Redemption in Ruth
Ruth 1:1-6 | Chris Mead | November 23, 2025
Ruth begins by highlighting the deep irony woven into its first six verses—names, places, and events that feel deliberately opposite of what God’s people would expect. Set in the dark days of the Judges, the story reveals a family trying to escape God’s discipline by leaving the “house of bread” for Moab, seeking greener pastures apart from God. Their choices lead to loss, emptiness, and hitting rock bottom, especially for Naomi. Yet the heart of the message is God’s providence: even when we run, even when our decisions lead us into barren places, God uses our pain to draw us back to Himself. The call of the sermon is clear—when life disappoints and nothing satisfies, return to the only One who gives true life. As Peter said to Jesus, “Where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. READ Ruth 1:1-6. The sermon asked, “IS THE GRASS GREENER APART FROM GOD?”
o What are things that cause doubts and struggles? When have you been tempted to look for greener grass outside of God’s ways?
o What did that decision cost you or teach you?
3. Hard Teaching/Hard Calling:
o John 6 was used as an example of people leaving when Jesus’ call is misunderstood or feels too hard. What part of Jesus’ call can you struggle with or feels “too hard”? (Ex. Standing up against culture, standing out in your community/family, believing all the Bible says, consistently gathering and being in community, sacrificing, loving, etc.)
o What small, specific next step can you take to follow him there?
4. Redemption of Past Mistakes
o What is something painful from your past that God has brought good out of and redeemed?
o Is there something that you are waiting for God to redeem and bring good out of? How can this group pray or help you trust God to use it for good?
5. “Coming Home”
o Naomi returned when she heard God was providing bread again. Who in your life needs an invitation to come “home” this Christmas?
o Brainstorm one practical way you can invite someone to the Christmas Eve services (or simply to church) and commit to doing it this week.
Redemption in Ruth
Ruth 1:6-22 | Chris Meade | November, 30 2025
Like “a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad season,” Naomi’s life had unraveled—yet God planted a seed of hope that stirred her to return home. The message emphasizes that true repentance is more than changing our behavior or location; it is a return of the heart to God. While Naomi’s physical steps led her toward Bethlehem, her heart had not yet fully turned, reminding us that God desires transformation deeper than outward actions. In contrast, Ruth’s radical loyalty and sacrificial character reveal a faith that chooses what is right even when it makes no earthly sense. We are challenged to examine what we celebrate—achievement or character—and to allow the Spirit to shape us into people whose lives shine with integrity, love, and hope. Ultimately, the chapter ends by reminding us that God is still working, still restoring, and still leading His people into seasons of blessing.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Seasons of Life:
o When have you experienced a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Season”
o How did God be invite you—like Naomi—to begin the journey back home toward Him?
3. Read Ruth 6:6-22. Note the each of the three ladies and their actions. (Use the key on the other side to list specifically how each person responds differently.) Naomi responds with partial repentance—or the beginning of repentance:
o Naomi takes the steps to return physically- but not yet with her heart. Are there times of your life where you “returned physically” to God (church attendance, spiritual habits) but are still asking Him to bless an old Moab—an area of life you haven’t surrendered?
o In what ways have you focused on outward “behavior modification” rather than genuine heart-level repentance? What would it look like for you to give God your whole heart, not just your physical presence?
o Naomi responds with earthly wisdom and strategy—Have there been times when trusting in God did not make earthly sense? How has God been calling you to choose what is right—even when it doesn’t seem to make earthly sense?
4. Ruth Responds with Selfless Character
o Ruth chose loyalty and sacrificial love when there was nothing in it for her. Who is God calling you to bless, serve, or walk with—not for personal gain, but purely out of Christlike character?
o What do you celebrate most in yourself, your spouse, your kids, or your community—achievement or character? What intentional steps could you take this week to celebrate spiritual growth, character, and THINKING, LOVING, AND LIVING like Jesus?
5. Call Me Mara = Call Me Bitter…
o Naomi returned bitter and angry at God—Have you ever had a season of feeling bitter, like Naomi?
o How can honesty with God, community support, and the hope of the gospel help you begin moving from bitterness to trust in God’s future blessing?
How Did Each Lady Respond?
- Naomi
- Orpah
- Ruth