Discussion Questions
Something Good is on the Way!
Ruth 1-4
1. What stood out to you in Pastor James’ message this week?
2. Can you recall a time when you went on a trip, not knowing all the details of the trip when suddenly there it was…a huge blessing of surprise?
3. Read Romans 8:28. This is a very common passage. How has this verse comforted you in the past, knowing that God is at work in all things for good?
Surviving--living in dependence.
4. Read Ruth 1:16–17 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”" What do these verses tell us about Ruth’s character and her resolve not to give up?
5. There is a long list of events that seem like coincidences (arriving in Bethlehem at barley harvest time, Boaz arriving at his field at the right time, Ruth going to Boaz’s field, the kinsman redeemer giving up his right to buy the land). How have you seen God move in your life through what seemed like a normal event?
Stumbling--trusting in Providence
6. Read Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God is sovereignly and lovingly working everything for his glory and your good. How can this verse help us trust God in difficult times?
7. Read Proverbs 16:9 "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Although we may make our own plans and have our own desires, ultimately, it is God who determines and directs our steps. Can you share a time when you had plans, but God changed them because He had a blessing in mind for you?
Stepping--moving in obedience
8. Read Genesis 28:16 "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." God is always with us and working for us, even when we don't see or understand His ways. How can we encourage each other to keep our eyes open so that we don’t miss seeing God work?
9. Read Psalm 37:23-24. "The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." The steps of those who delight in the Lord are made firm by Him. This suggests not only direction but also protection and a reassuring hand in times of stumbling. Are you willing to trust in what God promises and say, “I will go where you want me to go and do what you want me to do”?
10. Some of the greatest miracles of the Bible started with simple obedience in following simple instructions even when it seemed foolish. God is not going to do it for you; he's going to do it through you as you take steps of faith. What is the biggest challenge we face when trying to take these steps?
11. Read Ruth 4:14-17. How did God continue to work through Ruth’s life?