The True and Greater Boaz

This sermon, preached by Mr. Tony Arsenal, focuses on Ruth 4 and explores how Boaz serves as a type of Christ, pointing to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the legal and covenantal aspects of Boaz’s actions in redeeming Ruth and Naomi, highlighting their significance in God’s sovereign plan to preserve the messianic lineage leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus. Boaz’s actions in Ruth 4 not only fulfill the immediate needs of Naomi and Ruth but also point forward to the redemptive work of Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance for His people.

The sermon examines the legal nature of Boaz’s redemption, comparing it to Christ’s forensic justification of believers. Boaz’s willingness to redeem where the closer kinsman redeemer could not reflects Jesus’ ability to save where humanity falls short. Through his obedience and love, Boaz restores the name of Elimelech, ensuring that the inheritance and legacy of his family are preserved. This act of redemption models the way Christ restores believers to a right relationship with God and provides them with an eternal inheritance.

The sermon concludes by tracing the genealogy of Perez to David, underscoring the typological significance of Boaz’s actions in the broader scope of redemptive history. This passage not only highlights God’s providence in preserving the messianic line but also demonstrates His sovereignty in orchestrating events that lead to the birth of Christ, the true and greater Redeemer.

Key Points:

1. Boaz’s Redemption is Legal and ForensicThe sermon underscores the legal nature of Boaz’s actions, drawing parallels to the forensic justification accomplished by Christ. Boaz’s public, formalized transaction at the gate mirrors the legal declaration of righteousness that believers receive through Christ’s atoning work.
2. Boaz Redeems Where the Closer Kinsman Could NotJust as the closer kinsman redeemer was unable to fulfill the role of redemption without jeopardizing his inheritance, humanity is unable to save itself. Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi reflects Christ’s unique ability and willingness to save us when we cannot save ourselves.
3. Boaz Provides an Inheritance for the DeadBoaz ensures that Elimelech’s name and lineage are preserved, providing a legal and physical inheritance for the deceased. This act parallels Christ’s redemptive work, where He secures an eternal inheritance for believers who were spiritually dead in their sins.
4. Typology and the Foreshadowing of ChristThe sermon explores how Boaz serves as a type of Christ, prefiguring the ultimate Redeemer. By highlighting the themes of redemption, inheritance, and covenant faithfulness, the sermon connects Ruth 4 to the broader narrative of Scripture and God’s redemptive plan.

Application

1. Trust in God’s SovereigntyJust as God orchestrated the events in Ruth to preserve the messianic lineage, believers can trust that He is sovereignly working in their lives for His glory and their good.
2. Rest in Christ’s RedemptionBoaz’s actions remind us that salvation is not something we can achieve on our own. Believers are called to rest in the finished work of Christ, who has redeemed them and secured their inheritance.
3. Live Out the Gospel in ObedienceBoaz’s obedience to God’s law and his willingness to redeem reflect the love and faithfulness that believers are called to embody as they live out the gospel in their relationships and communities.

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways does Boaz’s redemption of Ruth and Naomi point to Christ’s work of redemption for believers?
2. How does understanding the legal and covenantal aspects of salvation deepen your appreciation for what Christ has done for you?
3. How can you trust God’s sovereignty in the “quiet providences” of your life, as seen in the story of Ruth?

Other Scriptures for Study:

1. Genesis 3 – The promise of the Seed of the Woman
2. Romans 3:26 – God as just and the justifier
3. Ephesians 2:1-10 – Being made alive in Christ
4. John 3:14-16 – The typology of the bronze serpent
5. Numbers 35 – The cities of refuge as a type of Christ

Confessional Resources:

1. Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 11 – Of Justification: Discusses forensic justification and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.
2. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 23 – Addresses how believers are righteous before God solely through faith in Christ.
3. Belgic Confession, Article 22 – Of Faith in Jesus Christ: Emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation.

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