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.