Lesson 3

WOMEN IN THE BIBLE

(Illustrating Titus 2:3-5)

Lesson Three

Naomi: Ruth 1:1 - 4:22
Elizabeth: Luke 1:5-60

        Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (Titus 2:3-5, NAS/NIV)

Pre-study question:

1. Before studying the mother-in-law, Naomi, what is your overall opinion of the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship? How receptive are you to the instruction of older women in your life?

NAOMI

Read Ruth 1:1 - 4:22

2. When the book of Ruth begins, what is Naomi's family situation? (See 1:3-5.)
   
   

3. Naomi decided to return to her homeland and her people.
   1. From Ruth's well-known statement (1:16-17), list the different life changes that she declared to make in emulation of Naomi.
      
      

   2. What conclusions can we make about Naomi's relationship with her daughters-in-law that made them desire to leave their own familiar homes to go with her?

   
   

4. Why did Naomi think "Mara," which means "bitter," should be her new name? (See 1:20-21)
   
   

Ruth 2:

5.  
   1. How do we know Ruth and Naomi had a relationship of open communication?
      
      

   2. How did this type of relationship foster Ruth's adjustment to her new country?
      
      

Ruth 3:

6. What advice did Naomi give to Ruth that led to her marriage?
   
   

7. How was Naomi rewarded for her love and "training" of Ruth?

ELIZABETH

Read Luke 1:5-60

8. Describe Elizabeth's character.
   
   

Luke 1:13-17

9. How would Elizabeth's son of her old age bring her "joy"?
   
   

Luke 1:36-40

10. What shows the depth of Mary's relationship with Elizabeth?
    
    

Luke 1:41-45

11. How was Elizabeth's reception of Mary an encouragement to the younger woman?
    
    

12. What evidence is there that Elizabeth's joy was no less because the young Mary was expecting the more prominent child?
    
    

13. Discuss the role mutual respect plays in the teaching/learning process between generations.
    
    

Luke 1:57-60

14. What can be learned from Elizabeth's example of not bending to peer pressure from family and friends?

REFLECTIONS: Choose at least one of the following to discuss in the realm of your maturity as an older woman training the younger women.

1. Consider how Naomi brought Ruth to God through love and not just talk. How can we implement this in our relationships?
   
   

2. Discuss the challenges of having a foreign daughter-in-law.
   
   

3. List some things you have learned from your mother-in-law.
   
   

4. Discuss the difficulties of rearing a child (as did Elizabeth) who does not fit society's "norm".
   
   

5.  
   1. List 3 things I can do to bring younger non-believers to God.
      
      

   2. List 3 things I can do to encourage younger Christian sisters in their daily walk with God.

   
   
   

   Women IN God's Service

   Women in the Bible - lesson 3
   Ladies Bible Class Lesson, 11 April 2000
   West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, Arkansas

   Copyright © 1999, 2002, West-Ark Church of Christ

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