Throughout Scripture, the spotlight often shines on well-known figures—Moses, David, Paul, and Peter—men and women who led boldly and left clear marks on biblical history. But woven through the same pages are others who make only a brief appearance. Their names are seldom remembered, and their stories are short—but their faith and obedience speak volumes.

This Bible study series, Hidden Heroes: Quiet Lives, Lasting Impact, is about those lesser-known people whose courage, compassion, wisdom, and faithfulness played a vital role in God’s redemptive work. Some were reluctant servants, others bold intercessors. Some lived in obscurity, and others spoke truth to power. Yet each one, in their moment, said “yes” to God—and their small part became a turning point in His story.

We will explore ten sessions focused on people who appear only briefly in Scripture but whose actions rippled out into history. We’ll reflect on what it means to:

Obey God in crisis, even when no one notices
Offer compassion across social or cultural barriers
Speak truth, encourage others, and serve without recognition
Believe that God can still use us, regardless of our age or stage in life

This study is especially meaningful for those who may feel their best years are behind them, or who wonder if their life still makes a difference. The truth is: God delights in using faithful, available people—at any age, in any place, for His purposes.

As we journey through these stories together, may you be reminded:
It’s not how loud your voice is, or how long your name is remembered.
It’s your faithfulness in the moment that matters to God. (Editable Series DOC)

Session 1: "Courage in Crisis"- Exodus 1:15-21, 2 Kings 5:1-4
— Printable Download

Focus: The Midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) and Naaman's Servant Girl
Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that simple acts of courage and faith, even in difficult circumstances, can have far-reaching consequences for God's kingdom.

Exodus 1:15-21

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”

19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”

20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

2 Kings 5:1-4 Naaman Healed of Leprosy

1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Share about a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness or courage during a difficult situation. How did their actions affect you?

Can you think of a movie or book character who seemed insignificant at first but ended up making a huge difference in the story? What made their contribution so important?

OVERVIEW

The stories of Shiphrah, Puah, and Naaman's servant girl demonstrate that God often uses the most unlikely people in the most unlikely circumstances to accomplish His purposes. These women—foreign midwives serving under a cruel Pharaoh and a young captive girl in enemy territory—show us that social status, age, or circumstances don't disqualify us from being used mightily by God. Their courage in crisis moments literally saved lives and changed the course of history.

"God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. You don't have to be famous, wealthy, or powerful to make a difference in His kingdom. Sometimes the smallest acts of courage create the biggest waves of change." - Max Lucado

Look For This:

Two women who stood up to a king to save lives.

A young girl whose words sparked healing in a powerful general.

How quiet courage under pressure can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Spark Your Thinking:

How might fear of people be keeping you from doing what is right?

Can small acts of obedience in hard times truly make a lasting difference?

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Some people struggle with the midwives' deception of Pharaoh, wondering if lying is ever justified before God.

The Hebrew midwives told Pharaoh that Hebrew women gave birth before they could arrive, which wasn't entirely truthful. However, Scripture commends these women and says "God was kind to the midwives" (Exodus 1:20). This presents what theologians call a "lesser of two evils" situation. When human authority directly contradicts God's clear commands—in this case, the sanctity of life—believers throughout history have sometimes chosen civil disobedience. The midwives feared God more than Pharaoh, choosing to preserve life rather than participate in genocide. Their primary motivation wasn't deception but preservation of innocent life, which aligns with God's heart. The text emphasizes their fear of God, not their strategic communication, as the reason for God's blessing.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today: In our modern world, we face countless opportunities to choose between popular opinion and godly conviction. Like these biblical women, we may find ourselves in positions where we can either remain silent or courageously act on our faith. Whether it's standing up for someone being bullied, refusing to participate in workplace gossip, speaking truth in love to a friend making destructive choices, or simply showing kindness to someone society overlooks—these moments test whether we fear God more than human approval. The influence isn't always dramatic; sometimes it's the quiet courage of a nurse caring for difficult patients, a teacher believing in a struggling student, or a neighbor helping during tough times. These women remind us that everyday faithfulness in crisis moments can have generational impact.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. They Feared God More Than Man (Exodus 1:17) Commentary: The foundation of courage isn't the absence of fear, but the presence of a greater fear—reverence for God. Shiphrah and Puah were likely afraid of Pharaoh's reaction, but their fear of disappointing God was stronger. This holy fear gave them strength to risk their own safety for the sake of innocent lives.

2. They Chose Life Over Personal Safety (Exodus 1:17) Commentary: These midwives had everything to lose and nothing earthly to gain by defying Pharaoh's order. Yet they chose to preserve life rather than protect themselves. Their actions remind us that sometimes doing right requires personal sacrifice, but God honors those who value His principles above their own comfort.

3. God Rewarded Their Faithfulness (Exodus 1:20-21) Commentary: Scripture explicitly states that God was kind to the midwives and gave them families of their own. Their obedience to God's heart for life resulted in His blessing on their own lives. God doesn't overlook acts of courage done in faith, even when no one else notices.

4. Simple Faith Spoke Boldly (2 Kings 5:2-3) Commentary: The servant girl didn't have a theology degree or official position, yet she spoke with confidence about God's power through Elisha. Her simple statement, "If only my master would see the prophet," changed everything for Naaman. Sometimes the most profound ministry happens through casual conversation born from genuine faith.

5. Their Influence Outlasted Their Lives Commentary: The midwives helped preserve the generation that would produce Moses, while the servant girl's words led to Naaman's healing and testimony throughout Syria. Neither woman could have imagined the far-reaching impact of their faithful moments, yet their influence rippled through history.

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Flame in the Fog"

In a quiet village nestled in a fog-laden valley, every home kept a lantern burning at night. The tradition wasn’t for decoration—it was for direction. Long ago, a terrible storm had once trapped travelers in the valley, and ever since, the villagers were told, “Keep your light lit, even if no one ever thanks you. Someone may be watching.”

Most villagers lit their lanterns out of habit. A few questioned the value of it. One year, after decades of fog with no lost travelers, most grew weary. “Why burn oil for no reason?” they asked. Slowly, house by house, the lights went out.

Except at the edge of the valley.

There, a young girl named Lela and her grandmother kept their lantern burning. Even when others mocked them, they cleaned the glass, trimmed the wick, and refilled it faithfully.

One night, a small boy—lost and frightened—stumbled into the village, guided by a single flickering light. He had wandered far from home, and that little flame became his rescue. He was the son of a royal envoy, and the villagers never knew how closely their quiet act of faith was tied to something much larger.

Lela didn’t become famous. But her light did.

So it is in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we think we must be powerful or well-known to make a difference. But Scripture reminds us: a word spoken in humility, a quiet act of courage, or a light kept burning in obedience may become the very tool God uses to rescue, redeem, and redirect lives.

The midwives feared God and spared lives.
The servant girl spoke truth and opened the way to healing.
Neither had power. Both had faith.
And that was enough.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

God's redemptive plan often hinges on the faithful courage of ordinary people in extraordinary moments. The midwives and servant girl weren't positioned in palaces or pulpits, yet their simple obedience became crucial links in God's chain of salvation history. This reveals a profound truth about how God works: He doesn't typically use the powerful and prominent to accomplish His greatest works. Instead, He seeks hearts that fear Him more than circumstances, that value His truth above personal comfort, and that trust His purposes even when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

These women also demonstrate that influence isn't about the size of our platform but the sincerity of our faith. The servant girl didn't need to preach a sermon; she simply shared what she knew about God's goodness. The midwives didn't need to lead a revolution; they just refused to participate in evil. Their stories encourage us that God is looking for available hearts, not perfect résumés. Every act of courage, every word of faith, every choice to do right when it's difficult creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. In God's economy, there are no small acts of obedience—only eternal consequences we may never fully understand this side of heaven.

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do Shiphrah and Puah’s actions teach us about fearing God over fearing man?
→ Consider: What risks did they take, and why?

2. The servant girl in 2 Kings 5 was unnamed, young, and captive—yet her words changed a general’s life. Why is that significant?
→ How does God use unlikely people in moments of crisis?

3. How do quiet acts of obedience in your own life sometimes go unseen?
→ Reflect on a time when a simple act of faith had bigger impact than you expected.

4. Why do you think God often works through “hidden heroes” in Scripture?
→ How does that challenge our modern ideas of influence?

5. In times of pressure, what helps you remember to obey God even when it’s hard?
→ Where do you draw courage from?

6. What’s one practical way you can be like the midwives or the servant girl this week—speaking up, standing firm, or shining light, even in a small way?

Takeaway:
God honors quiet acts of courage that come from fearing Him more than man.

Reflect:
Where in your life have you been tempted to stay silent out of fear or comfort? Is there a situation right now where God may be calling you to speak or act with courage?

Pray:
Ask God for a heart that fears Him above all else—and the courage to obey even when the cost is high.

Session 2: "Compassion Across Boundaries"- Exodus 2:5-10, 1 Kings 17:8-16
— Printable Download

Focus: Pharaoh's Daughter and the Widow of Zarephath
Purpose Statement: To demonstrate how God uses compassionate hearts to preserve His purposes, even through unexpected people and circumstances.

Exodus 2:5-10

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.

7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

1 Kings 17:8-16

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Tell about a time when someone from outside your family or usual circle showed you unexpected kindness. What made their compassion so meaningful to you?

Have you ever been in a situation where helping someone else seemed risky or costly, but you felt compelled to do it anyway? What motivated you to act?

Look For This:

An Egyptian princess who preserved the life of a Hebrew baby.

A Gentile widow who gave her last meal to a prophet.

The surprising ways compassion builds bridges across barriers.

Spark Your Thinking:

What does it cost us to show kindness to someone “outside” our circle?

Have you ever received compassion from someone you least expected?

OVERVIEW

These two remarkable women—an Egyptian princess and a Gentile widow—show us that God's mercy often flows through the most unexpected vessels. Neither woman was part of God's chosen people, yet both became crucial instruments in preserving His redemptive plan. Pharaoh's daughter rescued the future deliverer of Israel from the very waters meant to destroy him, while the widow of Zarephath sustained the prophet who would confront Israel's apostasy. Their stories reveal that God's compassion crosses every human boundary—nationality, religion, social status, and economic condition—to accomplish His loving purposes.

"God's grace is not limited by human categories. He delights in using unlikely people from unexpected places to show His mercy and advance His kingdom. Sometimes the greatest acts of faith come from those we least expect." - Beth Moore

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Some wonder why God would use pagan foreigners to accomplish His holy purposes instead of working only through His chosen people.

Throughout Scripture, we see God working through Gentiles to bless, rebuke, or preserve Israel. This isn't because His people failed Him, but because His love extends beyond ethnic and religious boundaries. Pharaoh's daughter and the widow of Zarephath demonstrate that God looks at the heart, not the heritage. Their compassionate responses to human need aligned them with God's character, even though they may not have fully understood His larger plan. This pattern continues in the New Testament with the Roman centurion's faith, the Samaritan woman's testimony, and the Gentile inclusion in the early church. God uses these examples to remind His people that His mercy is broader than their expectations and that He can work through anyone whose heart responds to His prompting.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today: In our increasingly diverse and polarized world, these women challenge us to show compassion that transcends social, political, racial, and economic boundaries. Like Pharaoh's daughter, we may encounter opportunities to help someone from a group we've been taught to distrust or dislike. Like the widow, we might be asked to share our limited resources with someone whose beliefs differ from ours. Their examples encourage us to look beyond surface differences and respond to human need with Christ-like compassion. Whether it's befriending a neighbor from a different culture, supporting a single parent in our community, or showing kindness to someone whose lifestyle we don't understand, these women remind us that God's love is meant to flow through us to all people. Their influence challenges us to be bridge-builders rather than wall-builders in our daily interactions.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Compassion Sees Beyond Circumstances (Exodus 2:6) Commentary: When Pharaoh's daughter saw the baby crying, she immediately recognized his Hebrew identity yet was moved with compassion rather than compliance to her father's decree. True compassion doesn't calculate political or social consequences; it responds to human need. She saw a helpless child, not an enemy to be eliminated.

2. Mercy Transcends Human Boundaries (Exodus 2:9-10) Commentary: Not only did she rescue Moses, but she paid his own mother to nurse him and later adopted him as her son. This Egyptian princess gave an Israelite child royal privileges, education, and protection. Her mercy crossed every conceivable boundary—national, religious, and social—demonstrating that love recognizes no borders.

3. Faith Risks Everything for God's Servant (1 Kings 17:13-14) Commentary: The widow was preparing what she believed would be her and her son's last meal when Elijah asked her to feed him first. Her response required extraordinary faith—trusting a foreign prophet's promise over her visible circumstances. She chose to honor God's messenger even when it seemed to guarantee her family's death.

4. Obedience Brings Supernatural Provision (1 Kings 17:15-16) Commentary: Her act of faith resulted in miraculous, daily provision throughout the famine. The jar of flour and jug of oil never ran empty, demonstrating that when we put God's purposes first, He ensures our needs are met. Her obedience became the channel for God's miraculous care.

5. Small Acts Have Eternal Consequences Commentary: Pharaoh's daughter's compassion preserved the man who would deliver Israel from bondage, while the widow's hospitality sustained the prophet who would restore Israel's spiritual faithfulness. Neither woman could have imagined that their simple acts of mercy would impact generations, yet both became essential links in God's redemptive chain.

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Thread Between Worlds"

A master weaver in a bustling market town created the most beautiful tapestries anyone had ever seen. His secret? He never used just one kind of thread.

While others preferred flawless silk or fine-dyed wool, the weaver would collect scraps from every corner—some rough, some foreign, some discarded. When people questioned him, he simply smiled and said, “Compassion chooses usefulness over sameness.”

One day, a famine struck the region. Trade halted. No one bought art. The weaver opened his home to strangers—merchants, travelers, even a refugee child from a rival city-state. Though he had little, he shared his bread and taught them to weave.

Years later, that child—once an outcast—became an ambassador who brokered peace between warring lands. When asked how he learned such diplomacy, he recalled the weaver who had treated him not as an enemy, but as a child worth feeding.

Like Pharaoh’s daughter pulling a Hebrew baby from the Nile, or a Gentile widow feeding a prophet with her last meal, compassion makes room for God’s purposes.
Not by status. Not by heritage.
But by seeing need, and responding with mercy.

God’s story often advances through hands that shouldn’t have been part of the picture—except that kindness invited them in.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

These women teach us that God's kingdom advances through hearts willing to show mercy across the boundaries that typically divide us. Pharaoh's daughter could have reasoned that helping a Hebrew child was treason against her father's policies, while the widow could have justified keeping her last meal for her own family. Instead, both chose compassion over convenience, mercy over self-preservation. Their stories reveal that God often positions people outside the traditional religious community to demonstrate His love and accomplish His purposes.

The profound truth embedded in these accounts is that God's grace is always larger than our categories. He doesn't wait for perfect people or ideal circumstances to work His will. Instead, He looks for compassionate hearts willing to cross uncomfortable boundaries for the sake of others. When we respond to human need with Christ-like mercy—regardless of who the person is or where they come from—we align ourselves with God's redemptive purposes. These women remind us that sometimes our most significant contribution to God's kingdom happens not in church buildings or formal ministry settings, but in the everyday moments when we choose to see people through God's eyes of love rather than through the lens of human prejudice or self-interest. Their legacy challenges us to be instruments of God's mercy in a world that desperately needs to see His compassion in action.

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Pharaoh’s daughter had no obligation to care for a Hebrew baby. What might have moved her heart to act anyway?
→ How did her compassion shape the future of Israel?

2. The widow of Zarephath was down to her last meal. Why do you think she was willing to share it with a stranger?
→ What did her obedience open the door for?

3. What do these stories tell us about God’s ability to work through people who aren’t “insiders” to the faith?
→ How does that challenge our assumptions?

4. What cultural, political, or personal boundaries tend to block compassion today?
→ What can we do to cross them with God’s love?

5. When have you seen kindness from an unexpected person become a turning point for good—either in your life or in Scripture?

6. Think of someone different from you—by background, beliefs, or status. What’s one way you can show the love of Christ to them this week?

Takeaway:
God often uses unlikely people to extend mercy and preserve His purposes.

Reflect:
Is there someone outside your “normal circle” who needs compassion from you right now? How might God use you to show kindness where it’s least expected?

Pray:
Ask God to give you eyes to see others with His compassion and to tear down any walls in your heart that keep you from loving freely.

Session 3: "Wisdom That Protects"- Exodus 18:13-26, 2 Samuel 20:16-22
— Printable Download

Focus: Jethro and the Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah
Purpose Statement: To show how godly wisdom and practical counsel can prevent disaster and preserve communities.

Exodus 18:13-26

13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”

17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

2 Samuel 20:16-22

16 a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” 17 He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?”

“I am,” he answered.

She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.”

“I’m listening,” he said.

18 She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. 19 We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?”

20 “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.”

The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”

22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Who is the wisest person you've known personally? What made their advice so valuable, and how did it help you or others?

Can you think of a time when someone's wise words or actions prevented a bigger problem from happening? What was the situation and how did wisdom save the day?

Look For This:

A father-in-law whose advice saved a leader from burnout.

A wise woman who spoke up to save her city.

How God uses wisdom to calm conflict and preserve peace.

Spark Your Thinking:

When tension rises, do you bring wisdom—or more fire?

What kind of voice are you in your family or community?

OVERVIEW

Jethro and the unnamed wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah demonstrate that God places wisdom strategically within communities to preserve and protect His people. Jethro, Moses's father-in-law and a Midianite priest, provided organizational wisdom that saved Moses from burnout and established Israel's judicial system. The wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah used diplomatic wisdom to save her entire city from destruction. Both stories show us that godly wisdom often comes from unexpected sources and that listening to wise counsel can prevent disasters that seem inevitable. These characters remind us that God distributes wisdom throughout His creation and honors those who seek peaceful, practical solutions to complex problems.

"Wisdom is not about having all the answers; it's about knowing the right questions to ask and having the courage to seek solutions that honor God and preserve life. Sometimes the wisest voice in the room is the one we least expect to hear." - John Maxwell

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Some people wonder why Moses, who spoke directly with God, needed advice from his non-Israelite father-in-law about how to lead God's people.

This question touches on a crucial biblical principle: God often uses multiple sources to provide wisdom, and spiritual maturity includes recognizing wise counsel regardless of its source. Moses was a great prophet, but Jethro had practical leadership experience that Moses lacked. God's revelation to Moses was primarily about spiritual and moral law, but Jethro offered administrative wisdom born from years of leading his own people. The fact that Moses listened and implemented Jethro's advice shows humility, not weakness. Scripture teaches that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22). Even godly leaders need practical wisdom from others. This principle protects us from spiritual pride and reminds us that God can speak through anyone, regardless of their religious background or formal position.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today: In our fast-paced, often polarized world, the wisdom these characters displayed is desperately needed. Like Jethro, we may see loved ones overwhelmed by responsibilities they're trying to handle alone, needing our gentle suggestion to delegate or reorganize. Like the wise woman, we might find ourselves in situations where conflict seems inevitable, but diplomatic wisdom could preserve relationships, families, or communities. Whether it's mediating between feuding family members, suggesting practical solutions at work, offering perspective during church conflicts, or simply knowing when to speak truth and when to remain silent, these examples show us that wisdom protects what matters most. Their influence challenges us to be peacemakers who seek win-win solutions rather than warriors who demand victory at any cost.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Wisdom Observes Before Speaking (Exodus 18:14) Commentary: Jethro watched Moses work for a full day before offering advice. He didn't rush to judgment or give unsolicited counsel. True wisdom observes patterns, understands context, and considers consequences before speaking. His careful observation gave credibility to his eventual suggestion and showed respect for Moses's leadership.

2. Good Counsel Considers Everyone's Welfare (Exodus 18:17-18) Commentary: Jethro's concern wasn't just efficiency but the well-being of Moses and the people. He saw that the current system was wearing out both the leader and those seeking help. Wise counsel always considers the impact on all parties involved, seeking solutions that benefit the community rather than just solving immediate problems.

3. Wisdom Speaks with Humility and Respect (Exodus 18:19) Commentary: Despite being older and more experienced, Jethro approached Moses with phrases like "Listen now to me and I will give you some advice." He didn't demand or command but offered counsel with respect for Moses's position. Wise people know how to share truth in ways that preserve dignity and relationships.

4. Strategic Thinking Prevents Greater Loss (2 Samuel 20:18-19) Commentary: The wise woman reminded Joab of her city's reputation for wisdom and peaceful resolution. She positioned the conversation strategically, appealing to established precedent and reason rather than emotion. Her approach shows that wisdom often involves helping others see the bigger picture and long-term consequences of their actions.

5. Decisive Action Follows Wise Negotiation (2 Samuel 20:21-22) Commentary: After negotiating terms, the woman quickly convinced her fellow citizens to act on the agreement. She didn't just talk about solutions; she implemented them. True wisdom combines good judgment with decisive action, understanding that the best plans are worthless without follow-through.

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Voice That Stilled the Fire"

In a dry hillside village, known for its flammable brush and careless sparks, a fire broke out one summer night. It began with a single ember—a child’s campfire left unattended. Within moments, flames climbed the ridgeline, threatening homes and families.

Panic spread faster than the fire. Buckets flew, horses bolted, and shouts filled the air. Everyone ran—except for Mara, an elderly woman known more for her quiet baking than any authority.

But she stood at the town’s center, calling for calm.

“We need water, yes,” she said, “but more than that, we need order.” She quickly assigned people by location—some to dig trenches, others to clear brush, and still others to keep the children safe. She even sent a runner to the next town for help. Within hours, the fire was contained. Homes were spared. The village was saved.

No one had elected her. No one had expected her.

But her wisdom had done what panic could not: it preserved a people.

So it was with Jethro, who counseled Moses to delegate leadership before burnout destroyed him.
And so it was with the wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah, who calmly negotiated to save her city from destruction.
They didn’t swing swords or part seas. They spoke wisdom—and lives were spared.

God still uses steady voices in a storm. Sometimes, His greatest deliverance comes not through miracles, but through the minds and mouths of the wise.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

These stories reveal that God strategically places wise counselors throughout our communities to serve as guardrails against disaster and guides toward better solutions. Jethro's organizational wisdom prevented Moses from burning out and established a system that served Israel for generations. The wise woman's diplomatic skill saved countless lives and preserved her city's legacy. Both demonstrate that wisdom is not just personal insight but a community resource that God uses to protect and preserve what He values.

The deeper truth in these accounts is that wisdom often comes disguised in ordinary relationships and everyday conversations. God didn't send angels to give Moses administrative advice or to negotiate for Abel Beth Maacah; He used available people with practical wisdom who cared enough to get involved. This reminds us that we may be the wise voice God wants to use in someone else's situation, or that the solution to our own challenges might come through someone we wouldn't normally consider an expert. These characters challenge us to both offer wisdom humbly when we see needs and to receive counsel graciously when others observe things we've missed. In God's economy, wisdom is meant to be shared, not hoarded, and the willingness to both give and receive good counsel often determines whether communities thrive or merely survive the challenges they face.

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What problem did Jethro observe in Moses’ leadership, and what solution did he propose?
→ Why was this advice so important for Israel’s future?

2. The woman of Abel Beth Maacah is unnamed, yet she singlehandedly negotiated peace. What qualities do you think gave her such influence?
→ How did she balance courage with diplomacy?

3. How can wisdom protect people—not just in Bible times, but in your life or community today?
→ What does it look like to be a “peacemaker” instead of a “problem-spreader”?

4. What does it say about God’s character that He often uses everyday people to speak truth in high-stakes moments?

5. Have you ever received wise counsel that changed your direction or protected you from harm?
→ What made that counsel trustworthy?

6. Who in your life needs a calm, wise voice right now—and how might God use you to be that voice?

Takeaway:
God uses wise and peaceful voices to protect and preserve communities.

Reflect:
Have you been a peacemaker or a peace-breaker lately? In what situations can you bring wisdom instead of reaction?

Pray:
Ask God to grow wisdom in you—and the humility to listen when others speak it into your life.

Session 4: "Bold Faith in Action"- Numbers 27:1-11, Joshua 2:1-21
— Printable Download

Focus: The Daughters of Zelophehad and Rahab
Purpose Statement: To inspire believers to step forward in faith when justice and righteousness are at stake.

Numbers 27:1-11

1 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward 2 and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord, 6 and the Lord said to him, 7 “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.

8 “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. 9 If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. 10 If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11 If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to have the force of law for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses.’”

Joshua 2:1-21

1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.”

4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.” 6 (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.) 7 So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.

8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

12 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”

14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”

17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”

So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Share about a time when you had to speak up for something you believed was right, even though it felt intimidating. What gave you the courage to take that step?

Can you think of someone who took a big risk to help others or stand for what was right? What was the outcome of their bold action?

Look For This:

Five sisters who spoke up for justice—and were heard.

A woman with a risky past who trusted God with a risky future.

How bold faith changes what seems unchangeable.

Spark Your Thinking:

What might God be calling you to speak up about?

Where do you need courage more than comfort?

OVERVIEW

The five daughters of Zelophehad and Rahab the prostitute represent two very different expressions of bold faith in action. The sisters courageously approached Moses and the tribal leaders to advocate for their inheritance rights, challenging an established system in pursuit of justice. Rahab risked everything to protect Israelite spies, choosing faith in Israel's God over loyalty to her own people and city. Both stories demonstrate that bold faith doesn't wait for permission or perfect circumstances—it steps forward when righteousness and God's purposes are at stake. These women show us that gender, social status, or past mistakes don't disqualify us from being used by God when we act with courageous faith.

"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. And sometimes doing what is right requires us to step out boldly, even when the outcome is uncertain." - Max Lucado

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Many struggle with how God could honor and use Rahab, given her profession as a prostitute and her use of deception to protect the spies.

Rahab's story challenges our tendency to categorize people by their past or their profession rather than their faith response to God. The New Testament places her in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11:31) and in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), showing that God's grace transforms and redeems rather than simply overlooking sin. Her profession, while morally wrong, didn't disqualify her from recognizing God's power and choosing to align herself with His people. Her deception of the Jericho officials falls into the same category as the Hebrew midwives—civil disobedience when human authority contradicts God's purposes. The key is that her primary motivation was faith in the God of Israel, not personal gain. God looks at the heart's direction, not the perfection of the journey. Rahab's inclusion in Jesus's lineage reminds us that God's redemptive plan often includes the most unlikely people who respond to Him in faith.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today: In our current culture, bold faith often requires us to advocate for justice, stand against inequality, or defend those who cannot defend themselves. Like the daughters of Zelophehad, we may need to challenge systems or traditions that seem unfair, speaking up in workplaces, communities, or even churches when policies exclude or disadvantage others. Like Rahab, we might find ourselves choosing between popular loyalty and righteous conviction, standing with what's right even when it costs us relationships or reputation. Their examples encourage us whether we're advocating for fair treatment of minorities, supporting victims of abuse, defending the vulnerable, or simply living out our Christian values in environments that mock or oppose them. These women remind us that bold faith doesn't wait for applause—it acts because God's character demands justice and mercy.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Bold Faith Seeks Justice (Numbers 27:1-4) Commentary: The daughters didn't accept the status quo when it seemed unfair. They believed their case was just and took it to the highest authorities available. Their boldness wasn't rebellious but righteous—seeking fair treatment under God's law. Sometimes faithful action requires challenging systems that exclude or disadvantage others, especially when we have access to decision-makers.

2. Courage Approaches Authority with Respect (Numbers 27:2) Commentary: Notice they approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole assembly—they followed proper channels while making their bold request. Bold faith doesn't mean being disrespectful or rebellious; it means presenting our case with courage while honoring established authority structures where possible.

3. Faith Recognizes God's Sovereignty (Joshua 2:9-11) Commentary: Rahab's declaration about Israel's God shows she understood His power and sovereignty over nations. Her faith wasn't based on partial information but on clear evidence of God's work. Bold faith often begins with recognizing who God is and aligning ourselves with His demonstrated power and purposes.

4. Conviction Leads to Risky Action (Joshua 2:12-13) Commentary: Rahab didn't just believe intellectually; she acted on her conviction by protecting the spies and negotiating for her family's safety. Her faith moved from acknowledgment to action, even though it meant betraying her own city. True faith always expresses itself through decisive action, especially when others' welfare is at stake.

5. God Honors Bold Faith with Lasting Impact (Numbers 27:7; Joshua 6:25) Commentary: The daughters' boldness resulted in a new law that protected women's inheritance rights for generations. Rahab's courage saved her family and led to her inclusion in the Messianic line. Both stories show that when we act boldly for righteousness, God can use our actions to create lasting positive change that extends far beyond our immediate situation.

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Stone in the River"

There was once a narrow river that separated two villages—one wealthy, the other poor. For generations, the bridge between them had been washed away, and with it, any trust or interaction. The current was too swift to cross, and neither side would risk building the bridge again.

One morning, a young girl from the poorer village carried a heavy stone to the water’s edge. People laughed—“What can one stone do?” they said.

She stepped into the stream and laid her stone down. The next day, she returned with another. Soon, others from her side joined her. Then—surprisingly—so did a few from the other side.

Stone by stone, a path emerged. The river still flowed, but now it was crossable.

That first step looked foolish. But it was bold. And it changed everything.

In much the same way, the daughters of Zelophehad did what no one expected—standing before Moses to challenge an inheritance law. Their request was not only honored by God, but written into Israel’s legal code.

Rahab, a Canaanite woman with a complicated past, risked her life to protect Israelite spies. Her bold action didn’t just save her household—it placed her in the lineage of Christ Himself.

Sometimes, boldness is not loud or aggressive.
It’s a simple step toward justice. A risky gesture of faith.
A decision to act when the easier path is silence.

And when that boldness aligns with God’s purposes, it leaves a legacy.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

These women teach us that bold faith is not reckless action but courageous response to God's character and purposes. The daughters of Zelophehad saw an injustice and believed God cared about fairness, so they advocated for change through proper channels. Rahab recognized God's power and chose to align herself with His people despite the personal cost. Both demonstrate that faith without action is incomplete, and that God honors those who step forward courageously when righteousness is at stake.

The transforming truth in these stories is that God doesn't wait for perfect people to accomplish His purposes—He uses available people who respond to Him in faith. The daughters weren't legal experts, yet their case established precedent for generations. Rahab wasn't a theologian, yet her faith testimony is recorded for all time. Their examples remind us that God is looking for willing hearts, not flawless résumés. When we see injustice, inequality, or opportunities to advance God's kingdom, these women challenge us to step forward boldly rather than waiting for someone more qualified to act. Sometimes the very fact that we care enough to get involved is the qualification God is looking for. Their legacy encourages us that bold faith, expressed through respectful but courageous action, can create changes that outlast our lives and bless generations we'll never meet.

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do the daughters of Zelophehad teach us about respectfully confronting injustice?
→ Why do you think their petition mattered to God?

2. Rahab risked everything to hide the spies. What do her actions tell us about faith and courage?
→ How is boldness sometimes an act of trust rather than strength?

3. Both stories involve women stepping outside societal expectations. What does that suggest about how God views bold faith, regardless of position or background?

4. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing required courage in your own life—or someone else’s?
→ What helped you (or them) make that bold decision?

5. How can we distinguish between godly boldness and impulsiveness or pride?
→ What role does wisdom play in bold action?

6. Where do you see opportunities in your life to speak up for what is right—especially when silence would be easier?
→ What would it mean for you to be faithful “for such a time as this”?

Takeaway:
Righteous boldness can create lasting change when rooted in God’s purposes.

Reflect:
Where in your life do you need to step out in faith, even if it’s uncomfortable or risky? What’s holding you back?

Pray:
Pray for boldness not based on personality, but on conviction—and for the courage to trust God with the results.

Session 5: "Speaking Truth in Power"- 2 Kings 22:14-20, Esther 4:12-16
— Printable Download

Focus: Huldah and Mordecai
Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that God positions His people to speak truth and influence leaders for His glory.

2 Kings 22:14-20

14 Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.

15 She said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”

So they took her answer back to the king.

Esther 4:12-16

12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Have you ever been in a position where you had important information or perspective that someone in authority needed to hear? How did you approach that situation?

Can you think of a time when someone's honest words helped guide an important decision, even though those words might have been difficult to hear? What made their counsel so valuable?

Look For This:

A prophetess who spoke God’s Word to a king.

A man who challenged a queen to risk everything.

How truth-tellers influence nations without holding titles.

Spark Your Thinking:

How do you handle moments when telling the truth could cost you?

What does it mean to be used by God “for such a time as this”?

OVERVIEW

Huldah the prophetess and Mordecai the exile demonstrate how God strategically places His people in positions of influence to speak truth to power at critical moments in history. When King Josiah needed to understand the newly discovered Book of the Law, his officials sought out Huldah for divine interpretation, and her truthful prophecy sparked the greatest religious revival in Judah's history. When Queen Esther hesitated to risk her life for her people, Mordecai's wise counsel reminded her that she may have been positioned "for such a time as this." Both stories show us that God places His people in various spheres of influence—not for personal advancement, but to be voices of truth when leaders and nations need divine guidance most.

"God doesn't place us in positions of influence for our own comfort or glory, but so we can be His voice when truth is desperately needed. Sometimes the most important thing we'll ever do is speak one sentence of truth at exactly the right moment." - Charles Swindoll

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Some wonder why King Josiah's officials consulted Huldah instead of more prominent prophets like Jeremiah or Zephaniah who were also active during this time.

This question reveals important truths about how God distributes His gifts and calling. While Jeremiah and Zephaniah were certainly active prophets, Huldah had apparently established a reputation for reliable prophetic ministry that made her the officials' first choice for such a crucial consultation. The fact that they specifically sought her out suggests she was recognized as having clear communication with God and accurate prophetic insight. God doesn't limit His prophetic gift to male prophets or the most publicly visible ministers. Huldah's consultation shows that spiritual authority comes from God's calling and faithful ministry, not from gender, publicity, or position in religious hierarchies. Her inclusion in Scripture demonstrates that God values and uses the faithful service of women in ministry, and that sometimes the most reliable spiritual counsel comes from those who serve faithfully without seeking the spotlight.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today: In our interconnected world, many of us have more influence than we realize—through social media, workplace relationships, community involvement, or family connections. Like Huldah and Mordecai, we may find ourselves in positions where we can speak truth to those who make important decisions affecting others. Whether it's offering godly counsel to a friend in leadership, providing honest feedback to supervisors about workplace issues, speaking up in community meetings about moral concerns, or simply being a voice of wisdom in family decisions, these examples challenge us to see our influence as a stewardship from God. Their stories remind us that being positioned "for such a time as this" isn't always about dramatic moments—sometimes it's about faithfully speaking truth in everyday situations where our words can guide decisions that affect many people.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Truth-Telling Requires Spiritual Discernment (2 Kings 22:15-16) Commentary: Huldah didn't give the king's officials what they wanted to hear but what God had revealed. She distinguished between God's judgment on the nation and His mercy toward Josiah personally. Speaking truth to power requires the ability to discern God's heart in complex situations and communicate it clearly, even when the message contains both difficult and encouraging elements.

2. Faithful Ministry Builds Credibility (2 Kings 22:14) Commentary: The fact that high-ranking officials specifically sought out Huldah suggests she had built a reputation for reliable prophetic ministry over time. Our ability to speak truth in crucial moments is often built on years of faithful service and honest communication. People in authority are more likely to listen to those who have proven trustworthy in smaller matters.

3. Wise Counsel Connects Present Circumstances to God's Purposes (Esther 4:13-14) Commentary: Mordecai helped Esther see beyond her personal safety to God's larger purposes. He reminded her that her position might be part of God's plan to save His people. Speaking truth to power often involves helping leaders see the bigger picture and their role in God's purposes rather than just immediate circumstances.

4. Truth-Telling Sometimes Requires Personal Risk (Esther 4:16) Commentary: Mordecai's counsel required Esther to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited. Speaking truth to those in authority often involves personal cost—whether risking relationships, reputation, or position. But Mordecai reminded her that remaining silent was also risky, and that God's purposes would prevail with or without her participation.

5. Faithful Truth-Telling Can Change History (2 Kings 23:1-3; Esther 8:3-8) Commentary: Huldah's truthful prophecy led to Josiah's reforms and national covenant renewal, while Mordecai's counsel resulted in Esther's successful intervention that saved the Jewish people. Both demonstrate that when we speak truth faithfully in our sphere of influence, God can use our words to accomplish purposes far beyond what we can imagine.

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Clockmaker’s Word"

In a quiet village stood a massive town clock at the center of the square. Over the years, its ticking slowed, and the hour hand began to drift. No one noticed at first—just a few minutes lost here and there. But eventually, schedules fell apart, meetings were missed, and confusion grew.

The town leaders called in engineers, mechanics, and officials. They inspected the tower, replaced gears, and adjusted weights—but nothing worked. Finally, a boy remembered the elderly clockmaker who had built the clock decades earlier.

She was summoned.

With quiet confidence, she walked to the tower, listened for a moment, and adjusted one single piece. The clock reset, ticking back into rhythm.

When asked how she knew what to do, she simply said, “I built it. And I remember how it was meant to run.”

That’s what truth-tellers do.
In times of confusion, God sends people who remember how it’s meant to run—not based on opinion or politics, but on God’s design and Word.

Huldah, a little-known prophetess, was consulted during a spiritual crisis. Though surrounded by priests and scribes, it was she whom King Josiah's officials sought—and her message confirmed the urgency of repentance and reform.

Mordecai, a Jewish man in exile, urged Queen Esther to risk everything and speak up. His words challenged her comfort, but also reminded her of divine purpose: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

God still raises up Huldahs and Mordecais today—men and women with clear voices who help God’s people find their way back to truth.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Huldah and Mordecai teach us that God strategically positions His people throughout society to be voices of truth when it matters most. Neither sought the spotlight or campaigned for influence, yet both found themselves in crucial moments where their faithful words shaped the destiny of nations. Huldah's reputation for reliable prophecy made her the go-to source for divine guidance in a national crisis, while Mordecai's position in the Persian court allowed him to guide Esther through the most important decision of her life.

The profound encouragement in these stories is that God doesn't waste our positioning or experiences. Every relationship, every job, every community involvement, every family connection can become a channel through which God speaks truth into important decisions. We may not be counseling kings or queens, but we all have spheres of influence where our faithful words can make eternal differences. These characters challenge us to see ourselves as God's representatives wherever He has placed us, prepared to speak truth with courage, wisdom, and love when the moment demands it. Sometimes the most significant thing we'll ever do is faithfully steward the influence God has given us by speaking His truth at exactly the right time to exactly the right person. Their legacy reminds us that in God's kingdom, there are no insignificant positions—only faithful or unfaithful stewards of the influence He entrusts to us.

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think King Josiah’s officials went to Huldah instead of one of the well-known male prophets at the time?
→ What does that say about how God honors spiritual authority?

2. How did Huldah handle the responsibility of delivering a difficult word to the king?
→ What can we learn from her confidence and clarity?

3. Mordecai didn’t have a title or throne, yet he spoke with spiritual urgency. What gave his words power and influence?

4. Have you ever needed to speak a hard truth to someone in love?
→ What made it difficult—and what helped you do it?

5. Why is truth sometimes resisted—even among God’s people?
→ How can we cultivate hearts that listen and respond like Josiah?

6. Where do you see opportunities in your life to speak up for what is right—especially when silence would be easier?
→ What would it mean for you to be faithful “for such a time as this”?

Takeaway:
God raises up faithful voices to speak truth, even to those in authority.

Reflect:
What truth might God be calling you to speak—to a family member, a friend, or even a leader? Are you willing to be used, even if your voice is the minority?

Pray:
Ask God to prepare your heart to speak truth in love, and to give you both the opportunity and the grace to be heard.

Session 6: "Unexpected Service"- Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Acts 10:7-8
— Printable Download

Focus: Simon of Cyrene and Cornelius' Servants
Purpose Statement: To show how God can use our ordinary moments of service, even when reluctant or routine, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Key Truth: Sometimes our most significant contribution to God's kingdom happens when we simply show up and serve, regardless of our initial willingness.

Matthew 27:32

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Mark 15:21

21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Acts 10:7-8

7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Have you ever been volunteered for something you didn't want to do, but it turned out better than expected? Share about a time when reluctant service led to an unexpected blessing or outcome.

What's the most routine task you do regularly that others might not notice? How do you think even small, unnoticed acts of service might have greater impact than we realize?

Look For This:

A man forced to carry a cross—and how it changed his life.

Servants who faithfully carried out a task that changed church history.

The power of showing up when God interrupts your plans.

Spark Your Thinking:

Have you ever discovered purpose in something you didn’t want to do?

How might your ordinary service today become part of God’s bigger plan?

OVERVIEW

The Gospel narratives and Acts reveal how God orchestrates His purposes through the most unexpected servants. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Christ's cross, transforming a moment of inconvenience into eternal significance. Meanwhile, Cornelius' servants faithfully carried out their master's instructions, becoming instrumental in one of the most pivotal moments in early church history—the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

"God has a wonderful way of taking our ordinary obedience and using it for His extraordinary purposes. Sometimes the most significant moments in the kingdom of God happen not when we're trying to be spiritual superstars, but when we're simply faithful in the small things set before us." — Max Lucado

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

God sometimes uses compulsion and routine obedience as pathways to His greatest works.

Many Christians struggle with the idea that meaningful service to God can emerge from reluctance or obligation rather than enthusiastic willingness. We're taught that God loves a cheerful giver and that our service should spring from joy and passion. However, Simon of Cyrene's story challenges this assumption. He was literally forced by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross—there was no choice, no cheerful volunteering. Yet this compelled service placed him at the center of salvation history. Similarly, Cornelius' servants were simply doing their jobs, following orders without knowing they were participating in a moment that would forever change the trajectory of Christianity. This teaches us that God's sovereignty extends even to our reluctant obedience and routine faithfulness. Sometimes showing up and serving, even when we don't feel like it, becomes the very channel through which God accomplishes His purposes. Our willingness is wonderful, but it's not always a prerequisite for God's work through us.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today

In our achievement-oriented culture, we often believe that significance comes from grand gestures, viral moments, or recognized leadership roles. Social media reinforces the idea that service only matters if it's seen, celebrated, or goes above and beyond. However, these biblical accounts remind us that God operates differently. The parent who reluctantly drives carpool, the employee who stays late to help a colleague, the volunteer who shows up to fold bulletins when they'd rather be elsewhere—these ordinary moments of service can become extraordinary in God's economy. In a world that celebrates the spectacular, God often works through the mundane. Our culture desperately needs to see that faithfulness in small things, consistency in routine service, and even reluctant obedience can carry the same spiritual weight as dramatic acts of ministry. Sometimes the most kingdom-advancing thing we can do is simply show up when we're needed, regardless of our enthusiasm level.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Simon of Cyrene: Compelled to Carry the Cross (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21)

Point: Simon was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross

Commentary: Simon didn't volunteer—he was drafted into service at the most crucial moment in human history. His reluctance didn't disqualify him from participating in God's redemptive plan. This shows us that God can work through our obedience even when it begins with external pressure rather than internal passion. Sometimes what feels like an interruption to our plans is actually an invitation into God's purposes.

2. The Servants' Faithful Errand (Acts 10:7-8)

Point: Cornelius' servants faithfully delivered their master's message to Peter

Commentary: These servants were simply doing their jobs, following instructions without fully understanding the eternal significance of their errand. They traveled to find Peter not because they had a personal revelation, but because their master told them to. Yet their routine obedience became the vehicle for the Gospel reaching the Gentile world. This demonstrates how God honors faithful service in ordinary tasks, using our consistency in small responsibilities to accomplish His greater purposes.

3. Divine Orchestration Through Human Availability (Both passages)

Point: God coordinated circumstances to place the right people in the right place at the right time

Commentary: Neither Simon nor Cornelius' servants sought out their roles, yet both were positioned by God's providence to serve His purposes. This reveals how God works behind the scenes, arranging divine appointments through our availability rather than our ambition. When we make ourselves available for service—whether eagerly or reluctantly—God can use us in ways we never imagined.

4. The Ripple Effect of Simple Obedience (Historical impact)

Point: Both acts of service had consequences far beyond what the servants could have anticipated

Commentary: Simon's cross-carrying placed him in the Gospel narrative forever, and some scholars believe his sons Alexander and Rufus (mentioned in Mark 15:21) became prominent in the early church. The servants' errand opened the door for Gentile inclusion in God's family. Neither could have foreseen the eternal impact of their simple acts of service. This reminds us that we rarely see the full picture of how God uses our faithfulness, but we can trust that no act of service is wasted in His kingdom.

Devotional Allegory: "The Borrowed Load"

A traveler walking a dusty road was stopped by a stranger and asked to carry a bundle. He didn’t want to—it wasn’t his burden. But out of obligation, or perhaps guilt, he lifted it anyway.

Halfway along the path, the traveler noticed something strange. The bundle wasn’t just a weight—it was a message. A letter inside would save a village from disaster. Without realizing it, the man had become part of a rescue mission.

He thought he was just passing through.
But God had written him into the story.

Simon of Cyrene didn’t volunteer to carry Jesus’ cross.
He was just in the crowd, yet that act of forced service became a sacred moment.
Cornelius’ servants didn’t preach or perform miracles.
They simply obeyed—and helped usher in the Gospel’s expansion to the Gentiles.

God often moves through those who are simply present and willing.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

God's kingdom operates on a different value system than our world. While culture celebrates the spectacular and the voluntary, God often accomplishes His greatest works through ordinary people engaged in simple acts of service—regardless of their initial enthusiasm. Simon of Cyrene and Cornelius' servants remind us that significance in God's kingdom isn't determined by the size of our platform, the recognition we receive, or even the passion we feel in the moment. It's determined by our availability and faithfulness when God places opportunities before us.

The bigger picture of God's plan reveals that He is constantly weaving together countless acts of service—both willing and reluctant, routine and extraordinary—to accomplish His redemptive purposes in the world. Every time we choose to serve, even when we don't feel like it, we're participating in this grand tapestry. The parent who serves at their child's school, the employee who helps a struggling colleague, the church member who shows up to serve even when they're tired—all of these moments have the potential to become divine appointments where God's purposes are advanced. We may never know the full impact of our simple obedience, but we can trust that in God's hands, no act of service is insignificant. Sometimes the most kingdom-changing thing we can do is simply show up and serve faithfully in whatever capacity we find ourselves, trusting God to use even our reluctant obedience for His extraordinary purposes.

Discussion Questions

How did Simon’s reluctant service become a significant part of Jesus’ final hours?

Why is it important that Cornelius trusted his household servants with such a spiritual task?

How can God work through routine acts of obedience in our daily lives?

Have you ever found yourself “in the right place at the right time” without realizing it until later?

What’s the difference between volunteering and being available to God?

What small act of obedience might God be using in your life right now?

Takeaway:
God often does great things through our simple, obedient service.

Reflect:
Have you ever underestimated the value of your small acts of obedience? How might your “routine” moments be divine appointments?

Pray:
Pray for sensitivity to God’s nudges in your day-to-day life—and a heart ready to serve without needing to be seen.

Session 7: "Grace in the Final Hour"- Luke 23:39-43
— Printable Download

Focus: The Penitent Thief
Purpose Statement: To demonstrate that it's never too late for genuine repentance and that God's grace extends to the very last moment.
Key Truth: True faith recognizes Jesus even in His darkest hour, and God's mercy is available until our final breath.

Luke 23:39-43

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Have you ever had a "last-minute save" experience—either in sports, academics, or life? How did it feel to succeed or be rescued when time was almost up?

What's the latest you've ever changed your mind about something important? Was it difficult to admit you had been wrong, and what prompted the change?

Look For This:

A dying man who found eternal life in his final moments.

A Savior who welcomed even last-minute faith.

How grace outshines guilt—even at the very end.

Spark Your Thinking:

Do you believe God can redeem someone at the last moment?

How does this story shape how you view people with messy or wasted pasts?

OVERVIEW

On Golgotha's hill, between two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, we witness one of the most profound demonstrations of grace in all of Scripture. While one thief mocked the dying Christ, the other experienced a dramatic transformation in his final hours. This unnamed criminal's journey from rebellion to redemption illustrates the boundless nature of God's mercy and the reality that genuine faith can emerge even in the darkest circumstances.

"The story of the penitent thief is the gospel in miniature. It shows us that salvation is not about the length of our service, but about the sincerity of our surrender. God's grace can reach us in our final moment just as powerfully as it can in our first." — John MacArthur

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

Deathbed conversions can be genuine and result in full salvation, even without the opportunity for a changed life.

Many struggle with the idea that someone can live a life of crime and rebellion, then receive the same eternal reward as lifelong believers through a last-minute conversion. This seems to challenge our sense of fairness and the importance of a life lived in service to God. The penitent thief had no opportunity to be baptized, join a church, serve others, or demonstrate his faith through good works. Yet Jesus promised him paradise. This difficult truth reveals that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, not by the accumulation of good deeds or the length of faithful service. The thief's conversion was genuine because it contained all the essential elements of saving faith: recognition of his own sin, acknowledgment of Jesus' innocence and deity, and trust in Christ's power to save. While we shouldn't presume upon God's grace by intentionally delaying repentance, this account assures us that genuine faith—whenever it occurs—results in complete salvation. The ground at the foot of the cross is level, whether we come as children or in our final breath.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today

Our culture often operates on a "second chances" mentality, but usually with strings attached—probation periods, community service, rehabilitation programs. We believe people can change, but we want to see proof over time. This creates anxiety for those who feel they've made too many mistakes or waited too long to turn their lives around. Social media's permanent record of our failures can make redemption feel impossible. However, the penitent thief's story speaks powerfully to anyone who feels it's "too late" for them. The elderly person who's lived far from God, the individual battling lifelong addiction, the person whose past seems unforgivable—all can find hope in this final-hour redemption. In a world that often defines people by their worst moments, this passage declares that our last moment can define us more than our entire past. It also challenges believers to never give up on anyone, no matter how hardened or hopeless they may seem. The person who appears furthest from God may be only one moment away from entering paradise.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Recognition of Personal Guilt (Luke 23:40-41)

Point: The penitent thief acknowledged his crimes and accepted his just punishment

Commentary: True repentance begins with honest self-assessment. Unlike his fellow criminal who focused on external circumstances, the penitent thief looked inward and took responsibility for his actions. He didn't blame society, circumstances, or injustice—he owned his guilt. This demonstrates that genuine conversion requires abandoning excuses and acknowledging our need for forgiveness. In our culture of victimhood and blame-shifting, this thief's honesty stands as a model for authentic repentance.

2. Recognition of Jesus' Innocence (Luke 23:41)

Point: He declared that Jesus "has done nothing wrong"

Commentary: While religious leaders, Roman officials, and crowds saw only a failed messiah, this dying criminal recognized Jesus' righteousness. This reveals supernatural insight—the Holy Spirit was already working in his heart to reveal truth that others missed. His declaration of Jesus' innocence wasn't just moral observation; it was spiritual revelation. This shows that true faith often sees what others cannot see, recognizing Jesus' true identity even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

3. Faith in Jesus' Future Kingdom (Luke 23:42)

Point: He asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom

Commentary: This request demonstrates remarkable faith. Jesus appeared to be dying in defeat, yet the thief believed in His future victory and kingdom. He saw beyond the present suffering to eternal glory. This faith looked forward, not backward, trusting in Jesus' promises rather than present appearances. It shows that saving faith is always future-oriented, trusting in what God will do rather than being limited by current circumstances.

4. Immediate Assurance of Salvation (Luke 23:43)

Point: Jesus promised "today you will be with me in paradise"

Commentary: Jesus didn't promise future consideration or probationary status—He guaranteed immediate acceptance into paradise. The word "today" emphasizes the immediacy of salvation through faith. There was no waiting period, no purgatory, no additional requirements. This immediate assurance demonstrates that salvation is a present reality, not a future possibility. When faith is genuine, acceptance with God is instant and complete. The thief's transformation from criminal to saint happened in a moment, illustrating the instantaneous nature of spiritual rebirth.

Devotional Allegory: "The Last Light at Dusk"

As the sun set behind the mountains, a lantern still flickered in the window of the watchman’s hut. Most believed the day was done. But just before darkness fully fell, a weary traveler appeared—wounded, ashamed, and ready to give up.

The watchman opened the door.
“It’s almost dark,” the man whispered.
“Yes,” said the watchman. “But not too late.”

The thief on the cross had wasted his life.
Yet with one sentence of faith—“Jesus, remember me”—he secured eternal hope.
In his final hour, he did what many people never do:
He saw Jesus for who He really was, even when others mocked Him.

God’s grace runs deeper than our failures.
And it reaches us, even in our last breath.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

The penitent thief's story reveals the scandalous generosity of God's grace and the transforming power of genuine faith. In his final hours, this criminal experienced what many lifelong believers struggle to fully grasp—the complete, unconditional acceptance that comes through simple trust in Jesus Christ. His conversion reminds us that God's timeline is not our timeline, and His grace is not limited by our human understanding of fairness or appropriate timing.

This account sits at the heart of the Gospel message because it strips away everything we typically associate with Christian living—good works, church attendance, moral improvement, spiritual disciplines—and reveals the core truth that salvation comes through faith alone. The thief had no opportunity to prove his conversion through changed behavior, yet Jesus welcomed him into paradise. This doesn't diminish the importance of living a faithful life, but it clarifies the foundation of our hope. We're not saved by the length of our service but by the genuineness of our surrender.

For those who feel it's too late, who carry the weight of a wasted life or unforgivable past, the penitent thief stands as an eternal testimony that God's grace reaches into the final hour. For those who have walked with God for years, his story is a reminder that our security doesn't rest in our performance but in Christ's promise. And for all of us, this final-hour conversion challenges us to never give up on anyone, because the heart that seems most hardened may be only one moment away from paradise. In God's kingdom, it's never too late for genuine repentance, and His mercy is truly available until our final breath.

Discussion Questions

What does the thief’s final statement reveal about his understanding of Jesus?

Why is it significant that Jesus responded immediately with assurance?

How does this passage speak to people who feel it’s “too late” to turn to God?

What does this teach us about God’s mercy versus human judgment?

Have you ever witnessed a “last-minute” conversion or turning point?

How can this story shape the way we speak about grace and salvation to others?

Takeaway:
God’s grace is greater than our past—and it’s never too late to turn to Him.

Reflect:
Do you believe grace is available for everyone—even those who turn to God at the very end? What does that truth stir in your heart about God’s mercy?

Pray:
Thank God for His patience and kindness. Pray for those who are far from Him, that they would recognize Jesus, even in life’s final hours.

Session 8: "Overcoming Fear to Obey"- Acts 9:10-19
— Printable Download

Focus: Ananias of Damascus
Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that God often calls us beyond our comfort zones, and our obedience can launch movements that change the world.
Key Truth: When God asks us to minister to unlikely people, our faithfulness can become the hinge point of history.

Acts 9:10-19
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Have you ever been asked to help someone you were afraid of or uncomfortable with? What made you hesitant, and how did the situation turn out?

Can you think of a time when you almost said "no" to something because it seemed too risky or scary, but you're glad you said "yes"? What convinced you to move forward despite your fears?

Look For This:

A reluctant disciple called to lay hands on a feared enemy.

A faithful man who helped launch Paul’s ministry.

What happens when obedience overrides fear.

Spark Your Thinking:

What might you be missing because fear is louder than faith?

Are there “unlikely people” God is calling you to reach?

OVERVIEW

In the streets of Damascus, an ordinary believer named Ananias faced an extraordinary dilemma. God was asking him to minister to Saul of Tarsus—the very man who had been hunting down Christians like himself. This wasn't just stepping outside his comfort zone; it felt like walking into a trap. Yet Ananias's willingness to overcome his legitimate fears and obey God's unusual call became the catalyst for launching the greatest missionary movement in Christian history.

"God's call to ministry is rarely convenient, comfortable, or completely comprehensible. But when we say yes to God's direction, even when it frightens us, we become partners with Him in accomplishing the impossible. Ananias teaches us that ordinary obedience can have extraordinary consequences." — Beth Moore

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

God sometimes asks us to minister to people who have hurt us or represent danger to us and our community.

Many Christians struggle with the idea that God would call us to reach out to those who have been our enemies or who pose genuine threats to our safety and wellbeing. We're taught to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, to protect ourselves and our families, and to exercise discernment about dangerous people. Ananias's situation exemplifies this tension—God wasn't asking him to be naive about Saul's reputation, but to trust divine revelation over human wisdom. This passage doesn't advocate for reckless endangerment or ignoring legitimate safety concerns, but it does challenge us to consider that God's redemptive purposes sometimes require us to take calculated risks for the sake of the Gospel. The difficulty lies in distinguishing between godly caution and faithless fear, between prudent wisdom and disobedient self-protection. Ananias shows us that when God gives clear direction to minister to someone, our obedience—even when it involves risk—can become the very instrument through which God transforms our greatest enemies into our most powerful allies.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today

Our culture is increasingly polarized, with people retreating into echo chambers and avoiding those who think differently. Social media algorithms reinforce our existing beliefs while demonizing those on the "other side." We're taught to cut off toxic relationships, block offensive voices, and surround ourselves with like-minded people. While healthy boundaries are important, Ananias's story challenges us to consider whether God might be calling us to bridge divides rather than deepen them. In a world where political opponents, cultural critics, and religious skeptics are often viewed as enemies to be defeated rather than people to be reached, this passage asks whether we're willing to be God's ambassadors to unlikely recipients. The coworker who mocks your faith, the neighbor with opposing political views, the family member who has rejected Christianity—could God be calling you to be His instrument of grace in their lives? Sometimes the person who seems most hostile to the Gospel is actually the closest to a breakthrough, and our willingness to overcome fear and extend grace could be the key that unlocks their heart.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. God's Surprising Instructions (Acts 9:10-12)

Point: God called Ananias to go to Straight Street and minister to Saul

Commentary: God's directions were specific and clear, but they must have seemed surreal to Ananias. The instruction to find "Saul of Tarsus" would have been like telling a Jewish person in 1943 to go minister to a Nazi officer. God's call often comes with details that seem impossible or dangerous, but His specificity indicates His sovereignty over the situation. When God gives us clear direction, even when it seems counterintuitive, our job is to trust His perspective rather than our own understanding of the circumstances.

2. Honest Expression of Fear (Acts 9:13-14)

Point: Ananias openly shared his concerns about Saul's reputation and mission

Commentary: Ananias didn't pretend to be brave or spiritually mature enough to have no concerns. He honestly expressed his legitimate fears to God, citing specific reasons why this seemed dangerous. This teaches us that God welcomes our honest questions and concerns when He calls us to difficult tasks. Faith doesn't mean suppressing our fears; it means expressing them to God and then choosing to obey despite them. Ananias's transparency with God models how we can bring our anxieties about God's calling into open dialogue with Him.

3. God's Bigger Picture (Acts 9:15-16)

Point: God revealed His greater plan for Saul's life and ministry

Commentary: God didn't dismiss Ananias's concerns but provided context that reframed the entire situation. Saul wasn't just a persecutor to be feared—he was a chosen instrument for reaching Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Sometimes our obedience in uncomfortable situations is connected to God's larger purposes that we can't yet see. God's revelation to Ananias reminds us that the people who seem most opposed to God's kingdom may actually be the ones He intends to use most powerfully within it.

4. Faithful Obedience Despite Fear (Acts 9:17-19)

Point: Ananias went to Saul, called him "brother," and ministered to him

Commentary: Ananias overcame his fears and obeyed completely. His greeting of "Brother Saul" shows remarkable faith—he was already accepting this persecutor as a fellow believer based on God's word alone. His ministry was immediate and complete: he restored Saul's sight, explained what had happened, and baptized him. This demonstrates that when we overcome fear to obey God, we should do so wholeheartedly, not grudgingly or partially. Ananias's faithful obedience became the catalyst for Paul's ministry, which would eventually reach the entire Roman Empire.

Devotional Allegory: "The Reluctant Key"

There once was a key forged for a door no one wanted to open. It sat unused, gathering dust. Then one day, a messenger arrived: “We need this key—it’s for a prison door. But behind it is someone who will change the world.”

The blacksmith hesitated.
“Are you sure he’s worth the risk?”
“Yes,” said the messenger. “He’s not what he was. And your courage will open the way.”

Ananias had every reason to fear Saul.
But God didn’t ask him to feel safe—only to go.
And his obedience laid hands on the man who would become Paul—apostle to the nations.

Sometimes your obedience is someone else’s beginning.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Ananias represents every believer who has ever received a call from God that seemed too risky, too uncomfortable, or too unlikely to succeed. His story reminds us that God's greatest movements often depend on ordinary people willing to take extraordinary steps of faith. What makes Ananias remarkable isn't that he had no fear—it's that he acted in obedience despite his legitimate concerns. His honest conversation with God about his fears, followed by his complete obedience, became the hinge point that opened the door for the Gospel to reach the entire Gentile world.

The bigger picture of God's plan reveals that our moments of fearful obedience often serve purposes far greater than we can imagine. Ananias thought he was simply ministering to one dangerous man, but he was actually launching a missionary movement that would span centuries and continents. When God asks us to step beyond our comfort zones and minister to unlikely people, we rarely see the full scope of what He's accomplishing through our faithfulness. The difficult conversation we avoid, the risky relationship we refuse to pursue, the uncomfortable ministry opportunity we decline—any of these could be the very assignment through which God wants to demonstrate His transforming power.

God specializes in using our obedience to impossible calls as the catalyst for miraculous change. The person who seems most hostile to the Gospel today could become tomorrow's most powerful advocate for the faith. Our willingness to overcome fear and minister to unlikely recipients isn't just about their transformation—it's about participating in God's grand design to reach every tribe, tongue, and nation with His love. Like Ananias, we may never fully understand the significance of our fearful obedience, but we can trust that when God calls us beyond our comfort zones, our faithfulness can become the very instrument through which He changes the world.

Discussion Questions

Why was Ananias afraid to go to Saul—and how did God address his fear?

What does this story reveal about trusting God’s perspective over our own?

How does Ananias’ obedience shape Paul’s future ministry?

Have you ever obeyed God in a situation that felt risky or uncomfortable?

What fears keep us from reaching out to certain people?

What might change if we viewed our obedience as a gateway for someone else’s calling?

Takeaway:
God’s grace is greater than our past—and it’s never too late to turn to Him.

Reflect:
Do you believe grace is available for everyone—even those who turn to God at the very end? What does that truth stir in your heart about God’s mercy?

Pray:
Thank God for His patience and kindness. Pray for those who are far from Him, that they would recognize Jesus, even in life’s final hours.

Session 9: "The Ministry of Encouragement"- Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-26
— Printable Download

Focus: Barnabas
Purpose Statement: To inspire believers in the powerful impact of believing in others and providing encouragement when it's most needed.
Key Truth: Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is to see potential in others that they can't yet see in themselves.

Acts 4:36-37

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-27

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 11:22-26

22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

Who was the first person to really believe in you when you didn't believe in yourself? How did their encouragement change your perspective or direction in life?

Have you ever taken a chance on someone that others were hesitant about? What made you see their potential when others couldn't?

Look For This:

A man who believed in Paul when others were skeptical.

A mentor who strengthened churches through kindness.

Why encouragement is one of the Church’s most needed gifts.

Spark Your Thinking:

Who do you know that needs someone to believe in them right now?

What could God do through you if you made encouragement your ministry?

OVERVIEW

Joseph of Cyprus was given a new name by the apostles—Barnabas, meaning "Son of Encouragement." This nickname reveals the defining characteristic of his ministry: an extraordinary ability to see potential in people and situations that others overlooked. From vouching for the newly converted Paul when everyone else was suspicious, to mentoring young John Mark after he had failed on a missionary journey, Barnabas exemplified the transforming power of encouragement. His ministry reminds us that some of God's greatest works happen not through preaching or miracles, but through the simple act of believing in others.

"Encouragement is awesome. It has the capacity to lift a man's or a woman's shoulders. To breathe fresh air into the fading embers of a smoldering dream. To actually change the course of another human being's day, week, or life." — Chuck Swindoll

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

True encouragement sometimes requires taking risks on people that others consider too dangerous or unreliable.

Many people confuse biblical encouragement with positive thinking or feel-good affirmations. They assume that being encouraging means only saying nice things or avoiding difficult conversations. However, Barnabas's ministry reveals that authentic encouragement often involves significant risk and goes against popular opinion. When he vouched for Paul, he was putting his own reputation on the line for someone with a murderous past. When he insisted on giving John Mark a second chance, it cost him his partnership with Paul. True encouragement isn't just about making people feel good—it's about seeing God's potential in them even when they've failed, even when others have given up on them, and even when it might cost us something personally. This kind of encouragement requires spiritual discernment to see beyond present failures to future possibilities, and the courage to invest in people when others won't. It's a ministry that involves risk because you're betting on someone's potential rather than their performance.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today

Our culture has become increasingly critical and quick to cancel people for their mistakes. Social media amplifies failures and creates permanent records of poor decisions. In this environment, second chances are rare, and people often feel defined by their worst moments rather than their potential for growth. Mental health struggles, career setbacks, and personal failures can leave people feeling hopeless and worthless. This makes Barnabas's ministry of encouragement more needed than ever. In a world that quickly writes people off, we need individuals who will see potential in the broken, hope in the discouraged, and possibility in the failed. The teenager who's struggling academically, the coworker who made a significant mistake, the family member battling addiction, the friend going through divorce—all need someone who will believe in their potential for restoration and growth. Our culture desperately needs modern-day Barnabases who will risk their reputation to vouch for others, who will invest time in people others have dismissed, and who will see God's possibilities in human impossibilities.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Generous Spirit in Action (Acts 4:36-37)

Point: Barnabas sold his field and brought the money to the apostles for distribution

Commentary: Barnabas's introduction in Scripture immediately establishes his generous character. His willingness to sacrifice his own financial security for the needs of others reveals the heart of an encourager—someone who puts others' welfare above personal gain. This generous spirit became the foundation for all his future ministry. True encouragement flows from a heart that values others' success and wellbeing over personal advancement. Barnabas shows us that encouragement isn't just about words—it's backed up by sacrificial action and genuine care for others' needs.

2. Advocating for the Suspicious Convert (Acts 9:26-27)

Point: Barnabas vouched for Paul when the disciples were afraid to accept him

Commentary: This was an enormous risk. Paul's conversion seemed too good to be true, and accepting him could have been a trap that destroyed the early church. But Barnabas saw something others missed and was willing to stake his reputation on Paul's authenticity. He didn't just give Paul a chance—he actively advocated for him, explaining Paul's conversion story and defending his sincerity. This demonstrates that biblical encouragement sometimes requires us to be bridge-builders, helping others see potential they can't recognize on their own. Barnabas's willingness to vouch for Paul opened the door for the greatest missionary in church history.

3. Seeking and Developing Emerging Leaders (Acts 11:22-26)

Point: Barnabas went to find Paul and brought him to Antioch for ministry

Commentary: When revival broke out in Antioch, Barnabas could have enjoyed the spotlight and built his own ministry empire. Instead, he recognized that the situation needed Paul's unique gifts and went to recruit him. This reveals the heart of a true encourager—someone more interested in the success of God's kingdom than personal recognition. Barnabas was secure enough in his own identity to bring in someone who might overshadow him. His partnership with Paul in Antioch became the launching pad for missionary work to the Gentiles. This teaches us that encouragement often involves connecting people with opportunities and helping them discover their calling.

4. Commitment to Second Chances (Acts 15:36-39)

Point: Barnabas insisted on giving John Mark another opportunity after his previous failure

Commentary: When Paul refused to take John Mark on the second missionary journey because of his earlier desertion, Barnabas was willing to separate from Paul rather than abandon the young man. This decision cost Barnabas his partnership with the great apostle, but it saved John Mark's ministry. Years later, Paul himself would acknowledge John Mark's value (2 Timothy 4:11). Barnabas understood that people can change and that past failures don't necessarily predict future performance. His investment in John Mark demonstrates that encouragement sometimes requires us to stand alone in our belief in someone's potential, even when it costs us relationships with others.

Devotional Allegory: "The Second Chance Seed"

In a barren field, a farmer once found a cracked seed—overlooked and dismissed by others. Still, he planted it. Time passed, and from that soil rose the strongest tree on his land.

When asked why he bothered with a broken seed, he replied,
“I didn’t see what it was—I saw what it could be.”

Barnabas was the one who believed in Paul when no one else did.
He vouched for him, mentored him, and later even defended John Mark.
He wasn’t seeking the spotlight—he was lifting others into it.

Encouragement isn’t fluff. It’s fuel.
And the Church still needs Barnabases today.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Barnabas teaches us that encouragement is not merely a personality trait but a powerful ministry that can literally change the course of history. His willingness to see potential in Paul when others saw only danger, and his commitment to John Mark when others saw only failure, shaped the leadership of the early church in profound ways. The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, might never have been accepted by the Christian community without Barnabas's advocacy. John Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, might have been lost to ministry forever without Barnabas's second chance.

The ministry of encouragement operates on a simple but profound principle: people become what we help them see they can become. When we look at others through the lens of God's redemptive potential rather than their present limitations, we participate in God's transforming work in their lives. This doesn't mean being naive about people's failures or ignoring legitimate concerns, but it does mean being willing to invest in their future rather than being defined by their past.

God's larger plan for His church includes raising up leaders and servants who might not look like obvious choices to the world. The person struggling with addiction could become a powerful counselor. The individual who failed in business could become a wise mentor. The young person who made serious mistakes could become a passionate advocate for righteousness. Barnabas shows us that sometimes the greatest contribution we can make to God's kingdom is not through our own achievements, but through our willingness to believe in others when they can't believe in themselves. In a world quick to tear down and slow to build up, the ministry of encouragement becomes a radical act of faith—faith in God's ability to transform lives and faith in the potential He has placed in every person. When we choose to be encouragers, we become partners with God in His work of redemption, helping others discover the calling and potential that He has placed within them.

Discussion Questions

What qualities made Barnabas a trustworthy encourager?

Why was his defense of Paul so crucial to the early church?

How can encouragement unlock calling in others?

Have you ever had someone believe in you when others doubted?

What makes encouragement powerful in moments of rejection or failure?

Who might need a word of encouragement from you this week?

Takeaway:
Encouragement can be the spark that ignites another person’s calling.

Reflect:
Who in your life needs a word of encouragement right now? How might your belief in them strengthen their walk with Christ?

Pray:
Ask God to help you see others through His eyes—and to use your words to build, bless, and point people toward His purposes.

Session 10: "Partnership in Ministry"- Acts 18:2-3, 24-26, Romans 16:3-4
— Printable Download

Focus: Priscilla and Aquila
Purpose Statement: To demonstrate how couples and ministry partners can multiply their impact through faithful teamwork and hospitality.
Key Truth: God uses ordinary homes and workplace relationships as launching pads for extraordinary ministry.

Acts 18:2-3

2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Acts 24-26

Romans 16:3-4

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

What's the most effective team you've ever been part of—at work, in sports, or in ministry? What made that partnership work so well, and how did you complement each other's strengths?

Have you ever had your home become a gathering place for others? What drew people there, and what impact did those relationships have on your life or theirs?

Look For This:

A faithful couple who served God through work, hospitality, and teaching.

A quiet home that became a center for Gospel ministry.

How shared purpose leads to multiplied impact.

Spark Your Thinking:

What could God do through your home, your work, or your marriage if fully surrendered?

Who are you partnering with in ministry—and are you stronger together?

OVERVIEW

Priscilla and Aquila appear together in Scripture as one of the most effective ministry partnerships in the early church. This tentmaking couple opened their home in multiple cities, worked alongside the apostle Paul, and courageously corrected even gifted teachers like Apollos. Their story demonstrates how ordinary believers can create extraordinary impact through hospitality, teamwork, and the strategic use of their home and workplace as ministry platforms. They prove that God's work often advances most effectively through authentic relationships built in everyday settings.

"The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: what is true, what is good, what is kind, what is noble, what is honest, what is decent. When we open our homes to others, we open our hearts to God's purposes. Priscilla and Aquila understood that ministry happens best around kitchen tables and in living rooms, not just in sanctuaries." — Ruth Bell Graham

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU

Effective ministry partnerships require both people to suppress their egos and share leadership, even when one might be more naturally gifted.

Many struggle with the idea of truly shared ministry leadership, especially in marriage partnerships where cultural or biblical teachings about authority might create tension. Notice that Priscilla is mentioned first in four of the six times this couple appears in Scripture, suggesting she may have been the more prominent teacher or leader in certain contexts. Yet there's no indication of competition or ego conflicts between them. This challenges both traditional hierarchical models and modern individualistic approaches to ministry. True partnership requires both people to be willing to step forward when their gifts are needed and step back when their partner is better suited for the moment. This is particularly difficult in a culture that emphasizes personal achievement and recognition. Their example shows that the most effective ministry often comes when both partners are more concerned with the success of the mission than with who gets the credit. This doesn't mean abandoning biblical principles about marriage roles, but it does mean finding ways to honor both partners' gifts and calling while maintaining unity and mutual submission to God's purposes.

CULTURE CONNECTION

Influence on Life Today

In our increasingly digital and isolated world, the concept of using one's home as a ministry center seems both ancient and revolutionary. Social media has replaced many face-to-face relationships, and busy schedules have made hospitality feel like a luxury rather than a ministry opportunity. Yet Priscilla and Aquila's model of home-based ministry speaks directly to our culture's deepest needs for authentic community and meaningful relationships. Their example challenges the modern separation between "work life," "home life," and "church life," showing instead how all three can be integrated into a holistic approach to following Christ. In an era when remote work and hybrid schedules are common, many people have more flexibility to use their homes and work relationships for kingdom purposes. The couple who opens their home for small group Bible studies, the business partners who integrate their faith into their workplace culture, the family that uses their dinner table for mentoring relationships—all are following the Priscilla and Aquila model. Their story reminds us that some of the most effective ministry happens in ordinary settings through consistent, authentic relationships rather than through formal programs or events.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

1. Workplace Partnership with Paul (Acts 18:2-3)

Point: Priscilla and Aquila worked alongside Paul in the tentmaking trade

Commentary: This couple understood that ministry and vocation aren't separate compartments of life. By sharing their workplace with Paul, they created a natural platform for relationship building and Gospel conversations. Their trade became their ministry platform, demonstrating that secular work can be sacred calling when done with kingdom purposes. They also show us the power of hospitality in ministry—they didn't just work with Paul, they welcomed him into their business and likely their home. This integration of faith, work, and relationships created a powerful foundation for their long-term ministry partnership with the apostle.

2. Strategic Relocation for Ministry (Acts 18:18-19)

Point: They traveled with Paul to Ephesus and established ministry there

Commentary: This couple was willing to relocate multiple times for strategic ministry purposes. They had roots in Rome, moved to Corinth due to persecution, then relocated to Ephesus with Paul, and eventually returned to Rome. Their flexibility and willingness to bloom where they were planted shows a couple united in mission above personal comfort. They demonstrate that effective ministry partnerships require both people to be committed to the same vision and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. Their multiple relocations also show how God can use one faithful couple to plant Gospel seeds in multiple cities and cultures.

3. Gentle Correction and Discipleship (Acts 18:24-26)

Point: They took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately

Commentary: This passage reveals their wisdom, courage, and teamwork in action. Apollos was a gifted speaker and well-versed in Scripture, yet he had gaps in his understanding. Rather than embarrassing him publicly or ignoring the problem, Priscilla and Aquila invited him into their home for private instruction. Notice they worked together—both are mentioned as teachers. This shows that effective ministry partnership involves both people using their gifts while maintaining humility and grace toward others. Their approach was corrective but not condemning, thorough but not harsh. They understood that developing other leaders is one of the highest forms of ministry impact.

4. Risk-Taking for Others (Romans 16:3-4)

Point: Paul commends them for risking their lives for him

Commentary: True ministry partnership involves shared risks and sacrifices. Paul's gratitude indicates that this couple had put themselves in danger for his sake—and by extension, for the sake of the Gospel. Their willingness to risk their lives demonstrates that their ministry wasn't just about comfortable hospitality or safe teaching, but about radical commitment to God's purposes. This level of sacrifice requires deep trust between partners and shared conviction about what's worth dying for. Their example challenges modern ministry partnerships to consider what risks we're willing to take together for the advancement of the Gospel.

Devotional Allegory: "The Two Lamps"

In a remote village, two lanterns were hung outside a house every night. People called it “the welcoming home.” The light always burned, rain or shine.

Travelers knew they could find food, wisdom, and shelter there—not because it was the largest home, but because two hearts had joined in making it a place of peace.

Priscilla and Aquila didn’t lead armies or write letters of Scripture.
They made tents. They opened their home.
They quietly corrected Apollos’ theology—and helped shape the early Church.

Ministry isn’t always a pulpit.
Sometimes it’s a kitchen table, a shared task, or a gentle word spoken in love.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Priscilla and Aquila demonstrate that the most powerful ministry often happens not through individual superstars but through faithful partnerships committed to the same mission. Their effectiveness came not from extraordinary gifts or dramatic calling, but from the consistent integration of their faith into every aspect of their lives—work, home, travel, and relationships. They show us that God can use any partnership—whether marriage, business, friendship, or ministry team—to accomplish His purposes when both people are united in vision and committed to serving others above themselves.

Their story reveals that ministry multiplication happens most naturally in the context of authentic relationships and everyday settings. The church was literally built in homes like theirs, around tables where honest conversations took place, through workplace relationships where faith was demonstrated practically, and via the mentoring of emerging leaders who needed both correction and encouragement. They understood that opening their home meant opening their hearts, and that sharing their work meant sharing their witness.

The bigger picture of God's plan shows how strategic partnerships can create ripple effects far beyond what either person could accomplish alone. Through their ministry, Paul was supported, Apollos was equipped, and churches were strengthened across multiple cities. Their influence extended through the people they mentored, the homes they opened, and the example they set for other couples and ministry teams. In our individualistic culture, Priscilla and Aquila remind us that we're designed for partnership and that our greatest impact often comes through faithful collaboration with others who share our vision. Whether in marriage, business, friendship, or formal ministry, God wants to use our partnerships as launching pads for His extraordinary purposes. When we're willing to integrate our faith into our homes, workplaces, and relationships, we discover that ordinary settings can become the birthplace of extraordinary movements for God's kingdom.

Discussion Questions

What makes the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila so remarkable?

How did their partnership strengthen their impact?

Why is hospitality such a powerful tool for ministry?

What can we learn from their example about mentoring others in faith?

How might God use your home, workplace, or relationship to advance the Gospel?

Who are you “doing ministry with” right now—and how can you strengthen that partnership?

Takeaway:
God multiplies impact through faithful, Spirit-led partnerships.

Reflect:
Are you walking in step with someone in ministry—spouse, friend, church member? How can you strengthen that partnership to serve more effectively?

Pray:
Thank God for the people He’s placed beside you in ministry. Pray for unity, shared vision, and lasting fruit from your efforts together.

Hidden Heroes: Quiet Lives, Lasting Impact

Session 1: "Courage in Crisis"- Exodus 1:15-21, 2 Kings 5:1-4— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Flame in the Fog"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Session 2: "Compassion Across Boundaries"- Exodus 2:5-10, 1 Kings 17:8-16— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Thread Between Worlds"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Session 3: "Wisdom That Protects"- Exodus 18:13-26, 2 Samuel 20:16-22— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Voice That Stilled the Fire"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Session 4: "Bold Faith in Action"- Numbers 27:1-11, Joshua 2:1-21— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Stone in the River"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Session 5: "Speaking Truth in Power"- 2 Kings 22:14-20, Esther 4:12-16— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "The Clockmaker’s Word"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

QUICK QUIZ: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Session 6: "Unexpected Service"- Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Acts 10:7-8— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

Devotional Allegory: "The Borrowed Load"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Discussion Questions

Session 7: "Grace in the Final Hour"- Luke 23:39-43— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

Devotional Allegory: "The Last Light at Dusk"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Discussion Questions

Session 8: "Overcoming Fear to Obey"- Acts 9:10-19— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

Devotional Allegory: "The Reluctant Key"

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT

Discussion Questions

Session 9: "The Ministry of Encouragement"- Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-26— Printable Download

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

OVERVIEW

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU - Difficult Teaching:

CULTURE CONNECTION

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT

Devotional Allegory: "The Second Chance Seed"

Session 1: "Courage in Crisis"- Exodus 1:15-21, 2 Kings 5:1-4
— Printable Download

Session 2: "Compassion Across Boundaries"- Exodus 2:5-10, 1 Kings 17:8-16
— Printable Download

Session 3: "Wisdom That Protects"- Exodus 18:13-26, 2 Samuel 20:16-22
— Printable Download

Session 4: "Bold Faith in Action"- Numbers 27:1-11, Joshua 2:1-21
— Printable Download

Session 5: "Speaking Truth in Power"- 2 Kings 22:14-20, Esther 4:12-16
— Printable Download

Session 6: "Unexpected Service"- Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Acts 10:7-8
— Printable Download

Session 7: "Grace in the Final Hour"- Luke 23:39-43
— Printable Download

Session 8: "Overcoming Fear to Obey"- Acts 9:10-19
— Printable Download

Session 9: "The Ministry of Encouragement"- Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-26
— Printable Download

Session 10: "Partnership in Ministry"- Acts 18:2-3, 24-26, Romans 16:3-4
— Printable Download