IBC Richmond

An introduction to Galatians on Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Christian life!

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
» How does Jesus' statement, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" influence your willingness to forgive and willingness to trust God's purposes?
» What is ironic about the scoffing comment, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God"?
» Considering that the same circumstance led two criminals to different response, what will influence you to receive Jesus rather than reject him?
» Is there a difference between the kingdom the penitent criminal hoped for and the paradise Jesus offered?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Compare the genealogy in Ruth 4:18-22 to the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-5. What is significant about the similarities?
• Does God love bitter people? How does Naomi's story serve as an example?
• What does "May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah" (vs. 11) mean?
• Why do the neighborhood women say, "A son has been born to Naomi" (vs. 17) when it is Ruth's baby?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Was Naomi's plan a risk worth taking? How do you vet a risky decision in your own life?
• Why doesn't Boaz pursue Ruth?
• What is Ruth asking from Boaz when she says, "Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer" (vs. 9)? Hint: see Ruth 2:12.
• Naomi and Ruth trusted God through trusting Boaz (vs. 18). How do you trust God through another person?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does Ruth 2 teach about living within your financial means?
• Is God's provision for Naomi and Ruth miraculous or providence? Distinguish the two.
• What does Ruth do with her leftovers (vs. 14, 18)? What does this reveal about Ruth's relationship to Naomi?
• What is a kinsman redeemer (vs. 20) in light of Leviticus 25:24-28, 47-55?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Naomi and Ruth deal with the same emptiness and loss. They are both widows in poverty. How do they react differently to their circumstances?
• Is Naomi bitter or discouraged? How would you know the difference?
• How will you protect your heart against bitterness as you age?
• What does Ruth's opportunity to glean the field tell you about Boaz's business ethics according to Lev. 23:22 and Deut. 24:19?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Have you ever lost something to economic or natural disaster? How did it affect you?
• What similarities and differences do you notice between Orpah and Ruth's relationship with their mother-in-law, Naomi?
• How does your view of God affect your view of hard times (Ruth 1:13)?
• If you feel hopeless who are you seeking out for help?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Compare and contrast Mordecai's edict (8:9-12) from Haman's edict (3:12-15)? What are the similarities and differences?
• Why couldn't King Ahasuerus "revoke" (vs. 5) Haman's edict?
• Is redemption a simple undoing of evil already done? Why or why not?
• According to Esther 8:9 how many months remain until the final resolution? What possible reason explain divinely purposed delays?