Small Group Questions | Trust in God Alone | Isaiah 36-37

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | Trust in God Alone | Isaiah 36-37

In Isaiah 36–37, we see God’s people facing intense pressure, fear, and uncertainty. A powerful enemy stands before them, using intimidation and lies to shake their confidence in God. In many ways, this mirrors our own lives where voices of fear, doubt, and uncertainty can feel loud and overwhelming. King Hezekiah had a choice: trust in his own strength or run to God. Instead of giving in to fear, he brought his concerns directly to the Lord in prayer. This passage reminds us that when life feels unstable, God invites us to come to Him; not with polished words, but with honest dependence. Study this passage as a group and talk about what it looks like to trust God fully. 

1) When you think back to your childhood, did you ever encounter someone who tried to intimidate or pressure others (like a “bully”)? How did people typically respond?

2) Read Isaiah 36:1-10. The Assyrian Field Commander, Rabshakeh, tries to install fear into the lives of God’s people. When you read this passage what tactics did he use to intimate God’s people? (see Genesis 3:1-5 and John 8:44

3) What are some voices in your life that try to install fear into your life? When do you find those voices to be the loudest and how have you been able to hear the voice of the Lord over those intimating voices? 

4) Read Isaiah 37:1–7. What stands out to you about how Hezekiah responds when faced with fear? How is his response different from how we typically react under pressure? (see Joshua 1:9, Psalm 34:4, and Philippians 4:6-7). 

5) Hezekiah not only goes to the temple but also seeks out Isaiah. Why is it important to involve others when we’re struggling? Who are the people in your life you can go to when things feel overwhelming? (see Hebrews 10:24-25 and Galatians 6:2). 

6) Read Isaiah 37:14-20. Hezekiah prays in three parts: recognizing God’s greatness, sharing his problem, and asking for help. How might your prayer life change if you followed this pattern of prayer? (see Psalm 5:3, 20:7, and 62:8)

7) God ultimately delivers His people in Isaiah 37. What is one area of your life right now where you need to stop trying to control the situation and instead run to God? What would that look like practically this week?

Close your time in prayer asking God to show you how to live an obedient life. 

Small Group Questions | The Coming King | Isaiah 7-11

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Coming King | Isaiah 7-11

In Isaiah 7–11 we see a fearful nation, a king who fails to trust God, and a powerful promise from God to send a better King. Through these chapters, Isaiah points God’s people beyond political fear, spiritual darkness, and human weakness to the coming Messiah. Jesus would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This passage reminds us that when earthly leaders fail and life feels uncertain, our hope is found in Jesus alone. As you discuss the questions below, share honestly on where you are tempted to place your trust, how Christ meets you in your fears, and what it means to live each day under the True King.

1) Neal started the sermon by sharing a gardening experience that surprised him when a plant came back, something he thought was dead was really still alive. Share a time in your life where God surprised you in your faith journey. 

2) Read Isaiah 7:1-4. King Ahaz trusted political alliances instead of trusting in God which resulted in a fearful nation. What are some modern equivalents to trusting in the king instead of trusting in God? (Joshua 1:9, Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5–8).

3) Read Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22–23. The prophecy of the Virgin Birth points us to Jesus the: “Immanuel—God with us”. How does this truth change the way we view God and go about our daily lives? (see John 1:14 and Hebrews 4:14–16)

4) Read Isaiah 9:2. Isaiah describes a people who were walking in darkness and saw a great light. What kind of darkness do people, in the church and outside the church, experience today? (see John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8–9, and 1 Peter 2:9)

5) Read Isaiah 9:6. Isaiah gives four titles for the Coming King. Which title of Jesus do you most need right now: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace? Why? (see Colossians 2:3, John 14:27, and Hebrews 13:8)

6) Read Isaiah 11:1. The “stump of Jesse” shows that God brings life from what looks dead. Share with your group where you see Jesus doing a new thing in your life right now and how that spiritual formation is taking place (see Isaiah 43:19). 

7) Read Isaiah 11:2-3. Isaiah describes the Spirit resting on the coming King. How did Jesus demonstrate these qualities: wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord during His ministry? Find verses in the New Testament to support your claim. 

Close your time in prayer asking God show you how to trust Him fully. 

Small Group Questions | Holy, Holy, Holy | Isaiah 6:1-13

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | Holy, Holy, Holy | Isaiah 6:1-13

In Isaiah 6 we see a powerful moment in the life of Isaiah. When he encounters the holiness of God, while serving in the Temple, everything changes. Isaiah becomes aware of his own sin, receives cleansing from the Lord, and then willingly offers himself to serve God’s mission. This passage reminds us that our view of God shapes the way we see ourselves and the way we live our lives. When we see God rightly, we offer ourselves fully. As you discuss the questions below, take time to reflect on how Isaiah’s experience connects with your own journey of faith. Ask God to help you see Him more clearly and to respond with humility, gratitude, and willingness to serve.

1) Neal shared a story about volunteering to help coach his son’s baseball team that led to years of coaching baseball. Share about a time you volunteered to help with your kids, community, or church. How did that serving role go for you? 

2) Read Isaiah 6:1-4. Isaiah’s encounter with God begins in a moment of uncertainty for Israel. How do times of uncertainty or transition in life sometimes make us more aware of our need for God? (read Psalm 46:1–3 and Hebrews 12:28)

3) Isaiah had a unique encounter with the Lord. What stands out to you about Isaiah’s description of God’s throne room, the song singing “Holy, Holy, Holy” and the shaking of the temple? (read Exodus 15:11, Psalm 99:1–3, and Revelation 4:8)

4) Read Isaiah 6:5. Isaiah’s immediate reaction to the holiness of God is, “Woe is me!”. Why do you think encountering God’s holiness makes Isaiah aware of his sin and how have you seen this to be true in your life? (Luke 5:8–11 and Job 42:5–6)

5) Isaiah confesses that he has “unclean lips” and lives among people with unclean lips. Why is confession an important part of our relationship with God? Did this sermon prompt you to confess something hidden in your life to God? 

6) Read Isaiah 6:6-8. Notice that God takes the initiative to cleanse Isaiah and prepare him for ministry. What does this teach us about God’s grace and forgiveness that we see in our lives? (see Hebrews 9:13–14, Ephesians 1:7 and Titus 3:5–7)

7) Read Isaiah 6:9-11. God invites Isaiah to ministry and he volunteered for the role. In the sermon we talked about how God calls people to serve Him in everyday places: our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Where has God placed you right now to be a witness for Him?

Close your time in prayer asking God show you how to serve Him. 

Small Group Questions | The Heart of God | Isaiah 1:1-20

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Heart of God | Isaiah 1:1-20

The book starts by highlight the rebellion of Israel. We know this book was written by Isaiah because his name is right there in the first sentence. Isaiah means: salvation of the Lord. And this is a key theme in the book of Isaiah. Israel has spurred the ‘Holy One of Israel.’ This is Isaiah’s favor title for God in the book. Isaiah was called to ministry in 739 B.C. the year King Uzziah died. We’ll see that spelled out next week in Chapter 6. He ministered through the reign of several different kings. He preached during the rise of the Assyrian Empire while God’s people continued to drift away from Him. Isaiah had a ministry that spanned a 50 year time period before he died.

1) Neal shared a story about a couple who was married and everything looked great on the outside but internally the marriage was loveless. Share about a time in your walk with Christ when things looked good on the outside but the inside was empty. 

2) Read Isaiah 1:2-4. God calls Israel His “children” but they have abandoned their father. What does this teach us about our relationship with God and how sin impacts that relationship? (see Luke 15:11–24 and Ephesians 4:30)

3) Read Isaiah 1:5-9. Israel experienced the consequences of their sin in the result of pain in their bodies and desolation in their country. What are some of the effects of sin that we see play out in our daily lives? 

4) Read Isaiah 1:10-15. God is sick and tired of heartless worship and longs for His people to return to worship Him. Discuss the difference between religious activity and relational obedience. (read Matthew 15:8-9 and 1 Samuel 15:22).

5) Where is it easiest for you to “go through the motions” spiritually? (see Revelation 2:4–5, Psalm 51:16–17 and John 4:23–24). What helps you move from going through the motions to a heart dedicated to the Lord? 

6)Read Isaiah 1:16-17. God gives very practical commands (defend the oppressed, care for the fatherless, plead for the widow.). Why do you think justice and worship are connected? How can our small group live this passage out in the next month? 

7) Read Isaiah 1:18-20. God says: “If you are willing…” What does willingness look like in your life right now? Is there any area of your life that looks religious on the outside but distant on the inside?

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you have a heart for Him.