C.A.C Sunday School Manual For April 27TH, 2025, Lesson 15 : Topic - NAOMI GUIDES RUTH

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For April 27TH, 2025, Lesson 15 : Topic - NAOMI GUIDES RUTH 

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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas* 

 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 

Theme *PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP* 

 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

 APR 27, 2025.

 Sunday After Easter : LESSON 15 

 Unit 2: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (1) 

Topic:NAOMI GUIDES RUTH 

Memory Scripture

Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking (Ruth 3:3). 

How Naomi mentored Ruth exemplifies the power of faith and resilience, guiding generations towards a lasting legacy.

BRIEF COMMENT

Naomi instructed Ruth on how to approach Boaz, a wealthy relative, to seek his protection and potential marriage. Ruth 3:3 illustrates the societal customs of the time, where such actions were typical for ensuring family security. This narrative is frequently interpreted in the context of the relationship between Ruth and Naomi to show the themes of trust, obedience and seeking godly counsel. Naomi's guidance and Ruth's compliance can be viewed as a demonstration of faith and dependence on divine direction. The Naomi-Ruth relationship is typical of the mentor- mentee rapport. Let us pray for divine guidance in our own lives, in the name of Jesus, as we commemorate the first Sunday e first Sunday after Easter. 

 *DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS* 

 *Mon. 21:* Ruth Is Counselled By Naomi (Ruth 1:8-9) 

 *Tue. 22:* Ruth Pledges Loyalty To Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17) 

 *Wed. 23:* Ruth: The Industrious Young Lady (Ruth 2:2-3) 

 *Thur. 24:* Ruth: Shown Kindness By Boaz (Ruth 2:8-12) 

 *Fri. 25:* Ruth And Boaz At The Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:10-13) 

 *Sat. 26:* Naomi Nurses Ruth's Son, Obed (Ruth 4:14-16) 

 *DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS* 

 1. Naomi's guidance led Ruth to a place of favour and restoration. You need the guidance of godly mentors.

 2. Through the guidance of a faithful mentor or or friend, and through our o follow God's leading, our lives can be transformed from commitment to follow emptiness to abundance.  

 *BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:* Titus 2:3-5 

 *AIM AND OBJECTIVES* 

 *AIM:* To show the importance of right and timely guidance in the journeys of life. 

 *OBJECTIVES:* By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

i. discuss the story of Naomi and Ruth, mentioning Naomi's specific influence on Ruth's faith; and the 

ii. explain how Naomi strategically guided Ruth in God's purpose, drawing our relevant contemporary lessons. 

 *INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Ruth 1:16-18,22; 2:1-3; 3:1-5; 4:14-17*

Glory be to God for the blessings of our previous lesson: "God prepares Gideon and Jephthah." May those lessons stay with with us always. Amen.

Today's lesson focuses on Naomi guiding Ruth, a story of love, loyalty and strategic guidance amidst challenging circumstances, showcasing human resilience and God's providence. Naomi agreed with Ruth to glean in the field which eventually belong to Boaz, her husband's relative, aligning with Mosaic Law's provision for the poor and foreigners. Naomi also guided Ruth on approaching Boaz in a culturally significant way, potentially leading to marriage and securing their future. This strategic move became a pivotal moment in their stories. 

May we grasp God's truth in this lesson in Jesus' name. Amen.

 *LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. NAOMI'S INFLUENCE ON RUTH'S FAITH* 

 *II. NAOMI STRATEGICALLY GUIDES RUTH* 

 *LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. NAOMI'S INFLUENCE ON RUTH'S FAITH (Ruth 1:6-22; 2:10; 4:14- 17)* 

But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God (v. 16). 

a) Naomi's influence on Ruth's faith is a central theme in the book of Ruth. This shows the power of mentorship within the context of familial relationships in shaping spiritual beliefs and actions. 

b) 1:6-18: Naomi's plea that Orpah and Ruth return to their families after their husbands' deaths and Ruth's eventual steadfast commitment to Naomi and her God underscore Naomi's role as a spiritual guide and mentor to Ruth. 

c) vv. 19-22 reveal Naomi's struggle with loss and Ruth's loyalty to her. This resilience and loyalty illustrate the strength of their bond, and Naomi's enduring impact on Ruth's faith journey. 

d) 2:10: Naomi obviously influenced Ruth's understanding of Hebrew culture and faith. Ruth's commitment to Naomi reflects her acceptance of Naomi's people and God (1:16). These show Naomi's influence on Ruth's spiritual growth and integration into the Hebrew community. 

e) 4:14-17: Naomi's pivotal role in Ruth's journey of faith is evident as she witnessed God's providence when Boaz married Ruth, leading to redemption and restoration, with the birth of Obed-a symbol of God's faithfulness in their lives. 

f) Naomi's influence on Ruth's faith is multifaceted. It includes emotional support during times of grief, cultural and religious guidance, and strategic advice for Ruth's well-being. Naomi's influence ultimately contributed to the broader story of redemption and God's providence in the lives of the 2 women. 

 *II. NAOMI STRATEGICALLY GUIDES RUTH Ruth 1:16-18,22; 2:1-3; 3:1-5* 

Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do (Ruth 3:4). 

a) 1:19-22: Ruth, having vowed to stay with Naomi (vv. 6-18), their return to Bethlehem not only reconnected them with their cultural and religious heritage but also improved Ruth's chances of finding acceptance among Naomi's people. 

b) 2:1-3: Naomi allowed for Ruth to glean in the fields of Boaz, her deceased husband's relative, taking advantage of the Mosaic Law's provision for the poor and foreigners (Lev. 19:9-10). 

c) 3:1-5: Naomi advised Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor after he had eaten and drunk. A culturally significant move indicating her interest in marriage while adhering to societal norms. 

d) vv. 10-13: Impressed by Ruth's character, Boaz agreed to act as a redeemer, securing Ruth's future and ensuring the continuation of

Naomi's family line. Naomi reassured Ruth that things would turn out well (3:18), just as it is happening to us too on this first Sunday after Easter. e) Naomi's wise guidance to Ruth brought mutual well-being and renewed hope, reflecting God's providence for the faithful (cf. Rom. 8:28; 2 Tim. 1:8-9). LESSONS DERIVED 1. Naomi's counsel helps Ruth stay strong during tough times. How well is your character inspiring others towards God and godliness. 2. Even though God isn't directly mentioned, the story shows His guiding hand leading the characters to a bigger plan, teaching us to trust in His care even when things are unclear. QUESTIONS 1. Discuss Naomi's influence on Ruth's faith. 2. How did Naomi strategically guide Ruth? *6. SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ANSWER TO QUESTION 1 Naomi's influence on Ruth was that of emotional, mental, psychological, cultural, religious and spiritual influence. • Since the moment of Ruth's determination to stay glued to Naomi, Naomi also went all out to ensure the best of life for her in every ramification. 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 2*  

Naomi strategically guided Ruth through a combination of advice, encouragement and practical wisdom: 

* She provided emotional support for Ruth during difficult times, especially after the death of Ruth's husband. Despite her own challenges, Naomi remained a source of comfort and encouragement. 

* She advised Ruth to glean in the fields, a practical means of providing for them. This guidance demonstrated Naomi's resourcefulness and understanding of the customs and practicalities of their society. 

* She devised a plan for Ruth to seek redemption through Boaz, a close relative. This plan involved a culturally significant gesture at the threshing floor, illustrating Naomi's strategic thinking to secure a better future for Ruth. 

* She offered guidance on matters related to family and marriage. She played a key role in directing Ruth toward a potential redeemer (Boaz), ensuring the continuation of the family line and the restoration of their family's legacy. 

* Her strategic guidance was marked by a blend of emotional support, practical advice, and strategic thinking, ultimately leading to the redemption and renewal of their family. 

 *LIFE APPLICATION* 

Naomi's strategic guidance and the eventual redemption of her family through Ruth's marriage to Boaz showcase the importance of familial bonds and the potential for restoration. Let us therefore support and care for family members, and be open to the possibility of redemption. Be a positive and godly influence on others. Naomi's character, despite her struggles, served as a guiding force for Ruth. On this first Sunday after Easter, be stirred up, and strive to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those around you.

 *CONCLUSION* 

Glory be to God for the conclusion of this lesson. It is not only a poignant G story of human relationships but also highlights the profound spiritual influence one person can have on another. The place of guidance and counselling, especially within the body of Christ should be highly esteemed. May God help us to fully appropriate these truths. 

 *NOTE*