Time to Define the Relationship

Define the Relationship – Ruth 3

Scripture References

• Ruth 3
• Song of Solomon 8:4

Overview

In Ruth 3 the story pivots from harvesting grain to harvesting a future. Naomi urges Ruth to “DTR”—define the relationship—with Boaz, their possible kinsman-redeemer. Ruth follows bold, if unusual, instructions at the threshing floor; Boaz responds with honor, but an unexpected legal obstacle surfaces. Pastor Craig draws practical wisdom for dating, purity, and covenant love, then turns our eyes to Jesus, the ultimate Guardian-Redeemer who invites every listener to define their relationship with Him today.

Main Points

Naomi’s Plan: Position Yourself

• Harvest is ending; Boaz will celebrate payday at the threshing floor.
• Naomi coaches Ruth: wash, perfume, dress well, wait until Boaz has eaten and is relaxed, then approach.
• Principle: It’s wise to place yourself where godly people gather; environment influences connection.

The Threshing Floor Encounter

• Ruth uncovers Boaz’s feet and lies down; he wakes startled.
• She asks him to “spread the corner of your garment over me,” signaling desire for his protection as kinsman-redeemer.

• “Who are you?” – “I am your servant Ruth.”

• Some men need clear encouragement; Ruth offers it without compromising integrity.

Boundaries, Purity, and “How Far Is Too Far?”

• They spend the night yet refrain from sex; Boaz guards Ruth’s reputation.
• Pastor’s guideline: physical intimacy crosses the line when “love is awakened” (body prepares for sex).
• Blockquote Scripture he read:

  “Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right.” — Song of Solomon 8:4

• Wisdom: don’t live on the edge; build margin far from the line.

The Unexpected Barrier

• Boaz desires to redeem Ruth but reveals in Ruth 3:12 another relative is first in line.
• He promises to pursue the matter honorably the next day—showing that a man who does what it takes to win you will also do what it takes to keep you.
• Teaser: next week shows his shrewd, righteous solution.

Five Relationship Lessons Summarized

1. Put yourself in the right place to meet the right person.
2. Don’t overlook someone already in front of you.
3. Sometimes you must courageously go after what you want.
4. Even when you haven’t done everything right, God can make it right.
5. If you want a marriage that honors God tomorrow, live a life that honors God today.

Jesus, Our Ultimate Guardian-Redeemer

• Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and Boaz’s decision to protect Ruth ultimately led to the birth of Obed—ancestral line of Jesus.
• Jesus was under no obligation, yet chose to sacrifice Himself, rising from the dead to redeem us.
• Pastor’s invitation:

  “He didn’t just come to make you religious; He came to have a relationship with you… Who is Jesus to you?”

Key Truths

• God often works through ordinary circumstances (“providence”) to accomplish supernatural plans.
• Courageous initiative still requires holy boundaries.
• Real love chooses sacrifice over entitlement.
• One Spirit-led decision can change generations.
• Defining your relationship with Jesus is life’s most critical choice.

Response

• Position yourself in environments that nurture godly relationships.
• Set clear physical and spiritual boundaries; choose margin over compromise.
• Take the single step—apology, counseling, prayer, breakup, or proposal—that your relationship needs.
• Trust God to redeem past mistakes; invite His healing into present struggles.
• Decide today to place Jesus first and live from that defining commitment.

Closing

Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth foreshadows Christ’s willingness to redeem us. Obstacles may appear, but God’s purposes stand. Pastor Craig pressed every listener to settle the issue: Who is Jesus to you? One sincere decision can turn a strained relationship, a wandering life, or an uncertain future into a story of redemption.

Prayer

Pastor led listeners to repent of sin, declare Jesus as Lord, and receive new life, thanking God for His forgiveness, Spirit, and eternal promise.