6 of Extraordinary Women the Bible As we read the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, we find Ruth included in the list of Jesus ancestors. She was the grandmother of David who became king of Israel. Open your heart and mind as you learn faith lessons from this young foreigner who became a prominent part of Jesus lineage. She exhibits character qualities that we would greatly benefit from emulating.
Lesson 1 Ruth 7 Read the Book of Ruth. 1. Ruth 1:1 tells of a famine in the land. Read Deuteronomy 11:13 17. What does this tell you about the state of the nation of Israel at this time? 2. Briefly describe what Naomi experienced in Ruth 1:3 5. a. Who was at fault for Naomi s circumstances? Naomi? Her husband? God? Explain your answer.
8 of Extraordinary Women the Bible b. Why did Naomi decide to return from the country of Moab? c. Who controlled Naomi s response to her circumstances? 3. As you read Naomi s discussion with her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, how would you describe the relationship between these three women? a. What did Naomi encourage them to do? b. What was Orpah s response?
Lesson 1 Ruth 9 c. What was Ruth s response? 4. In Ruth 1:16 17, read Ruth s response to Naomi s encouragement for Ruth to return to her people. To what was Ruth committing herself? 5. What was the response to Naomi s arrival in Bethlehem? a. What was Naomi s response to the welcome she received?
10 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 6. Do you think Naomi was bitter about her circumstances or merely acknowledging that she had been dealt some bitter blows? a. According to the following verses, what do trials and suffering do for us? James 1:2 4 1 Peter 1:6 7 b. Do you trust God s promise in Romans 8:28 in any and every circumstance? c. When going through severe trials, can you say what Job did in Job 1:21?
Lesson 1 Ruth 11 PERSONAL: Have you suffered tragic circumstances in your life the death of a loved one, a major health issue, a broken marriage, a prodigal child, the loss of a job, etc.? What was your response to God during this difficult time? Did you blame God and turn away from Him, or were you able to love and trust God in this circumstance, lean on Him, and grow stronger in Him? 7. Moving into chapter 2, what course of action did Ruth decide to pursue in order to provide for herself and Naomi? a. According to Leviticus 19:9 10, how were the poor and needy able to provide for themselves?
12 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 8. What character qualities do you see in Ruth in chapter 2? How does she act, and what is her reputation? 9. In whose field did Ruth find herself? (Ruth 2:3) a. Verse 3 says, she happened to come Do you think this was a coincidence? Do you think things happen by chance or by Divine design? Does this pertain to everyone or only Christians? (Psalm 37:23) b. How did Boaz treat Ruth?
Lesson 1 Ruth 13 10. How would you describe Boaz according to his words and actions? 11. Why do you think Boaz showed such kindness and generosity to Ruth? (Ruth 2:11) PERSONAL: If someone were to sum up your reputation in a couple of sentences, what might they say? What is your testimony to those around you your family, your church, your coworkers, your friends? Are there any areas where improvements/changes need to be made? Pray and ask God for His wisdom as you make decisions about how to implement any changes needed.
14 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 12. In Ruth 2:20, what did Naomi reveal about Boaz? a. From the following verses, describe the responsibilities of a close relative or goel sometimes translated kinsman-redeemer. Leviticus 25:25 Leviticus 25:47 48 Numbers 35:19 Deuteronomy 25:5 10
Lesson 1 Ruth 15 13. In chapter 3, describe how Ruth, in essence, proposed to Boaz. a. What was Boaz s response? b. Briefly, describe how the story ended. c. What did Naomi gain through all of this?
16 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 14. How does this love story reflect the love story between God and His people? PERSONAL: From Naomi s perspective, circumstances seemed overwhelmingly tragic and hopeless. Call me bitter, she said. However, when you read the rest of the story, you see the glorious plans God had in store for her and Ruth. How can this be an encouragement to you when you are going through a trying time in your life? Can you look beyond the here and now and trust God to be working things for good even when you can t see it in the moment?
Lesson 1 Ruth 17 CHALLENGE: What one thing was most memorable from the life of Ruth, and why is it significant to you? How do you think God would like to use this in your life? Choose one verse from those covered in this study and memorize it.
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