Five Ways to Draw Closer to Jesus

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Ruth 3
(Program 2089, Airing on 03.7.10 & 03.14.10)

  1. INTRODUCTION
    1. As Christians, we desire an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; we want to know Him better, to see Him more clearly, and to love Him more.
    2. Christianity is not a code or a creed; it is Christ.
    3. Every child of God desires more than redemption; we want a relationship with our Lord. We desire more than gifts; we want the Giver, Jesus Christ, to be real to us.
      1. Philippians 3:10
    4. Ruth chapter three tells of a very close and intimate relationship of Ruth, who pictures the church, with Boaz, who pictures the Lord Jesus Christ.
    5. Through the advice that Naomi gave to Ruth, we can learn five ways to draw closer to Jesus.
  2. BE FRESHLY CLEANSED (Ruth 3:3)
    1. We must be clean if we are to draw near to our Lord.
      1. James 4:8
      2. 2 Corinthians 7:1
      3. Isaiah 1:15-16
      4. Isaiah 52:11
    2. How are we cleansed?
      1. By the Word of God.
        1. The Bible cleanses us by revealing sin.
        2. The Bible cleanses us by revealing the solution to our sin.
        3. Ephesians 5:25-26
        4. Psalm 119:9
      2. By the blood of Jesus Christ.
        1. 1 John 1:7-9
  3. BE FRAGRANTLY CONSECRATED (Ruth 3:3)
    1. In Old Testament times, brides and priests were anointed. The anointing of a priest meant a consecration, a setting aside.
      1. Song of Solomon 1:14
      2. Song of Solomon 4:14
    1. Our anointing is the Holy Spirit.
      1. 1 John 2:27
  4. BE FITLY CLOTHED (Ruth 3:3)
    1. Naomi advised Ruth to wear her best, to dress up; in essence, to put off the garments of mourning.
    2. Isaiah 61:1-3
    3. How do we dress up and come before the Lord Jesus?
      1. With the garments of joy and praise.
      2. Psalm 100:2
      3. Isaiah 61:10
  5. BE FULLY COMMITTED (Ruth 3:3-4)
    1. The most sacred place is at the feet of our redeemer, Jesus Christ.
    2. Ruth placing herself at the feet of Boaz was a sign of full commitment; she placed herself under his protection.
    3. We can never have an intimate relationship with Jesus unless we are fully committed to Him.
  6. BE FAITHFULLY COMPLIANT (Ruth 3:4-5)
    1. Obedience is necessary in having an intimate walk with Christ.
    2. Bible study alone will not help us know God. Bible study gives us knowledge about God; obedience gives us knowledge of God.
      1. John 7:17
      2. John 14:21
      3. Luke 6:46
  7. CONCLUSION
    1. In Boaz’s response to Ruth, we see our Lord’s response to us as we draw near to Him.
      1. He received her. (Ruth 3:8-10)
        1. Ephesians 1:3
      2. He reassured her. (Ruth 3:11-13)
        1. 1 John 4:18-19
          1. It is God’s perfect love for us that casts out fear.
      3. He replenished her. (Ruth 3:18)
        1. Ephesians 3:20
        2. Naomi advised Ruth to be still, that Boaz would not rest until the thing was finished.
        3. Jesus, our Heavenly Boaz, has finished the work of our salvation.
          1. John 9:4
          2. John 19:30
    2. Our responsibility is our response to His ability.

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