Hold Fast - Part 3: “Hold Fast to Grace”

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Jake continues a study through the Book of Ruth with Part 3 “Hold Fast to Grace.” We explore the story of Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz, and learn how it is a reflection of God’s grace in our lives, as His providence, protection, and provision are made available to us. Life Group Questions: Recap the Story found in Ruth chapter 2, and then discuss as a group the following questions . . . 1) What is God’s providence? a. See verse 4: “the Lord be with you, the Lord bless you” b. Webster’s Dictionary definition: the care and superintendence, which God exercises over his creatures 2) How does providence differ from chance or coincidence? How do we look for God’s providence, the way Ruth did? a. Can you think of a time when you noticed God’s providence at work in your life? b. Can you think of a time in your life when you missed His providence, and then realized it later? 3) How does Boaz offer Ruth protection in the story (see verses 8-9)? What does Ruth have to do in order to receive this protection? Ruth gets confused, or just hears what she wants to hear, and changes the instructions (see verse 21). How does she get back on track (see verse 22)? 4) How do we stay close to God, the way Ruth was instructed to stay close to the young women? How can we learn to hear God’s instructions to us? Do you have a “Naomi” in your life that can speak this kind of truth to you? Can you think of an example of when this has happened in your life? 5) How do we see God’s provision for Ruth & Naomi in this story? What part does Ruth play in receiving this provision? How do we do that in our own lives? 6) Once Ruth receives this provision, what does she do with it? What difference does that make in Naomi’s life (see verses 19-20)? How important is it for us to share God’s provision with others? 7) What is 1 main thing Jesus is speaking to you through this passage? What is he asking you to do?