Ruth 1 – 3rd December 2021

Read Ruth 1
When do the events of Ruth take place? (HERE is a short introduction to the book to help think about the timeline)
What characters are mentioned?
1. How are they described?
What locations are mentioned?
1. Where are Elimelech and Naomi sojourning?
2. Where have they come from?
What hardships has Naomi endured?
Why does Naomi return to Bethlehem? (verse 6)

How does Naomi describe God?
1. What does this reveal about what she believes about God?
2. Is she right to feel that God is against her?
Why does Naomi urge her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers' houses?
1. Why would it be difficult for Ruth or Orpa to stay with Naomi and go to Israel?
Were you surprised that Ruth "clung" to Naomi? Why/Why not?
1. What do you think motivated Ruth to stay with Naomi?
2. What does this say about Ruth's faith?
How do you see God's providence at work in the story of Ruth so far?

How should suffering affect someone's attitude towards God?
Have you ever felt like Naomi did? (Bitter? Empty? Afflicted?)
1. How did you respond?
2. How did you see God work in your situation?
What can you learn from Ruth's faith?
1. How does your own testimony relate to what Ruth says in verses 16 and 17?
2. What's something in your life that you need to leave behind in order to follow God?

Read Ruth 1
When do the events of Ruth take place? (HERE is a short introduction to the book to help think about the timeline)
What characters are mentioned?
1. How are they described?
What locations are mentioned?
1. Where are Elimelech and Naomi sojourning?
2. Where have they come from?
What hardships has Naomi endured?
Why does Naomi return to Bethlehem? (verse 6)

How does Naomi describe God?
1. What does this reveal about what she believes about God?
2. Is she right to feel that God is against her?
Why does Naomi urge her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers' houses?
1. Why would it be difficult for Ruth or Orpa to stay with Naomi and go to Israel?
Were you surprised that Ruth "clung" to Naomi? Why/Why not?
1. What do you think motivated Ruth to stay with Naomi?
2. What does this say about Ruth's faith?
How do you see God's providence at work in the story of Ruth so far?

How should suffering affect someone's attitude towards God?
Have you ever felt like Naomi did? (Bitter? Empty? Afflicted?)
1. How did you respond?
2. How did you see God work in your situation?
What can you learn from Ruth's faith?
1. How does your own testimony relate to what Ruth says in verses 16 and 17?
2. What's something in your life that you need to leave behind in order to follow God?