Obadiah: The Price of Pride

Small Group Discussion Guide
Based on a sermon preached by Greg Ballog, 1/4/26

Start with an Opening Prayer. Invite someone to open the session with a prayer asking for guidance, wisdom, and open hearts as you delve into the study of Obadiah and the theme of pride.

Scripture Readings should include passages from the Book of Obadiah, Genesis 25:21-27 and 27:41, Numbers 20:20-21, Proverbs 6:16-17 and 16:18-19, and James 4:1 and 4:6-10.

Consider reading these verses aloud, either by having one person read each passage or breaking into smaller groups to read and discuss them before reconvening.

For Discussion Topics, focus on the key themes of the sermon, such as the historical context of Obadiah, the relationship between the Israelites and Edomites, and the impact of pride. Discuss the consequences of pride as described in Obadiah and other scripture passages. Explore how pride affects relationships with God and others.

Related Questions could include:
How did pride affect the relationship between the descendants of Esau and Jacob?
What does the Book of Obadiah teach us about the nature of pride?
How do we see the consequences of pride in our own lives today?
In what ways can pride be a hindrance in our relationship with God?
How can we cultivate humility in our daily lives?

The Follow-Up Exercise can involve encouraging group members to reflect on their own struggles with pride and identify areas where they need to practice humility. Suggest that they spend time in personal prayer asking God to reveal areas of hidden pride and to grant them the grace to overcome it. They can journal about what they discover and any changes they intend to make in the coming week.

Finally, close with a Closing Prayer. Invite someone from the group to thank God for the insights received during the discussion, ask for help in applying these lessons to daily life, and pray for the strength to live humbly and dependently on God's grace.