CENTRAL THOUGHT
The believer in Christ should, in Godly fear, have strength of character.
HYMN: “I am Thine O Lord”
TEXT: Ruth 2
INTRODUCTION:
We continue the character study on Ruth, the Moabites, a young woman who through her marriage into a Jewish family had come to believe and trust in the God of Israel. Israel was God’s chosen nation that should have set the standards of high moral living for the other nations, but life in Israel had become bleak. Ironically, it was this Moabites whom God used as an example of genuine spiritual character. Though a young widow, she had accepted to return from her own country with her widowed mother-in-law, now poor, to be bound to each other. (Ruth 1:16-17). They must have shared deep sorrow together, great affection for each other and an overriding commitment to the God of Israel. This second study will attempt to expose Ruth’s determination, faith, godly fear and strength of character, which stand as challenges to each believer in Christ today.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- Appreciate the character of Ruth in a strange land, as being industrious.
- Appreciate Ruth’s action of faith and exemplary godly qualities.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. FROM RUTH 2:2-3, WHAT CHARACTER OF RUTH CAN WE APPRECIATE?
Ruth made her home in a foreign land. Instead of depending on Naomi or waiting for good fortune to happen, she took the initiative. She didn’t sit or idle away bemoaning her state; instead, she went to work. She was not afraid of admitting her need or working hard to supply it. No matter how devastating our present situation may be, our hope is (and should be) in God. His resources are infinite. His supreme control over circumstances/ situations brings us safety and security. In faith, Ruth went out to the fields, and God provided for her. With her faith in the God of Israel, she accepted the law in Israel (Levit. 19:9; 23:22; Deut. 24:19) that made provision for poor people to pick up or glean any grain that dropped (and is left) from the reapers, to be used for food. She humbly believed in Israel, and because she was a widow with no means of providing for herself, Ruth went into the fields to glean corn or grain. Observe how humbly she speaks in her expectation: “Let me glean after him in whose sight shall find grace/favor.” So, she was not lazy but a hardworking and ambitious young woman. She was one of those virtuous women that love not to eat the bread of idleness, but love to take pain and labor. We must not be shy of any honest employment, though it be mean or lowly. We must also appreciate Ruth’s dutiful regard for her mother-in-law; she will not go out without letting her know and seeking her consent. This is part of the honor due parents, as young people show them respect. Lastly, Ruth believed that while she may not know which way to go nor whom to enquire for, she trusted in the favor that only God bestows that her steps will be ordered.
Q2. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM RUTH’S INDUSTRIOUS CHARACTER, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES/ SITUATION SHE FOUND HERSELF?
RUTH 2:5-7; EPH. 5:15-18; PRO. 10:1-4; 19:15; 20:4; 21:7; 22:13; ROM. 12:11
In Bethlehem, a strange land, Ruth was determined and had a goal. She requested for a task that was menial, tiring and perhaps degrading (picking leftover grain) or “not up to her true potential”, and did it faithfully. Her employer had this to say: “she went into the field and has worked steadily from morning until now, except for a short rest in the shelter.” (Ruth 2:7). What is your attitude when the task you have been given is, may be, not up to your true potential or qualification? The job at hand may be the work God wants you to do or even all you can do to open for you new doors of opportunity. Why not open your eyes and be wise, understanding what the will of the Lord is for the now? Ruth was not slothful, discouraged/frustrated and idle, did not take to begging during harvest; neither did she complain as some of us do in the church today. Her life exhibited admirable qualities: she was hardworking, brave and faithful. These qualities really can open up new doors today.
Q3. WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF THE ACTION OF FAITH RUTH EXERCISED, WHEN (IN RUTH 2:2) SHE SAID “LET ME NOW GO TO THE FIELD… IN WHOSE SIGHT I SHALL FIND GRACE”?
RUTH 2:8-17; PROV. 12:24; 14:23; 21:5; 22:29.
Indeed “in all labor there is profit.” “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness…”, and “seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before Kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Prov. 14:23; 21:5; 22:29). The qualities mentioned in question two were displayed by this young widowed woman consistently in all areas of her life; her characteristic faith earlier discussed in last week’s lesson (at question three) motivated her prayer/ request to Naomi. This action of faith, coupled with her diligence and consistency paid off for her, even more than she hoped for. The Lord prospered her; she found favor in the eyes of, and sat at meal with Boaz, a mighty man of wealth, who prayed (Ruth 2:12) for and blessed her (Ruth 2:14-16). Ruth’s love and kind-heartedness went on record in Bethlehem. The truth is people are watching each of us (believers) at work, at home and in church. We will impact their lives by a good reputation, which comes when we consistently live out the qualities we believe in, irrespective of the environment. Exercise of faith with a good life reputation always yields heart-warming results i.e God will direct the pathway as He did for Ruth.
Q4. FROM RUTH 2:18-21, WHAT CHALLENGING CHARACTER DID THIS YOUNG WOMAN DISPLAY THAT WILL PROFIT TODAY’S BELIEVER?
After the day’s work, Ruth returned with plenty. She was honest, displaying transparency and love for her widowed mother-in-law. She “brought out and gave Naomi what she had leftover after she had eaten enough” (Ruth 2:18). She was not greedy to keep anything or information to herself but told her mother-in-law all about the day’s outing. What a challenge of high moral character of loyalty. In a world of changing standards and morals, today’s believer should be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation/ manner of life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). So, there is a need to “watch your life and doctrine closely, preserve in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim 4:16 NIV).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: she was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. She displayed these qualities consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever
she did, her character remained the same. What a challenge for today’s Believer! Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes when you consistently live by the principles you believe in (holding to godly convictions), no matter the group of people around or the environment where you are. Be faithful to God always!
MEMORY VERSE:
Prov. 22:29
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: Love bind together.
Ruth 1:16,17
Tuesday: Ruth had faith to “go out to the fields”
Ruth 2:2-3
Wednesday: Understand the will of the Lord for now.
Eph. 5:15-18
Thursday: Don’t be slothful.
Prov. 10:4-5; 19:15; 20:4,13; 22:13
Friday: Be hardworking, no matter how small.
Ruth 2:7; Prov. 12:24; 21:5; 22:29
Saturday: Uphold Christian integrity.
Ruth 2: 18-21; Heb. 13:5-6