Topic: THE WOMAN STEADFAST IN PURPOSE (PART 3) [Church of God Mission International] CGMi ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL 22 August 2021
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CGMi ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
DATE SUNDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2021.
TOPIC RUTH: THE WOMAN STEADFAST IN PURPOSE (PART 3)
TEXT Ruth 2:22-3:18
HYMN S. S. & S. 607, “I am Thine O lord”
CENTRAL THOUGHT The believer is required to uphold constancy of godly character in all spheres of life.
INTRODUCTION:
We shall be concluding the character
study on Ruth, the Moabitess young woman, who got married to a Jewish family, became a
widow in Moab but chose to keep company with her mother-in-law (also a widow) on the return to Bethlehem Judah. Being
a stranger in Bethlehem, she did not sit down to bemoan her situation but believed/trusted in the God of Israel. In the circumstance before her, she exhibited some qualities that are admirable, which today’s believer in Christ Jesus ought to notice. In a world of changing morals, the believer is faced with pressure not to be firm, consistent in upholding
godly character in society and marriage
relationship. The believer therefore has to be
persuaded in his/her godly heart, and follow examples that will encourage the resolve to
always live a life pleasing to the Captain of our salvation.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- Understand the passion exhibited by Naomi, the mother-in-law;
- Appreciate the obedience of Ruth;
- Appreciate the godly character of the rich man Boaz; and
- see the benefits of living a godly life.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. DISCUSS THE PASSION EXHIBITED BY NAOMI AND THE COUNSEL GIVEN TO RUTH. (RUTH 3:1-4).
Naomi, the Jewish mother-in-law to a Moabitish young woman, after settling down
back home in Bethlehem Judah recognized and communicated to Ruth her thoughts; viz – that Ruth needed security, a home and husband of her own. She revealed to her daughter-in-law, her plan of definitely seeking to bring Boaz and
Ruth together as man and wife through the law of kinsman redemption. (see Deut. 25:5 – 10) This was quite thoughtful of Naomi, exhibiting her love and good wish for Ruth, through knowledge of the tradition of their time, to claim the right of Kinsman redemption. According to this law, whoever redeemed the inheritance must also take the wife of a dead brother and raise up seed for him in Israel to keep his family alive. Ruth
3: 2-4 show the ten-fold strategic plan of Naomi for Ruth. Naomi, knowing the custom of winnowing (1.e., separating chaff from the wheat) at night and the practice to keep watch over the piles of wheat or barley on the threshing floor, gave Ruth this strategic counsel, probably with confidence in the moral character of Boaz.
Q2. WHAT WAS THE BASIS FOR RUTH’S OBEDIENCE? (RUTH 3:5-9).
Hearing the counsel of the mother-in-law was one thing; heeding or carrying out the plan in obedience is another Issue. From the mother-
daughter relationship between these two widowed women, mutual love, and godly
of character and influence of
Naomi, the older one, it was certain that obedience would follow on the part of Ruth.
Thus, Ruth’s obedience was based on submission or respect, trust and love,
knowing that her mother-in-law definitely meant well for her, and also backed up with
her faith in the God of the Jews. Though the need was really there in Ruth’s life, she
obediently maintained her faith in the laws of God for the Jews, declaring to Boaz in
vs. 9, for thou art a near kinsman
- WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THE RELATIONSHIP THAT EXISTED BETWEEN RUTH AND NAOMI? (RUTH 3: 1-6, 16-18)
Looking back at the study from the two previous lessons, the sad return from
Moab back to Bethlehem Judah, it is clear that a mutual relationship must have
existed between these two widowed women. Love was established on both sides: mother to daughter-in-law, and more importantly young hardworking daughter-in-law for sorrowing “old” mother-in-law. This, of course is a lesson/challenge to our generation. Also, sincerity was displayed both ways and from each of them. They were not selfish/self-centred, but
showed concern with thoughtfulness for one
another. They appreciated themselves. Thus, trust developed between them, as they rested their case with God, seeking to allow the law of God for the Jews address the situation of the young woman Ruth.
Q4. DISCUSS SOME OTHER CHALLENGES FROM THE CHARACTER OF THE YOUNG STRANGER WHO TRUSTED IN THE GOD OF ISRAEL (RUTH 3: 10-11; PROV. 31:10-19)
The steadfastness in keeping to her godly convictions was seen in Ruth’s character, she
went all the way through with Naomi (reflect on Ruth 1:16,17) and sought her welfare.
She adopted righteous means/ways in requiring Boaz to fulfil the part of a kinsman
to her, which was her legal right. Her eyes in this legal right were not “up” in
marriage. She was willing to accept Boaz an older man, instead of rejecting him for a
younger man, rich or poor. Furthermore, there was the testimony about Ruth: “all in
Bethlehem knew that Ruth, a widow was a virtuous woman.” Recall that she was
a stranger from Moab, but had this good testimony in the land of Israel, because
remaining a widow was one of the greatest proofs of purity to the Jews, coupled
with her being industrious. Indeed, these are challenges for us today
Q5. HIGHLIGHT THE GODLY CHARACTER OF BOAZ, AS IT RELATES TO RUTH A WIDOW (RUTH 3:12-15)
The rich man Boaz, with the fear of God, had integrity, showed respect for Ruth
(didn’t touch her, didn’t want anyone to know she came there etc.), was humble and
submitted to doing things the proper way they should be. Furthermore, he didn’t use his
wealth to oppress others, cared for the poor widows, gave her “measures of barley” He had
wisdom enough to discipline himself
as far as Ruth was concerned, and wait until things were put in their proper perspective.
How is it with some today? Job covenanted with his eyes not to “think upon a maid”
(Job. 31:1). Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife who lusted after him for sex because he
said, “how can I do this great. wickedness, and sin against God” (Gen. 39:1-17)
Q6. DISCUSS THE END REPORT ON RUTH’S LIFE AND THE BENEFITS OF LIVING A GODLY LIFE. (Ruth 4: 9 -17; Matt. 1:5)
After settling the kinsman redemption matter between Boaz and his relative who had
the first right of redemption before the elders of Bethlehem, the right to take
Ruth as wife was given to Boaz. The eldest renounced blessing upon Boaz and Ruth,
calling on the Lord to make it a fruitful house/home and make them famous in Bethlehem.
The blessing came true: this family produced David and the Messiah in Bethlehem
Ruth was described again “daughter-in-law that loved Naomi, and better to her than
seven sons” (Ruth 4:15). Ruth gave birth to Obed who was the father of Jesse.
Indeed “godliness is profitable unto all things; having the promise of the life
that now is, and that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Ruth was faithful in her love and loyalty to her mother-in-law; she brought a sense of
fullness into Naomi’s life. She maintained her integrity in being industrious, obedient
to godly counsel, respectful and sincere. Boaz too had the fear of God in his heart,
displayed integrity, humility, mercy and care for the poor. There is a lot for us as
believers to learn, as ambassadors for Christ in relationship/interactions, in marriage, office, as employers/employees among
others. The society needs men/women with godly convictions, who will be
examples in integrity trustworthiness and loyalty, and you and I are called to be
One!!
MEMORY VERSE: James 1:25
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being
not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man of shall be blessed in his deed”.
[22/08, 08:18] MR DONALD: Above Only Daily Devotional
SUNDAY AUGUST 22, 2021
You Can Be Faithful
Proverbs 20:6(NKJV), Luke 12:42-43(NLT), Galatians 5:22-23a(LB)
Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? And the Lord replied, “A fruitful sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience ,kindness,goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control.
Faithfulness is a major dimension of the fruit that God’s Spirit produces in our lives as we yield ourselves to Him. As a believer, you have God’s seed of faithfulness in you. You simply need to allow that seed to grow and manifest more and more. Faithfulness is the nature of God in us that enables us to demonstrate absolute loyalty and commitment- both to God and to the people we serve or remain connected to. Faithfulness makes us pour our whole being into whatever we are doing, avoiding eye service and compromise of any kind.
Although faithfulness is in high demand in our world today, sadly it is very scarce. It is often hard to find genuinely faithful people, even among believers. Faithful people are diligent and reliable people and God likes entrusting valuable things into their hands (2Tim.2:2). As you develop God’s seed of faithfulness in you, God will entrust great things into your hands. Faithful people do not fear whenever it is time to give account or it is time for their work to be checked. They know they will be found faithful. Daniel was so faithful that nothing could be held against him in his work(Dan.6:4). God expects us to display His own kind of faithfulness because we have His life in us. The Bible assures us that even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2Tim.2:13). Don’t stop being faithful because people are unfaithful to you or around you. Don’t go against God’s life and nature in you. Keep your eyes on God. Do not be discouraged. Remain faithful in both good and trying times. Stay loyal and committed. Be faithful in your service and in the use of your gifts and abilities. Be faithful to your spouse.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the ability that you have given me to be loyal and committed at all times and in every area of my life.
Bible In One Year Reading Plan
Job 4:1-7:21, 1Corinthians 14:18-40, Psalm 37:30-40 & Proverbs 21:27.