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.