On Sunday, November 13, 2022, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Ruth Chapter 4” from our sermon series “God Behind the Seen”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.
1. As Bruce shared the message from Ruth chapter four, what principles related to God’s Providence hit you in a fresh or significant way? Elaborate.
2. What are some personal examples of God’s Providence in your life? Include some details.
3. How is Boaz in his role as Kinsman Redeemer a picture or type of Christ?
4. There are some racial/ethnic issues (including an interracial relationship) in the book of Ruth. What can we learn from them? Should we ‘lean into’ or ‘pull away from’ such relationships? What do some of those events (and how God was working in them) tell us about the heart of God?
5. King David was one who knew about difficulty and discouragement in his life. Notice how he begins Psalm 13 in verse one. Can you identify? Notice how he ends Psalm 13 in verses five and six. What can we learn from that?
6. It’s been said: Look at yourself and be depressed. Look at others and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be blessed. What reality about life is found in that saying?
7. One of the frequently overlooked elements in the book of Ruth is the consistent practice of prayer. There are two prayers by Naomi in 1:8 and 1:9. There is a prayer by Boaz in 2:4 and 2:12. There are two more prayers by Naomi in 2:19 and 2:20. There is a prayer again by Boaz in 3:10. Then there is the prayer by people in Bethlehem in 4:11-12, and by the women of Bethlehem in 4:14-15. As you look at those verses, do you see a pattern? How do those prayers compare with your personal practice of prayer?
8. Take some time to pray some prayers of blessing for those in your life.