Life Group Questions

1. If you could not hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What main ideas did you gain from the message? Do you have any questions?

2. What does it mean that God expects us to “go”? What did it mean for Abram to go (cf. Genesis 12:1)? What did it mean for Hagar (cf. Genesis 16:8)? What about Moses, Joshua and Jonah (cf. Exodus 3; Joshua 1; Jonah 1 & 3)?

3. Have you ever sensed that the Lord wanted you to go somewhere? Has He ever directed you to go on a mission trip, youth trip or some other type of venture? Share about a time God clearly called you to something and the outcome.

4. What impression have you had of the Prophetess Deborah in the past? Describe a sermon or teaching that you’ve heard about this woman of God. Do you think most Christians appreciate her properly? Explain.

5. What does it mean that Deborah was a prophetess? Are you surprised that there were women prophetesses in the Old Testament (cf. Exodus 15:20; 2 Kings 22:14; Isaiah 8:3; Nehemiah 6:14)? Did the Lord desire or approve of women serving in this manner? Explain.

6. Deborah is said to be one of Israel’s judges in the book of Judges. Do you think her role was the perfect plan of God or simply a consequence of weak male leadership in Israel? Do you believe women should be in positions of leadership? Explain your thoughts?

7. Do you think men struggle with women as leaders? If so, why? What are some ways in which women can serve as leaders in the church? Describe a good female leader you’ve known. What traits made her a good leader?

8. Read the following passages and identify admirable traits concerning the women mentioned: Exodus 2:2-4; 1 Samuel 1; John 19:25; Luke 23:55-24:9; Romans 1:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:5.

9. Contrast Barak with Deborah. What were some areas of weakness in Barak? Do you ever struggle with the same issues? How should the presence of God in our lives encourage us in our Christians lives (cf. Matthew 28:19-20)?

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision