Unsung Heroes of the Bible - Shiphrah and Puah

Services

Red Oak Presbyterian Church Sunday - 10:30AM Worship Service

by: Cindy Rolenc

04/07/2021

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Scripture is full of stories of forgotten lives - unsung heroes whose actions and sacrifices failed to win them wordly renown. Yet, these great lives reveal significant people who God was able to use, and whose lives counted for something great. They may not be on the rolls of the rich and famous, yet their lives are still significant because they illustrate what is possible when ordinary people remain faithful to an extra-ordinary God. These men and women named and unnamed, are faithful to our God and are integral parts of the story of God saving the world. Despite what the world tells us, we do not need to be powerful, prominent, or rich to have influence. Obeying God, even in the small things, can impact history in a powerful way!

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 a. OR go to our FB page link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Shiphrah and Puah                      Exodus 1:15-21

Questions to Ponder:

1. The beginning of the story of Israel's deliverance is a story of heroic women: the midwives, Moses' mother and sister, Pharoah's daugther and her maids. With the help of these courageous women, the oppression of the Egyptians was broken. Often things change when someone or a group of people decides to take the first step. When have you seen change in your own life or the life of someone else when one bold step is taken?

2. What do you think gives these women courage to honor God's commands?

3. The Bible says the women acted so bravely because they feared God. What does it mean to fear God? Do you fear God?

4. There are several Bible verses about how much God dislikes liars. This verse in Proverbs stands out. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22. So why then would God reward them when Shiphrah and Puah lied?

5. Nearly always when we have lied, selfishness or pride were at the heart of our decision. Think about those times when you have lied. Were you trying to save yourself from embarrassment? Were you trying to make yourself out to be better than someone else?

6. On the Fruitful living website, author Luisa Rodriguez says, "Shiphrah and Puah were true "ezer" women. Ezer is the Hebrew word behind the English translation of "helper" in Genesis 2:18. God said he created the woman to be an "ezer" for the man. This word "ezer" is the same word God uses to describe himself when He rescued Israel and its people from various wars and difficulties." How can we be rescuers to those around us?

7. Galatians 6:7-10 says, "Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith." What does it mean to sow what you reap? Does this mean you will be rewarded on earth for being "good"?

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Scripture is full of stories of forgotten lives - unsung heroes whose actions and sacrifices failed to win them wordly renown. Yet, these great lives reveal significant people who God was able to use, and whose lives counted for something great. They may not be on the rolls of the rich and famous, yet their lives are still significant because they illustrate what is possible when ordinary people remain faithful to an extra-ordinary God. These men and women named and unnamed, are faithful to our God and are integral parts of the story of God saving the world. Despite what the world tells us, we do not need to be powerful, prominent, or rich to have influence. Obeying God, even in the small things, can impact history in a powerful way!

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 a. OR go to our FB page link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Shiphrah and Puah                      Exodus 1:15-21

Questions to Ponder:

1. The beginning of the story of Israel's deliverance is a story of heroic women: the midwives, Moses' mother and sister, Pharoah's daugther and her maids. With the help of these courageous women, the oppression of the Egyptians was broken. Often things change when someone or a group of people decides to take the first step. When have you seen change in your own life or the life of someone else when one bold step is taken?

2. What do you think gives these women courage to honor God's commands?

3. The Bible says the women acted so bravely because they feared God. What does it mean to fear God? Do you fear God?

4. There are several Bible verses about how much God dislikes liars. This verse in Proverbs stands out. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22. So why then would God reward them when Shiphrah and Puah lied?

5. Nearly always when we have lied, selfishness or pride were at the heart of our decision. Think about those times when you have lied. Were you trying to save yourself from embarrassment? Were you trying to make yourself out to be better than someone else?

6. On the Fruitful living website, author Luisa Rodriguez says, "Shiphrah and Puah were true "ezer" women. Ezer is the Hebrew word behind the English translation of "helper" in Genesis 2:18. God said he created the woman to be an "ezer" for the man. This word "ezer" is the same word God uses to describe himself when He rescued Israel and its people from various wars and difficulties." How can we be rescuers to those around us?

7. Galatians 6:7-10 says, "Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith." What does it mean to sow what you reap? Does this mean you will be rewarded on earth for being "good"?

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