Sermon Discussion Guide: 5/19/24
Sermon Recap:
Text: Ruth 3
Big Idea: God's hesed faithfulness fuels hope.
Summary: Ruth 3 is filled with hesed lovingkindness from each of the characters. Naomi expresses hesed love toward Ruth as she concocts a plan to get Ruth married to Boaz so that she can have "rest" in the security of a redeemer. Ruth displays hesed lovingkindness toward Naomi as Boaz recognizes that she proposes, not to the young, the poor, or the rich but to the one who will care, not only for her, but also for Naomi. Finally, Boaz is an example of hesed lovingkindness in the way he generously provides for Ruth and Naomi, and vows to ensure they are redeemed.
The two dominant themes of this chapter—and the book for that matter—are (1) hesed lovingkindness, and (2) the kinsman redeemer. While we see these themes most overtly displayed through the faithfulness of these characters, as we step back from Ruth and look at the whole of the Bible, we see that they embody in part what God embodies in full. God's hesed love and His work as our Redeemer is what the story of Ruth is ultimately pointing toward. The story of Ruth catapults us to Christ!
Discussion Questions:
1. What from this story has been new or has struck a chord with you?
2. Faithfulness for Ruth involved undertaking risky and strange actions. In what ways has your faith been risky or stretching in your life?
3. Who has been a great example of others' focused love, hesed love, in your life? What did it look like?
4. Throughout this story, there is a combination of faith and shrewdness. How do you understand these two concepts to work together? Is shrewdness okay? Is it a lack of faith? Is it an example of wisdom?
5. How has God provided for you in difficult times through the hesed love of those around you? Is it difficult for you to accept help or generosity from others? If so, why?
Text: Ruth 3
Big Idea: God's hesed faithfulness fuels hope.
Summary: Ruth 3 is filled with hesed lovingkindness from each of the characters. Naomi expresses hesed love toward Ruth as she concocts a plan to get Ruth married to Boaz so that she can have "rest" in the security of a redeemer. Ruth displays hesed lovingkindness toward Naomi as Boaz recognizes that she proposes, not to the young, the poor, or the rich but to the one who will care, not only for her, but also for Naomi. Finally, Boaz is an example of hesed lovingkindness in the way he generously provides for Ruth and Naomi, and vows to ensure they are redeemed.
The two dominant themes of this chapter—and the book for that matter—are (1) hesed lovingkindness, and (2) the kinsman redeemer. While we see these themes most overtly displayed through the faithfulness of these characters, as we step back from Ruth and look at the whole of the Bible, we see that they embody in part what God embodies in full. God's hesed love and His work as our Redeemer is what the story of Ruth is ultimately pointing toward. The story of Ruth catapults us to Christ!
Discussion Questions:
1. What from this story has been new or has struck a chord with you?
2. Faithfulness for Ruth involved undertaking risky and strange actions. In what ways has your faith been risky or stretching in your life?
3. Who has been a great example of others' focused love, hesed love, in your life? What did it look like?
4. Throughout this story, there is a combination of faith and shrewdness. How do you understand these two concepts to work together? Is shrewdness okay? Is it a lack of faith? Is it an example of wisdom?
5. How has God provided for you in difficult times through the hesed love of those around you? Is it difficult for you to accept help or generosity from others? If so, why?
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