Ruth: Providence in the Field
This week’s texts from Scripture are:
Sermon Outline:
I. Trusting God’s Provision (Ruth 2:2–3)
Ruth steps out in faith to glean, trusting God’s Word and His people to provide.
God’s law makes space for generosity and care for the poor.
Giving and serving flow from the overflow of God’s generosity to us.
Reflection: How has God provided for you, and how are you passing that blessing to others?
II. God’s Providence Through Boaz (Ruth 2:4–16)
Boaz enters with words of blessing and a heart of compassion.
God uses Boaz to provide protection, provision, and prayer for Ruth.
What looks like “chance” is actually the current of God’s sovereign grace at work.
Reflection: Where might God be inviting you to notice and respond to someone in need?
III. Seeing the Current of Grace (Ruth 2:17–23)
Naomi begins to recognize God’s hand again—her bitterness turns to blessing.
Grace transforms perspective: from despair to hope, from emptiness to fullness.
We’re invited to look back and see where God’s current has carried us.
Reflection: Ask God for eyes to see His grace at work—in your life, your community, and the world.
Application Questions…
Scriptural Comprehension (Understanding the Passage)
What does Ruth’s decision to go and glean in the fields show us about her faith and character?
How did God’s Law in Leviticus 19:9–10 make provision for the poor, and how does that law shape Ruth’s actions in this story?
What are the first recorded words Boaz speaks, and why is that significant in understanding his character?
How does the author emphasize God’s providence in the way Ruth “happened” to come to Boaz’s field?
In what ways do we see Naomi’s attitude and faith begin to change by the end of Ruth chapter 2?
Life Application (Living Out the Text)
The sermon described a “current of grace” moving through this story. Where have you seen that current of God’s grace at work in your own life recently?
Ruth acted in faith by doing something very ordinary—going to work. How can we learn to trust God in the everyday, ordinary tasks of life?
Boaz noticed Ruth when others might have overlooked her. Who in your life might need to be “noticed” with compassion and encouragement this week?
God’s law created a system of generosity toward the poor. How might you build rhythms of generosity into your own life or household?
Boaz used his position and resources to protect and provide for Ruth. How might you use your influence or resources to serve others?
Naomi’s heart begins to soften as she recognizes God’s kindness. What helps you see God’s hand at work even when life feels bitter or confusing?
The sermon said, “Sometimes the manna falls from heaven, and sometimes God sends you to go and gather it.” Which of those seasons are you in right now, and how can you respond faithfully?
When was the last time you reached out to someone because God brought them to mind? What happened as a result?
You were encouraged to write a “spiritual autobiography.” What are a few moments when you can clearly see God’s current carrying you along, even when you didn’t realize it at the time?
How can we pray this week for “eyes to see” what God is already doing in our lives, families, and world?