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Sue LeBoutillier—Women of the Word


A Note to our Web Audience:

It is a great delight to make this online version of our Bible Study

available to you. It has been specially prepared in order to bless you

with instant access to the written materials that compliment the

Women of the Word Bible teachings from our church fellowship —

Calvary Chapel Ontario.

We’ve prepared this web file (which is identical to our Study Guide), so

that you can either read from your device, download on your computer,

or print a paper copy for study.

This Study Guide is provided free of charge. The only thing I ask is that if

you are blessed by the teaching, send me a note and let me know how

God is using His Word in your life. It is a tremendous joy to hear how

our Lord is leading and teaching his people all over the world.

In His Grace,

Sue LeBoutillier

Calvary Chapel Ontario

1775 Alameda Drive

Ontario, OR 97914

[email protected]

YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Note: We also have printed Study Guides available for the cost of

printing. Just send me a note if you would like information on ordering

any of our Bible Studies.

Walking With My Redeemer Study Guide begins on the next page—

Sue LeBoutillier—Women of the Word 2

Walking with My Redeemer Lessons from the Book of Ruth

Dear Friend,

The book of Ruth is hands-down my favorite narrative in the Bible. It ex-

presses God’s lavish love toward us and His plan to draw us close and give us rest through the redeeming power of His Son. The journey

through Ruth could truly be titled “The Romance of Redemption” since it contains the whole gospel message in one small book.

To begin this study:

• go to our website (www.ccontario.com) • click on Women’s Studies

• click on the Walking with My Redeemer image and you’ll see the Introduction Message—Ruth 1:1-2.

As you either watch or listen to that message the next four-pages titled

“Introduction to Ruth” will give you a place to journal and retain that les-son. Then you’ll be ready to begin the simple four-day per week pattern

in this study guide on your own and follow it up by watching the teaching video or listening to the message after you’ve completed each lesson.

As you begin your own Bible study each week, here are some reminders

of how to approach the study of God’s Word:

• Pray for God to enlighten your mind and minister to your heart as you

approach the Scriptures.

• Read the passage indicated for that day — sometimes reading aloud

is a good strategy to learn familiar Scriptures in new ways.

• Write the handful of verses assigned for that day in a separate journal or notebook. The act of hand-writing is one of my favorite technics to

help us slow down and process as we write each word, AND we end up with a copy of the book of Ruth (all 85 verses) written in our own

hand.


• Answer and Apply the simple page of questions, challenges, and

thoughts in the study guide to your own life. They will serve as a

source of topics for your small group discussions.

• Participate in a discussion group if possible — even if it’s just you and a friend. Sharing with other women and hearing their perspective of-

ten sharpens us for more purposeful Kingdom use!

Wherever you are, or whatever type of a group you may have as you

study together, I pray that the Lord will richly bless you as you learn to know Him better through his Word—

Are you ready? Let’s get started—

Sue LeBoutillier

[email protected]

*The best translation of the Bible to use is the one you understand the

most easily—and using more than one translation can be a great aid to study! This study guide was created using a combination

of the NIV (New International Version) and the ESV (English

Standard Version) both of which may be a helpful tool as you work through your study.

To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com or

YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

3


Every great story, play, or film works diligently

to create a setting in the mind of its audience. Some movies even do this during the opening

credits so that by the time any dialog happens

you have a pretty solid understanding of the time, place, economic status, perhaps even values of the main characters. The book of Ruth

does this masterfully! Let’s take some notes as we unpack verses 1-2.

• v.1 Who was ruling Israel during this time?

• Read the last verse of Judges (21:25) and describe what the culture

was like in Israel:

• How does that compare to the culture you live in?

• What agricultural/social occurrence was happening during this time?

• Given the info in v.1-2, let’s give dimension to this family by drawing little gender characters below like the vinyl stickers we see on rear

windows of vans

________ ________ ________ ________

Introduction to Ruth

God had made agreements with Israel that he would bless them, even agriculturally, for obedience and use things like famine to get their at-

tention for disobedience. Read Deut. 28:1,8 and Deut. 28:15,38-40. Would you say this was an ‘attention-getting’ move on God’s part?


• What was the family’s current place of residence:

__________________________ in ___________________ (town) (tribal area)

• Where were they headed: _______________________ (country)

• We learn so much about people in Israel by uncovering their tribal

ancestry and where they lived. If you have a Bible dictionary, write down the meaning of the name ‘Bethlehem’ and what that implies:

• Read Psalm 60:8 and write down the meaning of the name ‘Moab’:

If you, like me, need to pin things on a timeline to get a better frame of

reference, we can pin Naomi’s family about 125 years after Joshua first

led Israel into the promised land. Just prior to Joshua’s day was a fairly unsavory episode with the Moabites. Read Numbers 25:1-3.

• How wise do you think it was to leave the land and provision that

God promised, to go live among a pagan people whom had previously drawn their forefathers into serious sin?

• What was lacking back in their life (v.1) that caused them to make a move like this?

• What type of lack would it take in your life for you to leave the place of God’s provision for an immediate quick fix? Lack of money? Lack

of relationship? Lack of opportunity? Lack of security? Honestly list one or more of your potential ‘buttons’:

WRITE Ruth 1:1-2 in your journal.


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Notes on Introduction

Date: ____________


The journey of Elimelech’s family from Bethlehem to Moab

The journey of Naomi and Ruth form Moab to Bethlehem 2) The journey of Joshua and the children of Israel into the

Land of Promise

The Journey of

Elimelech and Naomi


READ and WRITE Ruth 1:3-5 in your journal.

It doesn’t take long from the time a person walks

away from God’s provision, until things begin to die—and it’s always a tragedy! Being a widow is difficult in any context, but I

would venture to say that a society without readily available jobs for women adds a degree of peril. It appears that the two sons took wives

after dad died. Let’s make a new diagram of figures to represent the

current family through v.4

__Naomi___ __________ __________ __________ __________

• How many years pass as these five live in Moab (v.4)?

In v.5 we read of two more deaths. Strike a line through your figures

above to represent the family left now after 10 years in Moab.

As a reminder of heritage, list their ethnicity below their names.

These five verses have taken us so quickly from a happy family, called by

God’s name, living in Bethlehem—the House of Bread—to a trail of death

and hopelessness. Let’s not skim over this too quickly.

• Do you have a story of leaving God’s good place for you, only to discover, like Naomi or the prodigal son, that life turned harsh, tragic

and lonely? Are you willing to share with your group?

• Are you praying for someone right now who seems to be on this same journey from Judah to Moab? Write their names and be

interceding for God’s mercy.

Week 1 Day 1



Naomi still has her two daughters-in-law and we can

tell by the wording: ‘the woman was left without her two sons and her husband’ (v.5) that companionship wasn’t really the

need. She had lost a sense of provision and belonging in the community through the deaths of all of the men in her family.

Let’s get ready for a little progress in the right direction:

• What was the scoop that Naomi heard regarding what was happening in Judah (v.6)?

• When the text tells us ‘she had heard in the fields of Moab’ (v.6), what hint do you think we have about her activity in Moab?

• Write where Naomi currently is and where she is headed:

______________________ —> ________________________

Naomi’s feet are moving the right direction, but we’ll see in the next lessons that her heart, emotions and motives are not in total agreement.

Yet, I think there is something commendable about taking the proper steps (literally in this case) even if the total person is not on board. What

do you think?

• List everyone who started off from Moab to Judah (v.7):

Whenever we have disobeyed the Lord and departed from His will, we must confess our sin and return to the place of blessing.

—Bible Exposition Commentary 1

Week 1 Day 2



We pick up our drama today with Naomi, Ruth and

Orpah all heading on the road to Judah, leaving behind their tragic life in Moab.

• When suddenly, Naomi suggests these girls do what (v.8)?

• She is recommending that they return to Moab and find __________ in the house of __________________. Basically, she’s telling them to

find new men and do what (v.9)? ____________________________

This is a sudden departure and we might want to ask why. Why doesn’t

she want the girls to go back to her homeland with her? After all, she is an Israelite, someone who knows and worships the one true God and

sending them back to Moab would surely mean entanglement and worship of idols for them.

Well, let’s make a short list of some possibilities for Naomi and how we

may have experienced the same in our life: • How easy do you think it will be for Moabite women to find husbands

in Israel? (Remember our back-story from Numbers 25 and the sexual immorality fanned into flame by Moabite women?)

• How fond are YOU of carrying around permanent signs or reminders

of your season of disobedience (in this case two young women whom YOUR sons married in disobedience to God’s law)? Maybe you have

some lingering reminders and can speak to this possibility…

Having personal reminders of seasons of sin is one thing, but parading

those reminders in front of our family and friends after a dozen-year absence might cause some bruising to our pride.

How will YOU deal with reminders of a season of sin? Read Romans 8:28.

In the context of this type of situation, share some real answers with your group.

Week 1 Day 3



After Naomi’s initial appeal, what is the answer from

both ladies about returning to Moab (v.10):

What does Naomi mean by v.11-12?

We’re going to spend the remainder of today diagnosing Naomi’s emotional state. From v.13:

• How does she describe how she feels inside?

• Whom does she blame for her current set of circumstances?

• Why do you think she is able to shift the blame this way?

All of us end up in these bitter situations at some time in our life. Of the three ladies on the road that day, Naomi was the ONE who at least knew

the creator God. • What type of opportunity do you see she had with Ruth and Orpah?

• What potential good could have come if she had been able to conquer her self-proclaimed bitterness?

We said before that Naomi’s feet were pointed in the right direction, but her heart was calloused. Has this ever been your experience? Read these

verses and journal how they might relate in your life:

Psalm 32

Psalm 51:17

Week 1 Day 4


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Notes on Week One

Date: ____________


READ and WRITE Ruth 1:14 in your journal.

Today we learn by observing Orpah. We notice all of

the women were weeping and heading to Judah, but Naomi was able to convince Orpah to do an about-face and return to

Moab and it is the last we hear from her.

• Like Naomi, Orpah set out on the road to Judah, • Like Naomi, she was weeping and having an emotional experience,

• Unlike Naomi, she stopped short of her destination and eventually returned to Moab.

There are great similarities between Orpah on the path to Judah and the

parable of the farmer sowing seed on the path of life. Read Mark 4:3-6, 14-17 and list the similarities that you see:

Time is the great revealer of truth. We have all likely witnessed someone

receiving the gospel message with joy, only to be found returning to their previous life within a fortnight. That day on the road to Judah, we might

have said, “WOW, look at Orpah—she is weeping, heading to Judah, and leaving her pagan ways behind her”. But it didn’t stick. Just a little

suggestion from Naomi and some time and she turned back.

We want to be women of understanding and discernment. Between the parable Jesus told of the seeds and the story of Orpah, list a few kingdom

observations you feel the Lord wants to use to sharpen you: •

•

•

•

Week 2 Day 1



Unlike Orpah, Ruth clung to Naomi and remained

steadfast on the journey to Judah. If we were to parallel Ruth’s decision with one of the seed types from our parable

yesterday, how would you characterize her?

How does v.15 prove our suspicions of the pagan culture this family had

lived among?

v.16-17 could be titled Ruth’s song. We find it on greeting cards and

wedding invitations—the elegant flow of words is poetic and the message of friendship to Naomi as well as interest in her God is

marvelous! List some of the declarations that Ruth affirms to Naomi:

•

• •

• •

I believe the most compelling part is “and your God, my God”! Did our

Moabitess know she would be excluded from participation in Israel? Did she know the law was against her? Read Deut. 23:3-6. What was she

thinking? Do WE understand that God’s law excludes us from his presence in the same way? Read Ephesians 2:12 and explain how our

dilemma is similar:

Now read Ephesians 2:4 and explain God’s remedy for our exclusion:

Week 2 Day 2



We’re on the home stretch of the journey to Judah!

After examination of the responses of Orpah and Ruth, let’s observe the final woman of the Judah-bound-trio—Naomi!

• What type of a reaction did Naomi’s entrance produce in the town of

Bethlehem (v.19)?

• Summarize the response of Naomi to their inquiries:

• Without even consulting a Bible Dictionary—can you guess what the

name Mara means based on Naomi’s usage? (you may look it up!)

• In v.20-21 Naomi begins to respond to her old friends by itemizing

how God has dealt badly or unjustly with her. List the phrases:

•

•

•

•

She is also very quick to point out to everyone what her life was like

when she left Judah compared to her return (v.21): I went away ___________

The Lord brought me back ___________

So this is how she has chosen to characterize God’s hand in her life—it’s all HIS fault! In Naomi’s case there are three important words to remem-

ber—write the first three words of v.21 again: ______ ______ _______. • Remember, Naomi was the one who walked away from the place of

closeness with God. • What would we call a Christian leaving the place of closeness with

God today? • Is it fair to cast blame upon God for our hardships when WE are the

ones who have walked off?

Week 2 Day 3


READ and WRITE Ruth 1:22 in your journal.

As we’re considering Naomi’s actions and attitude,

do you find it all a little puzzling? Here is a woman returning to the place where she once knew God, the place where she

worshiped God, to live among the people of God, and yet she is carrying a bitter and angry attitude about what has transpired in her life and even

blaming it on God. • Do you know someone with a similar story?

• Do you know someone who has been angry with God? • Have YOU been that woman?

• In v.22 we are told of an agricultural event happening at the same

time as Naomi’s re-entrance to Bethlehem. What is it?

The harvesting of barley will play a prominent role in God’s plan. God is

setting the stage and creating the perfect environment to bless Naomi

(and Ruth and ultimately all of humanity); and yet Naomi can only perceive how SHE feels at the moment. She has no perception of the

blessing to come.

If you can relate to Naomi’s emotions, just a little, the following study in Scripture may be just what you need to be reminded that God has a good

plan for you—even if your circumstances have been or are terrible. Read the following Scriptures and jot down some notes:

Psalm 115 (I think Naomi could have written this Psalm by the time we

observe her at the end of the book)

Psalm 145:8-9

2 Timothy 2:13

Week 2 Day 4


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Notes on Week Two

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As we begin chapter two both our setting and some

of our characters change:

• Describe the new setting from v.1-7:

• Describe the new significant character in our narrative, his family

history, and where he is from:

• What does Ruth decide to do to help with survival (v.2):

If you are interested in some historical background on gleaning—

Read Deuteronomy 24:19-22.

• There is a unique phrase smack dab in the middle of v.3 that alludes to God’s providential hand in these ladies’ lives. If you have an NIV,

write the phrase from that translation:

As we noted yesterday, we can sometimes be unaware of divine

appointments. In this case, the sovereign God of Naomi’s people not only inspired Ruth to go into the barley field to glean, but directed her steps

to one particular field on one particular day as one particular man came

to check on the progress of his harvest.

• Describe Boaz’s observations and actions as he approached his

territory that day (v.5):

Week 3 Day 1



Boaz meets Ruth and begins to give her some

instructions and boundaries in v.8-9. What are they?

He addresses her as my daughter and back in v.5 he inquired about the

young woman. What do you think this implies about their age

difference?

He also explains a safety provision that he personally attended to in v.9.

What is it?

In v.10 Ruth responds to Boaz’s gestures of kindness with grace and

humility. How do you think she expected to be treated by the boss?

Boaz responds to her query in v.11-12 with some observations of Ruth’s

actions and character. Note some of his comments:

I hope that his final statement... “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel,

under whose wings you have come to take refuge." (NIV) ...will become a favorite phrase from this study.

Read the following passages and meditate on the significance of

sheltering under God’s care. • Psalm 27:4-5

• Psalm 61:1-4

Week 3 Day 2



We have some remarkable romance going on here!!

Boaz and Ruth first laid eyes on each other in the morning and now they are enjoying their first date at lunch!

• Ruth hasn’t overlooked Boaz’s care, protection, words of comfort and kindness; and

• Boaz already assessed Ruth’s character, diligence, and discernment

that has pointed her in the direction of “the LORD, the God of Israel”.

Boaz and Ruth were real people who lived during a real time period of

the Israelite nation. Any love story of two individuals is interesting—but

the greater love story here of personal redemption is downright amazing.

Let’s list any symbolism that you think applies to the different elements

of this story:

Physical Symbolic of_____________ Ruth (example) any believer (maybe specifically a Gentile)

Boaz

Boaz’s Field & Workers

The Grain

The bread and wine at mealtime

In the same way that Boaz instructed his men to make Ruth’s gleaning easy (v.16)—God goes to great lengths to make his plan of salvation easy

for us to understand. He has given us signs and symbols to help us.

Read Psalm 19:1-6. What is God’s daily reminder for us to know and

understand him as creator?

Read Ephesians 5:31-32. What has God established for us to know and

understand him as our Redeemer/Husband?

Week 3 Day 3



As Ruth returns to Naomi at the end of the day with

her bundle of grain, we see Naomi’s reaction in v.19. Do you think Naomi was expecting this bounty? It appears that her

plenty was so great that immediately Naomi suspects it had less to do

with Ruth’s gleaning skills and more to do with whom?

As Ruth tells her mother-in-law about her amazing day, gleaning in the

field of Boaz, we now see the first glimpse of a restoration of attitude in Naomi. Even though we are focusing on the redemption of Ruth, the

parallel story of restoration in Naomi is equally compelling. • What does v.20 indicate about her new hope?

• Has there been a time in your life that you needed restoration?

• Have you ever observed God’s use of those who are freshly ’in-love’

with Jesus to breath new hope and life into others whose love may have grown cold?

Discuss some of the above concepts in your discussion groups!

My Redemption Story Challenge:

If you are a born-again child of God, you too have a personal story of redemption—a romance of redemption. God seeks us out—He chooses

us and gives us an opportunity to respond and choose Him back.

Read Isaiah 43:1 Read Ephesians 1:4-7

Has your love story been complete? Have you said yes to Jesus? If you

have, when, where, and what were the circumstances of your story of redemption? Turn to the last pages of this study guide and begin your

challenge to write YOUR love story, YOUR testimony in a way that will be easy to share with anyone who might want to hear.

If you are not sure that you are truly a child of God—let’s walk through

the Scriptures together and respond to His call to belong to Him!

Week 3 Day 4


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Notes on Week Three

Date: ____________



This week we will be treated to some precious insights into God’s plan of redemption as we walk

alongside Ruth and Boaz and into the wonderful role that a kinsman-

redeemer plays in a person’s life. Let’s unpack today’s narrative:

• What is Naomi’s desire for Ruth (v.1)?

• What do you think the words ‘seek rest’ mean?

• List the things Naomi tells Ruth to do in v.3-4:

• Write out Ruth’s response to Naomi in v.5:

Naomi names Boaz as our relative. In chapter two she said he was a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers. It’s time to do a little research on

what God established as the purpose and role of a kinsman-redeemer.

You can read about the • Law for redeeming property in Leviticus 25:8-28

• Law for redeeming the name of the dead in Deuteronomy 25:5-10

How do you think Naomi/Ruth qualified for these provisions of the law?

Week 4 Day 1

If a man through poverty was forced to mortgage his property and then was unable to meet the payment , the man holding the mortgage could hold the land until the year of jubilee (which came every fifty years), at which time it reverted automatically to its former owner. But before this date a kinsman-redeemer (nearest male blood relation) could go to the court, make payment and recover the land for his relative. If the relation had died without an heir, then it became the duty of the kinsman-redeemer to marry his widow, and raise up the name of his brother. —Manners and Customs of Bible Lands2



We continue today to focus almost exclusively on

Boaz—the kinsman redeemer of our story. We are taking chapter three very slowly to give us plenty of time to appreciate

the spiritual symbolism that God intended us to understand through what these two people experienced.

—RELATING TO RUTH:

• Boaz approached Ruth in the grain field while she was gleaning. In v.7 who approaches whom?

• In the field, Boaz was choosing Ruth, preferring her, giving her special

attention; in this passage, how do we see Ruth choosing him back?

—RELATING TO ME:

• Read Matthew 11:25-28

• Read Hebrews 4:1 • Based on these New Testament passages, what are our personal

instructions for finding rest?

—ONLY ONE REDEEMER: Not just anyone can redeem. In the law of Moses, it was the kinsman-

redeemer; he had to be related—of the same family. For you or me to be redeemed (purchased back) from the grip of sin and death we need to

find someone related to us who has the right to purchase.

Read Hebrews 2:11-15, and Philippians 2:5-8

• What does the Bible explain about Jesus’ relation to us and his right

to purchase us?

Week 4 Day 2



Our narrative continues on the grain-strewn, moon-

lit, mid-night threshing floor on a summer evening.

I can create quite a scene in my imagination—can’t you?

• What are Boaz’s first words to Ruth?

• What is Ruth’s posture at this time (from v.7) and do you think there

is significance to it?

• What is Ruth’s request of Boaz (v.9)?

• What do you think she means by spread your wings? (consult some

different translations if you have access to them.)

• What do you think might be the significance of being covered by

someone who is a redeemer? What really is she asking?

Read Isaiah 61:10

Week 4 Day 3

Ruth’s rest, security, and covering will be established through Boaz’s redemption. She came to Judah to seek refuge under the wings of

Jehovah God. The realization of that will come specifically through seeking refuge under the wings of Boaz. We yearn to be reconciled to

our creator God, and it will only come through the covering or robes of Jesus Christ. —Sue

The sculptor Thors Walden chiseled a glorious statue of Jesus Christ. Due to the position of His body, however, it is impossible to see His

face. A sign next to the statue says this: “If you desire to see His face, you must first sit at His feet”. As you sit at the feet of that sculpture

and look up, it is then and only then that you see His face.



What is Boaz’s gracious response to Ruth’s request

(v.11)?

Compare his answer with Jesus’ promises to anyone who comes to him:

John 6:37-40:

Romans 10:12-13:

We should also take to heart those three powerful words in Boaz’s

response: ‘do not fear’. Have you ever had a sense of fear keep you from

approaching God? Not sure how He will respond to you?

Here are some passages to encourage us that some of God’s favorite

words are do not fear:

• Isaiah 41:10

• Lamentations 3:55-57 • Zephaniah 3:16-17

• 1 John 4:18

Everything has been moving along splendidly with Ruth and Boaz until we

get to verse 12! If this were a movie, the music would turn ominously minor in tone, we would probably notice a dark, barely-recognizable

stranger in the background, and then—cut for a commercial break.

What does Boaz mean a redeemer nearer than I? Is that possible? We have spent several days identifying that Boaz is a type of Jesus, how can

there be someone in line nearer to us than Jesus? We are about to find out—but we will have to wait for that commercial break—or at least until

the next chapter. Let’s get Ruth back to town first...

Week 4 Day 4


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Notes on Week Four

Date: ____________



We like to say actions speak louder than words. Boaz

had a knack for both! Not only did he assure Ruth with his words ‘do not fear’, and verbally promise to take action on her

request, but he even physically demonstrated action by giving her what?

I suppose we could interpret this shawl full of grain as: • A deposit on his future purchase

• A pledge that he will fulfill his vow • A guarantee of future provisions

Once again, we can see parallels to our own spiritual life: • Read Ephesians 1:13b-14 and explain what God gives us as a deposit,

pledge or guarantee to our future inheritance:

Let’s peek into the home of Naomi as Ruth comes back. • What does Naomi ask her?

There is really more here than a mother wanting to know how the date

went. There is a repetitive query of identity to uncover if we dig a little: • Write out Boaz’s question to Ruth back in v.9:

• Compare with Naomi’s question to Ruth in v.16 (from the KJV)

“Who art thou?”

These double queries are here for a purpose so let’s ponder them. Each one of us needs to come to the humble place, on the threshing floor of

our own lives, and honestly answer the question: who are you with “a sinner in need of grace”

“Ruth a Moabitess” Once we have come to Jesus, asking to find rest in him, and have

received the deposit of the Holy Spirit, we should have a wonderfully different response to:

who are you now “I am my beloved’s and He is mine” “Mrs. Boaz”

Week 5 Day 1



Finally, we come to the place of revealing this

mystery nearer-kinsman who was foreshadowed in the previous chapter. Describe the setting as this chapter opens:

• Where is the location?

• Who are the men involved (list all)?

• What do you suppose is the purpose of gathering at the gate?

When we read in v.3 that “Naomi...is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech” we might be perplexed and wonder

where she picked up land to sell, after all, weren’t these ladies so poor they had to glean in the fields? This may help:

When Boaz was with Ruth on the threshing floor he had referred to this man as a ‘redeemer nearer than I’. In other words, he came first on the

scene and was closer in relation. • What does Boaz suggest this man do?

• How does the nearer kinsman respond to this offer to purchase Naomi’s land back from the mortgage holder?

We have a developing problem. This nearer kinsman now wants to

exercise his right and responsibility to redeem. This has the potential to mess up our whole romance. #TeamBoaz cheerleaders are feeling

anxious! But don’t worry—all we have to do is turn the page!

Week 5 Day 2

In the case of Ruth and Naomi, Elimelech's property had either been sold or was under some kind of mortgage, and the rights to the land had

passed to Ruth's husband, Mahlon, when Elimelech died. This explains why Ruth was also involved in the transaction. She was too poor,

however, to redeem the land. —Bible Exposition Commentary 1



In a shocking turn of events, this nearer-kinsman has

agreed to purchase the field belonging to Naomi and now Boaz tells him that something… or someone comes along with that

transaction. • Who goes with the field?

• What will be expected on the part of the redeemer?

As soon as the man learned Ruth from Moab was part of the purchase

and would be included in the transaction: • What was his response?

• What was his reason?

• What did he offer Boaz?

Read Romans 8:3 and Galatians 3:23,25 and Hebrews 7:19

The nearer-kinsman would not redeem Ruth because her Moabite nature would mess up his established estate, he could not admit her in

because of his standards, his image.

We are all in Ruth’s situation in that we are born with Moab in our

blood, we are born into a sinful human race and have an innate sinful nature. Even if you followed every aspect of the law, it still could not

accept you because of who you are from birth, because of your sinful nature. The Law, which came before Jesus, would have to lower its

standards, it is incapable of admitting you.

Week 5 Day 3

Redeeming was multi-faceted in the Mosaic laws: Redeeming the liberty—buying someone out of slavery,

Redeeming the property —buying back their land sold due to hardship, bad business, etc., and

Redeeming the blood—bearing a child to continue the name of the relative



The Business of Redeeming:

The theme of Ruth is redemption, but chapter four in particular points our attention to the transaction of redeeming.

• Read verses 1-10 again tallying how many times you encounter transaction words like redeem, buy, purchase: __________

• Look up the word redeem in a regular dictionary:

• Would you make any adjustments for a spiritual definition? Write out your spiritual definition of redeem:

• Boaz’s transaction to purchase Ruth was done in a very public place

and method. How does this parallel Jesus redeeming us?

• Boaz purchased the land (including Ruth) out of his own resources—

his own wealth. How does this parallel Jesus’ payment for us?

Write the last five words of v.10:

The transfer of ownership took place in front of witnesses—there were

people to attest to the fact that Ruth now belonged to someone new. • If you have transferred ownership of your life to Jesus Christ—have

you been intentional about making sure there are witnesses that KNOW something has changed in your life?

• Do you think God is stirring up something He might want you to do to make your surrender to Christ more public?

• Have you been baptized in water in front of witnesses?

Week 5 Day 4


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Notes on Week Five

Date: ____________



I love blessings! I love when people say the Lord bless

you! I love how we read in Ruth about people pronouncing blessings on others once we return to the land of Judah.

Review these passages and let’s recount some of those blessings.

2:4 2:12

2:20 3:10

I could use a little more of the blessing mindset in my conversation. Maybe we should all consciously replace good luck and best wishes with

the Lord bless you.

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

• Although the word bless is not used in v.11-12, what is the blessing

that is conveyed toward Ruth?

• What is the sentiment conveyed toward Boaz?

• And, although the historical reference to Tamar and Judah can be confusing, that is the blessing wished upon their household?

...more about the blessing of children and legacy tomorrow!

Week 6 Day 1

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia regarding blessings— There are instances where a blessing may be taken in the prophetic

sense, as when Isaac blessed Jacob (Genesis 27:4, 27), putting himself, as it were, in God's place; and with a sense of the Divine concurrence,

pronouncing the good named. The word becomes, in part, a prayer for, and in part, a prediction of, the good intended.



Blessings continued:

A bit of time has passed now since that wedding day at the city gate. Ruth has given birth to a son and the hearts of the

women of Israel continue to pronounce blessings. • Who are they pronouncing blessings upon or to (v.14):

• List some of the elements of their blessing:

• Who are they crediting or attributing this happy occurrence to?

Rejoicing: The women were responding with the same attitude the

Apostle Paul exhorts us with in Romans 12:15 (read). Think of some current application in your life to this verse—maybe something that you

either HAVE or HAVE NOT YET responded to recently. Take action and prepare to share with your group.

The Blessing of Children: Our story represents an element of God’s heart that is often minimized in our culture — the purpose and blessing of

procreation in marriage. Not every marriage produces children, but we should view their addition as a blessing rather than a burden.

Read Genesis 1:27-28 and explain God’s first directive to the people He

has just created:

Read Malachi 2:15 and explain how God intends his people to protect

our family legacy:

Finally, read Psalm 127:3-5 & Psalm 145:4. Share your thoughts:

Week 6 Day 2



How many of you with a brood of littles stopped in

your tracks at v.16? A full-time, nurse-nanny-grandma in your home to help? HEAVEN! Maybe you already raised your

children and think, ‘oh, if only I had a Naomi back in the day’.

This little guy Obed, who’s name means servant becomes something of a kinsman-redeemer to Naomi. He will be the grandfather of King David

and through David’s greater son Jesus Christ, a kinsman redeemer will be provided for us all. I love how God works things out like that!

This book closes with the important family lineage of Obed—both

backward and forward: • Who does the author begin the linage with (v.18)?

• Moving forward from Obed where does the linage end (v.22)?

Read Matthew 1:2-6. Did you notice Ruth’s name listed in v.5? Read again v.2-6 and list the women mentioned in this genealogy:

• •

• Ruth •

If you know a little about each of these women’s circumstances in life—do you not think this genealogy illustrates God's wonderful grace?

Genealogies were very important to the Jews, for without them they could not prove their tribal memberships or their rights to inheritances.

Matthew gave our Lord's family tree through His foster father, Joseph, while Luke gave Mary's lineage.

This "list of names" is a vital part of the Gospel record. It shows that

Jesus Christ is a part of history; that all of Jewish history prepared the way for His birth. God in His providence ruled and overruled to

accomplish His great purpose in bringing His Son into the world. —Warren Weirsbe, Bible Exposition Commentary 1

Week 6 Day 3


Our study is finished! I hope you now possess a

complete copy of the book of Ruth written in your own hand—that is an accomplishment—kudos!

I also hope you have been personally spoken to by the Holy Spirit through this study. God has a way of reaching into our minds and our hearts

because His Word is living and active.

You may know that I often like to ‘do life’ in triplets, so I want to encourage you to jot down the three most significant concepts to you

personally through this study. Prepare to share in your study group.

•

•

•

And, finally—your personal story of redemption!

How are you doing? Have you made it through all four steps?

We should know that in these last-days, our personal story of God

transferring us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light may be the most powerful tool for the Holy Spirit to use as He chooses to

draw others to Himself. I’m glad that we’ve all taken on this project together. In the same way Naomi and Ruth had very different stories of

God’s redemption, so we too represent a little army of God’s women with unique stories. It will be fascinating to see how God will use your

preparation in the coming year.

Well, thanks for joining us….

May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel,

under whose wings you have come to take refuge. Ruth 2:12 (NIV)

Week 6 Day 4


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Notes on Week Six

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Preparing Your 3-Minute Redemption Story—Part One We are quite similar to the women we’ve been studying. Both Ruth and Naomi experienced a unique, life-changing encounter with God. If you are born-again, you too have a personal story to tell and it is your most valuable asset when explaining to someone your faith and hope in your relationship with God. As part of our Bible study, I want to encourage you to prepare a brief personal testimony, so that we are each “prepared to give an answer for anyone who asks you for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) Why Prepare Your Personal Testimony? • To encourage yourself and others with the Lord’s work in your life. • To prepare your story thoughtfully and prayerfully, opposed to “winging it”. • To use it in witnessing opportunities. • To use it in opportunities for Christian encouragement. Why 3 minutes? • It causes you to leave out things that are not effective in telling your story. • It causes you to be concise and sensitive to your listener’s attention span. As you begin to think about your own journey to knowing God, let me share some possible categories that many people fall into. These categories aren’t meant to squeeze you into a mold, but rather give you some understanding as to the unique value of YOUR story. • Type A You became a Christian at a young age and have generally continued to walk with the Lord. • Type B You became a Christian at a young age, but had a period of rebellion, immaturity, or worldliness. • Type C You became a Christian later in life. Let’s elaborate on these general categories: Testimony Type A: Your testimony may relate more to Christians—so the challenge will be to prepare it in such a way that a non-Christian can relate. It may be a testimony of God’s protection, faithfulness, and blessing. Don’t feel like you’ve missed out


because you haven’t been wild! Be thankful for God’s goodness and share your story with thanks and joy! As you prepare, you may want to think of a theme for your life. Perhaps how God has helped you deal with friendships, peer pressure, goals in life, etc. Include specific incidents in which you’ve seen God work to exemplify that He makes a difference in our everyday lives. Share that you still have problems like everyone else, but Christ is there. Make sure you communicate that at a point (even if you don’t remember the exact moment) you put your trust in Christ. Don’t let them think you’ve always been a Christian (obviously you haven’t). Testimony Type B: Possibly begin with the story of your life during the time of your rebellion or immaturity. When you get to the part about how Christ changed your life, refer back to the time you had put your trust in Him. Share briefly how you made the decision early in life. Share why perhaps you did not see continued growth and share how the Lord brought you back to Himself.

Remember that when we accept Christ, changes occur (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you feel like you made some type of decision early in life and nothing really changed, it could be that you were not really converted at that point. Becoming a Christian involves trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins and repenting of them, not just praying a prayer. Your testimony might be confusing to people if it sounds like you became a Christian and nothing really happened until you decided to get serious about God. Don’t hold on to the idea that you became a Christian at an early age because you’ve always thought that, if there is no evidence of conversion. On the other hand, it is possible to be converted and go through times of rebellion or immaturity because of being a babe in Christ. Testimony Type C: You may be the person who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus later in your life. You may have been anti-God in your thinking, or perhaps were part of a false religious system. You may want to begin with your life, attitudes and interests before Christ.

• Was there a theme related to what you were seeking in life? • How would others have described you? • How did you view Christ and Christianity?


Consider sharing a specific incident that describes what you were like. Share about the events or persons that caused you to begin to show interest in Christ or understand the Bible. Share about your decision to trust Christ for forgiveness. Paint a picture of what it was like that might help others see how they could do that also.

• Why did you make this decision? • How your life began to change? • Let them know you still have problems, but that Christ is there.

For any testimony, but especially the type-C you may consider sharing how you are a different person since you have come to know Christ. A helpful three-point outline would be: Before—How—After Before I received Christ: • What was my life like? • What were my attitudes, needs, and problems? • Around what did my life revolve most? • From what source did I get my security or happiness? • How did those areas begin to disappoint me? • In what ways were my activities unsatisfying?

How I received Christ: • When was the first time I was exposed to true Christianity and heard the

Gospel? How did it happen? • What were my initial reactions? When did my attitude begin to change? • What were the final struggles that went through my mind just before I

received Christ? Why did I decide to receive Christ? After I received Christ: • What are some specific changes Christ has made in my life, actions, and

attitudes? • How long did it take before I noticed the changes? • How and why am I motivated differently now? Now that you have read this far, just think about your own journey a little, pray about how God would want to you to share the very unique and precious gift that is YOUR personal story.


Preparing Your 3-Minute Redemption Story—Part Two Now you begin writing the first draft of your testimony. Here are some helpful insights as you begin your first draft assignment. And remember you are preparing your story in such a way as to communicate with both groups and individuals. • Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you as you prepare. (James 1:5) • Keep within your time limit of 3 minutes. • Write with a non-Christian listener in mind—later you can tweak it for a

Christian audience. • Try to write as you would speak. • Begin with an attention-getting sentence or story. • Consider weaving your story around a theme. • Be positive from start to finish. • Speak boldly about Jesus. He is the focus of your testimony. • Present the gospel to make it clear how someone could begin a personal

relationship with Christ. • Be accurate, but remember you’re not giving a play-by-play of your life. The

goal is to communicate the gospel and what God has done in your life. • Write a closing that provides a finished and logical conclusion. Once you have written this first draft, you may want to just leave it in your notebook or tuck it in your Bible for a day or two and then after a little time, move to Part Three.


Preparing Your 3-Minute Redemption Story—Part Three Now that you’ve written your first draft, you get to edit what you have written and prepare a final. Read through what you have already prepared and ask yourself these questions: • Is my testimony simple? • Have I used any churchy words that a non-Christian wouldn’t understand,

like walked the aisle, gave my heart to Jesus, convicted, converted? • Have I used words that may need more explanation: I.e., sin (rebellion

against God), faith (trust), quiet time (reading the Bible and praying), etc.? • Have I made any statements that may reflect negatively on a church,

organization, people, or denominations? (It is not wise to make a negative reference about anything or anyone. Eliminate them.)

• Have I glamorized my sin? Be careful that you don’t sound like you’re proud of what you did or that it still sounds fun.

• Are there any parts still too detailed as I describe my sinful lifestyle? Not everyone needs to know the specifics; for example: You can say you were involved with drugs without listing all the types. You can say you were in some bad relationships without divulging your sexual history.

• Does my testimony express assurance that I know I have eternal life and clearly communicate how a person can receive Christ?

• Would someone caught in the grip of today’s sexual sins understand God’s forgiveness and see hope for a place in God’s Kingdom?

Take time to re-write your story based on these evaluating questions.

Preparing Your 3-Minute Redemption Story—Part Four You are on the home stretch. All that’s left is to actually practice sharing your testimony: • Memorize what you have written. • Practice sharing it with a friend, this will help you know if it’s under 3

minutes as well. • Look for an opportunity to share—perhaps in your WOW group. May the Lord bless you as you take time to be prepared for the hope you have in Christ. I KNOW the Holy Spirit will provide opportunities to make use of your story!


References

ESV Bible verses…

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English

Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry

of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

NIV Bible verses…

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®,

NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by per-

mission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1— Wiersbe, Warren. Bible Exposition Commentary – Be Committed

(Ruth). Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

2—Wight, Fred H. Manners and Customs of Bible Lands. Chicago: Moody

press, 1980. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

3—International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Public Domain


The following WOW Bible Studies written by Sue LeBoutillier are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and on the Women’s Stud-ies page at ccontario.com

Old Testament:

• Genesis—Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt

• Exodus—Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai

• Numbers—The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan

• Ruth—Walking with My Redeemer

New Testament:

• The Sermon on the Mount—Walking in God’s Kingdom

• The I Am Statements of Jesus—Walking with the Great I Am

• Acts—Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days

• Galatians—Walking in Grace

• Philippians—Finding Joy

• Colossians—Walking in Strength and Power

• 1 & 2 Peter— Walking in Hope, Holiness and Humility in a Hostile World

• James— Real Faith for Daily Life

• 1,2,3 John—Light, Love and Logic, Lessons from the Apostle John

Women of the Word Bible Studies

sue leboutillier—women of the word · sue leboutillier—women of the word x answer and apply the...

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