Ruth Deciding for God

Spurgeon, Charles Haddon

Ruth 1:16-17

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge…

I. AFFECTION FOR THE GODLY SHOULD INFLUENCE US TO GODLINESS. Many forces combine to effect this.

1. There is the influence of companionship.

2. The influence of admiration. Let us therefore copy the saints.

3. The influence of instruction. When we learn from a teacher we are affected by him in many ways. Instruction is a kind of formation.

4. The influence of reverence. Those who are older, wiser, and better than we are create in us a profound respect, and lead us to follow their example.

5. The influence of desire to cheer them.

6. The influence of fear of separation. It will be an awful thing to be eternally divided from the dear ones who seek our salvation.

II. RESOLVES TO GODLINESS WILL BE TESTED.

1. By the poverty of the godly and their other trials.

2. By counting the cost.

3. By the drawing back of others.

4. By the duties involved in religion. Ruth must work in the fields. Some proud people will not submit to the rules of Christ's house, nor to the regulations which govern the daily lives of believers.

5. By the apparent coldness of believers. Naomi does not persuade her to keep with her, but the reverse. She was a prudent woman, and did not wish Ruth to come with her by persuasion, but by conviction.

6. By the silent sorrow of some Christians. Naomi said, "Call me not Naomi, but call me Bitterness." Persons of a sorrowful spirit there always will be; but this must not hinder us from following the Lord.

III. SUCH GODLINESS MUST MAINLY LIE IN THE CHOICE OF GOD.

1. This is the believer's distinguishing possession: "Thy God shall be my God."

2. His great article of belief: "I believe in God."

3. His ruler and lawgiver: "Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:38).

4. His instructor: "Teach me Thy way, O Lord" (Psalm 28:2).

5. His trust and stay (see Ruth 2:12): "This God is our God for ever and ever, He will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).

IV. BUT IT SHOULD INVOLVE THE CHOICE OF HIS PEOPLE: "Thy people shall be my people." They are ill spoken of by the other kingdom. Not all we could wish them to be. Not a people out of whom much is to be gained. But Jehovah is their God, and they are His people. Our eternal inheritance is part and parcel of theirs. Let us make deliberate, humble, firm, joyful, immediate choice for God and His saints; accepting their lodging in this world, and going with them whither they are going.

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