Download Lesson: 12.11.16 Class Notes – Ruth 3

LOOK:

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)

Download Lesson: 12.4.16 Class Notes – Ruth 2.17-23

LOOK:

Christ wants to be our “kinsman-redeemer” for all of His creation. What we learn from today’s study is that God uses people like us.

Download Lesson: 11.27.16 Class Notes – Ruth 2.1-16

LOOK:

We may not all be farmers, but we are all called to be intentional in providing for the poor, the needy, the fatherless, or the widowed. Boaz went out of his way showing acts of kindnesses to Ruth, and I invite us to do the same for anyone in need.

Download Lesson: 11.20.16 Class Notes – Ruth 1.19-22

LOOK:

Are you willing to be a channel of the Lord’s favor to those around us who are in a dark chapter of their lives? There may be a “Naomi” in our life that we need to minister to. Let’s embrace those who are in need and distress.

Download Lesson: 11.13.16 Class Notes – Ruth 1.6-18

LOOK:

I am struck by how Ruth is drawn to Naomi’s God. It makes me believe that Elimelech and his family were God-fearing people, and Ruth saw that and found God attractive to her. I have found myself pondering throughout the week, “Do people I interact with find God attractive because of what they see in me? Or am I doing something or saying something that makes God unattractive to them.”

We live in a world filled with lost people who are seeking God. People aren’t drawn to God if God is not attractive to them. God placed people in our lives to help lead us to Jesus. These special folk made God attractive to us. We need to do the same! We need to live our lives in a way that draws people to Jesus. They need to see God in us. Ruth was drawn to Naomi’s God because of Naomi. Ruth was willing to give up a life in Moab in order to know Naomi’s God.

Let’s make God attractive to others in our words and deeds!