Ruth - Week 4

Question 1

The sermon opened by asking if we've experienced "unmerited and unexpected help" when we desperately needed it. Can you share a time when you experienced such kindness, and how it impacted you? How did this experience reflect God's provision?

Suggested Verses:

• Philippians 4:19: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

• Psalm 23:5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

• Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Question 2

Ruth's gleaning yielded an "ephah of barley," far more than expected. How does this "overflowing cup" image challenge our typical expectations of scarcity versus God's potential for abundant provision in our own lives?

Suggested Verses:

• Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

• 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

• Matthew 6:31-33: "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Question 3

The sermon connected Boaz's generosity to God's "orchestrating circumstances behind the scenes." Can you identify a situation in your life where you can now see God's hand at work, even if it wasn't obvious at the time?

Suggested Verses:

• Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

• Proverbs 16:9: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

• Psalm 37:23: "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way."

Question 4

Naomi immediately blessed Boaz upon hearing of his kindness, recognising his character and God's faithfulness through him. How important is it to verbally acknowledge and bless those who extend kindness to us, and what does this act of gratitude signify?

Suggested Verses:

• Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

• Ephesians 5:20: "giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Question 5

The sermon challenged us to be "a reliable friend – full of consistency and goodness" to others. In what practical ways can we demonstrate consistent kindness in our daily interactions, reflecting Boaz's character and, ultimately, God's?

Suggested Verses:

• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

• Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

• Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."

Question 6

The concept of the "kinsman-redeemer" (go'el) is central to this passage. Before this sermon, were you familiar with this role? What new insights did you gain about its significance in ancient Israelite law?

Suggested Verses:

• Leviticus 25:25: "If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold." (Example of redeeming land)

• Leviticus 25:47-49: (Describes redeeming a family member from slavery)

• Deuteronomy 25:5-10: (Describes the duty of levirate marriage to raise up an heir)

Question 7

The sermon outlined three requirements for a kinsman-redeemer: being a relative, willing, and able to pay the price. How does Jesus perfectly fulfill each of these requirements as our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer?

Suggested Verses:

• Relative (Humanity): Hebrews 2:14-17: "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things... Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect..."

• Willing: John 10:17-18: "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord."

• Able (Sinless Sacrifice): 1 Peter 1:18-19: "knowing that you were ransomed... not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Question 8

The sermon described redemption as a "rescue mission." In what specific ways does Jesus's redemptive work buy us back from "sin, death, the curse of the law, spiritual slavery and darkness"?

Suggested Verses:

• Colossians 1:13-14: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

• Galatians 3:13: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—"

• Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Question 9

We are called to live as "the redeemed, no longer slaves to sin, but free to serve God." What does this freedom practically look like in your life? How can you more fully embrace and live out this redeemed identity?

Suggested Verses:

• Romans 6:18: "and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."

• Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

• John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Question 10

The sermon concluded by stating that the kindness shown to Ruth was God's sovereign plan, setting the stage for Jesus. How does understanding the concept of the kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth deepen your appreciation for the good news of Jesus Christ?

Suggested Verses:

• Luke 24:27: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Highlights how the Old Testament points to Jesus)

• John 5:39: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me."

• Revelation 5:9: "And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation..."