Discussion Questions
April 19, 2026 — Nehemiah 1:1-11
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? What is your favorite verse from this passage? Why?
2. When you hear the phrase ‘biblical leadership,’ what comes to mind? Is this a positive or negative topic for you?
3. Read Nehemiah 1:1-2. What is the setting of Nehemiah’s prayer? Where was this place located? What month was it? Why is this information important?
4. Who is Hanani to Nehemiah? Define providence. Why have we been providentially placed here ‘for such a time as this’?
5. Read Nehemiah 1:2-4. Does the fruit displayed by your life look more like the world or the church? What are some habits that would demonstrate to others that we are identified with God’s people?
6. What caused Nehemiah to pray? What are some things that bring you to your knees in prayer?
7. Read Nehemiah 1:5-11. How does Nehemiah begin his prayer? How should we normally begin our prayers? Why?
8. In his confession, Nehemiah notes his shared responsibility for what? Does this make you uncomfortable? Would you be at ease confessing the sins of previous generations at Bethel? Why/why not?
9. What are some promises God has made to us in His Word? What promises have had the greatest impact in your Christian walk?
10. What is Nehemiah’s twofold request to the Lord? Who is Nehemiah praying about here? Who/what are you currently praying about?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, and unsaved neighbors.
April 12, 2026 — Exodus 2
1) From 2: 1-10, what can we learn about Moses’ childhood?
2) Names were of great significance in the OT. What might we conclude from the name Pharoah’s daughter gave Moses (2:10) and the name Moses gave his son (2:22)?
3) What phrase is mentioned twice in 2:11? What does it tell us about Moses?
4) What were Moses “successes” (good deeds) in this passage? Discuss their implications for service to God.
5) What were Moses “failures” (bad deeds) in this passage? Discuss their implications for service to God.
6) Discuss the way Moses was treated in this passage. (from 2:13-14 and 2: 19-20) How might that have made Moses think about serving God / doing right?
7) What might we conclude about Moses mindset from 2: 21-22?
8) What is your reaction to the statement “There are no consumers in the church. Everyone is called to serve.”
9) What implications does the statement “God is not looking for your ability, but our availability” have for you, personally?
10) What do Isaiah 6:8 and Jeremiah 1: 6-9 tell us about God’s call to His service and our response to that call?
Answers
1) From 2: 1-10, what can we learn about Moses’ childhood? Born to a good (Levite) home, cared well for by birth mother, sister. Raised in pagan household, given the name of Egyptian god(s)
2) Names were of great significance in the OT. What might we conclude from the name Pharoah’s daughter gave Moses (2:10) and the name Moses gave his son (2:22)? Moses – raised with pagan worldview, far from the ppl of God. Gershom – loneliness, isolation, Moses being far from “his people”
3) What phrase is mentioned twice in 2:11? What does it tell us about Moses? “His people” was how Moses thought of the Israelites. He saw himself as their human caregiver / provider (after God’s care & protection)
4) What were Moses “successes” (good deeds) in this passage? Discuss their implications for service to God. “His people” (2:11). An attempt to mediate between 2 Israelites, & address the 1’s wrongdoing (2:13). His protection of the women at the well (2:17)
5) What were Moses “failures” (bad deeds) in this passage? Discuss their implications for service to God. Murder, and a fugitive from justice (2:12 & 2:15). The contradiction of murdering someone, then trying to mediate an argument. Settling into a life far from service to Christ (2:21-22)
6) Discuss the way Moses was treated in this passage. (from 2:13-14 and 2: 19-20) How might that have made Moses think about serving God / doing right? 2:13-14 - the pain of church ppl saying the meanest thing possible. 2:19-20 - the futility of trying to help non-believers
7) What might we conclude about Moses mindset from 2: 21-22? Settling into a “normal” life, separate from service to Christ’s church
8) What is your reaction to the statement “There are no consumers in Christ’s church. Everyone is called to serve.” Church isn’t just about what I get. It's also about what I give to God / others.
9) What implications does the statement “God is not looking for your ability, but your availability” have for you, personally? It is unwillingness to serve God that prevents service, not lack of ability.
10) What do Isaiah 6:8 and Jeremiah 1: 6-9 tell us about God’s call to His service and our response to that call? Isa 6:8 – volunteering when God makes a general call to service. Jeremiah 1 – trusting God to equip us to the service He calls us to