September 13 – 19

Curated Reading for September 13 – 19

Sermon Series: Real Hereos Week 1
Sermon Title: Shiphrah and Puah: Defiant Faith delivered on September 13, 2026

View Sermon Notes →

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Day 1 READ: Hebrews 11:1-2 and Exodus 1:1-14

Key Verse: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."— Hebrews 11:1-2

Reflection Questions:
1. How does the "bitter reality" of the Israelites' bondage point us to the definition of faith given in Hebrews?
2. In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by a "rising threat" or difficult circumstances, making it hard to see God's plan?
3. How can you shift your focus from chasing the approval of your generation to seeking a commendation from heaven? Day 2 READ: Exodus 1:15-16 & Psalm 82:2-4

Key Verse: "The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 'When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him...'"— Exodus 1:15-16

Reflection Questions:
1. Shiphrah and Puah received a horrific order from the highest authority in their world. What kind of pressure do you face to compromise your values?
2. Psalm 82 commands us to defend the weak and needy. Who are the vulnerable or oppressed people in your immediate community who need support?
3. How does the takeaway "you don't need a platform to change history" alter your perspective on your daily responsibilities?
Day 3 READ: Exodus 1:17-19 and Acts 5:29

Key Verse: "The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live."— Exodus 1:17

Reflection Questions:
1. The midwives displayed a "holy reverence" that superseded their fear of Pharaoh. What does it look like practically to fear God more than human consequences?
2. How do you discern the line between obeying earthly authorities and standing up for God's sacred truths?
3. Where is fear or culture currently pressuring you to compromise what is right in your workplace, school, or family?
Day 4 READ: Exodus 1:20-21 and Matthew 18:6

Key Verse: "So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own." (Exodus 1:20-21)

Reflection Questions:
1. Pharaoh’s name is omitted from this historical account, while the names of these two ordinary women are permanently recorded. What does this teach you about true legacy?
2. God rarely asks for public fame, but always asks for private faithfulness. How content are you serving God when no one else is watching?
3. The actions of the midwives paved the way for the survival of Moses and the liberation of a nation. How might your private obedience impact future generations? Day 5 READ: Matthew 2:13-18 and Romans 5:6-8

Key Verse: "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly... God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."— Romans 5:6 and verse 8.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does the story of Shiphrah and Puah defying a baby-killing tyrant foreshadow the story of Jesus escaping King Herod in the New Testament?
2. Jesus is the ultimate "Gap-Stander" who died for us when we were completely powerless. How should His sacrifice motivate your response to modern suffering?
3. What is one concrete action step you can take this week to step into the gap for the vulnerable, such as supporting anti-trafficking efforts or local restoration ministries?