"Separated For a Purpose"

And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, 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:

What did Ruth’s actions reveal about her character?

How did Ruth’s actions affect those around her?

Ruth 3:11 KJV 1900

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Why was Boaz confident that all the people in town knew Ruth was a virtuous woman?

God’s Purpose for All People

God’s main purpose is that every person will be restored to right relationship with Him.

As servants of Jesus Christ, His purpose should become our purpose.

Our lives should point others to a loving God who wants to save them.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 KJV 1900

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

What ministry has God given us? (verse 18) ___________________________________________________________

What does it mean to be reconciled to Christ? ___________________________________________________________

Why do you think God would involve us in the work of reconciliation? ___________________________________________________________

Separated for God’s Purpose

Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, the pouring out of His Spirit, continued God’s mysterious plan of restoration.

Christ removed the veil that separated us from God and began the process of reconciliation for those who will respond.

2 Corinthians 3:14–18 KJV 1900

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

What does it mean that “Christ removed the veil”? ___________________________________________________________

How and where does God’s plan of restoration fit in for His purpose for all of humanity? ___________________________________________________________

How does it feel to know you are being transformed to be more like Jesus Christ? ___________________________________________________________

3 Ways We Can Prioritize Being Separated Unto God

Believing and obeying the gospel. (Romans 6:4-10)

Transformation and renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:1-2)

Asking the right questions to focus our decisions on God’s purpose. (Psalms 119:5-7)

Pursuing Holiness

The pursuit of holiness is the act of continually reflecting God’s image.

The more we separate ourselves for God’s purpose, the more we will pursue holiness, the more we pursue, the more of His image we will reflect.

Colossians 3:12–17 KJV 1900

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

What should fill our lives? (verse 16) ___________________________________________________________

According to this passage, how can we reflect God? ___________________________________________________________

This passage is filled with practical instruction; which instructions are easiest and which are most difficult for you to live out?___________________________________________________________

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Continually Separated to God’s Purpose

Our life of holiness is a continual journey of separating ourselves for God’s purpose.

The believer’s actions should call attention to God, His message, and His holiness.

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Since we are being restored to God, what should we do for others? ___________________________________________________________

How does having God’s light help us reflect His image? ___________________________________________________________

What are practical ways you can show the light of God to to others? ___________________________________________________________

Hebrews 12:13–15 KJV 1900

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Matthew 5:14–16 KJV 1900

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

According to this passage, what are some ways we lead or influence others?

How can you apply this passage to your life in practical ways?

Closing

How do we participate in God’s purpose?

What can you do to continue to pursue God’s purpose in your life?

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