DEVOTIONAL: Exodus 1:15-22, Fearing God

May 6th, 2025

THE GOSPEL OF EXODUS

Exodus 1:15-22

Fearing God

Below you will find a 4-day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional Guide based on this week’s sermon’s themes.

You will also find a Dinner Table Discussion Guide to keep the conversation going in your family.

MISSED THE SERMON? WATCH IT HERE.

Day 1: The Fear of the Lord

Reading: Proverbs 9:10-12, Exodus 1:15-21

Devotional:

The midwives in Exodus demonstrated profound courage by fearing God more than Pharaoh. Their reverence for the Lord led them to preserve life, even at great personal risk. Today, reflect on what it means to truly fear God. This isn't about being afraid, but about having a deep reverence and awe for His holiness and power. How might your life change if you approached each decision with a holy fear of the Lord? Consider an area where you're tempted to fear man more than God. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your resolve to honor Him above all else.

Day 2: The Sanctity of Life

Reading: Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5

Devotional:

Scripture consistently affirms the value of human life from conception. Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. As you read these passages, meditate on the miracle of life and God's intimate involvement in creating each individual. In a world that often devalues life, how can you be a voice for the voiceless? Pray for opportunities to affirm the dignity of all human beings, born and unborn. Consider supporting CareNet, our local pregnancy center that works with mothers considering abortion and helps them start a new life with their baby.

Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Suffering

Reading: Romans 8:28-39, Genesis 50:20

Devotional:

The Israelites faced severe oppression under Pharaoh, yet God was not absent. He was working His purposes even through their suffering. Joseph's story in Genesis reminds us that God can use evil for good. As you face trials, remember that God is sovereign and present. He doesn't always remove our suffering, but He promises to work through it for our good and His glory. Reflect on a difficult situation in your life. How might God be using it to shape you or to bless others? Ask for eyes to see His hand at work, even in pain.

Day 4: Civil Disobedience and Christian Ethics

Reading: Acts 5:27-29, Daniel 3:8-18

Devotional:

The midwives' defiance of Pharaoh raises complex questions about when Christians should disobey governing authorities. Both Daniel's friends and the apostles provide examples of godly civil disobedience when man's law conflicts with God's law. Prayerfully consider how you navigate potential conflicts between your faith and societal expectations. Are there areas where you need to take a stand for righteousness, even if it's costly? Ask God for wisdom to discern His will and courage to follow it, always acting from a place of love and respect.

Day 5: God's Forgiveness and Redemptive Grace

Reading: Psalm 103:8-14, 1 John 1:9

Devotional:

The sermon touched on the weight of guilt some may carry from past decisions, including abortion. These passages remind us of God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive. No sin is beyond the reach of His grace. If you're carrying shame or guilt, bring it to the foot of the cross today. Accept the forgiveness Christ offers. If you've already received His forgiveness, consider how you can be an agent of His grace to others who are struggling. How might your story of redemption bring hope and healing to someone else? Pray for opportunities to share God's love with those who feel beyond His reach.

Dinner Table Discussion Questions

Read: Exodus 1:15-22

1.  Pharaoh’s fear of the growing Israelite population led to drastic and evil measures. In what ways do fear (both personal and societal) sometimes drive us or our communities to make decisions that go against our values or even God’s principles?


2. The midwives’ “fear of God” is described as reverence and awe. How does this understanding of fearing God differ from simply being afraid of God? How can we cultivate this kind of reverent fear in our lives?


3.  The midwives engaged in civil disobedience. When do you believe it is biblically justifiable for Christians to resist or disobey governing authorities? What are some important considerations when making such a decision? Have you ever participate in civil disobedience? Where you bibilically right in your actions?


4.  The sermon touches on the ethical dilemma of the midwives’ potential lie. In extreme situations where protecting life conflicts with telling the absolute truth, what principles should guide our decision-making? Do you agree with the idea of a “lie of necessity”? Why or why not?Were Christians wrong for lying about hidding Jews from the Nazis?


5. Why is grounding human rights in being made in the image of God important? Why would the world want to ground rights in a person’s capacities? What are some practical implications of shifting away from humanity away from the image of God?


6.  Fearing God should transform how we live, prioritizing His approval over human approval. In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to live this out? What steps can you take to grow in this area?