1.The Purity of Romantic Love (3:1-10, 11, 13-14)

2.The Purpose of Romantic Love (3:10-11; 15-17)

3.The Posture of Romantic Love (3:10-13, 18)

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2. What’s the boldest request you’ve ever made (if you’re married, try to think of a request other than your marriage proposal)? Why did you make this request? How did the person respond?

3. How does Naomi attempt to secure Ruth’s future (vv. 1-4)? What motivates Naomi (v. 1)? Why is her plan for Ruth so risky? How could Boaz have interpreted Ruth’s actions (see Genesis 19:30-38; Numbers 25:1-5; Hosea 9:1)? What does his response demonstrate about his character (and Ruth’s)? How does this narrative defy expectation?

4. What common cause do Boaz and Ruth have in pursuing marriage (vv. 9-10; cf. 2:20)? How would their marriage bless her entire extended family? Why is Boaz’ gift to Ruth significant (v. 15)? What does it symbolize (see v. 17)? How does this gift demonstrate that Boaz is concerned not simply with Ruth, but with Naomi, and her family line?

5. Why is Ruth’s request (v. 9) so shocking? How does it go against what we’d expect to happen (see v. 4)? Why is Boaz’ response so surprising (vv. 10-12)?

6. What plot twist does Boaz introduce at the end of the chapter (vv. 12-13)? As readers, what question are we asking at the close of this act in the story?

7. Why is purity crucial to romantic love? How does a framework of purity allow romance to flourish? Why does romantic love need a greater purpose (i.e. one that transcends the relationship)? What happens when such a purpose is lacking? How does Boaz demonstrate the posture of romantic love? What posture must spouses have towards each other? Which of these points stood out to you? Why?

8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?