Download Lesson: 12.11.16 Class Notes – Ruth 3

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The Bible is clear that God is sovereign. He is in control. He causes all things to happen. He says ‘What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do’ (Isa. 46:11). Unlike our plans, God’s never fail. But the Bible also teaches with absolute certainty and great clarity that, in causing all things to happen, he does so in a way that upholds the ability of individuals to make willing responsible choices and actions. Exactly how God combines his control of all things and our willing responsible actions, the Bible does not explain, but it is full of examples of him doing just that. Ruth 3 provides three such examples, as Naomi, Ruth and Boaz each play their unique part at a particular point in the outworking of God’s great plan. He uses the active faith of his people.

Just as God was sovereignly working out His divine will through Ruth, He is doing the same for us. God is always doing His part. He’s introducing us to people whom He has already given us favor. He uses “Naomi” in our lives who plant new ideas that can create unsettledness that would lead to change. When Ruth was willing to risk and do what Naomi told her to do, only then would Ruth discover God’s will for her through Boaz.

Q: Where are you on this continuum? Has the Holy Spirit brought to mind new opportunities that have created an unsettledness or idea of change that you need to look at more closely? As we begin to look at 2017, let’s be committed to being open to discover God’s will for us by being willing to explore opportunities that the Lord has for us. Remember, “God knows the plans He has for us; they are plans to prosper us, not harm us, but to give us a hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11-12)