Ruth_1_6-22___1.docx

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored the theme of “turning” or “returning” as seen in Ruth 1:6-22, drawing from the repeated use of the Hebrew word *shuv*—to turn or return. Through the stories of Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah, we examined the different directions people choose in seasons of loss, uncertainty, and brokenness. Orpah turned back to the comfort and familiarity of Moab, Ruth turned toward loyalty and faith in God, and Naomi, though broken and bitter, turned back to Bethlehem and ultimately to God. The message emphasized that our decisions—big or small—are always leading us in a direction, either toward God or away from Him. Even when our faith is messy or imperfect, God’s grace is always waiting for us to take that one step back home.

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Direction of Our Decisions Matters Deeply Every choice we make, even those that seem minor or practical, is a step in a particular direction—toward God or away from Him. Orpah’s decision to return to Moab wasn’t just about seeking comfort; it was a turn toward old gods and old ways. Our hearts are always being shaped by what we pursue, and the priorities we set can quietly lead us into idolatry if we’re not attentive to where they’re taking us.
• 2. Idolatry Often Hides in Good Things Ruth’s story challenges us to examine what we’ve made ultimate in our lives. Marriage, career, or even ministry can become idols when we look to them for our deepest fulfillment. Ruth’s willingness to risk singleness for the sake of loyalty and faithfulness to God reminds us that good things become dangerous when they take God’s place as our greatest treasure.
• 3. Faithfulness Can Look Like Loyalty in the Ordinary Ruth’s devotion to Naomi wasn’t flashy or grand—it was a quiet, steadfast commitment in the face of uncertainty. Sometimes, turning toward God means turning toward the people He’s placed in our lives, loving them sacrificially, and trusting that He is at work in our ordinary acts of faithfulness. God often writes His redemption story through our small, loyal steps.
• 4. God Welcomes Imperfect, Messy Returns Naomi’s return to Bethlehem was marked by bitterness, regret, and a faith that was far from polished. Yet, God met her in her brokenness, not demanding perfection but simply a willingness to turn back. Our repentance doesn’t have to be eloquent or complete; God’s grace meets us in the driveway, arms open, ready to restore and redeem even the most tangled stories.
• 5. You’re Never Too Far Gone for One Turn Back The beauty of the gospel is that no matter how many wrong turns we’ve made, we are always just one step away from home. God’s heart is for the wanderer, the prodigal, the one who feels disqualified by their past. The invitation is always open: the door is unlocked, the porch light is on, and the Father is waiting to welcome us back—no shame, no blame, just love.

1. In Ruth 1:6-22, what different directions do Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth each choose to go? What reasons are given for their choices?
2. How many times does the passage mention “turn” or “return,” and what is the significance of this repetition in the story?
3. According to the passage, what does Naomi say about her own situation and feelings when she returns to Bethlehem?
4. What does Ruth say to Naomi that shows her commitment, and how does Naomi respond?

1. What does Orpah’s decision to return to Moab reveal about the pull of comfort and familiarity, especially in hard times?
2. How does Ruth’s choice to stay with Naomi show a different kind of faithfulness than Orpah’s? What does this say about what Ruth values most?
3. Naomi returns to Bethlehem feeling bitter and empty. What does her story teach about how God responds to people who come back to Him with messy or imperfect faith?
4. The sermon said that “every decision is a step in a direction.” How do the choices of these three women illustrate that truth?

1. Think about a recent decision you made—big or small. Looking back, do you think it moved you closer to God or further away? What helped you make that choice?
2. The sermon talked about how “idolatry often hides in good things.” Is there something in your life (like work, relationships, or even ministry) that you might be tempted to make more important than God? How can you tell?
3. Ruth’s faithfulness was shown in her loyalty to Naomi in ordinary, everyday life. Who has God placed in your life right now that you might need to show that kind of loyalty or love to?
4. Naomi returned to God even though she was bitter and broken. Is there an area in your life where you feel too messy or unworthy to come back to God? What would it look like to take just one step back toward Him?
5. The sermon said, “You’re never too far gone for one turn back.” Is there a part of your story where you’ve felt far from God? What would it mean for you to believe that God is waiting for you with open arms?
6. Are there “old gods” or old ways of living that you are tempted to turn back to when life gets hard? What would it look like to turn away from those and toward God this week?
7. The story of Ruth and Naomi shows that God often works through small, loyal steps. What is one small step you can take this week to turn toward God or toward someone He’s put in your life?