Message: “Choices” from Pastor Martin Chappell

Ruth 1:1-5

Elimelech and his family made a series of bad choices.

• Bad choice #1: Left Bethlehem.
• Times were hard, Judges 21:25 to Ruth 1:1.
• Faith and morality had seriously declined; famine could have been judgment.
• God promised safety and security for faithfulness, Deuteronomy 11:13-17.
• The right choice: stay in God’s land and trust God to provide.
• Instead of running from problems, seek God/trust God.
• Bad choice #2: Moved to Moab.
• Elimelech planned to work as a farmer for a brief time in Moab.
• We assume the famine was not a problem or not severe in Moab.
• Though Moab descended from Lot, they were generally an enemy of Israel.
• Tried to stop Israel from entering the Promised Land, Deuteronomy 23:3-6.
• Ruled over Israel briefly during the time of the Judges, Judges 3:12-14.
• Our wisdom to solve problems is never as good as God’s, Proverbs 3:5-6.
• Bad choice #3: Married Moabite women.
• After Elimelech died, Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth.
• God forbid the Israelites from marrying other cultures, Ezra 9:1-2.
• The purpose was to protect God’s people from pagan religions.
• Do not let the influence of the world draw you from God, Romans 12:2 NLT.

Poor choices always have consequences

• God’s wisdom versus human wisdom.
• God knows everything, past/present/future – we do not.
• God knows the effects of every decision we make – we do not.
• Good life decisions of all types are always based in God’s wisdom.
• God is brilliant at working through the mess we’ve made, Romans 8:28.
• However, He may not fix everything.

Live It Out

• What mistakes have you made that are still causing problems in your life?
• Go to God in prayer.
• Admit your failure.
• Ask Him to work.
• Commit to trust and obey.

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