A Servant’s Heart, Ruth 2:17–23
A Servant’s Heart (Ruth 2:17–23)
Ruth works in Boaz’s field until evening, then carries home the barley she has gathered and the food she saved for Naomi. For two widows who returned to Bethlehem with nothing, this is welcome provision. When Naomi learns whose field Ruth entered, she begins to see more than food for the coming days: Boaz is a close relative, and his kindness gives her reason to hope.
In Ruth 2:17–23, Ruth shows us a servant’s heart. She willingly works for Naomi’s good, honors her counsel, and continues faithfully in Boaz’s field. Through her service, God meets a practical need and begins to turn Naomi’s words from bitterness toward blessing.
A servant’s heart puts concern for others into action, even when that service requires sacrifice or goes unnoticed. We may not see all that God is doing through an ordinary act of care, but we can serve faithfully and trust Him with the outcome. Ruth’s story ultimately points beyond the harvest to God’s work of redemption through Jesus Christ.
More sermon resources:
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This expository sermon from 1 John 2:7–14 explains how Christ gives believers a new understanding of God’s commands, a life that increasingly reflects God’s character, and encouragement toward spiritual growth. These evidences do not earn salvation; they reveal the transforming work of Christ in those who walk in His light.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Reflect the True Light" on 1 John 2:7-14.
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In this expository sermon on 1 John 2:1–6, Ben Smith explains how Christians receive assurance through an abiding relationship with Christ, obedience to God’s Word, and the transforming work of sanctification. The sermon distinguishes gospel obedience from legalism and encourages believers to find peace in what Christ has accomplished for their salvation and what He continues to do in their lives.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Abide in the Light" on 1 John 2:1-6.
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A Comprehensive Study Through the Foundation of Scripture
Dive deep into the opening chapters of Genesis with this collection of 11 expository sermons by Ben Smith, Sr. This resource provides both profound theological insight and practical application as it explores God's creation, man's nature, the curse of sin, and the foundation of redemption.
Physical Format
This 291-page booklet is printed on 5.5 × 8.5-inch pages and bound with durable plastic comb binding (6.25 × 8.5 × 1 inches), making it easy to lay flat for study, teaching preparation, or note-taking. The convenient size fits perfectly in a Bible study bag or on your desk.
A Comprehensive Study Through the Foundation of Scripture
Dive deep into the opening chapters of Genesis with this collection of 11 expository sermon manuscripts by Ben Smith, Sr. This resource provides both profound theological insight and practical application as it explores God's creation, man's nature, the curse of sin, and the foundation of redemption.
What's Inside
This 291-page volume contains complete sermon manuscripts and study materials covering:
God Created (Genesis 1) - Exploring God as creator, sovereign, and good
The Nature of Man (Genesis 1:26-31) - Understanding humanity as God's image bearers
Goodness of Work and Rest (Genesis 2:1-3) - Biblical foundations for labor and Sabbath
Breath of Life (Genesis 2:4-17) - Man's unique creation and purpose
Blessing of Marriage (Genesis 2:18-25) - God's design for the union of husband and wife
Fall of Man (Genesis 2:25-3:7) - How sin entered the world through deception
Curse of Sin (Genesis 3:8-19) - The devastating consequences of rebellion
Death for Life (Genesis 3:20-24) - The first glimpse of redemption through sacrifice
Right with God (Genesis 4:1-7) - What makes us acceptable before God
Sin's Ruinous Rule (Genesis 4:8-16) - The progression of sin without repentance
Purposeless Prosperity (Genesis 4:17-24) - The emptiness of worldly success without God
Ben Smith
Originally from Columbus, GA, pastor Ben Smith has served churches in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Ben and his wife, Dana, make their home in Waycross, GA.
An audio podcast of Ben’s sermons is published weekly. Pastor Ben also hosts the podcast View From the Pulpit, dedicated to helping the church recover an understanding of expository preaching.
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