Week 4: Ruth 1
May 12-18
Overview: The story of Ruth takes place before Israel forsakes the Lord by asking for a king. The book begins with these words: “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.” Moab was part of what is now modern-day Jordan. The time of the judges, recorded in the book of Judges (which precedes Ruth in the Bible), was marked by a recurring cycle: disobedience and sin, followed by repentance and restoration. Over and over, Israel turned away from God, fell into trouble, and then cried out to Him for help. Each time, the Lord responded with grace and provision. The book of Ruth reflects this same pattern. It is not just Israel’s story—it is our story as well. Despite our waywardness, the Lord continues to provide when we seek Him with humble, repentant hearts.
Day 1: Ruth 1
What do we learn about God?
What do we learn about people?
What is the key/main point?
Reflect: How does this passage shape my understanding of faith and obedience?
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 2: Ruth 1
Note that not every text will have each of these. Please don’t force the text to make it fit. Simply look for what is there.
What sins are we called to avoid?
What commands/principles are we given to obey?
What promises can we claim?
What examples are there to follow?
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 3: Ruth 1
What circumstances surround Naomi’s situation?
Describe Naomi’s return to Bethlehem.
Why did Ruth cling to Naomi?
Even though Naomi calls herself Mara, the text continues to refer to her as Naomi. What might this suggest about her identity in God’s eyes?
What do you do when it seems like God’s hand is against you?
Verse to Memorize: Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 4: Ruth 1
S.O.A.P.
S – Scripture – Write out, word for word, a verse or verses that spoke to you in this passage.
O – Observation – What specifically stands out in this verse? What caught your attention and made you think?
A – Application – Note how you can specifically apply this to your life right now.
P – Prayer – Journal a prayer about the truth you are clinging to and how you will apply it in your life.
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 5: Ruth 1
Re-read this week’s passage.
Pick a verse from the passage to memorize. Spend time memorizing it and write it down.
What barriers do you see in your life that may prevent you from obeying your application from Day 4?
Who is one person who can hold you accountable to obey?
Who in your life is far from Jesus? Take time to pray for them.
Going Deeper:
Because God created us all with different personalities and spiritual temperaments, we each have our own unique ways to worship, grow, and connect with Him. Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below that helps you connect with God and deepens your knowledge and understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
• Meditate on Scripture in nature
• Write a poem related to this text
• Sing the Scripture
• Do a word study on some words in the text
• Listen to a worship song related to this text
• Draw a picture related to this text
• Look up parallel verses
• Reach out to a friend and talk about what you are learning this week
• Listen to this text of Scripture (audio Bible)
• Paint related to this text
• Memorize your favorite verse in the text
• Journal
• Pray the Scripture
• Write a letter of encouragement to someone sharing what God is teaching you
• Do a prayer walk as you pray through this Scripture or something God spoke to you about in this text
• Read Scripture out loud
• Choose a main idea/repeated word or phrase from the text and look at how it is carried out throughout the verses this week
Sermon Notes:
Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”