Click here for the sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group. 

Discussion Questions

1. We know from Scripture and from experience that “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).  What have you done or are you currently doing to avoid trials and suffering?  As Christians, is this the right thing to do?  Explain.
2. From this week’s sermon what did you learn about the significance of the phrase, “In the days when the judges ruled”?  How were those days comparable to modern 21st century America?  (See Judges 21:25) 
3. Elimelech and Naomi fled Bethlehem because of a famine and settled in Moab. Even though this seemed like the practical thing to do because it may have saved them from the famine, why was this such a bad idea?  How can Christians today make the same mistake?
4. In spite of their best efforts to save themselves, Naomi finds herself in the most tragic of circumstances when her husband dies, and then her two sons also pass away.  As devastating as this may be for “the woman”, why do you think God would bring such suffering into her life? (See Matthew 1:5-6,16)
5. Although you will not be a forebear of the Messiah, think about the trials you are experiencing now or may have experienced in the past. Why do you think God allows these trials, tribulations and suffering to enter your life?  Does it make a difference to know the reason for your suffering?  Why or why not?