Advent 2025 Part 4 with Discussion Guide

Advent 2025 Part 4 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon concludes an Advent series focusing on the themes of hope, joy, peace, and love through the story of Ruth. Pastor Steve draws powerful parallels between Ruth’s story and the Christmas narrative, showing how both involve God enabling conception, righteous men providing protection, and kinsman redeemers paying a price for restoration. The birth of Obed to Ruth and Boaz becomes a picture of redemption, as this child becomes the grandfather of King David, establishing the royal lineage that leads to Jesus. The central message is that God is always writing a bigger story than we can see, using ordinary people doing the next right thing to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to see beyond our own understanding and trust in Your bigger story that You are writing in our lives. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are receptive to Your truth. May we leave this time changed and encouraged by Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one family tradition or story that has been passed down through generations in your family that you find meaningful or interesting?

Key Verses

Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:14-15
Ruth 4:17
Matthew 1:24-25
Luke 2:10-11
John 3:16

Questions

How do you see God’s hand at work in the seemingly ordinary events of Ruth’s story, and how might this encourage you in your own life circumstances?
The pastor mentioned that we can get so focused on finishing or accomplishing our goals that we miss what’s happening right in front of us. Where do you see this tendency in your own life?
What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is your kinsman redeemer, and how does this impact your relationship with Him?
Ruth was described as being ‘better than seven sons’ to Naomi. How do you see God using unexpected people or relationships to bring blessing and redemption in your life?
The story begins with famine and bitterness but ends with fullness and joy. Can you share about a time when God brought something beautiful out of a difficult season in your life?
How does understanding that ‘God is always writing a bigger story than we can see’ change your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties you’re facing?
What does it look like practically to ‘do the next right thing’ in your current circumstances, even when you can’t see the bigger picture?
As we celebrate Christmas, how can we better recognize and trust Jesus as both our Redeemer and King in our daily lives?

Life Application

This week, practice ‘hanging out’ with God’s Word rather than rushing through it. Choose one verse or passage to meditate on each day, asking God to show you how it applies to your current circumstances. Also, look for opportunities to ‘do the next right thing’ in your relationships and responsibilities, trusting that God is using your ordinary faithfulness in His bigger story.

Key Takeaways

God is always writing a bigger story than we can see, using ordinary people doing ordinary things to accomplish extraordinary purposes
Jesus is our kinsman redeemer who paid the full price for our restoration and redemption
The story of Ruth parallels the Christmas story, both showing God’s love and faithfulness in bringing redemption through unexpected circumstances
We should focus on doing the next right thing rather than being consumed with finishing or accomplishing everything on our list
God can bring fullness out of emptiness, hope out of brokenness, and a future out of what feels lost

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our kinsman redeemer who paid the ultimate price for our salvation. Help us to trust You with our stories, even the parts that feel unfinished or painful. Give us faith to do the next right thing, knowing that You are weaving our ordinary lives into Your extraordinary plan. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we remember that You are the King we’ve been waiting for and the bread we’ve been hungering for. Help us to live with the confidence that You are always writing a bigger story than we can see. In Your precious name, Amen.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.