Discussion Questions
February 22, 2026 — Exodus 1:1-22
1. How does the miraculous Hebrew birth rate point to the Church? (If needed, see I Pet 1: 3, 23)
2. How does Israel’s (formerly Jacob) new name point to the Church? (If needed, see Isa 62:2 and Rev 3:12) Discuss "Christ-ian."
3. How do the covenant blessings given to the scoundrel Jacob point to the Church? (If needed, see Eph 2: 11-13)
4. How does the slavery/oppression/abuse/persecution Israel received in Egypt point to the Church? (If needed, see II Tim 3: 12)
5. How do Romans 2: 28 – 29 and Gal 3: 29 help us read the Old Testament?
6. Discuss v. 19, and the midwives answer to Pharaoh’s question (v. 18). Why did the miraculous Hebrew birth rate make it difficult/impossible for the midwives to obey Pharaoh?
7. Discuss v. 17, and the midwives' fear of God, and how the midwives were active with the Israelite babies to “let them live.” (before and after the physical birth)
8. Discuss how the text and the concept of “spiritual midwifery” apply to:
a. The work of the pastor/session, and the response of God’s people
b. The work of the deacon
c. Teaching Sunday school
d. Private prayer for each other
e. What God does during our fellowship with each other
f. What is said of Christ in Eph 5: 26 - 27
9. What promise did God give the midwives (in 1:21), and how does it apply to (1) believers and their children (2) relationships between church friends?
February 15, 2026 — 1 Peter 4:1-2
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. Read 1 Peter 4:1-2. What does Peter mean when he writes "Christ suffered in the flesh?" What is our godly reaction to the reality of Jesus' suffering and death? What does this command mean?
3. How do we survive persecution faithfully? Why do we often struggle when dealing with trials?
4. What does Peter tell us is the reason for our compliance? What is the apostle teaching here? What is he not saying?
5. Read 1 Peter 4:3-4. What does the unbelieving world spend its time doing? Since we are now in Christ, where do these behaviors belong in our lives?
6. If we pursue biblical holiness, how will many of our neighbors respond? Why? What happens when our lives align with our message?
7. Why are some unbelievers surprised when we don't join with them in normal, societal behavior? Read James 4:4. How can we help each other follow the right path?
8. Read 1 Peter 4:5-6. What is the price of rejecting the Lord's call to faith and repentance? What does the phrase 'give account' refer to?
9. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. What part of this description concerns you the most? Why is that?
10. What work has the Lord given us to do until His second coming? What does evangelism aim to accomplish? Who are some people God has providentially brought into your life with whom you can share the gospel?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, congregation, and unsaved neighbors.