October 25, 2015

Ruth 1

Sunday Sermons

The Old Testament book of Ruth portrays the providence of God at work in the lives of ordinary people, whose lives were beset with trials and tribulations. One commentator has said, “No poet in the world has written a more beautiful short story.” Join Pastor Jim for this introduction to Ruth and an inspiring study of chapter 1.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

Ruth

Go to Series

Scripture

Ruth 1

Topics
Big Questions Suffering

Sermon Notes

Ruth

  • Date
  • Author
  • Literary genre
  • Purpose

Ruth portrays the providence of God at work in the lives of ordinary people, whose lives were beset with trials and tribulation.

  • Anarchy
  • Famine & financial ruin
  • Desperation & displacement
  • Spiritual tension
  • Grief & loss
  • Return & restart
  1. The God of the Bible was/is working historically, globally & personally.
  2. The God of the Bible is in charge of the course of human history.
  3. The God of the Bible’s gracious providence is not hindered by our fallenness, frustrations or foolishness.
  4. Faith in the God of the Bible will sometimes mean leaving unanswered questions in the hands of a Sovereign God.
“Faith is a journey of trust and growth; it is a moving mobile, not a still life. And when some parts swing for a time in the shadow, we trust that they will again merge into the light as they have many times before.”
David Atkinson
“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”
C. H. Spurgeon

Discussion Questions

  • Read the passage together: Before today’s sermon, what did you already know or believe about this passage? Did anything in your understanding shift after hearing the message?
  • Challenge and Reflection: Was there a part of today’s message that was particularly challenging or surprising for you? Why?
  • Unpacking the Message: Pick a quote from today’s sermon notes. Discuss what it means to you.
  • Personal Impact: What’s one specific way you feel called to change or grow after hearing this message?
  • Practical Application: What’s one step you can take this week to put today’s message into practice?
  • Connecting Scripture: Are there other Bible passages or stories this message reminds you of? How do they expand or confirm this teaching?
  • Gratitude: What aspect of God’s character stood out to you in today’s message? How does it inspire praise or gratitude?
  • Pray the Scripture: After hearing the message, is there a specific area where you feel led to pray? How can we pray for one another in light of today’s teaching?