Ruth - Week 5

Question 1

The sermon opens with the idea of needing "20 seconds of courage." Where do you see Ruth demonstrate this kind of courage in Ruth 3:1-18, and what can we learn from her example about acting bravely in faith?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:4-5: "...Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.” (Highlights her obedience and willingness to take a bold step as advised by Naomi).

• Ruth 3:9: "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Her direct, vulnerable, and specific plea to Boaz).

• Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (General encouragement for courage in faith).

Question 2

Naomi seeks "rest" or "security" for Ruth (Ruth 3:1). What does this "rest" mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it connect to our own human longing for belonging and protection?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:1: "Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?" (The initial desire for Ruth's well-being and stability).

• Hebrews 4:9-10: "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." (Connects "rest" to a spiritual and ultimate security).

• Psalm 62:1: "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." (Emphasises where true rest is found).

Question 3

The sermon emphasises that true rest, security, and peace come from God alone, referencing Hebrews 4:9-10 and Psalm 62:1. In what areas of your life do you tend to seek ultimate security in temporary things rather than in God?

Suggested Verses:

• Matthew 6:25-33: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Addresses anxieties about worldly security vs. seeking God).

• Proverbs 11:28: "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf." (Warns against trusting in wealth for security).

• Jeremiah 17:5-8: "Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord... Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” (Contrasts trusting in human power vs. God).

Question 4

Ruth's plea to Boaz, "Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer" (Ruth 3:9), is described as a deeply symbolic act. What makes this act so significant, and how does it relate to seeking God's protection and provision in our own lives?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:9: "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (The core statement of her petition).

• Ruth 2:12: "The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (Boaz's earlier blessing, establishing the "wings" motif as divine protection).

• Psalm 91:4: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Directly connects "wings" to God's protective refuge).

Question 5

Boaz's response to Ruth shows his admiration and commitment. He recognises her "hesed" (loyal love/covenant faithfulness). How does Boaz's character reflect God's own character and "hesed" towards us?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:10-11: "And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman." (Boaz's praise and promise to act).

• Exodus 34:6-7: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love [hesed] and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin..." (Describes God's character with "hesed").

• Psalm 103:8: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." (Another description of God's "hesed").

Question 6

The sermon mentions that Boaz's act of giving Ruth six measures of barley is a symbolic act of provision and a promise. What "pledges" or promises has God given you that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled? How can you rest in His faithfulness during that waiting period?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:15, 17: "And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city... saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” (The act of provision and promise).

• 1 Thessalonians 5:24: "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." (Assurance of God's faithfulness to His promises).

• Philippians 1:6: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (God's commitment to complete His work in us).

• Psalm 37:7: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" (Encouragement to wait patiently).

Question 7

Naomi's transformation from "Mara" (bitter) to a woman of faith who trusts God's provision is highlighted. What specific evidence of her transformation do you see in chapter 3, and how might her journey encourage us in our own times of bitterness or doubt?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 1:20-21: "She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”" (Her initial bitterness).

• Ruth 3:1: "Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?" (Her initiative and concern for Ruth's future).

• Ruth 3:18: "She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”" (Her confident trust in Boaz and God's providence).

• Psalm 30:5: "For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Hope for restoration after suffering).

Question 8

The sermon states that the story of Ruth is a "tapestry" where individual acts of kindness weave together. Can you recall a time when someone's "hesed" (loyal love/kindness) had a ripple effect in your life, leading to further acts of kindness?

Suggested Verses:

• Proverbs 3:3: "Let love and faithfulness [hesed] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." (Encouragement to embody these virtues).

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully... And God is able to make all grace abounding to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (Principles of generous giving and its results).

• Galatians 6:9-10: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Exhortation to continue in good works).

Question 9

Romans 5:8 is cited: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." How does Boaz's willingness to go "beyond the letter of the law" for Ruth, even considering a closer redeemer, point to Christ's ultimate redemption for us?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 3:12-13: "And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.” (Boaz's immediate willingness but adherence to the law's order).

• Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (The ultimate act of sacrificial love and redemption).

• John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (Christ's self-sacrificing love).

• Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (The nature of Christ's redemption).

Question 10

The sermon concludes with an invitation to "seek refuge under God's cloak, His protective wings." What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally cultivate kindness and "hesed" in your own family, friendships, or community, reflecting God's love to those around you?

Suggested Verses:

• Matthew 25:35-40: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Practical examples of kindness to others).

• 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (The source and motivation for our love).

• Colossians 3:12-14: "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience... And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (Call to put on Christ-like virtues).