Introduction:

Providence: God's purposeful direction of Human history, every single human life, and every single thing that He has created .

The Hand of God... (Ruth 1):

1. Draws back His Wandering People . (Ruth 1:1-7)

   Judges 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

   Revelation 2:4-5 - "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first."

2. Reaches out to grab Hold of the Lost . (Ruth 1:8-18)

   Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

3. Directs the bitterest of paths towards His Sweetest Blessings . (Ruth 1:19-22)

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read Ruth 1:1-22

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What is providence? How do you see God’s providential hand at work in the first chapter of Ruth? How do you see His providential hand at work in this world and your life?
   

3. What is repentance and why is it so essential for living the Chrisian life? Why do many churches and professing Christians ignore the biblical call to repentance?
   

4. How have you seen the Lord direct a bitter path towards His sweet blessings in your own life?

Breakout
What is the Lord calling you to repent of right now? What steps need to be taken to turn away from your sin and turn towards true change?

Pray that every member of your breakout group will humble themselves and walk in repentance.