30/04/2023
THE ESSENCE OF LOYALTY – The Case of Ruth
Main Texts: Ruth 1:8-16
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”.
Introduction
Loyalty refers to uncompromising submission or devotion to a person, cause or vision. It can be said to be the principal qualification of every child of God. Although God delights in our prosperity and well-being, He has primarily called us to be faithful. The child of God is not called to be successful, but to be faithful. The Word of God is littered with several accounts of people who have demonstrated loyalty. How important is loyalty to achieving exploits as individuals and especially as a church? The root of commitment is loyalty. A believer who is not loyal to God, cannot be committed to Him and His house and interests. It is vital that as Christians we continue to dispense our duties faithfully even as unto the Lord Colossians 3:22-23. There is much to glean from Ruth’s attitude towards her mother-in-law in our main text. Ruth’s statement to Naomi is hearty; “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. These words are similar to wording vows; depicting Ruth’s deep seated loyalty or faithfulness to Naomi. Ruth did not only speak words, she also walked the talk. It was obvious that in Ruth’s bid to be loyal, she had to abandon other things. In our quest to be loyal to God, we will lose out on other things. What was the outcome of Ruth’s loyalty to her mentor Naomi?
Ruth became the third woman in history to be found in the genealogy of Jesus.
Ruth became the first woman in history to have a chapter in the Bible named after her.
After 10 years fruitless and barren marriage, Ruth finally escaped the trap of barrenness (Ruth 4:13).
Ruth married the mighty man of wealth called Boaz (Ruth 2:1)
As an indigene of a cursed tribe (Deut 23:3), Ruth became an Israelite by making a choice to be loyal to Naomi (Ruth 1:6, Matthew 1:5)
Beloved, it pays to be loyal to God and our leaders. As members of the church, you are encouraged to be loyal and committed to the leader and his vision. The leader’s vision becomes your vision. His burden becomes your burden (2 Samuel 23:15-16). The end of the faithful is always beautiful to behold. A faithful man shall abound with blessings (Probers 28:20).
Questions for discussion
1. What do you learn from Ruth’s example of loyalty?
2. What is the primary duty of a steward? 1 Corinthians 4:2
3. Why is loyalty or faithfulness to God and His interest so important?
a. Proverbs 21:21
b. Deuteronomy 7:9 Romans 8:35-39
c. Proverbs 17:17
d. John 13:35
e. Ephesians 4:16
f. Matthew 25:21
4. Do we pay any price for loyalty? Mark 8:34-35
5. Can you share any other example of loyalty in the scriptures apart from Ruth?
a. Philippians 4:3
b. Daniel 3: 16-18
6. Are there any promises from God’s Word for loyalty?
a. Revelations 2:25-26
b. Matthew 6:33
c. Matthew 19:27
Conclusion
Loyalty is at the heart of every successful venture that involves people. The kingdom of God will derive more benefit from us if we are faithful or loyal. A lot can be achieved when believers commit themselves to being loyal.
