Ruth
Ruth: Restorer of Life
December 6, 2022 • Erin Morris
As the story of Ruth and Naomi concludes we see God bring restoration to the brokenness and loss the women experienced at the beginning of the story. He brings new life and the promise of redemption through the birth of a son, Obed. This baby foreshadows a greater redemption that will take place through Christ's death on the cross and the ultimate restoration we, as believers, gain upon entrance into eternity. Join us for our closing session of Ruth as we reflect on a God who is able to restore even the most broken of circumstances. Verses Used: Genesis 2:8-17 Genesis 3:16-19, 22-24 Ruth 4:15-22 Isaiah 61:4 Psalm 27:13 Revelation 21:3-5, 22-23 Revelation 22:1-5 & 14 & 20 Discussion Questions: 1. How do we see God restore both Ruth and Naomi throughout the course of this story? 2. How does knowing this story give you hope for restoration in your own wasteland? 3. How did God work through Ruth and Naomi’s wasteland to bring restoration not only for them, but also, ultimately for the whole world?Why is it that this world can only provide an incomplete restoration? 4. Where and when is our final restoration? Do you truly long for that day?
Ruth: I Have Acquired Ruth
November 29, 2022 • Paula Thorp
For all of us our identity is formed in a variety of ways, some have been good, others have been difficult and painful. Ruth was a Moabite, a widow, and an impoverished gleaner of another's field. However, when Boaz redeems her she gains a new identity as a wife and an accepted part of the Israelite community. Though we may have pieces of our past that attach themselves to us, when we are redeemed we too gain a new identity in Christ. He declares we are washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join us for session eleven as we discover how knowing Christ impacts our identity. Verses Used: Ruth 4:9-14a Psalm 30:5b Psalm 40:2 1 Corinthians 6:11 2 Corinthians 3:2-4 Discussion Questions: 1. Are there any areas of your life in which you feel overlooked, forgotten or undervalued? Do you allow these areas to speak to your identity? How so? 2. What things in your life that were beyond your control negatively affect your identity? 3. Do you struggle with a sense of shame, unworthiness, or guilt? If so, why? What is the source of these feelings? 4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:1 and Romans 8:1. How do these verses combat guilt, shame and condemnation? 5. When we accept Christ we receive a brand new identity. Why is it such a struggle to walk in confidence in this new identity? What can we do to better stand firm in this truth and not allow the enemy to lie to us about our identity?
Ruth: Redeem it for Yourself
November 15, 2022 • Mary Ann Olson
The moment has finally come for Boaz to act as Ruth's kinsman redeemer and seek to buy back Naomi's land and acquire Ruth as his wife. This passage acts as a direct spiritual parallel to us. Just as Ruth stood far off and was unable to redeem herself, we, too, are spiritually far off and unable to secure our redemption. Join us for session ten as we reflect on the incredible gift of redemption we are granted through the blood of Christ and because of the lavish grace of God. Verses Used: Deuteronomy 25:5-6 Ruth 4:1-6 Deuteronomy 25:7-10 Ruth 4:7-8 Discussion Questions: 1. Ruth is a foreigner in the land, also sometimes called an alien or stranger. How is this similar to our status, spiritually speaking, before we know Christ? 2. Why do we stand in need of redemption? What do we need to be redeemed from? 3. What was the purchase price of our redemption? 4. What part did Ruth play in her own redemption process? How is this a direct parallel to our redemption in Christ? 5. God used Boaz as an agent of redemption. Everyone you know has either been redeemed or has not. There is no middle ground. How can we, like Boaz, act as agents of redemption to those around us who may not yet know Christ?
Ruth: Wait, My Daughter
November 8, 2022 • Paula Thorp • Ruth 3:12–18, Psalm 18:30, Isaiah 12:2, Psalm 28:7, Philippians 1:6
There are seasons of life in which we feel we are waiting for God to move, answer a prayer, or bless us in some way. These waiting seasons can be frustrating, and we can be tempted to try to find solutions in and of ourselves instead of continuing to wait on the Lord. Join us for session nine as we discuss the dangers of taking matters into our own hands and the purpose God has for us in these seasons. Verses Used: Ruth 3:12-18 Psalm 18:30 Isaiah 12:2 Psalm 28:7 Philippians 1:6 Psalm 46:10 Discussion Questions: 1. What emotions can waiting on God produce? 2. Why is it hard to wait on the Lord and what are we tempted to do in our impatience? 3. What is the danger of trying to fix things ourselves instead of waiting on the Lord and his timing? 4. What is the possible purpose God may have for us in the waiting times? 5. How do trust and surrender apply to us in the seasons of waiting we experience?
Ruth: Cover Me
November 1, 2022 • Erin Morris • 2 Samuel 22:32–37, Isaiah 44:14–22, Ruth 3:7–11, Psalm 91:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:3–5
Ruth asks Boaz to "cover her," which is an appeal not only for marriage but also for protection and refuge that only he could provide. Like Ruth, we are in need of a refuge, a hiding place that is safe and secure. Though we try to find refuge in earthly things, God is the only One capable of providing it for us. Join us for session eight as we discover what it means to make God our refuge. Verses Used: Ruth 3:7-11 Psalm 91:4 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Psalm 138:7 Isaiah 44:12-20 2 Sam 22:31-40 Psalm 28:7 Discussion Questions: 1. When Ruth asks Boaz to spread his covering over her, what is she asking? What all is implied in this request? 2. How is Ruth a spiritual parallel to us? 3. Why do we need a covering? What do we need refuge from? 4. What places do you turn for refuge other than the Lord? 5. What is the result of trying to make something other than God your covering/refuge? What is the result of making God your covering/refuge?
Ruth: Go
October 25, 2022 • Angela McAlister • Ruth 3:1–6, Philippians 2:3–4, James 1:17, Romans 8:28
In this section of Ruth, we see Naomi give Ruth specific instructions on what to do next. These actions come with both risk and uncertainty, but Ruth obeys without question or hesitation. Where are we called to GO in our lives, to put our hands to the plow, to obey the Lord and follow Him, regardless of the outcome? Join us for session seven as we learn how we are called to follow and obey our Redeemer. Verses Used: Ruth 3:1-6 Phillippians 2:3-4 James 1:17 Romans 8:28 Discussion Questions: 1. What potential risks did Ruth face as she followed Naomi’s instructions to go to the threshing floor? Often, obedience to the Lord comes with risk. What are some risks or concerns we may face as we obey? 2. Why is it difficult to obey when you’re not sure what the outcome will be? How do faith and obedience go hand in hand in situations like these? 3. Sometimes God calls us to things that are intimidating or provoke anxiety in us. How do you respond in situations like this? How does fear at times keep us from obedience? What should we do when we are afraid? 4. Sometimes we hesitate to obey because we feel unqualified? Is there anything God is asking you to do and you hesitate because you don’t feel qualified? 5. How can we better obey, despite obstacles to doing so? Why should we?
Ruth: Stay Close
October 18, 2022 • Diane Clift
Boaz instructs Ruth to "stay close" as she gleans in the field. By doing so, Ruth was protected and provided for. Spiritually speaking, we are given the same command by the Lord. Why does "staying close" matter, and why is it sometimes difficult to do? Join us for session six as we continue the story of Ruth. Verses Used: Ruth 2:17-23 1 John 4:15 Deuteronomy 13:4 John 15:3-11 Philippians 2:15 Joshua 23:6-13 Discussion Questions: 1. Where are you on your spiritual journey? Do you need to get close, are you learning to be close, or are you staying close? 2. Why is it sometimes hard to “stay close” to God? 3. What practical things can we do that would help us stay close to the Lord? 4. What are the greatest distractions or impediments to spending time with the Lord? 5. What is the benefit of staying close to the Lord? What are the consequences of drifting away?
Ruth: She Ate and Was Satisfied
October 11, 2022 • Paula Thorp
Deep in our souls is a longing that demands to be met. Often we try to fill this need with material possessions, relationships, or other earthly things, but we find they are insufficient to satisfy our souls. Our greatest need is a spiritual one. The satisfaction we seek can be found in Christ alone. Join us for session five as we discover how to find fulfillment in the Lord that satisfies our souls no matter what circumstances we encounter. Verses Used: Ruth 2:8-16 John 6:35 Isaiah 55:2 Matthew 5:6 Psalm 34:8 Discussion Questions: 1. Why are so few people, Christians included, truly satisfied in their souls? 2. What is the inevitable result of trying to satisfy our souls with earthly things? 3. What is the only source of satisfaction for our souls and how can we have peace and joy even in difficult times? 4. Why are we so inclined to wander from the Lord even as He blesses us? What can we do to ensure we continue to find our satisfaction in Him and nothing else?
Ruth: Glean and Gather
October 4, 2022 • Erin Morris
In chapter two Ruth and Naomi remain in an incredibly difficult season. In seasons like these it is tempting to grow weary, sink into despair, and abandon faithfulness. However, we are called, even in seasons of famine to walk in faithfulness. Join us for session four as we witness the diligence of Ruth, despite the difficulty, and the subsequent provision of God as a result. Verses Used: Ruth 2:1-7 Ruth 2:1-7 John 13:5-9 Proverbs 16:9 Isaiah 40:28-31 Galatians 6:9 Ruth 2:5 Discussion Questions: 1. What excuses do we offer for failing to be faithful in our famines? 2. How do we see Ruth’s faithfulness and God’s provision work together to bring her to her next step and how have you seen this to be true in your own life? 3. It is easy to abandon faithfulness if you don’t see immediate results. What does the Bible command us to do instead and what does it promise us will happen as a result? (See Galatians 6:9 & 1 Corinthians 15:58) 4. Are there any specific areas in your life in which you have become lazy, grown weary or quit on? What can you do to press into diligence in those areas?
Ruth: Call Me Mara
September 27, 2022 • Samantha Marsh
In seasons of hardship, it might feel natural to shift our focus from the Lord and His faithfulness to our negative feelings about the situation. We can begin to see them as facts. Feelings can be misleading, and when left unchecked, we leave our hearts open to cultivating bitterness. Bitterness is blinding, and it prevents us from seeing our Hope. Join us for session three as we discuss how to prevent it from taking root in our hearts and take back the ground bitterness has stolen. Verses Used: Ruth 1:15 Ruth 1:16-18 Colossians 3:12-17 Ecclesiastes 7:9 James 1:19-20 Lamentations 3:22-24 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Ruth 1:22 Discussion Questions: 1. What causes us to be bitter and how do those infected by it act? 2. Do you currently or have you ever struggled with bitterness toward God about something He has allowed? 3. Is there anyone in your life with whom you are bitter? How do you feel about that person and how does it affect your behavior toward them? 4. Why do we allow bitterness to rule in our hearts? 5. How can we actively battle against bitterness, forgive and gain freedom from it?
Ruth: The Hand of the Lord is Against Me
September 20, 2022 • Paula Thorp
In seasons of trial we sometimes feel like our life is nothing more than a barren wasteland and that the hand of the Lord is against us. What truths can we cling to in times like these? How do we continue to walk forward when we feel like giving up? Join us for session two as we examine how to navigate the wastelands of our lives through obedience and surrender. Verses Used: Ruth 1:8-14 Psalm 56:8 2 Corinthians 6:4 Psalm 121:1-2 Isaiah 43:19 Discussion Questions: 1. What is your fleshly reaction to wasteland seasons? 2. How do the wasteland seasons impact your relationship with God? 3. What does it look like to walk in surrender in the wastelands of our lives? 4. How have you seen God bring fruit from a wasteland season in the past and what hope does this give you for future seasons of trial? 5. Why is it important to keep pressing into the Lord in difficult times and what practical things can you do to help with this?
Ruth: There Was a Famine in the Land
September 13, 2022 • Erin Morris
The book of Ruth opens with an incredibly difficult scene of famine, loss, heartache, and emptiness. As we walk through this broken world we too encounter seasons of extreme trial. What hope do we have in these times? What do we cling to? Join us for our opening session of Ruth and be encouraged as we behold the faithfulness of God in the midst of difficulty. Verses Used: Ruth 1:1-2 Genesis 19:30-37 Ruth 1:3-5 Mark 4:35-38 Mark 4:39-5:1 Ruth 1:6-7 Discussion Questions: 1. Describe a season of famine you've walked through. 2. Why is it difficult to trust God in these seasons? 3. What hope do we have as we navigate difficult seasons?