Seven studies for small groups to explore the book of Ruth together and learn how God provides for his people.
Part of the Good Book Guides series.
Ruth is one of the best short stories ever written. We are drawn to the characters: grieving Naomi, loyal Ruth, and compassionate Boaz. The setting is also intriguing, as it takes place during the time of the judges.
The plot is a story of redemption which is part of the grand story of redemption. And at the heart of the resolution is Boaz, a figure who points to David’s greatest son, Jesus.
Features close attention to the text, a focus on real-life application, and questions that really open up discussion.
Why Study Ruth?
1. Leaving God's Land (1:1-5)
2. The Return (1:6-22)
3. A Field of Favor (2:1-13)
4. Hospitality, Kindness, and Hope (2:14-23)
5. Cold Feet (3:1-18)
6. Take My Sandal (4:1-12)
7. The Promised Son (4:13-22)
Leader's Guide
| Contributors | Tony Merida |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781784983888 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | November 2020 |
| Dimensions | 140mm x 210mm x 4.8mm |
| Weight | 0.13 kg |
| Print size | 9.0pt |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 96 |
| No. of studies | 7 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
I love this small group study guide series from The Good Book Company. Christians are regularly told they should spend more time studying God’s Word, but sometimes there’s not a clear plan for how to do this. These study guides provide practical, step-by-step guidance on working through books of the Bible, along with wonderful questions that encourage reflection and application. I hope churches and Christian ministries will take advantage of this wonderful resource.
The aim of the The Good Book Company is to be biblical, relevant and accessible, and nothing embodies that ethos more than their Good Book Guides. Each guide provides a framework for your group to dig into the text of Scripture for itself while providing enough of a steer to keep you on track plus useful pointers towards application. The result is a great combination of fidelity to Scripture and ease of use.
The Good Book Guides are an immensely precious resource for the church. A careful blend of helpful context and clearly-worded, searching questions which aim to help readers to uncover the meaning of the text and apply it in responsible ways. I think these small group studies are the best available and pray that they will continue to prove helpful to local churches across the world!
The story of Ruth is now a story that I want to revisit every advent season. It’s a beautiful picture that points us to our beautiful Savior. This commentary has helped me make that connection. And it has helped me see more of Jesus.... continue reading
Merida shows himself to be more than competent in rightly handling the Word of God. He is a pastor who peaches regularly and has written multiple commentaries, so he has certainly proven himself able to write for this series.... continue reading
I have been doing this study with a group of High School Sophomores. They love it. Several do not know the story of Ruth and have enjoyed the narrative book. It is the perfect level for them. I really enjoy the extra passages that allow for a deeper dive into the customs of the time.
As a female in the church, I am often pointed to the book of Ruth for encouragement and example of how to be a godly woman. Even though this is certainly a major takeaway of the book, Merida has done an outstanding job of pulling so much more out of this book making it applicable not just for females.
He presents an in-depth look at the historical setting and just what it meant for Boaz to be Ruth’s redeemer and how Boaz sets an incredibly example for godly men, but moreover how the entire book paints an incredible picture of the gospel and what Christ has done for us.
This book is arranged in a way that it is to be used for personal devotions or for group conversational use. Each chapter ends with discussion questions that provoke deeper thinking and each section is short enough that it would be suitable for a wide range of groups.
I highly recommend this book not only to females looking to study an amazing example of being a godly woman but to men and women alike who want to know their Saviour more through the ways in which he has worked in the lives of those in the past so that they can appreciate all the more what He is doing for us now.
