Ruth Week 7

Question 1

The sermon introduces "Hesed" as a key theme. In what ways did Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi demonstrate "Hesed" towards each other throughout the book, particularly leading up to the events in Ruth 4:11-17? How does this reflect God's "Hesed" towards us?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 1:16-17 (Ruth's commitment to Naomi)

• Ruth 2:10-12 (Boaz's kindness to Ruth, acknowledging her "Hesed")

• Ruth 3:10 (Boaz recognising Ruth's further "Hesed")

• Psalm 103:8 (God's compassionate and gracious "Hesed")

• Lamentations 3:22-23 (God's steadfast love and faithfulness)

Question 2

The sermon highlights three characteristics of a Redeemer: Kin, Able, and Willing. How did Boaz exemplify these characteristics in his redemption of Naomi and Ruth? In what ways does Jesus fulfil these three characteristics as our ultimate Redeemer?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 2:20 (Naomi identifying Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer")

• Ruth 3:9, 13 (Boaz's willingness and ability to redeem)

• Ruth 4:1-10 (Boaz's actions in the gate)

• Hebrews 2:14-17 (Jesus being "kin" through humanity)

• Colossians 1:13-14 (Jesus' ability to redeem us from darkness)

• John 10:11, 15 (Jesus' willingness to lay down His life)

Question 3

The elders' blessings in Ruth 4:11-12 are described as "specific and prophetic declarations." Discuss the significance of each of the three blessings (Rachel and Leah, standing in Ephrathah/Bethlehem, and the lineage of Perez). How do these blessings point towards God's larger redemptive plan?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 4:11-12 (The blessings themselves)

• Genesis 35:16-20 (Rachel and Leah as matriarchs of Israel)

• Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah)

• Genesis 38:27-30 (The story of Perez and Tamar)

• Matthew 1:1-6 (Genealogy showing Perez, Boaz, David, and ultimately Jesus)

Question 4

Naomi's lament in Ruth 1:21 ("I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty") is contrasted with her joy in Ruth 4. What specific events and actions, both human and divine, contributed to Naomi's restoration from emptiness to fullness?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 1:21 (Naomi's lament)

• Ruth 2:2-3 (Ruth's initiative to glean)

• Ruth 3:1-5 (Naomi's instruction to Ruth regarding Boaz)

• Ruth 4:13-17 (The birth of Obed and Naomi's restoration)

• Philippians 1:6 (God's faithfulness to complete His work)

Question 5

The sermon emphasises God's direct intervention in Ruth's conception ("the Lord enabled her to conceive"). How does this highlight that restoration is not just a natural process but a divine act? Can you think of other biblical examples where God directly intervened to bring about new life or restoration after a period of barrenness or loss?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 4:13 (The Lord enabled her to conceive)

• Genesis 21:1-2 (Sarah conceiving Isaac)

• 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (Hannah conceiving Samuel)

• Luke 1:37 (Nothing is impossible with God)

Question 6

The analogy of the "Apollo 13" movie is used to describe seasons where multiple challenges hit at once. Share a time in your life when you experienced a "season of loss or emptiness" where it felt like "it couldn't get any worse." How did you navigate that period, and where did you see (or long for) God's intervention?

Suggested Verses:

• Psalm 30:5 (Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning)

• Isaiah 41:10 (Do not fear, for I am with you)

• Romans 8:28 (God works all things for good)

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (Perplexed, but not in despair)

Question 7

Ruth is described as being "better to [Naomi] than seven sons." What does this statement reveal about the value of loyalty, love, and sacrificial actions within relationships? How can we cultivate "Hesed" and demonstrate this kind of selfless love in our own relationships?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 4:15 (Better than seven sons)

• Proverbs 18:24 (A friend who sticks closer than a brother)

• John 15:13 (Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends)

• 1 John 4:7-8 (Love comes from God)

Question 8

The sermon states that "God often uses faithful relationships to bring about His redemption." Discuss how the relationships between Ruth and Naomi, and Ruth and Boaz, were instrumental in bringing about God's plan of restoration for Naomi and the lineage of David.

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 1:16-18 (Ruth's unwavering commitment)

• Ruth 2:8-16 (Boaz's protection and provision for Ruth)

• Ruth 3:6-13 (Ruth's obedience and Boaz's response)

• Proverbs 27:17 (Iron sharpens iron)

• Galatians 6:2 (Bear one another's burdens)

Question 9

The image of life being like the "underside of a rug or tapestry" during difficult seasons, only to reveal a "masterpiece" on the top side, is powerful. How does this analogy help you understand God's work in your own life, even when things seem messy or unclear?

Suggested Verses:

• Romans 8:28 (God works all things for good)

• Jeremiah 29:11 (Plans to prosper you and not to harm you)

• Psalm 139:16 (All the days ordained for me were written in your book)

• Isaiah 55:8-9 (God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours)

Question 10

The sermon concludes with a call to trust God's providence even when His ways are unconventional and to know Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer. How does the story of Ruth encourage you to trust God in unexpected situations or unconventional paths in your own life? What does it mean for you to seek restoration in Christ?

Suggested Verses:

• Ruth 4:17 (Obed's lineage leading to David)

• John 14:6 (Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life)

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New creation in Christ)

• Ephesians 2:4-5 (God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ)

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart)