THE KING IS COMING: Ruth 4:18-22

OUTLINE

 I. Everything that happened to Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz was providentially guided by the LORD to bring David into the world (Ruth 1-4)

 II. Everything that happened to Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz was providentially guided by the Lord to ultimately bring Jesus into the world (Ruth 1-4)

III. What did the Lord do through David? (2 Samuel 7:8-14)

DISCUSSION

I. Read verses 18-22. Why does the author place this as the conclusion to this book and what does that teach us concerning the point of it being included in the canon of Scripture? How do Matthew 1:1-17 and Romans 15:8-13 help clarify?

THE REDEEMER BRINGS PRAISES 
AND GIVES BLESSINGS: Ruth 4:14-17

OUTLINE

 I. THE REDEEMER (vv. 14-15) 

 II. THE REDEEMED (v. 16-17)

APPLICATION

 I) If you have been delivered from your sin and despair through the greater Redeemer, Christ Jesus, you have been blessed immensely!

 II) If Jesus is your redeemer, you are loved deeply!

 III) Jesus is a nourishing redeemer!

 IV) Jesus is also restoring redeemer!

V) Now the name of this generous, loving, nourishing, and restoring Redeemer is renowned not only in Israel but to the ends of the earth!

VI) And finally, The Lord God brings glory and praises to His name through the greater Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ!

DISCUSSION

1. How did the women respond in verses 14-15 and what do we learn here?

2. Read verses 16-17. How has Naomi’s life changed especially when compared to Ruth 1:20-21? Who were the human actors in this story of redemption? Who was the ultimate actor—that is to ask, what do we learn concerning the LORD’s secret and loving providence in the book of Ruth? What was the child named Obed and who would be his grandson?

THE LORD MAKES A MOTHER: Ruth 4:13

OUTLINE

I)  BOAZ TOOK RUTH AS HIS WIFE (v. 13a) 

II) BOAZ AND RUTH ENJOYED INTIMACY WITHIN THE COVENANT OF MARRIAGE (v. 13b)

III) THE LORD GIFTED RUTH WITH CONCEPTION (v. 13c)

IV) THE LORD GAVE RUTH AND BOAZ A SON TO REDEEM THE INHERITANCE (v. 13d)

APPLICATION

  1. THE LORD IS ULTIMATELY IN CONTROL OF WHO IS A MOTHER, GIVING OR WITHHOLDING CONCEPTION (Gen. 30:1-2)
  2.  THE LORD CLOSES THE WOMB (Gen. 20:18)
  3. THE LORD OPENS THE WOMB (Gen. 29:31)
  4.  CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD (Psalm 127:3-5)
  5. CHILDREN, EVEN IF THEY ARE CONCEIVED IN THE ACT OF SIN, ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD (Ruth 4:12)
  6. GODLY MOTHERS ARE GIFTS TO CHILDREN (1 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-15; Prov. 31:28-29)
  7.  BEING A GODLY MOTHER IS ONE OF THE CHIEF WAYS WOMEN REMOVE THE SINFUL STIGMA OF THEIR FIRST MOTHER EVE (1 Tim. 2:14-15)

QUESTIONS

 I. What if you have been forsaken by your mother? (Psalm 27:10) 

Psalm 27:10 “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.”

 II. Seeing that motherhood is a happy thing, what happiness is there for those who will never be mothers? (Luke 11:27-28)

Luke 11:27-28 “…a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to [Jesus], ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ But [Christ] said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’”

III. What if you want to have children but have not been able to conceive? (Gen. 30:22-23; 1 Sam. 1:20) 

Genesis 30:22-23 “God listened to [Rachel] and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son.”

1 Samuel 1:20 “And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked for him from the Lord.’”

 IV. What if my child or children have died in the womb or in infancy? (2 Sam. 12:22-23)

2 Samuel 12:22-2322 [David] said, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.’

DISCUSSION

1. Read verse 13. What did Boaz and Ruth do? What did the LORD do?Who gives conception and how must this direct our actions?

THE KINSMAN REDEEMER AND THE PROMISED SEED: Ruth 4:11-12

OUTLINE

I) THE LORD RESCUED HIS PEOPLE THROUGH THE KINSMAN REDEEMER! (11a)

II) THE LORD GAVE THE SEED TO REDEEM HIS PEOPLE! (v. 12b)

DISCUSSION

1. Read verses 11-12. How did all the people at the gate respond and what blessing did they pronounce upon Ruth and Boaz? Why were Rachel and Leah mentioned? What action did they call Boaz to and why? Why is Perez mentioned and how does Ruth 4:18-22 help clarify?

2. Who gives offspring according to verse 12 and what do we learn from this concerning God’s sovereignty over the womb? Is God sovereign over your womb, women?

REDEEMED AND GIVEN AN INHERITANCE: Ruth 4:1-10

OUTLINE

I) BOAZ OBEYED THE LAW AND TRUSTED THE LORD—HE WOULD NOT BREAK GOD’S LAW IN ORDER TO REDEEM RUTH (vv. 1-4)

II) THE NO-NAMED MAN WAS UNWILLING TO BE THE REDEEMER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT BENEFIT HIM! (vv. 5-6)

III) BOAZ WAS WILLING TO BE THE REDEEMER FOR RUTH’S GOOD AT HIS OWN EXPENSE! (vv. 7-10)

DISCUSSION

1. Read verses 1-6. Why did Boaz do as he did in verses 1-2? Why does the first-in-line redeemer not want to act on his right? How do we see the providence of God in this? What do we learn about Boaz in these verses?

2. Read verses 7-10. What does verse 7 teach us concerning the original audience of the book of Ruth? What does Boaz vow in verse 9-10? How does he prefigure Christ here? How is Jesus like Boaz but even better and how does 1 Peter 1:18-19 help clarify?

I WILL REDEEM YOU: Ruth 3

OUTLINE

I) NAOMI PLOTTED FOR REDEMPTION (vv. 1-5)

II) RUTH PLEAD FOR REDEMPTION (vv. 6-9)

III) BOAZ PROMISED REDEMPTION (vv. 10-18)

DISCUSSION

1. Read verses 1-5. What stands out to you and why? How has Naomi’s attitude changed from what we read of her in chapter 1? What exactly seems to be Naomi’s strategy? What does this teach us concerning godly risks? How does Ruth respond?

2. Read verses 6-13. What did Ruth do? What did she say and what did she mean? How did Boaz respond? What does he mean by “worthy woman” and how does Proverbs 31:10 help clarify?
*note that what is translated “worthy woman” in Ruth and “excellent wife” in Proverbs are the same Hebrew phrases

3. Read verses 14-18. What did Ruth do in response to Boaz’s exhortation? Why did Boaz say, “Let it be known…” in verse 14 and what does this teach us about his godliness? How does Boaz prefigure Jesus here? Why did Boaz give Ruth “six measures of barley”? How did Naomi respond to Ruth’s news and what do we further learn concerning Boaz here?

THE LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD: Ruth 2:1-23

OUTLINE

I) The LORD guided Ruth to the field of Boaz, for His lovingkindness endures forever (v. 1-3)

II) The LORD granted repentance and brought revival to Bethlehem, for His lovingkindness endures forever (v. 4)

III) The LORD blessed Ruth, for His lovingkindness endures forever (v. 11-12)

IV) The LORD healed Naomi of her bitterness, for His lovingkindness endures forever (v. 20)

APPLICATION

Because of God’s loving-kindness, when you do not understand what He is doing, you can trust in the Lord and rely on your God (Isaiah 50:10)

I) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because, if I am in Christ, God has blotted out my transgressions according to His loving-kindness (Psalm 51:1-2)

II) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because He has written in His book every single day of my life! (Psalm 136:16)

III) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from my Father’s providential work, and, in Christ, I am of more value than many sparrows! (Matthew 10:29-31)

IV) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because He has promised, in Christ, to work all things together for good! (Romans 8:28)

V) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because, in Christ, I know His loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life (AND SO CAN YOU!)

VI) I can trust God even when I am in the dark because I know as my substitute Jesus Christ experienced a far greater darkness than I ever will!

DISCUSSION Read verses 19-22.

1. Read verses 1-7. What do we learn about Boaz in these verses? What do we learn about Ruth? What does verse 3 reveal about the loving providence of God?

2. Read verses 8-13. What does Boaz exhort Ruth to do in verses 8-9? What does he promise her? How does Boaz prefigure Christ Jesus here? How did Ruth respond in verses 10 and 13? What reason does Boaz give for showing her favor in verses 11-12? What is the anchor of all these good works, according to the last part of verse 12?

3. Read verses 14-16. What did Boaz say to Ruth? What must Ruth have been thinking? How does Boaz prefigure the Lord Jesus here?

4. Read verses 17-23. What stands out to you in these verses and why? What does Naomi identify Boaz as at the end of verse 20? How does Leviticus 25:25-33, 48-54 shed light on this word “redeemer”?
*note they are the same words in Hebrew

WHAT A WOMEN OF WORTH LOOKS LIKE: Ruth 2

OUTLINE

I. A woman of worth does her duty and trusts in the providence of God (v. 1-3)

II. A woman of worth is reverent (v. 4-7a)

III. A woman of worth is a hard worker (v. 7b)

IV. A woman of worth is grateful to be protected and provided for (v. 8-10, 14-16)

V. A women of worth adorns herself with faith and holiness (v. 11)

VI. A woman of worth is committed to selfless love (v. 11a, 17-18)

VII. A woman of worth is devoted to the LORD above all (v. 11b)

VIII. A woman of worth follows the LORD wherever he leads (v. 11c)

IX. A woman of worth embraces the LORD’s people (v. 11d)

X. A women of worth perseveres in good works (v. 19-23) 

XI. A woman of worth takes refuge under the wings of the LORD (v. 12-13)

DISCUSSION Read verses 19-22.

1. Read verses 1-7. What do we learn about Boaz in these verses? What do we learn about Ruth? What does verse 3 reveal about the loving providence of God?

2. Read verses 8-13. What does Boaz exhort Ruth to do in verses 8-9? What does he promise her? How does Boaz prefigure Christ Jesus here? How did Ruth respond in verses 10 and 13? What reason does Boaz give for showing her favor in verses 11-12? What is the anchor of all these good works, according to the last part of verse 12?

3. Read verses 14-16. What did Boaz say to Ruth? What must Ruth have been thinking? How does Boaz prefigure the Lord Jesus here?

4. Read verses 17-23. What stands out to you in these verses and why? What does Naomi identify Boaz as at the end of verse 20? How does Leviticus 25:25-33, 48-54 shed light on this word “redeemer”?
*note they are the same words in Hebrew

WHAT A MAN OF WORTH LOOKS LIKE : Ruth 2:1-23

OUTLINE

I. A man of worth has a heart filled with love for God that overflows in his speech (v. 2-4) 

II. A man of worth cares about the wellbeing of women (v. 5-7) 

III. A man of worth protects women (v. 8-9) 

IV. A man of worth is attracted to holiness and faith (v. 10-12)

V. A man of worth shows grace, gives comfort, and speaks kindly even above and beyond his duty (v. 13)

VI. A man of worth is a hardworking provider (v. 14-18) 

VII. A man of worth is a redeemer (v. 19-20) 

VIII. A man of worth perseveres in good works (v. 21-23) 

DISCUSSION Read verses 19-22.

1. Read verses 1-7. What do we learn about Boaz in these verses? What do we learn about Ruth? What does verse 3 reveal about the loving providence of God?

2. Read verses 8-13. What does Boaz exhort Ruth to do in verses 8-9? What does he promise her? How does Boaz prefigure Christ Jesus here? How did Ruth respond in verses 10 and 13? What reason does Boaz give for showing her favor in verses 11-12? What is the anchor of all these good works, according to the last part of verse 12?

3. Read verses 14-16. What did Boaz say to Ruth? What must Ruth have been thinking? How does Boaz prefigure the Lord Jesus here?

4. Read verses 17-23. What stands out to you in these verses and why? What does Naomi identify Boaz as at the end of verse 20? How does Leviticus 25:25-33, 48-54 shed light on this word “redeemer”?
*note they are the same words in Hebrew

BITTERNESS WILL ROT YOUR SOUL BUT CHRIST WILL MAKE IT SWEET: Ruth 1:19-22

OUTLINE

I. Naomi and Ruth returned to the Bethlehem, the House of Bread (v.19)

II. Naomi wanted her named changed from Pleasant to Bitter because the LORD had dealt bitterly with her (v.20)

III. Naomi looked only at her current circumstance, even misconstruing the story of her life (v.21a)

IV. Naomi knew that it was the LORD who had brought calamity on her, though she wrongly understood why (v.21b)

V. Despite the bitterness of Naomi, the LORD was working to redeem both her and Ruth (v.22)

DISCUSSION Read verses 19-22.

1. How does Naomi react when she comes home to Bethlehem?

2. Did she respond more like Job or Job’s wife? See Job 1-2

3. Why is verse 22 significant in the narrative of the book of Ruth?

Ekklesia Muskogee is a reformed baptist church that gathers for worship in Muskogee, Oklahoma. We confess the 1689 second London baptist confession of faith. We affirm the five solas of the Reformation as well as the doctrines of grace (otherwise known as the five points of Calvinism), and each of our pastors would not be ashamed to be called a Calvinist. We are a church led by elders, of which there is a plurality (also called pastors and overseers in the Scriptures). Our mission is to make disciples, love cities, and plant churches.