Ruth: Hope Out of Darkness – New Year

Notes:

The book of Ruth is full of small little details, customs of the times, and legal technicalities. It is important to consider the power of those small little decisions that we often take for granted. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz were just trying to do the best they could in the dark world in which they lived. Their daily decisions just seemed like normal, functional choices and yet their decisions were being used in a more powerful way than they could imagine.

Small choices from a truthful and righteous desire matter to God.
Seemingly little decisions of faith have huge consequences in God’s kingdom.
Small choices as well as seemingly insignificant decisions pave the path for God’s mighty provision!

Luke 16:10-12 (NLT)
10  “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in
little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.  11  And if you are untrustworthy
about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?  12  And if you are not
faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

1. Identify some decisions or choices that were made by the characters in Ruth.
2. How does love influence the choices we make?
3. How does loyalty affect our decision making?
4. What are some small decisions that you don’t like that you make regularly?
5. What are some choices that you would like to make differently for 2023?
6. How do your little decisions affect your relationships?
   Relationship with your friends?
   Relationship with your family?
   Relationship with your church?
   Relationship with God?