Exodus:Hardened
In Exodus 7–10, Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart against God's commands through Moses, even as God sends escalating plagues to demonstrate His power. At times, Pharaoh hardens his own heart, and at other times, God confirms that hardness as judgment. This pattern reveals both God’s mercy in giving Pharaoh chances to repent and His justice in responding to persistent rebellion. The story warns us not to ignore God's voice, but to respond with humility and obedience while our hearts are still soft.
Sermon Outline
Discussion Questions
1. Read Exodus 7:1–13. What do you notice about Pharaoh’s initial response to Moses and Aaron? Why do you think Pharaoh refused to listen, even when the miracle happened?
2. Read Exodus 9:13–21. How does God show both justice and mercy in His warnings to Pharaoh?
3. In verse 20–21, some Egyptians feared the word of the Lord and took action. What does that tell us about how people can respond differently to the same warning?
4. What do you observe about Pharaoh’s "partial repentance"? Do you think it was genuine? Why or why not? Have you ever made a promise to God in a crisis that you didn’t follow through on?
5. Are there any areas in your life right now where you feel resistant to God? What does a “soft heart” look like in practice?
Prayer Time
Sermon Outline
- A hard heart does not happen all at once
- God confirms what is initiated.
- The mercy of God in the midst of a hardening heart.
- Hard hearts don’t just hurt us, they damage those around us.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Exodus 7:1–13. What do you notice about Pharaoh’s initial response to Moses and Aaron? Why do you think Pharaoh refused to listen, even when the miracle happened?
2. Read Exodus 9:13–21. How does God show both justice and mercy in His warnings to Pharaoh?
3. In verse 20–21, some Egyptians feared the word of the Lord and took action. What does that tell us about how people can respond differently to the same warning?
4. What do you observe about Pharaoh’s "partial repentance"? Do you think it was genuine? Why or why not? Have you ever made a promise to God in a crisis that you didn’t follow through on?
5. Are there any areas in your life right now where you feel resistant to God? What does a “soft heart” look like in practice?
Prayer Time
- Pray for God to reveal any areas of resistance or pride in our hearts.
- Ask God to keep your heart soft and responsive to His Spirit.
- Pray for boldness to obey even when it’s difficult.