Hold Fast - Part 5: “Hold Fast to the Promise”

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Jake continues a study through the Book of Ruth with Part 5 “Hold Fast to the Promise.” Today we are exploring the first several verses of Ruth chapter 4, as Boaz gets to work redeeming Naomi’s land and arranging to take Ruth as his bride. In this passage we see a picture of Jesus’ love for us, and how He works to redeem our lives in the midst of a broken world. Life Group Questions: Recap the Story found in Ruth 4:1-10, and review 2 more key passages: Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and Genesis 15. Then discuss as a group the following questions . . . 1) When Boaz seeks out the near-kinsman to discuss the redemption of Naomi’s land, and marriage to Ruth, what is the near-kinsman willing to do? What is he un-willing to do? Why doesn’t he want to marry Ruth? 2) Let’s talk about what does Boaz to redeem each person in this story: a. How did Naomi lose her land, what does it cost Boaz to redeem it? b. How did the near-kinsman fail in his role as redeemer, and what were the potential consequences? What does Boaz do for him instead? c. What all does Boaz give up in order to marry Ruth? Was she desirable to anyone else? Why did Boaz treasure her so much? 3) Which of the 3 people in this story (Naomi, the near-kinsman, Ruth) do you most relate to? Why? 4) How does the story of God’s covenant with Abram in Genesis 15, relate to this story? How is that a picture of our relationship with Jesus now? 5) In light of these passages, how do you see this parable that Jesus told about God’s Kingdom . . . Matthew 13:44 (ESV) The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. What is the field? What or who is the treasure? Who is the man buying the field? How does this reflect the story of Jesus redeeming our lives? 6) How has Jesus redeemed your life? Is there something recently in your life you have watched Him redeem? Is there something you are going through right now that He is in the process of redeeming? 7) What is 1 main thing Jesus is speaking to you through this passage? What is he asking you to do in response?