Sarah | Women of the Old Testament #1
Learn insights from the life of Sarah and the importance of relying on a powerful and gracious God.
Talking Points:
- Sarah was married to Abraham and braved starting a new life in a new land with her husband. Genesis 12:1-3
- Sarah was barren for most of her life but God blessed her with a child. In her old age, God gave her the gift of a son named Isaac. Genesis 17:15-19, Genesis 21:1-7
- Sarah was a mixed bag like all of us. She had moments of faithfulness to God and times when she grew impatient and made destructive choices. Genesis 16:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-11
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do in your life so far? What helped you get through it? How did it change you?
- Read Genesis 12:1-3. Identify the promises God made to Abraham. How do you think the initial conversation between Abraham and Sarah went when he announced that they needed to move? How have or would you respond if your spouse asked you to pick up your life to start new somewhere else?
- How do you think Sarah felt hearing promises of descendants for Abraham, all the while knowing she was barren? Describe a time you felt inadequate or ill-equipped to accomplish something.
- Read Galatians 3:6-8,14. What made Abraham righteous in God’s eyes? How did God fulfill the blessing to all nations he promised in Genesis?
- Read Genesis 16:1-6. Describe Sarah’s mindset based on her words and actions in this passage. How did her perspective affect her actions? Have you ever felt like God wasn’t going to come through for you? Explain.
- How have you been guilty of trying to play God in your life, trying to be the “fixer” of a situation? How did it turn out? In hindsight, how do you think Sarah would evaluate her attempts at trying to fix things?
- Read Genesis 17:15-19. God boldly pronounces the promise of a child for Abraham and Sarah. Why do you think God waited so long to fulfill this part of his promise to them? What do you think God was communicating to Abraham through this promise?
- Share a time God miraculously worked in your life that demonstrated his power and authority.
- Read Genesis 18:9-15. Describe Sarah’s attitude toward God in this passage. Why do you think she laughed and then lied about it? How have you “laughed” at God’s promises or plans for your life?
- Read Genesis 21:1-7. Describe Sarah’s attitude toward God in this passage. What was the source of her laughter this time?
- Read Hebrews 11:8-11. Even though Sarah had her ups and downs with God, she was recognized among some of the most faithful. What does this say about God and his grace?
- How does Sarah’s story encourage you?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of the Women of the Old Testament series.
Deborah | Women of the Old Testament #2
Learn insights from the life of Deborah and the importance of having the courage and wisdom to stand for God.
Talking Points:
- Deborah was the only female “judge” of Israel who led Israel during a time of trial after they entered the promised land but before Israel had a king. Judges 4:4-7
- Deborah joined a man named Barak in fighting Sisera, a Canaanite general and enemy of Israel. Deborah prophesied that the victory would come from a woman.
- Deborah sought wisdom from God and courageously followed him. We can learn from her to follow God even when it’s frightening and to worship God in the victories he gives us.
Download homework for this topic here.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is the hardest thing you have had to do in your life up to this point?
- Consider the story of Deborah and Jael. Talk about some of the doubts or fears they must have felt.
- God calls us to different areas of leadership. It might be leading at work, with friends, or at home with our kids. What areas do you know God is wanting you to lead right now? How do you feel about your current leadership?
- Read Judges 4:4. and Hebrews 1:1-2. What do prophets do?
- If God no longer sends prophets but speaks through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2), what are ways we can listen to the voice of God? How can we be confident we are hearing God correctly?
- Name a challenge in your life today that you need God’s help to overcome. Is there a way God is calling you to step up to help bring change to the situation?
- Read Judges 5:15-18. Some tribes of Israel went to battle to help Deborah, and some stayed home. How do you think Deborah felt about this?
- Sometimes our opposition comes from those closest to us. Have you faced a time when those close to you didn’t support you as you followed God? How did you get through that season?
- Read Ephesians 5:18-20. How is the control of wine and the control of the Holy Spirit similar? According to these verses, what happens when the Spirit controls us?
- Deborah also responded to God in song. What are ways you can fill your minds and hearts with songs to God?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Miriam | Women of the Old Testament #3
Learn insights from the life of Miriam and the importance of having a heart of worship that puts others ahead of self.
Talking Points:
- We are introduced to Miriam in Exodus 2 and the story of Moses. Miriam watches over baby Moses until he floats to the Pharaoh’s daughter. Miriam boldly approaches the princess and suggests a Hebrew woman nurse the baby. Exodus 2:1-9
- Many years later, we are introduced to Miriam again. After Israel flees Egypt and miraculously crosses the Red Sea, the Israelites turn to see that all the Egyptian soldiers chasing them were swallowed up in the sea. Miriam’s response was to praise God for his deliverance. Exodus 15:20-21, Psalm 100:4
- Miriam was a woman of courage and praise but she was also a woman who succumbed to complaining and jealousy when she didn’t get her way. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- As a child, Miriam did something scary by approaching the Egyptian princess. What is a frightening thing you’ve had to do in the past?
- How did Miriam show selflessness when she stood up for Moses?
- Read Philippians 2:3-8. How did Jesus demonstrate selflessness?
- Think about your own life today. Share some practical ways you can show selflessness this week.
- Read Psalm 100:4. Miriam led Israel in worship. How does this verse talk about our attitude in worship? What kind of attitude do you take to worship?
- Read Psalm 95:6. What does this verse mean? What have you allowed to hinder your worship? Why?
- Miriam was not perfect and became bitter and jealous toward Moses. Have you ever had a time of jealousy toward someone who seemed to get what you wish you had?
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. What do these verses tell us about feeling jealous?
- Have you ever identified a spiritual gift God has given you? How have you used his gifts?
- Read Number 12:9-15. How does God’s punishment of Miriam with leprosy show his mercy? (See Hebrews 12:6 for help.)
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Hannah | Women of the Old Testament #4
Learn insights from the life of Hannah and how important it is to be patient in prayer.
Talking Points:
- Hannah was unable to have children and prayed desperately for God to give her a son. If he did, she would give him back to God. 1 Samuel 1:9-11
- God blessed Hannah with a son named Samuel and she kept her promise to God and brought Samuel to work in the temple with the priest Eli when he was still very young. 1 Samuel 2:1-10
- Hannah’s story challenges us to think about our own prayer life. Do we go to God with requests or do we come with demands? Hannah’s story teaches us patience and reminds us that God’s plan is always better. Proverbs 3:5-6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a brief summary of your family growing up. Were you the favored one in your family or was somebody else? Explain.
- Read Genesis 48:5-6,12-14. The family blessing that was bestowed upon the oldest was important. What do you think Manasseh was feeling in the moment he realized he was being robbed of his birthright as the firstborn son? What do you think Ephraim was thinking?
- Read 1 Samuel 1:2-7. According to this passage, what were some of the real consequences Hannah had for not having a child of her own? Describe how you would respond to Peninah if you were in Hannah’s shoes. Based on the story, how do you think Hannah responded to Peninah?
- Describe a time you’ve been jealous or envious of what someone else has that you don’t? How did those emotions affect you emotionally and spiritually?
- Read 1 Samuel 1:9-11. Hannah’s story is all about waiting on God. How do you relate to that in your life right now?
- What was the key spiritual discipline Hannah chose to engage in that helped her keep her faith in desperate times? How does Hannah’s prayer life challenge you? Explain.
- How hard do you think it was for Hannah to give up her son? How did God use that sacrifice for greater purposes? What has God asked you to give up in your life?
- Read Proverbs 3:5-6. According to this passage, where should we place our trust? What should we avoid doing? What are some practical things we can do to focus on God’s perspective instead of our own?
- Read 1 Samuel 2. Describe the tone of the opening statements of her prayer. How does she describe God? How can this prayer shape your own prayer life?
- How does the story of Hannah encourage you? How does the story of Hannah challenge you?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Abigail | Women of the Old Testament #5
Learn insights from the life of Abigail and how speaking the truth in love saves relationships.
Talking Points:
- Abigail means “full of joy” but we don’t know much else about her family or history. As we see in the story, she knew who David was and spoke of Israel’s history, so it seems safe to say that she was Jewish or was a foreigner who trained in a Jewish home.
- When Abigail hears about the confrontation between David and her husband Nabal, she takes action and gathers up food and supplies to bring out to David as a peace offering. 1 Samuel 25:18-19,23-25
- No matter what, we can trust that God has a bigger plan and we shouldn’t let our hurt feelings get in the way of pointing people to Jesus and seeking reconciliation every chance we get. 1 Peter 3:8-11
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about the family dynamics you encounter during the holidays. What’s good and what’s bad? Who are the difficult people and why?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:1-3. What does this passage tell us about Nabal? What does it tell us about Abigail? Why are these facts important to setting up the story?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:4-9. What was David’s strategy in dealing with Nabal? What was David’s request?
- Have you ever had to butter up someone before asking a favor? Explain. Why do you think flattery works on many people?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:10-11. Describe Nabal’s attitude towards David’s request. Why do you think Nabal was so unwilling to help David?
- Have you ever been surprised by someone’s negative attitude about being charitable toward a person or cause? Explain. Why is it easier to be selfish than selfless?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:12-17. Why was David so angry? What were the servant’s concerns and why did they involve Abigail?
- In your own life, what kind of situations or types of people set you off and make you angry? How have your angry responses negatively impacted your relationships in the past?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:18-19,23-25. Identify the character traits exemplified in Abigail’s actions. What was her strategy in dealing with David?
- Have you ever had to take the fall for someone else’s mistake? Explain. Why is that such a hard thing to do?
- Read 1 Samuel 25:28-32. Where was Abigail trying to get David to focus? Why do you think she mentions something about a sling and stones? (See 1 Samuel 17:32-51.) What was David’s response?
- Think about a contentious relationship in your life. What, if anything, have you done to try to make amends? What holds you back from trying harder?
- Abigail spoke the truth in love to David and it softened his heart. Think about the harder relationships in your life. Has your message been too harsh at times? Explain. How could you be more loving in your approach?
- Read 1 Peter 3:8-11. List everything this passage says we should and shouldn’t do. How does this verse challenge you as it relates to the challenging people in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
The Queen of Sheba | Women of the Old Testament #6
Learn insights from the life of the Queen of Sheba and the importance of asking the hard questions to find the truth.
Talking Points:
- The Queen of Sheba, (“Queen of the South”) is thought to be from Ethiopia. She hears of Solomon’s wisdom and decides to take a trip to meet him. 1 Kings 10:6-9
- The Queen had some doubts, yet she was willing to seek out the truth. She sought the truth from the God of Israel. We need to come to God and his word when we have doubts, too. 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11
- We can have this kind of impact in our world as well. We can share the truth of Jesus with those around us so future generations can hear about this amazing God. The best place to start is with your family!
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Has your spiritual journey included a time of investigation, like the queen of Sheba? Tell about a time you investigated something to see if it was true.
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19- 22. How do these verses fit together? How does the Holy Spirit play a role as we test things? How do we make sure we are staying away from ideologies that are evil and cling to the good? What are some tools we can use to test ideas that come our way?
- Read James 1:5-8. Why does James say we should not doubt? What else can these verses teach us about wisdom and doubt?
- When the Queen of Sheba learned the truth of Solomon, she recognized his wisdom came from God. Tell of a time you’ve seen God’s wisdom in someone.
- Read Matthew 12:39-42. Explain the OT examples Jesus uses and why.
- If Jesus was talking to a crowd of questioners today, what do you think he would say about our generation? Why?
- What are some ways we can seek Jesus even when he is not physically with us?
- The queen of Sheba changed history for Ethiopia and generations of Christians in Africa, by investigating, learning, and returning to her land and telling of God’s work in Solomon’s life. What would you like generations after you to learn about God because of your life?
- Who have you known who has changed your story/history because of their story?
- What is one practical step you can take to change history around you, either in the life of someone in your family or someone else in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
