
- Bold enough to take a risk (chapter 3)
- Established a good reputation in the town (3:11)
The Character of Boaz (an insider)
- Allowed for the poor to glean (2:3-7) – Lev 19:9 & Deut. 24:19
- Protected and provided for Ruth (2:8-9)
- Accepted kinsman redeemer role (3:10-13) 25:25-55
- Respected the law & the culture (3:12-13, 4:1-12) Lev. 25:25-55
Jesus as our example of how to treat “outsiders”:
- Matthew 8 – centurion & demon possessed
- Matthew 9 – tax collector & blind man
- Matthew 15 - A Canaanite woman
- Matthew 19 - Children
- Mark 2 – He spends time with “sinners”
- Luke 23 - The thief crucified next to Him
- John 4 - The Woman at the well
Outsiders in Paul’s Writings:
- Colossians 4:5
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7
1 Peter 2:10-12 – character from both sides