Ruth 2:8-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Bible teaches the Boaz method of encouragement.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Have you found refuge under the wings of the Almighty?

QUESTIONS

  1. List some of the characteristics of Boaz that portray a spiritual picture of Christ.

  2. How did Ruth show her appreciation to Boaz for his kindness to her?

  3. What is the Boaz method of encouragement?

  4. How did Boaz use this method with Ruth?

  5. Where did Ruth find refuge?

ANSWERS

  1. He was a man of great wealth (Hebrew translation, a man of valor). He would be known for his courage as a protector standing up for all that was rightfully his. Boaz was concerned for Ruth’s safety. He knew all about her, and that she was a foreigner, not of God’s covenant people. Our Lord has fought the enemy, Satan, and protects what is His (believers). We can entrust ourselves to His care. He knows all about us. Even though we are outside of God’s covenant promises, He has taken notice of us and has saved us.

  2. See Ruth 2:10, noting Ruth’s humble response.

  3. It is threefold: a. accept – take fellow believers as they are, with all their differences b. animate – give spirit and support to fellow believers c. assist – encourage and edify one another.

  4. a. Ruth was a poor foreigner, totally different from Boaz in person and in culture; he was no respecter of persons b. after their conversation, she was stirred to glean; he commended her, giving encouragement to go on c. he didn’t tell her that she no longer had to glean, and he didn’t do the gleaning for her, but he assisted her; he made sure that she had food and water, and that his workmen would help by dropping some of the grain on purpose.

  5. Read Ruth 2:12 – under the wings of the Almighty.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. How do you show your appreciation for what the Lord has done for you? Is it like Ruth’s response to Boaz’ kindness?

  2. How have you experienced the Boaz method of encouragement? How have you used the Boaz method with others?

CHALLENGE

  1. Our Lord offers refuge from sin and its penalty to the non-Christian. To the Christian, He offers refuge from worries and anxieties. Have you found refuge under the wings of the Almighty?

KEY VERSES

  • “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done…and how you have left your land and come to a people whom you did not know.” Ruth 2:11

  • “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:12

  • “Let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her.” Ruth 2:16

Ruth, Old Testament, TalksRon ReidRUTH 2:8-16