Small Group Questions | Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing | Isaiah 43

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 | Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing| Isaiah 43 

Isaiah 43 reminds us that God is faithful even in seasons where life feels uncertain, painful, or overwhelming. In this passage, God speaks hope to fearful people by reminding them that He created them, redeemed them, and still has a future for them. One of the major tensions in this chapter is learning to remember God’s faithfulness in the past without becoming trapped living in the past. God calls His people to trust Him again and to recognize the “new thing” He is doing in their lives. As your group meets this week, take time to encourage one another, reflect honestly about areas of fear or discouragement, and celebrate the ways God has been faithful.

1) The sermon started with a story about Jim and Elisabeth Elliot who served God in Ecuador. Jim was martyred by the very people he came to share Jesus with. The pain was real, deep, and overwhelming. When you have walked through pain? 

2) In Isaiah 43:1-7. God emphasized He created and formed His people. What stands out to you most about the way God speaks to His people in these verses? (see Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 139:13–16, and Romans 8:38–39)

3) In Isaiah 40:10. One of the most spoken phrases from God to mankind is a version of: “Do not be afraid.” What are a couple things Israel was afraid of when they read this? What are you afraid of today? (see Joshua 1:9 and John 14:27)

4) Read Isaiah 43:8-13. What does this section teach us about God compared to false idols or misplaced trust? What are some modern things people trust in instead of God? (read Psalm 20:7, Jeremiah 17:5–8, and Matthew 6:19–21)

5) In Isaiah 43:10–12, God calls His people to be His witnesses. Who has been a strong witness for Christ in your life, and what made their faith impactful to you?

6) Read Isaiah 43:14–21. God said He would do a new thing in the life of His people.  What are some things that hinder us from Spiritual Growth and experiencing this new thing God wants to do? What traps people into a life where they rarely experience this new thing? (see Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:17)

7) Where do you personally sense God may be inviting you to trust Him more right now? Is there a “new thing” God may be doing in your life, relationships, faith, or calling? (see Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 4:22–24, and Psalm 40:1–3)

Close your time praying for God to do a new thing in your life, your group, our church, our community, our state and our world. 

Small Group Questions | God’s Servant | Isaiah 42:1-9

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 | God’s Servant | Isaiah 42:1-9

In Isaiah 42 we are introduced to God’s Servant. He comes into a broken world to bring truth, justice, and salvation. He is not loud or forceful. He is gentle and faithful. He does not crush the weak. He restores them. This passage points us to Jesus, the One who brings light into darkness and life to those who trust Him. As you discuss the questions below, take time to reflect on where you need Jesus to meet you. Where do you need His truth? Where do you need His light? Who in your life needs to hear about Him? Ask God to help you trust Him more, turn from anything that competes for your heart, and walk in the freedom He offers.

1) John Perkins dedicated his life to fighting injustice and helping people experience healing in the Gospel in spite of his personal experience. When you hear the word justice, what comes to mind and where have you seen injustice in our world? 

2) Read Isaiah 42:1-4. God is pleased with His servant and teaches us about the character and nature of Jesus. What characteristic of Jesus stands out most to you in these verses? (see Matthew 12:18–21, Philippians 2:5–8  and John 13:3–5)

3) Verse three teaches us about the gentle nature of Jesus. Think back to a time in your life where you personally experienced the gentleness of Jesus. How did that impact you? (see: Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28–30, and Hebrews 4:15–16) 

4) Read Isaiah 42:5. This verse teaches us about what God accomplished in creation. When you look at creation where do you see at work? We never want to worship creation but we do worship God as creator. 

5) Read Isaiah 42:6-7. What does it mean that Jesus is “a light for the Gentiles”? Why is it important that the gospel is for all people, not just a select group? (see Acts 13:47, Luke 2:30–32, and Genesis 12:3) 

6) Isaiah describes people as blind, captive, and in darkness. Where do you see those realities in the world today? How has Jesus brought you from darkness into light?(see Colossians 1:13–14, John 1:4–5, and Ephesians 5:8)

7) Read Isaiah 42:8-9. What are some modern-day “idols” people turn to instead of God (success, comfort, control, approval, etc.)? What do you personally tend to run to when life gets hard? Exodus 20:3–4, Romans 1:21–25, and 1 John 5:21)

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

Small Group Questions | Wait on the Lord | Isaiah 40:25–31

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 | Wait on the Lord | Isaiah 40:25–31

Isaiah 40:25–31 reminds us that life with God is not about relying on our own strength but learning to place our hope in the Lord. In this passage, Isaiah speaks to weary people who felt exhausted, discouraged, and uncertain about the future. God responds by reminding His people of His greatness, holiness, and everlasting power. While human strength eventually fades, God never grows weary and He promises renewed strength to those who trust Him. This passage also reminds us that much of the Christian life is not lived in dramatic moments of “soaring,” but in everyday faithfulness as we continue walking with the Lord. As you discuss these questions, be honest about where you feel tired, discouraged, or tempted to rely on yourself instead of God.

1) The sermon started by sharing about Natalie Grabow completing the Ironman World Championship at 80 years old. What is something you’ve done (physically, spiritually, relationally, etc.) that required endurance or perseverance?

2) Read Isaiah 40:25–26. Why do you think God begins this section by reminding His people of His greatness and holiness? How does remembering who God is help us when life feels overwhelming? (see: Psalm 19:1, 147:4–5, and Job 38:31–33)

3) In Isaiah 40:12-24 we read about the Holiness of God: vv. 12-14: God’s power and wisdom, vv. 15-17: God’s greatness, vv. 18-20: One True God, vv. 21-24: God’s supremacy. What part of God’s holiness stands out to you the most right now? 

4) Read Isaiah 40:27–28. Israel complained that God had forgotten them. Have you ever gone through a season where you felt unseen, forgotten, or weary? What truths from this passage encourage you? (see: Psalm 121:1–4, Deuteronomy 31:6, and Hebrews 13:5)

5) The sermon emphasized that “God never grows weary.” Why is that truth so important for weary people to remember? How is God different from us in His strength, wisdom, and endurance? (read: Malachi 3:6, and James 1:17) 

6) Read Isaiah 40:29–31. What do you think it practically means to “hope” or “wait” on the Lord? How is Biblical waiting different from passivity?

7) Which of the four promises from the sermon stands out to you most right now? God renews weary people, God lifts us above despair, God gives endurance for the journey, God sustains us for everyday faithfulness.

Close your time in prayer asking God to exchange exhaustion for endurance. 

Small Group Questions | Leaving a Lasting Legacy | Isaiah 39

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 | Leaving a Lasting Legacy | Isaiah 39

In Isaiah 39, we see a powerful and sobering moment in the life of King Hezekiah. This is a man who trusted God in crisis, experienced God’s healing, and led well but he dropped his guard. Instead of pointing others to God, he began to build his own story. His choices didn’t destroy everything immediately, but they set a trajectory that impacted the next generation. This passage reminds us that it’s not just how we start that matters, it’s how we finish. Pride can subtly shift our focus from God to ourselves, while trust in God leads to a legacy that lasts. As your group discusses the following questions be honest about where pride can sneak in and what legacy means for you. 

1) Neal opened the sermon with a story about recently speaking at a Celebration of Life. When people talk about your life one day, what do you hope they will say about your faith and impact on others?

2) Read Isaiah 38:1-8. Hezekiah comes face to face with the end of his life and cries out to God. Read Genesis 18:22–33, 1 Samuel 1:10–11, and Jonah 4:2–3. Where are you tempted to barter with God on certain things in your life? 

3) Read Isaiah 38:17. Hezekiah’s suffering brought about a change in perspective in his life. Read 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29, and 1 Peter 4:12–13. How has suffering invited you closer to God and helped you grow in your faith? 

4) Read Isaiah 39. Hezekiah missed an opportunity to share the goodness of God with the Babylonian envoy. Can you think of a time in your life where you missed an opportunity to talk about the greatness of God and what did you learn from that? 

5) Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God’s word teaches us to start investing in others who are closest to us. Read Psalm 78:4-8, 1 Kings 1:6, and Proverbs 22:6. Who are the people God has already placed in your life that you can begin investing in spiritually?

6) Read Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus calls us to “go and make disciples”. What has held you back from doing this more intentionally? What would it look like for you to take one step forward this week?

7) Read 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul shows us a vision for passing faith from one person to another. Paul was intentional in his life to invest in others for the advancement of the Kingdom. What would it look like for your faith to multiply beyond just you?

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you leave a Godly legacy.