Ruth: Christmas Redemption

 

Deeper Faith Study

Ruth Part Four: Christmas Redemption

 

 

Topic: Christmas Redemption

 



Open: Describe a time that you bought a gift and it ended up being a bad deal:

Read: Ruth 4; Matthew 1-2

Discuss:

1. What is interesting about Boaz’s salutation (“friend” vs. 1) to the other potential kinsman redeemer?

2. Explain the focus of this passage on the word “name:”

3. Why doesn’t the potential kinsman redeemer take the land? Why? How does following Christ affect our inheritance?

4. Describe the statement in verse 14 as it relates to redemption: How does the baby bring about redemption

5. How would you connect the story of Ruth with the Christmas story?

Pray: Pray that you would grasp the depth of your redemption in Christ

Memorize/Meditate:

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may His name be renowned in Israel!”                Ruth 4:14

Christmas Prayer in the Wake of Tragedy by Max Lucado

Max Lucado, best-selling author and Minister of Preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, offered a Christmas prayer in the aftermath of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

Dear Jesus,

It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows.

To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence. Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children

Ruth: Part Two Deeper Faith Study

Ruth: Part Two

Under the Wings of Everyday Living

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:
 

Describe a time when you didn’t realize God’s presence and work but as you look back it becomes certain that He at work:

Read:

Ruth 2; Deuteronomy 24:19-22


Discuss:

1. What do you learn in this chapter about Ruth’s character? As you answer, be sure to explain what she says or does which reveals these qualities?

2. Identify the “God-moments” (moments where God was at work behind the scenes) of Ruth 2:

3. How does Boaz’s relationship with God reflect on his protection of Ruth?

4. How prone are you to recognize God’s provision and protection in your life?

Pray:

Pray that you would see God’s work and plan in your everyday life

Memorize/Meditate:

“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”                                                                   Ruth 2:12

Ruth Part One: Deeper Faith Study

 

Ruth Part One: The Hard Road to Hope

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:

Desribe a time when you made a decision that you knew would end wrongly...but you made it anyway:

Read:

Judges 21:25; Ruth 1

Discuss:

1. Describe the cycle of the Judges:

2. Why did Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for Moab? What mistakes were made along the way? What conflicts arise in your mind? How are you prone to rationalize these decisions?

3. Why does Naomi discourage them from returning with her? Consider how it affects her emotionally.

4. Have you ever given up comfort for a chance to know God deeper and hope in Him more? What hinders you from clinging to Christ?


Pray:

Pray that you would cling in satisfaction to Christ the Bread of Life!

Memorize/Meditate:

"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried." Ruth 1:16-17