I. THE PAINS OF NAOMI (explanation)

I) Naomi lived in a painful time (v.1a)

II) Naomi endured painful discipline (v.1b)

III) Naomi was part of a painful decision of faithlessness (v.2)

IV) Naomi suffered a painful separation (v.3)

V) Naomi experienced two painful marriages (v.4)

VI) Naomi endured multiple painful losses (v.5)

II. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD (application)

I) Though you may not have any idea what is happening in your life or in the world around you, the LORD is providentially working all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11)

II) Though you deserve to end up like Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion, in Christ, you will end up like Naomi and Ruth (Romans 6:23)

III) Though you may have great pains in this life for your sin, in Christ, God has given you a Redeemer who have the last word in your story (Ruth 4:14)

IV) Though you may experience painful discipline from the LORD in this life, in Christ, God disciplines you out of love, so that you may be holy and happy (Hebrews 12:10; Proverbs 3:11-12)

V) Though you may be painfully separated from your spouse, in Christ, God has promised never to separate from you (Isaiah 54:4-5)

VI) Though you may painfully lose your children, in Christ, God has given you His own Son (Romans 8:32)

VII) Though you will experience pain in this life, in Christ, God has promised to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28)

DISCUSSION

Read verses 1-5.

1. Why did Elimelech take his family to sojourn in Moab?

2. Was this a wise decision or one of faithlessness?

3. What did Elimelech’s sons do according to verse 4 and were these righteous actions?

4 .What happened to Elimelech and his sons according to verses 3 and 5?