I. NAOMI PLOTTED FOR REDEMPTION (vv. 1-5)

I) Motive and method both matter; having a pure motive does not excuse promoting or practicing impure actions (vv. 1-5)

II) Even God’s people may give you ungodly advice, therefore watch out and test everything with the Word (vv.1-5)

II. RUTH PLEAD FOR REDEMPTION (vv. 6-9)

I) There must be a cutting off of your old way of life when Jesus redeems you (v. 9)

II) See in Ruth a great example of how to approach Jesus in faith (v. 9)

III. BOAZ PROMISED REDEMPTION (vv. 10-18)

I) Boaz swore an oath to redeem Ruth at any cost! (vv. 12-13)

II) Boaz pronounced blessings from the LORD on Ruth (v. 10)

III) Boaz quieted the fears of Ruth with promises (v. 11)

IV) Boaz cared about the purity of Ruth (v. 14)

V) Boaz provided far beyond the needs of Ruth and Naomi (vv. 15-17)

VI) Boaz did not rest until Ruth was redeemed (v. 18)

APPLICATION CONCERNING CHRIST JESUS

I) Like Boaz, The Lord Jesus has swore an oath to Redeem you who believe no matter the cost (Isaiah 59:20, Ephesians 1:7)

II) Like Boaz, Christ pronounces blessings from the LORD on His people (Ephesians 1:3-14)

III) Like Boaz, Jesus quiets your fears with His promises (Luke 12:32, Matthew 12:20)

IV) Like Boaz, The Son of God cares about your purity (Titus 2:14)

V) Like Boaz, The Lord Jesus Christ provides far beyond your needs (John 1:16, Romans 5:20)

VI) Like Boaz, Christ did not rest until His work of redemption was finished (Hebrews 10:11-13)

DISCUSSION

1. Read verses 1-5. What stands out to you and why? How has Naomi’s attitude changed from what we read of her in chapter 1? What exactly seems to be Naomi’s strategy? What does this teach us concerning godly risks? How does Ruth respond?

2. Read verses 6-13. What did Ruth do? What did she say and what did she mean? How did Boaz respond? What does he mean by “worthy woman” and how does Proverbs 31:10 help clarify?
*note that what is translated “worthy woman” in Ruth and “excellent wife” in Proverbs are the same Hebrew phrases

3. Read verses 14-18. What did Ruth do in response to Boaz’s exhortation? Why did Boaz say, “Let it be known…” in verse 14 and what does this teach us about his godliness? How does Boaz prefigure Jesus here? Why did Boaz give Ruth “six measures of barley”? How did Naomi respond to Ruth’s news and what do we further learn concerning Boaz here?