Finding That Someone Special

Finding the Love You Want

Scripture References

Primary text

• Ruth 1
• Ruth 2

Other references

• Leviticus 19
• Romans 8:28

Overview

Craig Groeschel explores Ruth 2 to show a “different approach” to meeting, dating, and marrying that honors God. Chapter 1 of Ruth ends in loss; chapter 2 opens with God’s quiet, providential work—“it just so happened…”—that brings Ruth and Boaz together. Their character traits model what to become and what to look for in a spouse. If you’re stuck in a painful chapter, God can “turn the page” when you leave Moab (sin, compromise) and move toward Bethlehem (obedience, blessing).

Context

• Week 3 of a relationship series; last week covered Ruth 1 (famine, relocation, death, Naomi’s return, Ruth’s loyalty).
• Culture’s view of marriage is collapsing: marriage rates down 60 %, 63 % of men <30 choose singleness, 77 % of Millennials co-habit before marriage. If we “do what most people do,” we’ll get the same broken results.

Main Points

The Cultural Confusion

• Dating today feels like a job interview; many delay or avoid marriage.
• Casual sex, co-habitation, and consumer language (“test-drive the car”) cheapen covenant.
• Followers of Jesus must choose a radically different path.

Illustration: Playful “Christian pick-up lines” (“Is it hot in here, or is that the Holy Ghost?”) underline how awkward modern Christian dating feels.

Enter Boaz — A Man of Standing

• Ruth 2:1 calls Boaz “a man of standing” (internal strength, integrity, property owner).
• Ladies need more than “nice arms”; look for work ethic, drive, responsibility.
• Country-preacher quip: “You don’t want a lazy ass, broke ass, or dumb ass—you want a Boaz.”

Boaz traits:

1. Honors women (“The Lord bless you”).
2. Protects purity (warns young men).
3. Provides generously (water, food, grain).
4. Prays for Ruth (v. 12).

Ruth’s Radiant Character

• Former Moabite idol-worshiper, widow, poor—yet she doesn’t let past define her.
• Four standout qualities:
  1. Faithful to God—turned from Chemosh to Yahweh.
  2. Loyal to family—refused to leave Naomi.
  3. Hard worker—gleaning all day (Leviticus 19 provision).
  4. Morally pure—didn’t resort to prostitution though many widows did.

Story: Foreman reports Ruth “has been hard at work ever since morning.” Boaz notices.

The Providence of God

• No visible miracles in Ruth; only providence—God weaving “natural” events for supernatural purposes.
• Phrase “it just so happened” is the writer’s wink: Ruth “happened” into Boaz’s field.
• Naomi’s earlier prayer (“May the Lord give you a husband”) is being answered.
• Romans 8:28: God works in all things for good.

Turning the Page

• Chapter 1 = famine, funerals, failure.
• Chapter 2 = favor, provision, new beginnings.
• God can turn pages today: addiction, depression, marital drift, spiritual apathy.

“Chapter one is finished; chapter two has begun.”

From Moab to Bethlehem

• Moab symbolizes sin, compromise, self-protection.
• Bethlehem represents obedience, God’s presence, and ultimately Jesus.
• Leaving Moab brings you under God’s wings (v. 12) and at His table—bread and wine foreshadow Christ.

Key Truths

• Character outshines chemistry; become and pursue a person of standing.
• God’s providence often feels like coincidence—pay attention to “it just so happened” moments.
• Your past doesn’t disqualify you; grace turns former Moabites into part of Messiah’s lineage.
• Prayer moves God’s hand in relationships; start praying now for your future spouse (and your kids’).
• If you want a different result from culture, take a different approach that honors God.

Response

• Leave your personal “Moab”: repent of known sin and step toward obedience.
• Develop Boaz/Ruth qualities: cultivate integrity, work ethic, loyalty, and purity.
• Pray daily for God’s providence in your future (or current) marriage.
• Refuse passive dating norms; pursue relationships that start with honoring God and others.
• Trust God to “turn the page” in painful chapters by cooperating with His word.

Closing

Pastor Craig invited anyone “stuck in chapter 1” to cry out for God’s help. God hears, and when you pray, “He just so happens to show up.” The greatest page-turn is salvation: stepping out of Moab’s sin into Bethlehem’s grace through Jesus’ broken body and shed blood.

“I’m leaving Moab; I’m coming to Bethlehem.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed for new beginnings and many surrendered to Christ, asking:
– Forgive my sins, Jesus.
– Fill me with Your Spirit.
– Make me new so I can follow You for the rest of my life.

Resources

• Digital booklet: “You Said Yes” (21-day guide for new believers, available through Life.Church).