Lesson 11: Ruth and Esther
11.3 Boaz as Redeemer
The True Heir: Christ’s Victory over Satan’s Claim
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Introduction
In the great conflict for humanity, we see two contrasting claims: that of Christ, our wonderful Redeemer, and that of Satan, the “closer kinsman” who asserts his right to our lives and loyalty. The story of Ruth and Boaz becomes an Adamic drama in a readable, human way: Boaz steps forward to redeem Ruth—the widow living in poverty—yet another heir lurks, reaching for her life. When we view Boaz as a type of Christ, an even greater, spiritual background is revealed: Satan stakes his claim on us, laying snares to keep us in bondage. But God has sent His Redeemer, who buys us back and sets us free.
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Bible Study
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Satan’s Claim Documented in Scripture
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Job 1:6–11: Satan roams “throughout the earth” and claims Job as “one of his own” when God protects him. He argues that Job’s loyalty is merely a reaction to God’s blessing—remove those blessings, and Job will abandon God. This reveals Satan’s strategy: he aims to undermine our trust by orchestrating our suffering.
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Matthew 4:8–9: In the temptation of Jesus, Satan offers Him all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will worship him. Satan asserts a right to that authority and demands worship in exchange for power.
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Jude 9: A cryptic dispute over Moses’ body hints at Satan’s claim over dead servants of God, as if their death proves his power over them.
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Luke 22:31: Jesus warns Peter that Satan desires to “sift him like wheat.” He even claims the disciple to distract him and turn him from obedience.
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The Legal Motif in Ruth (Ruth 4:1–12)
Boaz enters the gate of Bethlehem to redeem Ruth and her inheritance. The elders agree as Boaz removes the sandal from the closer kinsman—a public legal ritual. The town gate becomes a courtroom, evoking Daniel 7 and Revelation: only the one who pays the price can rightfully assert the claim.
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Answers to the Questions
Question: What do the following passages show about Satan’s claim on humanity? Job 1:6–11; Matthew 4:8–9; Jude 9; Luke 22:31
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Job 1:6–11: Satan claims our loyalty by portraying us as his property—he wants to prove that God’s blessing is the basis of our faithfulness.
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Matthew 4:8–9: Satan sees himself as ruler of the world and demands worship as his right.
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Jude 9: Even after death, he lays claim to God’s servants to prevent any form of resurrection.
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Luke 22:31: He claims our spiritual security and attempts to drive us off the path.
These passages reveal Satan’s strategy: he claims our inheritance, loyalty, and obedience through deceit, power, and fear. Yet no claim stands, because Christ, the true Redeemer, paid the price and sets us free.
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Spiritual Principles
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Legal Battle for the Soul: Our spiritual inheritance is coveted by both powers—only the one who pays the price can transfer it.
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Price of the Redeemer: Christ, like Boaz, pays the ransom so that we may be freed.
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Power in the Awareness of Our Calling: Once we know who truly purchased us, Satan’s accusations lose their power.
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Application for Daily Life
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Recognize Temptation Offers: When power, honor, or security apart from God is offered, recall Jesus’ temptation.
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Embrace Your Spiritual Inheritance: Read Psalm 103 and Ephesians 1 daily to remember who bought you.
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Proclaim Your Freedom: Just as Boaz removed the sandal, boldly declare that Christ has confirmed your claim.
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Conclusion
The battle for our soul is a legal dispute over inheritance and loyalty. Satan claims through deceit and threats, but Christ, our true Kinsman-Redeemer, has purchased us at great cost and places us under His protection. This liberating truth gives us authority to resist any spiritual pressure.
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Thought of the Day
“You have not been placed before the throne of heaven in vain—Christ has signed the purchase contract.”
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Illustration – The Melody of Liberation
Amid the bustling city lights, Jana felt almost lost. She gripped the microphone as she finished the final rehearsal for the big charity concert, where she would sing to raise funds for homeless youth. For weeks she had practiced this song, driven by hope to help others—but behind the scenes, powerful forces waited.
That night, her manager Thomas nodded at her from the office door. “You’re doing great, Jana. But the sponsors are impatient. They want results—fast.” His tone was harsh. She’d earned this rare opportunity thanks to a wealthy patron, Mr. Becker—known for his tough demands. Those who pleased him could step on stage; those who didn’t…
When the house lights flicked on, Jana felt tension tighten in her chest. Becker sat front row, flanked by businessmen and politicians. One wrong note could cost her everything. Yet she thought of the hungry teens whose meals depended on this event, and she found fresh courage. “You’re not here because of yourself,” she whispered inwardly, “but because someone paid the price.”
She began to sing. Her voice soared over the audience, sparking hope. Some listeners nodded, moved; others wiped away tears. Everything seemed perfect—until Becker cleared his throat. He stood and bellowed, “Enough sentimentality!” Music cut off. Guests looked stunned. Becker grabbed the microphone: “This whining helps no one. You need discipline and outcomes. No money for mere emotions!”
A cold wind swept through the hall as sponsors grumbled about costs. Jana’s heart sank. She stepped forward, stammering, “But—the donations…” Becker waved her off. “Donations? What good is sentiment if nobody gives? Your art is worthless if it doesn’t return profit.” Lights flickered in uneasy silence.
Desperate, Jana fled backstage. In the mirror’s glare, she wept—betrayed and used. Had she placed all her hope in an illusion? Then her mentor, the church pastor, appeared and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Jana, you are precious. Your worth isn’t tied to Becker or applause.” His calm voice anchored her.
He reminded her of One who paid far more for her soul than any sponsor: Christ, who redeemed her even when she was weak and doubting. “Satan,” he continued, “wants you to fall. He tempts you to trust in feelings and approval. But your inheritance is secured—you are a child of the King.”
That night Jana realized true freedom doesn’t depend on earthly success but on the One who paid her ransom. The next morning she returned to the studio—not to rehearse another performance, but to write a song of liberation. She wrote of love that isn’t a commodity, of grace with no fine print, and of a liberty no concert hall could ever sell.
When she performed the completed song at the next event, the audience included not only wealthy patrons but also those whose lives had been touched by a warm meal or a listening ear. Jana watched tears flow—tears not of cynicism or doubt, but of genuine gratitude. Becker did not attend; he had other priorities. Yet the concert was a triumph: donations soared beyond expectations.
In that moment Jana knew: the true Heir, the Redeemer, had accomplished His work and definitively broken Satan’s claim. Her voice and her heart were now instruments of an eternal love—of a free, unsellable inheritance that no earthly sponsor could ever overshadow.
