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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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 1:1-5

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 were the joys and sorrows of Elimelech’s family?
  2. If Elimelech’s family was living in your context today, what will people “talk” about the successive deaths in the family of Elimelech?
  3. Naomi buried her husband and two sons in a foreign land, who was there to support her from her people?
  4. How do you relate to this in your context where you never get to mourn your loved ones for security reasons, or you have been ostracized?
  5. Describe in detail the situation of the 3 widows: Naomi, Orpah and Ruth.
  6. Describe the pressure the widows faced and indicate the source of pressure (if from self, others and community…).
  7. Who was bearing the greatest pressure among the three widows and why?

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).

  • In which way can you identify with the introduction of this story?

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:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

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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