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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Welcome

Greet everyone warmly by name to make them feel welcome.

Check-in

Encourage group members to share their week’s experiences: What positive events occurred that they are thankful for, and what difficulties arose that they need prayer to address?

Prayer

Close this step with prayer.

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to connect the group and prepare them spiritually.

Facilitator Notes

Each group member should share. Allow time to share experiences during the check-in time including feedback on applying Scripture, sharing personal devotions, etc.

Read: Ruth 1

Introduce the day’s lesson and why it matters. Read the Bible passage together, taking turns or following along.

Reflect

What stands out to you in this passage?

Discuss

Discuss the lessons and reflections drawn from the Scripture

  1. What do you see in this chapter?
  2. Study verse by verse and discuss what is unfolding.
  3. Who are the people in the text?
  4. What are they experiencing?
  5. Who do you identify with and why?
  6. Each member of the group should answer the following questions:
    • What would you be going through if you were:
      • Elimelech
      • Naomi
      • Mahlon
      • Chilion
      • Orpah
      • Ruth
  7. Who do you think best represents you in this chapter?
  8. What are the life issues that you identify with in the chapter?

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to help the group understand and reflect on God’s Word.

Facilitator Notes

First allow members to read the Scripture and reflect on what stands out for them without any guiding question.

Use the Discussion Questions 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.

S.P.E.E.D. Method:
  • Is it a Sin to confess?
  • Is it a Promise to claim?
  • Is it an Error to avoid?
  • Is it an Example to follow?
  • It is a Divine knowledge to keep in your heart?

Application

How can we apply what we’ve learned from today's lesson? What challenges might we face? (You may wish to use the SMART Method to help you).

  • Allow time for each group member to share:
    • What they have learnt through the discussion.
    • How it applies to their own situation and can help them to make changes in their lives.

Sharing

Who can you share this lesson with this week?

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to turn understanding into action – leading to life transformation.

Facilitator Notes

Use the SMART method to help group participants to create meaningful applications in their lives:

S.M.A.R.T. Method:

  • Specific,
  • Measurable,
  • Achievable,
  • Relevant,
  • Time-bound steps

(e.g. “I’ll pray for 5 minutes daily this week”).

Memory Verse

Review last week’s memorized verse: Recite it together or in pairs. Assign the new memory verse:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Prayer

Invite prayer requests, then pray together, thanking God for the lesson.

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to encourages sharing and living out the lesson with prayer and next steps.

Facilitator Notes

Provide a simple guidelines for the group participants for the next week:

  • The passage for the next meeting
  • Next verse to memorize,
  • Next meeting time and place
  • Passages for daily devotion.
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