Lessons from Ruth:  Redemption | Reconciliation | Restoration

We exist to Fill the City with Jesus. 

We empower the willing to come fully alive in God’s presence for the renewal of our cities.

  Imagine a group of people in an authentic community, loving each other honestly, covering each other’s sins with forgiveness, prayer, confession, and encouragement, and serving and supporting each other genuinely. It’s in spaces like these where we begin to see the supernatural work of God within our relationships. 

Use this guide with your community, in concert with the Field Journal, as you Strengthen Yourself in the Lord, Manage Your Household, and Fill the City with Jesus.

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Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

Sermon Summary

This week we follow the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz and see a physical representation of a spiritual truth: there is possibility for true redemption (freedom), reconciliation (peace), and restoration (wholeness), no matter how difficult life’s circumstances. In this process, we learn that mere proximity to Jesus is insufficient for the lasting provision that we desperately need. In order to receive true and lasting redemption, reconciliation, and restoration, what’s needed is genuine relationship: Abiding in Christ.

Scripture References from the Sermon

|   Ruth 1:1–2   |   Ruth 1:6   |   Ruth 2:1-3   |   Ruth 2:20   |   Ruth 3:3-4   |   Ruth 3:9   |   Mark 10:45   |   1 Peter 2:9   |   2 Corinthians 5:15, 17   |   Romans 5:10   |   2 Corinthians 5:18–19   |   1 Peter 5:10   |   Ephesians 4:22–24   |   2 Corinthians 4:16–18   | 

Discussion Questions

• Do you identify in any way to Naomi and Ruth? Why?
• Read Ruth 1:1-2. Discuss the contradictions. Talk about some contradictions in your own life: What are areas of your life that don’t match with the identity that God has given to you?
• Read Ruth 2:1-3. In what ways are you gleaning rather than abiding? Why?
• Read Ruth 3:3-4. Naomi gave Ruth instructions that would ultimately lead to redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. What are ways your community has helped move you towards abiding with Jesus over proximity to Jesus?
• Read Ruth 3:9. What are some areas of your life that you still haven’t invited Jesus to “spread the corner of His garment” over?
• Based on what you’ve learned, what rhythms, practices, words, or attitudes need to be added, changed, or removed for the good of your household? For your city?

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Manage Your Household 

Practical spiritual activities:

• Worship together – Dedicate time each week to worship with those in your household.
• Pray together – Dedicate time each day for listening to and speaking with the Lord individually, and as a household. Record ongoing prayer requests into your journal or Field Journal.
• Intercede for one another – Ask those in your household what is on their heart, then pray for one another. Refer to “Prayer Requests From Our Community” below and prayer recorded in your Field Journal and pray together for your city.
• Read together – Spend time together reading God’s Word. Consider the Bible reading guide on our website.
• Journal & Share – Share insight from what you’ve been hearing from the Lord and capturing in your journal weekly.
• Take communion together – For those who are followers of Jesus, consider taking the elements together. There is a communion guide on our website.

Event Highlight 

• Register for Gather & Grow, a re|planted event connecting you with a community dedicated to supporting adoptive and foster families. Come hear the heart behind re|planted, meet others, and discover how you can get involved—whether you’re exploring the ministry or already serving. 
• For more, visit gracechurchsp.org/events  

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Fill Your City

Prayer Requests From Our Community

• Pray for the salvation of loved ones lost in false religions.
• Pray for the restoration of health, ease of pain, and for clarity and peace of mind to all those battling physical illness or mental distress.
• Pray for Red Branch Baptist Church and Pastor Jeff Mitchell.

Serve Opportunities 

• In the Church – Love creating a welcoming, secure environment? Join our Safety Team to help our church family and guests worship with peace of mind.
• In the City – Join us Sept 10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for a blood drive as we partner with the Red Cross on our Seven Lakes Campus.
• For more, visit gracechurchsp.org/serve 

Your City

• There are six areas of the city: family, health & wellness, business, education, government, and media. What are ways you can serve in your city?
• Share Your Story about what God is doing in your life and your city here: https://gracechurchsp.org/story/