June 11th – June 17th, 2023
Sermon Summary
“There is bread in the house again”. There are times when we find ourselves empty. No improvement in sight. The present looks bad and the time of the pain, hurt, loss or tragedy seems not to be coming to an end. In this story we see God’s hand throughout. Regardless of the dark season, God’s faithfulness is sure. All of us have had difficult seasons and one common denominator is the goodness of God. Even though He might not come through in our timing, He always does.
Verse of the Week
Ruth 1: 20 – 21
20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Going Deeper
1) Pastor explained that the book of Ruth is written from a female perspective. Can you show two examples of how this is borne out?
2) Pastor stated that Ruth was a Moabite woman who practiced the teachings of a household of the Jewish God. She committed to serving Naomi’s God.
a. What is your understanding of commitment as it relates to Ruth.
b. Give an example where you have shown commitment in your life?.
3) We have been cautioned against isolating in the sermon. Cite two examples where you have seen this play out in Scripture and one in your life.
a. What was the outcome? Was it positive or negative?
4) Indecision can be dangerous as it has several consequences. What are some of the consequences> Highlight two scripture verses which speak against indecision.
a. Share some examples of indecision in your life and how it has impacted you in the past.
5) When you are honest with your emotions you can trust others with them. Separation and loss were all Naomi seemed to have experienced during these passages. She admitted those emotions upfront by declaring her change of name.
a. Do you think Naomi felt liberated after declaring how she felt?
b. How has being honest with your emotions impacted the situation? Please share.
Assess Your Life
1) How would you grade your posture towards how you manage your challenges, whether prolonged or short term?
a) I do not manage problems well at all. This thing that “God has things under
control” is a farce.
b) I cannot manage problems if I do not know why they are there.
c) I let the problems last for as long as they can be ignored.
d) I pray through situations, and wait patiently for God to sort things out, confessing my sins and believing in my Refuge and Strength.
e) I am confident that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. My problems are there to build my faith.
2) From the antecedents, what will you commit to improve your management of self?
Application
1) List three steps you can take to improve your walk with God.
a)
b)
c)
2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
The situation which Naomi and Ruth faced was very difficult
Be resolute in your decisions
This seems like a simple directive but like Ruth you have to stick with what you decide regardless and the outcome. Seeing death and the possible fall out as a foreigner in a strange country can cause one to run. Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law.
Don’t reject your connections
God puts people in our lives for reasons we would never know. Oftentimes it is to help us to build our faith
Be honest with your emotions
Acknowledge that God has a plan. He doesn’t always deliver the way we want things to be delivered.
Sermon Reflection
“Sometimes we make decisions which bring calamity on ourselves, but God continues to be faithful.” —Derek A. Ward
“Your God will be my God” shows a determination, a commitment and a resolve which is admirable” —Derek A. Ward
“Running on empty is not as bad as you think it is, when you are running with God. —Derek A. Ward
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)
Day 1 - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Day 2 - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Day 3 - Exodus 15:22-25
Day 4 - Genesis 17:4-8
Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023