The Book of Ruth

Group Bible Study Guide

A resource designed to equip BMB Caregivers as they lead discipling groups.

Introduction

The Book of Ruth is a captivating story within the Bible that holds profound lessons for Christians, especially for Believers from Muslim Backgrounds (BMBs). As one of only two biblical books named after women—alongside Esther—it offers a distinctive lens through which to explore themes of faith, loyalty, and God’s providential care.

The Bible study resources provided here are crafted to support caregivers as they begin discipling small groups of BMBs. Each lesson on the Book of Ruth follows a consistent structure, equipping caregivers with practical tools to help participants engage with Scripture, reflect on its meaning, and grow in their faith by applying its truths to their personal lives.

1. Simple and Easy to Understand
  • It is short and simple, so oral learners can easily discuss it in small groups, anywhere—formal or informal.
  • It helps believers enjoy reading and using God’s Word in their daily lives.
2. A Real and Relatable Story
  • It is a captivating story about human realities—like death of a spouse, childlessness, widowhood, remarriage, birth, and naming ceremonies—that any believer can identify with.
  • It shows God’s hand in all situations, leading to a better life for BMBs.
3. Useful for BMBs and Others
  • It applies to the current situation of BMBs across our region, based on the Bible.
  • It is relevant for the organization, churches, caregivers, disciples, and BMBs.
  • It can be dramatized in skits for churches and youth groups.
4. Practical Models for Life
  • It gives examples of good work ethics, welfare, owning production, and economic and social justice.
  • It helps with trauma healing issues.
  • It shows cycles of life and how to mix cultural practices with Biblical ways in a hard time, like the time of the Judges.
5. A Starting Point for Bible Study
  • It is the starting point to study the Bible step-by-step, beginning with Ruth.
  • It connects to other parts of Scripture for deeper topical and character studies later.
  • It helps create content and clues for Bible study groups in churches.
6. Good for Evangelism
  • It can be used as an evangelistic Bible study for seekers to make solid commitments to Christ.

Guidelines for Bible Study groups

  • During small groups, first allow members to read the Scripture and reflect on what stands out for them without any guiding question.
  • These questions can be used to enrich the study and bring forward insights that did not come through the initial reflections.
  • Do not rush any discussion to complete a set of questions. There are no time limit to complete the studies. Even if only one question was discussed during a session, just continue with the others during the next session.
  • The sets of questions are arranged according to the portion of Scripture and not according to a particular schedule.

For more guidelines on how to lead a group – please refer to the Post-Seminar Guide

Post-Seminar Guide

Group Study Sessions

Session: 1

The Story Overview

Ruth 1-4
Through Ruth’s journey from loss to redemption, God’s faithfulness is revealed, calling all to trust His sovereign plan and obey His call.
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Session: 2

Faithful Journeys Begin

Ruth 1
In Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi and Orpah’s departure, God’s presence in loss and loyalty is shown, urging trust and faithfulness like Ruth’s toward Him.
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Session: 3

Family in Crisis

Ruth 1:1-5
As Elimelech’s family faces famine and death in Moab, God’s compassion for their suffering is evident, inviting reliance on His strength and obedience to support one another as they did.
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Session: 4

Decisions at Crossroads

Ruth 1:6-14
When Naomi urges Ruth and Orpah to return home, God’s guidance in their choices is displayed, inspiring decisions that honor Him as Ruth’s loyalty demonstrates.
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Session: 5

Unwavering Commitment

Ruth 1:15-18
Through Ruth’s vow to stay with Naomi and her God, God’s call to sacrificial love is illustrated, encouraging a deepening of devotion to Him as Ruth exemplifies.
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Session: 6

Return to Hope

Ruth 1:19-22
As Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, God’s restoration is evident despite Naomi’s bitterness, calling for trust in His renewal and a faithful step forward as their return demonstrates.
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Session: 7

Lessons in Loyalty

Ruth 1
From Ruth’s steadfastness and Naomi’s return, God’s call to obedience and transformation is clear, equipping believers to apply these truths faithfully as the story models.
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Session: 8

Providence in Action

Ruth 2
When Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field and he shows kindness, God’s provision through human generosity is celebrated, motivating trust in His care as the story unfolds.
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Session: 9

Stepping Out Faithfully

Ruth 2:1-3
As Ruth takes initiative to glean in Bethlehem, God’s direction in her new situation is revealed, calling for bold steps of faith and reliance on Him.
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Session: 10

Community Reception

Ruth 2:4-7
When Boaz and his workers welcome Ruth, God’s work through community acceptance is shown, inviting hospitality as an act of obedience to His design in their example.
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Session: 11

Graceful Provision

Ruth 2:8-13
Through Boaz’s protection and Ruth’s gratitude, God’s generosity is acknowledged, prompting a response of thankfulness and a life reflecting His love.
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Session: 12

Shared Abundance

Ruth 2:14-17
As Ruth works diligently and Boaz provides abundantly, God’s balance of effort and provision is displayed, encouraging diligence and dependence on Him.
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Session: 13

Daily Blessings

Ruth 2:18-19
When Ruth returns with grain and Naomi recognizes God’s hand, His provision in everyday efforts is illustrated, calling for a sharing of blessings.
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Session: 14

Divine Connections

Ruth 2:20-23
As Naomi sees God’s plan in Boaz’s kindness to Ruth, His sovereign connections are unveiled, urging an open heart and obedient following of His leading.
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Session: 15

Courageous Steps Forward

Ruth 3
When Naomi and Ruth plan for Ruth to meet Boaz at the threshing floor, God’s wisdom in their risky obedience is demonstrated, inspiring courageous action in faith.
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Session: 16

Strategic Faithfulness

Ruth 3:1-18
Through Naomi’s strategy and Ruth’s courage at the threshing floor, God’s purpose in bold faith is revealed, calling for trust in His strategies and obedience.
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Session: 17

Redemption Completed

Ruth 4
As Boaz redeems Ruth and secures her future at the town gate, God’s ultimate redemption is celebrated, inviting trust in His justice and a commitment to His community.
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Session: 18

Legal Redemption

Ruth 4:1-10
When Boaz negotiates with the kinsman-redeemer, God’s justice through Boaz’s obedience is highlighted, urging righteousness and trust in His plan.
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Session: 19

Blessings Fulfilled

Ruth 4:11-22
As Ruth marries Boaz, bears a son, and Naomi is restored, God’s faithfulness to His promises is rejoiced in, encouraging perseverance in faith and recognition of His hand in their story.
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