Bible Study Outline: Ruth Chapters 1 – 4 – God’s Redemptive Plans Cannot Be Stopped. Secondary: From Bitterness to Blessing: God’s Faithfulness Theme: The Book of Ruth is a powerful story of loyalty, redemption, and God’s providence. God’s story of redemption cannot be stopped. Ruth also shows how God works through ordinary people and faithful choices to fulfill His greater purposes — even in times of pain, loss, and uncertainty. Section 1: Get to Know One Another – Icebreaker Icebreaker Activity: “Loyal or Lucky?” • Instructions: E ach person answer this fun two - part question: 1. What’s the most loyal thing someone has ever done for you? 2. What’s the most unexpected blessing that’s ever happened to you? The story of Ruth is full of loyalty, heartbreak, hope, and unexpected kindness. It’s a reminder that God is always working — even when we can’t see the full picture. Introduction to the Book of Ruth – Historical Background The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period of moral decline, national instability, and spiritual darkness in Israel (Ruth 1:1). Yet in the middle of that chaos, we’re given a story about one family, one faithful foreigner, and one Rede emer — showing how God’s purposes can be carried out even in quiet, ordinary lives. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother - in - law, Naomi, after the deaths of their husbands. Her story of faithful devotion, courageous action, and divine provision unfolds as she meets Boaz — a distant relative of Naomi’s who ultimate ly becomes her kinsman - redeemer, marrying Ruth and continuing the family line that would eventually lead to King David — and Jesus Christ. This book reminds us that God is sovereign in our suffering, He rewards faithfulness, and He brings hope and redemption when all seems lost. The Concept of Kinsman - Redeemer The Hebrew concept of a “kinsman redeemer” (Hebrew: go’el) refers to a close male relative who had the responsibility to protect the family’s name, property, and welfare under the Law of Moses. Key Responsibilities of a Kinsman - Redeemer: 1. Redeem Property – If a family member had to sell land due to poverty, the kinsman - redeemer could buy it back to keep it in the family (Leviticus 25:25). 2. Redeem Relatives – If a relative sold themselves into slavery due to debt, the redeemer could buy their freedom (Leviticus 25:47 – 49). 3. Levirate Marriage – If a man died without children, his brother (or nearest male kin) was expected to marry the widow and produce offspring to continue the family line (Deuteronomy 25:5 – 10). 4. Avenge Blood – In cases of wrongful death, the redeemer could pursue justice as the “avenger of blood” (Numbers 35:19). In the Book of Ruth: Boaz acts as a kinsman - redeemer by marrying Ruth, a childless widow, to preserve the name and inheritance of her deceased husband. This act was both legal and compassionate, fulfilling family duty and reflecting God’s heart for restoration and redemption. Ultimately, the kinsman - redeemer points forward to Jesus Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores our place in God’s family. Section 2: Go Deeper – Exploring Scripture Main Points by Chapter: • Ruth 1 – Grief and Loyalty Naomi loses her husband and sons, becomes bitter and hopeless, but Ruth remains with her and pledges loyalty (“Where you go, I will go...”). Key Theme: Faithful love in the face of loss. • Ruth 2 – Provision and Kindness Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field. Boaz shows her kindness, protection, and provision. Key Theme: God’s providence at work through human kindness. • Ruth 3 – Risk and Redemption Ruth follows Naomi’s plan to approach Boaz as a redeemer. Boaz acts honorably and agrees to redeem her. Key Theme: Courage, honor, and the custom of redemption. • Ruth 4 – Restoration and Legacy Boaz redeems Ruth. They marry and have a son, Obed — David’s grandfather. Naomi is restored, and the line of the Messiah is preserved. Key Theme: God’s bigger story includes our faithfulness. Supporting Scriptures: Old Testament Parallels: 1. Genesis 50:20 – “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (God’s providence through suffering) 2. Deuteronomy 10:18 – 19 – God loves the foreigner and commands Israel to do the same. 3. Psalm 146:9 – God watches over the foreigner, the widow, and the fatherless. 4. Proverbs 3:5 – 6 – Trust in the Lord; He will direct your paths. New Testament Connections: 1. Matthew 1:5 – 6 – Ruth is named in Jesus’ genealogy. 2. Luke 1:46 – 55 – Mary’s song echoes Naomi’s restored joy and God lifting the humble. 3. Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good for those who love God. 4. Ephesians 1:7 – In Christ, we have redemption through His blood. 5. Hebrews 11:1,6 – Faith in the unseen; God rewards those who seek Him. Discussion Questions: 1. What does Ruth’s loyalty in chapter 1 teach us about commitment, especially when circumstances are painful? 2. How do you see God’s providence working in chapter 2 — even though He’s not mentioned directly? 3. What do you admire about Boaz’s character? How is he a model of Christ as Redeemer? 4. Why is Naomi’s transformation from bitterness to joy important for us to understand? 5. How does the genealogy at the end of chapter 4 point to God’s long - term plan, even through simple daily obedience? Section 3: Application – Living Out the Teaching Objective: Help participants apply the lessons of faithfulness, hope, redemption, and obedience from Ruth’s story to their own lives. Application Questions: 1. Are there areas of your life right now where you’re struggling to trust God’s bigger plan? How can Ruth’s story encourage you? 2. Like Ruth, is there someone in your life you’re being called to walk with faithfully — even when it’s hard? 3. How can you show Christ - like kindness and generosity (like Boaz) to someone who’s vulnerable or in need? 4. Have you ever seen a “bitterness to blessing” moment in your life or someone else’s? How did God use it? 5. What daily act of obedience might God be calling you to that could lead to unexpected blessings? Conclusion & Challenge: The story of Ruth shows us that God is faithful even when life is hard, loss is real, and the future is uncertain. He uses ordinary people, humble choices, and loyal love to bring about extraordinary redemption. Challenge: Identify one relationship, one risk, and one act of kindness this week that reflects Ruth’s or Boaz’s example. Step forward in faith and let God weave your story into something bigger than you can imagine.