Study Questions for Groups
By Michael C. Mack
1. What struggles have you faced over the last week?
2. What actions did you take this past week to pass on your faith to the next generation?
Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Judges 4:1-16 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions.
Ask the third person to retell the story in their own words. Remind them to keep it simple.
3. Imagine we as a group are writing a sermon on this passage. Let’s brainstorm a title for the message!
4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details:
• How would you describe the spiritual and emotional state of the Israelites at this time?
• Who are the two opponents? Who are the main leaders? Describe the “weapons” each side could deploy.
• What was Deborah’s strategy to defeat Sisera and the Canaanite army?
• What do you learn about Deborah: her role, gifts and abilities, calling, challenges, heart?
5. What do you learn about God from this narrative?
6. What does this passage teach you about following and trusting God in difficult times?
7. It’s not uncommon for Christ followers to be apprehensive about sharing their faith. How can knowing that the Lord has gone ahead of you help you to tell someone about your relationship with Jesus this week?
8. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”
9. What challenges do you anticipate this week?
For next week: Over the next week, read and reflect on Judges 6:11-16, 25-40 as we continue studying the books of Judges and Ruth and the theme, “Reverse the Trend.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Michael C. Mack
Michael C. Mack is editor of Christian Standard. He has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and Kentucky. He has written more than 25 books and discussion guides as well as hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and web-based articles.
