NOT YET IS NOT NO (Ruth 3-4)

 UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Give everyone a few minutes to read Ruth 3 and Ruth 4:1-12.

What plan does Naomi propose to Ruth at the beginning of Ruth 3, and why?

How does Boaz respond to Ruth’s request at the threshing floor?

What legal or cultural process does Boaz follow in Ruth 4 to act as Ruth’s redeemer?

Who is the “other redeemer” in Ruth 4:1–6, and what reason does he give for stepping aside?

How does the book describe the outcome of Ruth and Boaz’s marriage, especially in terms of legacy?

DISCERNING THE MEANING

What does Boaz’s response to Ruth tell us about his character and understanding of God’s law?

How does Ruth’s identity as a Moabite make her redemption surprising—and significant?

Why is it important that Boaz followed the proper process, even when it would’ve been easier to skip it?

What does the role of the kinsman-redeemer reveal about God's heart for the vulnerable?

How do the themes of waiting and timing in this story mirror common experiences in our own spiritual lives?

CHOOSING A RESPONSE (Questions 11–15)

Is there an area in your life where God might be saying “not yet”? How are you responding to that?

Are you tempted to pursue redemption or fulfillment in things that cannot truly satisfy? What are they?

What’s one step of obedience or trust that, like Ruth, you need to take—even if the outcome is uncertain?

How does the truth that “Jesus has already redeemed you” impact your waiting right now?

What is one thing you can do this week to stop saying “not yet” to God?

God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility (Ruth 2)

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Give everyone 3-5 minutes to read through Ruth chapter 2 on their own (or read it aloud together).

What does Ruth ask Naomi in verse 2, and what does that show us about her character?

How would you describe Ruth's attitude as she begins to glean in the fields?

What do we learn about Boaz’s character in verses 4–9?

How does Ruth respond to Boaz’s kindness (vv. 10–13)?

DISCERNING THE MEANING

How does God’s control and plan show up in this chapter without being directly mentioned?

What might Ruth’s decision to glean tell us about taking initiative even when things feel hopeless?

In what ways does Boaz "speak blessing" into Ruth’s life? How can our words have similar power?

How did God's plan move forward even through small, seemingly mundane actions?

What does this chapter show us about the relationship between God's control and our responsibility?

CHOOSING A RESPONSE

What do you have (skills, resources, influence) that you could use to serve someone else this week?

Where might God be calling you to “do what you can” instead of waiting for perfect conditions?

Who in your life needs a word of blessing or encouragement right now? Will you commit to speak it this week?

What area of your life feels out of control right now? How can Ruth 2 help you trust God more in that space?

What’s one attitude shift you need to make in order to align your choices more closely with God's plan?

When God Doesn't Meet Our Expectations (Ruth)

Talk about a vacation that did not live up to your expectations.

Read Ruth 1:1-2. What do you think Elimilech and Naomi hoped would happen for their family when they moved?

List some of the hopes and dreams most parents have for their children.

Read Ruth 1:3-5. What do you think were the emotions Naomi felt most strongly? How do you think Naomi felt about God?

How would you have responded if you were Naomi?

When have you been disappointed that life didn't match up to your expectations?

Is it okay for a Christian to be disappointed? Why or why not?

Often life disappoints us because we expect more from God than what He has promised us. Read the following verses about what we can truly expect from our Heavenly Father.

Read Romans 8:38-39. How should God's love change the way you think about yourself?

Read Matthew 28:20. How should God's presence inspire courageous living?

Read John 14:1. How should the future God has for you give you patience in the present?

What expectations do you need to let go of?

What promises of God do you need to hold on to?

How can this group help you?