Sermon
Providence and Service
Center Church
Speaker: Josh Miller
May 17, 2026 · 48 min
God's SovereigntyStewardship & GenerosityJesus / ChristologyDiscipleshipRuth 4:1–17Philippians 2:3–111 Peter 5:5–6
Summary
Ruth chapter four illustrates how God's providence exalts those who serve others sacrificially but humbles those who serve themselves. Boaz's willingness to sacrifice for Ruth and Naomi, contrasted with the unnamed redeemer's self-interest, demonstrates that true joy and exaltation come through service, not self-promotion—a pattern exemplified ultimately in Jesus Christ.
Highlights
God's providence exalts those who serve others, but humbles those who serve themselves.
If you're not actively serving others, you are passively serving yourself. That's just how the world works.
Jesus Christ is a king who serves. He's a king who used his power and authority to serve and to bless other people.