Edgewood Bible Church

Main idea:  Humble faith quietly advances God’s purposes, while proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall.1. Humble faith quietly advances God’s purposes (v.1-8)2. Proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall (v.9-14)
Discussion questions:1. How does Esther’s strategy demonstrate wisdom, patience, and shrewdness? How is this different from deceit?2. How might approaching God with confidence change the way we pray or make difficult decisions?3. In your own life, where do you see joy or satisfaction anchored in things other than God? How does this make you vulnerable to frustration or sin?4. How does reflecting on Haman’s folly encourage you to examine your own motives, ambitions, or sources of satisfaction?

BIG IDEA:  Praise God with Confident joy by resting in His eternal plan, and hoping in His Steadfast love. 
I. Trust in His good word (4-11)
II. Rest in His eternal plan  (10-12)
III. Fear God, not false saviors (13-19) 
 
Discussion Questions: 
1. When joy feels far, which truth in vv.4–9 most lifts your praise—and why?
2. What’s your modern “war horse” (money, control, approval), and how will you shift that trust to the Lord this week?
3. What’s one concrete way you’ll practice joyful waiting (vv.20–22)—sing, give thanks, or meditate on truth—and when?

Main idea: God’s providence calls His people to courageous obedience in every situation.
1. God’s people lament the world’s brokenness (vv. 1–4)2. God’s providence places His people in uncomfortable positions (vv. 5–11)3. God’s sovereign plan calls for faithful risk (vv. 12–14)4. God’s salvation often comes through substitutionary courage (vv. 15–17)
Discussion Questions:1. How can we recover the biblical practice of lament in our worship service, our prayers, and our relationships?2. How does the myth of “safe Christianity” show up in modern church life?3. When have you faced a moment where obedience to God carried personal risk?4. How does viewing Esther as a signpost to Christ rather than merely an example change the way we read this story?

Main Idea:  Human pride and hatred pursue God’s people, as darkness fills the land.
When men demand respect (1–6)When leaders deceive (6–11)When darkness invades (12–15)
Discussion Questions:1. What risks come with standing by conviction in a culture that rewards compliance?2. Why does Scripture urge us to pray for our leaders—even when they are ungodly?3. In what ways are we experiencing God’s patience right now?4. How do distraction, indifference, or apathy serve Satan’s purposes just as effectively as open rebellion?Where do you notice this kind of spiritual dullness creeping into your own walk with God?

Main Idea:  God sovereignly works behind the scenes to position His people for His saving purposes, even in a world that seems ruled by chance.
God’s Providence in human decisions (1-11)God’s Power in human deification (12-18)God’s Preparation in human deception (19-23)
Discussion Questions:1. How can we cultivate relationships where “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6) rather than only surrounding ourselves with affirming voices?2. How do you see believers today facing similar tension between two worlds—faithful to God while navigating secular culture?3. Why is it comforting—or perhaps uncomfortable—to realize that God can use sinful people and unjust systems to accomplish His purposes?4. How can the truth that “God’s grace is greater than our sin” change the way we respond to personal failure or the failures of others in the church?

Main idea: God’s providence is quietly at work even when human pride and power seem to rule the day.
The Narcissist KingThe Noncompliant QueenThe Nonsensical Advisors
Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think worldly glory fades so quickly? What does Scripture teach about the things that truly endure? (See 1 Peter 1:24–25, Matthew 6:19–21.)2. How can resting in God’s sovereignty make you a more humble and secure leader, parent, or friend?3. What encouragement can we draw from knowing that “God’s providence is not limited to the obedience of people”?4. Pastor Jeff said, “The harder we try to secure life apart from God, the more fragile and anxious we become.” How have you seen this truth play out personally? How does unbelief lie at the root of our need to control others or outcomes?

Psalm 23 - Worship our Great Shepherd
Guest Preacher - Ben Spector from South Hill Baptist Church

Acts 16
Big Idea: God saves whom He wills, when He wills—through the proclamation of His people.”
1. The Spirit summons and sends (1-15)
2. The Son saves and secures (16-40)
 
Discussion question: 
1. When has God closed a door in your life to lead you somewhere better? What should you do if you don't know if he has changed your plans?
2. How can parents and grandparents play a key role in passing on faith like with Timothy?
3. What do Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer show us about the gospel’s reach?
4. How can we worship God when facing suffering like Paul and Silas?
5. If God is the one who opens hearts, how should that change the way we share the gospel?
 
 

Acts 15:22-41
Big Idea: God provides His word and His people so the church will agree on what to do and who should do it. 
1. Embrace God’s word–it brings peace. (22-35)
2. Lean into conflict–it will strengthen the church (36-41) 
 
 Discussion Questions 
1. What do we learn about how the early church made decisions from the letter sent in Acts 15:22–29?
2. How do God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s people work together in discerning His will?
3. Why do you think Luke tells us about the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (vv. 36–39)? 
4. What’s the difference between unity and uniformity? How does this passage illustrate that?
5. Where are you tempted to avoid conflict in your life, and how might God use His Word and His people to help you face it faithfully?

Main idea:  The gospel is not Jesus plus something—it is grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone.
The Danger of a Distorted Gospel—v.1-5The Encouragement of a Clear Gospel—v.6-11The Grace of a Shared Gospel—v.12-21
Discussion Questions:1. How can you tell the difference between faithful obedience to Christ and slipping into legalism?2. If grace saves us, what role does the law play in the Christian life today?3. Where are you tempted to add to the gospel in your own life—whether through spiritual performance, cultural expectations, or personal convictions?4. How might our church better display the humility, love, and unity that flow from the shared gospel of grace?