Small Group Guide for "Ruth and Naomi's Enduring Love"

Ruth and Naomi's Enduring Love

Sunday, October 15th 2023

First Scripture: Matthew 18:10-14

Second Scripture: Ruth 1:1-17

How To Use This Guide

Use the Two Passages: Focus on the primary and secondary passages used in this sermon.

Pray for Understanding: Before diving into the text, take a moment to pray for guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom and insight as you study.

Read the Scriptures: Begin by reading the selected Scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully. Read the passages more than once to familiarize yourself with the content.

Observation Questions: After reading the text, go through the "Observation Questions" section. These questions will help you notice and record specific details about the text. Look for key words, phrases, repeated ideas, and any observations that stand out to you.

Interpretation Questions: Once you've observed the text, proceed to the "Interpretation Questions" section. These questions will guide you in understanding the meaning and context of the passage. Consider the historical and cultural background, the author's intent, and how the passage fits into the larger narrative of the Bible.

Application Questions: Finally, explore the "Application Questions." These questions will help you apply the lessons and insights from the Scriptures to your own life. Reflect on how the text speaks to your faith, relationships, and daily choices.

Journal Your Insights: Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a journal or notebook. This will serve as a valuable record of your spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God.

Discussion and Sharing: If you are studying in a group, take time to discuss your findings with others. Share your insights, listen to their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Pray for Transformation: As you conclude your study, pray for the transformation of your heart and mind. Ask God to help you live out the truths you've discovered in the Scriptures.

Consistency is Key: Make a habit of using this inductive Bible study method regularly. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become in studying and understanding the Bible.

Remember that the goal of this inductive study method is not just to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God and apply His Word to your life. Approach your study with an open heart, a curious mind, and a desire to grow in your faith.

May your study be richly blessed, and may God's Word transform your life as you engage with it through the inductive method.

Key Points:

Ruth's commitment and dedication to Naomi is a powerful testament to the importance of paying attention to those who are hurting and committing to them, showing how these actions can change the course of history.
Decisions should not be based on convenience or comfort but rather on God's measure, prioritizing the needs of the hurting, lost, and forgotten, even if this might lead to changes in our lives.
Through the example of Ruth, we are reminded to pay attention to those in our midst who are hurting or missing, and to make commitments that might not align with worldly logic but resonate with divine wisdom.

Observation Questions (What does it say?):

In Ruth 1:1-17, what led Naomi to decide to return to her homeland, and how did her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, initially respond to this decision?
How does Ruth's declaration of commitment to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17 exemplify the themes of dedication and loyalty?
In Matthew 18:10-14, what is the central message conveyed through the parable of the lost sheep?
What does the shepherd's decision to leave the 99 sheep to find the one missing sheep teach us about the nature of God's love and commitment?
How does the sermon relate Ruth's commitment to Naomi in Ruth 1 and the shepherd's commitment to the lost sheep in Matthew 18 to the overarching theme of the importance of paying attention and making commitments to those in need?

Interpretation Questions (What does it mean?):

Based on Ruth 1:1-17, what is the significance of Ruth's commitment to Naomi in the context of the Israelite history and the biblical narrative?
How does Ruth's choice to accompany Naomi, despite the cultural expectations and hardships, illustrate the concept of selfless commitment and love?
In Matthew 18:10-14, how does the parable of the lost sheep reflect God's unwavering commitment to seeking and saving those who are lost?
What does the sermon suggest about the connection between Ruth's commitment, the shepherd's actions in Matthew 18, and the concept of making decisions based on God's measure rather than worldly logic?
How do the passages and the sermon challenge our understanding of commitment, paying attention to those in need, and making decisions that align with God's perspective rather than convenience and comfort?

Application Questions (What should I do?):

How can we emulate Ruth's commitment to those in need within our own communities and lives?
In what ways can we prioritize the needs of the hurting, lost, and forgotten over our own convenience and comfort, as encouraged by the sermon?
How can we apply the lesson of the shepherd's dedication to seeking the lost to our own approach to reaching out to those who may have strayed or are in need of help?
What changes can we make in our daily lives and decisions to align with God's measure and prioritize the well-being of those who are hurting and missing?
As a small group, how can we collectively demonstrate a commitment to the hurting and lost, and what actions can we take to make a difference in the lives of those in need, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zones?