1. Ruth: A Story of Redemption A Study of the Book of Ruth Ruth: A Story of Redemption A Study of the Book of Ruth Lesson 2 Ruth 2 Can eHarmony Beat This? January 24, 2010

2. I.Introduction to Ruth, Lesson 2 A.My debate over tithing. B.The text that changed my mind – our text. C.My approach in this lesson D.The setting for chapter 2 1.Review chapter 1 2.The beginning of the barley harvest (1:22) II.A Quick Overview of Chapter Two A.Ruth asks to glean and Naomi consents. B.Ruth arrives at Boaz’s field “by chance.” C.Ruth asks to glean here and is permitted. D.Boaz sees her and inquires about her. E.Boaz speaks kindly to her. F.She asks why he would show her kindness.

3. G.Boaz explains his kindness. H.Boaz deals kindly with her as she gleans in his field. I.Ruth returns to Naomi, who inquires of her. J.Naomi identifies Boaz as a relative and redeemer, advising Ruth to do as he said. K.Ruth works through the Barley and Wheat harvests, while living with Naomi. III.Some Important Details in Chapter 2 A.Boaz the gibbor chayil B.Ruth’s initiative and Naomi’s passivity C.The danger Ruth took in gleaning for Naomi D.NO ROMANCE HERE!

4. IV.Considerations of Character A.What about Naomi? B.Indications of Ruth’s character C.The character of Boaz V.Conclusions and Application A.Why I changed my mind about tithing. B.The providence of God C.Immigration / the treatment of foreigners D.Employer / employee relations – ministry in the workplace E.Welfare / God’s way of providing for the needy 1.Provide food, not money 2.Provide work, not welfare 3.Provide equally for all in need

5. 4.Link leaders’ income with giving to the poor 5.Provide in a way that preserves and promotes dignity and the opportunity to rise above poverty. 6.It protects the weak from abuse. 7.Does not take from those who have and give it to the poor, but gives those who have the means to be generous. F.Seeking your life’s partner 1.Inter-racial marriage (it’s in the Bible) 2.Would eHarmony have matched Boaz and Ruth? Consider their differences.

6. 3.What do we learn about dating & marriage? 4.Advice to young people on the subject 5.What does this say to those already married? Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 2 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for January 24, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.