KE Group Questions
Week of September 14, 2025
SummaryIn this sermon on the book of Obadiah, the pastor explores God's judgment against Edom, descendants of Esau who betrayed their relatives, the Israelites. The prophecy reveals how Edom's pride and their celebration of Israel's downfall would lead to their complete destruction. Though Edom believed they were invincible in their mountain fortress, God declared He would bring them down.
The message emphasizes several key applications: God sees all injustice and will eventually right all wrongs; modern terrorist groups represent today's 'Edom'; and most importantly, believers should never rejoice in others' misfortunes but instead support one another as family. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder that we should bear one another's burdens, rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Ice Breaker
When you were a child, did you ever have a rivalry with a sibling or cousin? What was it about and how was it resolved?
Key Verses
- Obadiah 1:3-4
- Obadiah 1:10-11
- Romans 12:15
- Galatians 6:2
- 1 John 2:15-17
Questions
- Obadiah describes Edom as being deceived by pride. In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride, and how might it affect your relationships?
- The sermon mentions that Edom chose alliances with powerful nations over loyalty to their relatives. When have you been tempted to choose worldly connections over spiritual ones?
- God condemns Edom for standing by and even celebrating when Israel suffered. Have you ever caught yourself feeling secretly pleased when someone else experienced misfortune? Why do you think we sometimes react this way?
- How does the command to 'rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep' (Romans 12:15) challenge our natural tendencies?
- The pastor states that modern terrorist groups represent today's 'Edom.' Do you agree with this interpretation? Why or why not?
- What does it mean practically to 'bear one another's burdens' as mentioned in Galatians 6:2?
- The sermon emphasizes that God will eventually right all wrongs. How does this truth provide comfort when you see injustice in the world?
- What steps can we take as a church community to better support each other in times of both celebration and suffering?
Life Application
This week, identify someone in your life who is either celebrating a victory or struggling with a challenge. Make a deliberate effort to enter into their experience - rejoice fully with them if they're rejoicing, or offer meaningful support if they're suffering. Resist any temptation to feel jealous of their success or secretly pleased about their struggles. Instead, remember the phrase from the song: 'He ain't heavy, he's my brother.' Keep a journal of how this intentional practice affects both you and the other person, and be prepared to share what you learned with the group next time.
Key Takeaways
- God sees all injustice and will eventually bring judgment against those who harm His people - no one escapes His notice.
- Pride deceives us into thinking we're invincible, but God promises to humble the proud.
- We should never take pleasure in or be indifferent to the suffering of others, especially our spiritual family.
- Bearing one another's burdens and genuinely sharing in each other's joys and sorrows fulfills 'the law of Christ.'
- True Christian community means treating others as family - not competitors or strangers, but brothers and sisters worth carrying.
Summary