Matthew 1:18–25
Background:
Luke prominently features Mary in his writings of Jesus' birth (Luke 1-2), but Matthew tells the story through Joseph's perspective. Joseph is important to Matthew's Gospel because Jesus becomes part of David's lineage through Joseph (1:1-17).
Joseph was living a normal, responsible and righteous life (vs 19) when he's all of the sudden given the news that Mary is pregnant and it's not from him.
Joseph's life plan just got flipped upside down! Now what?
Group Discussion Guide:
Who has a crazy story of when your life plan got interrupted?
Joseph responded pretty good in verse 19. Who can honestly say they're pretty good at dealing with major interruptions? What character trait do you have that you could advise the rest of the group to implement?
Not all interruptions are crazy and life altering. Most are actually more life inconveniences, frustrations, and unexpected events. Why are these kinds of things SO annoying though?
What's the danger in letting little things bother you?
Can you imagine how the story would've changed if Joseph got angry and didn't want to listen to God?! We've all done it, but would someone be willing to give an example of when they had an adult temper tantrum?
Why do we love to throw our own pity-parties? What do you think you're trying to accomplish when you do this?
Verse 20 reveals that even though Joseph was actually afraid, the Lord made this happen and it was part of His plan. While interruptions and unexpected things (minor or major) catch us off guard, they do not catch God off guard. Why does God allow these interruptions to happen? (God always has a plan and uses these interruptions to change us to be more like Christ.)
Slow traffic, a sick child, or a costly home repair may not seem like important tools in our sanctification, but they are. How? (We are given opportunities to rely on God, to obey him, and bring him glory.)
We won't be asked to be the earthly father of Jesus, build an ark, part the red sea, or sacrifice our only son, but we will certainly have a few major events in our life that cause us to trust God and obey him in some deeply profound way. Are any of you currently going through one of these major events? How are you being tested to trust God?
Joseph obviously had no control over Mary getting pregnant, but his response proved something. What is revealed when we are not in control? (When things don't go our way, our faith is stretched and it will be revealed whether we are standing on rock or sand.)
Can someone share a testimony of why they believe God is in control of all the details in their life?
Can someone make a case for why God's grace is actually sufficient to get us through the day?
How does the Gospel apply to life's interruptions?
How can Christ be enough to satisfy all the deepest needs of our heart?
Christmas reminds us that everything we need is provided by God through Jesus. (Close by sharing your story of how God's grace, Jesus, is everything you've ever needed.)
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Best Christmas Ever: The Power of Silence
Luke 1 Summary:
A priest Zacharias, whose wife, Elizabeth, has not been able to get pregnant, has a visitation from an angel. The angel tells Zacharias that he will have a son, and to name him John. Zacharias doubts this and tells the angel he is too old. The angel tells him he will not be able to speak until the day of his son's birth. Elizabeth got pregnant, just like the angel said. When it came time to name the baby, Zacharias wrote down that his name will be John, and then his voice returned.
Why do you think the angel chose the method of silence for Zacharias?
Do you see it as a punishment, or a way to increase Zacharias' faith?
Practical Questions:
Why are coffee breaks so great?
Why are nice, long walks on the beach so relaxing?
Who is currently very overwhelmed by your to-do list?
How many of you are so easily distracted?
What's the importance of having quality time with someone you love?
Why does our culture feel the need to be productive all the time?
Why do most of us struggle to spend devoted time alone with God?
Why do we so easily give people our undivided attention, but not God?
What's the difference between prioritizing solitude and silence in our lives versus doing another Christian or spiritual activity? (It's about running into God's arms and knowing His love.)
Read Psalm 46:10
Let's be a group Thesaurus for a few moments.
What are some other words or phrases for "Be still"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What is the importance and benefits of "being still" or (whatever other words/phrases you listed)?
Why do you think God likes us to be in silence?
What are some other words or phrases for "Know"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What are the benefits of knowing?
What are some other names or words to describe God? (Brainstorm at least 10 answers.)
How does who God is help you realize that He is all you need?
When you're stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, discouraged, worried, lacking, sinning, etc., how does this verse's application help you?
5 Tips for Finding Solitude
1. Pick a Time
Think about the time that you can start taking today to listen for God's voice in silence. Maybe you could turn off your car radio during your daily commute to work, turn off your phone, use your lunch break, get up a little earlier, or use the time right before you go to bed.
2. Find a Location
If you only have a few minutes or a couple hours, think of a place that is nearby where you can disconnect from your "everyday life," and not be interrupted.
3. Let it Go
Accept the fact that you are not indispensable and allow the world to go on without you for these few moments.
4. Let God be God
Humble yourself, listen, pay attention, and be open to what God might be trying to show you.
5. Stick to the Basics
Space. Prayer. God's Word.
Who's ready to get started on this tomorrow? Make your plans and stick to it!
A priest Zacharias, whose wife, Elizabeth, has not been able to get pregnant, has a visitation from an angel. The angel tells Zacharias that he will have a son, and to name him John. Zacharias doubts this and tells the angel he is too old. The angel tells him he will not be able to speak until the day of his son's birth. Elizabeth got pregnant, just like the angel said. When it came time to name the baby, Zacharias wrote down that his name will be John, and then his voice returned.
Why do you think the angel chose the method of silence for Zacharias?
Do you see it as a punishment, or a way to increase Zacharias' faith?
Practical Questions:
Why are coffee breaks so great?
Why are nice, long walks on the beach so relaxing?
Who is currently very overwhelmed by your to-do list?
How many of you are so easily distracted?
What's the importance of having quality time with someone you love?
Why does our culture feel the need to be productive all the time?
Why do most of us struggle to spend devoted time alone with God?
Why do we so easily give people our undivided attention, but not God?
What's the difference between prioritizing solitude and silence in our lives versus doing another Christian or spiritual activity? (It's about running into God's arms and knowing His love.)
Read Psalm 46:10
Let's be a group Thesaurus for a few moments.
What are some other words or phrases for "Be still"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What is the importance and benefits of "being still" or (whatever other words/phrases you listed)?
Why do you think God likes us to be in silence?
What are some other words or phrases for "Know"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What are the benefits of knowing?
What are some other names or words to describe God? (Brainstorm at least 10 answers.)
How does who God is help you realize that He is all you need?
When you're stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, discouraged, worried, lacking, sinning, etc., how does this verse's application help you?
5 Tips for Finding Solitude
1. Pick a Time
Think about the time that you can start taking today to listen for God's voice in silence. Maybe you could turn off your car radio during your daily commute to work, turn off your phone, use your lunch break, get up a little earlier, or use the time right before you go to bed.
2. Find a Location
If you only have a few minutes or a couple hours, think of a place that is nearby where you can disconnect from your "everyday life," and not be interrupted.
3. Let it Go
Accept the fact that you are not indispensable and allow the world to go on without you for these few moments.
4. Let God be God
Humble yourself, listen, pay attention, and be open to what God might be trying to show you.
5. Stick to the Basics
Space. Prayer. God's Word.
Who's ready to get started on this tomorrow? Make your plans and stick to it!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Best Christmas Ever: Simple
Read Luke 10:38-42
Ask someone to briefly summarize the story from these verses.
Group Discussion Questions:
Who do you identify more with, Mary or Martha?
What are the strengths of being a "Martha" in life and ministry? What are the weaknesses?
Was what Martha doing wrong?
Sometimes our choice is between the good and the bad. Other times it is between the better and best. Give examples of better vs best decisions you face.
What was it about Mary that impressed Jesus so much?
How much of your time is spent with church activity vs time with Jesus? (i.e. 50/50, 70/30, etc.)
What's wrong with never spending time sitting before, adoring and listening to Jesus?
Could someone tell us about a time when you became so caught up in the work of the kingdom you forgot to have a relationship with the king?
Jesus stated "that only one thing is really needed." What was it?
Martha didn't realize what she was doing was the wrong choice. She just had her priorities mixed up. She was "worried about many things." Worry elevates minor things to the highest priority. What minor things have the wrong priority in your life?
Is busyness attractive to you? Why?
Why do we find it difficult to slow down and "be still and know that I am God"?
When have you found yourself recently in a Martha-like frenzy? What was your source of worry?
What are the advantages to spending time regularly "at the feet of Jesus"?
Verse 42 mentions that Jesus is to be our portion. What does that mean? Hint: think about what food is intended for.
What happens when busyness and worry are our portion? Discuss how this daily portion can effect you each day, and especially over time.
What are the common results you experience when you lose your focus on God?
Who, or what, do you blame when your life becomes chaotic?
Can "the Mary thing" be overdone? Explain.
How can we slow down our lives so that we take time for the greatest things?
How has this discussion on this story in scripture invite you to read your Bible differently?
What time of day have you found to be best for you to be able to really sit, listen, and hear from the Lord?
What things do you do in your times of prayer and Bible study to focus your mind and thoughts on the Lord?
Let's close by taking time – five minutes or more – to spend in adoring the Lord in prayer. Tell the Lord why you love him, how you appreciate him, and then let him speak to you.
Ask someone to briefly summarize the story from these verses.
Group Discussion Questions:
Who do you identify more with, Mary or Martha?
What are the strengths of being a "Martha" in life and ministry? What are the weaknesses?
Was what Martha doing wrong?
Sometimes our choice is between the good and the bad. Other times it is between the better and best. Give examples of better vs best decisions you face.
What was it about Mary that impressed Jesus so much?
How much of your time is spent with church activity vs time with Jesus? (i.e. 50/50, 70/30, etc.)
What's wrong with never spending time sitting before, adoring and listening to Jesus?
Could someone tell us about a time when you became so caught up in the work of the kingdom you forgot to have a relationship with the king?
Jesus stated "that only one thing is really needed." What was it?
Martha didn't realize what she was doing was the wrong choice. She just had her priorities mixed up. She was "worried about many things." Worry elevates minor things to the highest priority. What minor things have the wrong priority in your life?
Is busyness attractive to you? Why?
Why do we find it difficult to slow down and "be still and know that I am God"?
When have you found yourself recently in a Martha-like frenzy? What was your source of worry?
What are the advantages to spending time regularly "at the feet of Jesus"?
Verse 42 mentions that Jesus is to be our portion. What does that mean? Hint: think about what food is intended for.
What happens when busyness and worry are our portion? Discuss how this daily portion can effect you each day, and especially over time.
What are the common results you experience when you lose your focus on God?
Who, or what, do you blame when your life becomes chaotic?
Can "the Mary thing" be overdone? Explain.
How can we slow down our lives so that we take time for the greatest things?
How has this discussion on this story in scripture invite you to read your Bible differently?
What time of day have you found to be best for you to be able to really sit, listen, and hear from the Lord?
What things do you do in your times of prayer and Bible study to focus your mind and thoughts on the Lord?
Let's close by taking time – five minutes or more – to spend in adoring the Lord in prayer. Tell the Lord why you love him, how you appreciate him, and then let him speak to you.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Whole 'Nother Level: Never Forget
Introduction / Background:
In Joshua 3, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground by means of a miracle from God. God had the priests take the Ark of the Covenant into the water first. When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark entered the water, the Lord caused the flow of the Jordan to stop and rise up. The people then crossed the river on dry ground.
In chapter 4, Joshua has the priests make a memorial to the event that had just happened. Read Joshua 4:1-9.
Group Discussion Questions:
Raise your hand if you love traditions and are sentimental. Ask someone why they love traditions. Ask someone why they hate traditions.
What's one item that you have that is super sentimental?
What is the reason for a memorial? For example, Memorial Day, a memorial service, a memorial museum, etc.
What do you do on that day or at those places?
Why did the Israelites make a pile of 12 stones?
What lessons can we learn from what they did?
What memorial has made a huge impact on your life?
What memorials or traditions do you have that cause you to remember God's hand in your life?
What memorials or traditions could you make or start to cause you and your family to remember God's work in your lives?
Whose responsibility is it to teach children about God and His work? How can someone do that?
What was Jesus doing when he instituted the practice of the Lord's Supper?
What does the bread signify? Why?
What does the cup of wine signify? Why?
Why is the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation (the bread and wine become the physical body of Jesus) against the teaching of the Bible and therefore wrong?
How can we be careful not to fall into the trap of meaningless tradition or a perverted ritual?
What can you do to keep the Lord's Supper meaningful to you?
Are there any stories you'd like people to remember about what God's done in your life?
How will you share these stories?
Why is it important to remember what God has done in your life?
In Joshua 3, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground by means of a miracle from God. God had the priests take the Ark of the Covenant into the water first. When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark entered the water, the Lord caused the flow of the Jordan to stop and rise up. The people then crossed the river on dry ground.
In chapter 4, Joshua has the priests make a memorial to the event that had just happened. Read Joshua 4:1-9.
Group Discussion Questions:
Raise your hand if you love traditions and are sentimental. Ask someone why they love traditions. Ask someone why they hate traditions.
What's one item that you have that is super sentimental?
What is the reason for a memorial? For example, Memorial Day, a memorial service, a memorial museum, etc.
What do you do on that day or at those places?
Why did the Israelites make a pile of 12 stones?
What lessons can we learn from what they did?
What memorial has made a huge impact on your life?
What memorials or traditions do you have that cause you to remember God's hand in your life?
What memorials or traditions could you make or start to cause you and your family to remember God's work in your lives?
Whose responsibility is it to teach children about God and His work? How can someone do that?
What was Jesus doing when he instituted the practice of the Lord's Supper?
What does the bread signify? Why?
What does the cup of wine signify? Why?
Why is the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation (the bread and wine become the physical body of Jesus) against the teaching of the Bible and therefore wrong?
How can we be careful not to fall into the trap of meaningless tradition or a perverted ritual?
What can you do to keep the Lord's Supper meaningful to you?
Are there any stories you'd like people to remember about what God's done in your life?
How will you share these stories?
Why is it important to remember what God has done in your life?
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Whole 'Nother Level: Famous Last Words
Read Joshua 24:14–16
Scripture Summary:
God has demonstrated His power and faithfulness throughout the book of Joshua. He's fulfilled EVERY promise he made, and has won EVERY battle He has fought. Now at the conclusion of the book (chapter 24), He asks Israel and us to reaffirm the most important decision of our lives: "Choose for yourselves whom you will serve today" (v. 15).
Group Discussion:
Part 1: Remembering Who God Is and What He's Done
As we've gone through the book of Joshua, what was your favorite story/detail/situation of how God demonstrated His power?
Who can share a great example of how God showed His faithfulness to the Israelites from the book of Joshua?
(If your group struggles to remember examples of God's power and faithfulness in Joshua, use this opportunity to ask them why they've forgotten.)
Why do you think God recites Israel's history from beginning to end in verses 1–13?
Would anyone like to share a story of how you saw God demonstrate His power in your life in 2016?
How has God proven His faithfulness to you this year?
Part 2: Responding to Who God Is and What He's Done
Notice that God said "choose" in verse 15. God has given us the ability to make choices. What are some dangers this freedom to choose could present?
Why does God let us choose?
Whether we realize it or not, we make the choice of who we will serve every day. Who is usually your choice, and why?
If someone else that knows you very well listed your top 3 to 5 priorities (based on your actions) in order, what would that list be? Are you happy with that order?
Joshua and the Israelites repeat the word serve 13 times in verses 14–27. Why is this a good word to describe our duty to God?
How does remembering who God is and what He's done help with your decision of whom to serve?
Why might serving the Lord seem undesirable to the Israelites (v. 15)?
In what ways is serving the Lord difficult for you?
What makes serving God worthwhile?
Conclusion:
Serve Hard is one of our five Core Values at Revo Church. Serving makes the list because we aren't anything like Jesus if we aren't serving. The word "hard" follows it because even Jesus knew it was hard to serve, yet he did it to the fullest.
Serving God and others should be a Core Value to all Christians. Meaning, no matter what, serving is something you'll always hold true to and will build your foundation upon. However, this isn't easy to do.
Pray that God will give you the courage to rise to the daily challenge of serving Him. Ask other people to hold you accountable.
Scripture Summary:
God has demonstrated His power and faithfulness throughout the book of Joshua. He's fulfilled EVERY promise he made, and has won EVERY battle He has fought. Now at the conclusion of the book (chapter 24), He asks Israel and us to reaffirm the most important decision of our lives: "Choose for yourselves whom you will serve today" (v. 15).
Group Discussion:
Part 1: Remembering Who God Is and What He's Done
As we've gone through the book of Joshua, what was your favorite story/detail/situation of how God demonstrated His power?
Who can share a great example of how God showed His faithfulness to the Israelites from the book of Joshua?
(If your group struggles to remember examples of God's power and faithfulness in Joshua, use this opportunity to ask them why they've forgotten.)
Why do you think God recites Israel's history from beginning to end in verses 1–13?
Would anyone like to share a story of how you saw God demonstrate His power in your life in 2016?
How has God proven His faithfulness to you this year?
Part 2: Responding to Who God Is and What He's Done
Notice that God said "choose" in verse 15. God has given us the ability to make choices. What are some dangers this freedom to choose could present?
Why does God let us choose?
Whether we realize it or not, we make the choice of who we will serve every day. Who is usually your choice, and why?
If someone else that knows you very well listed your top 3 to 5 priorities (based on your actions) in order, what would that list be? Are you happy with that order?
Joshua and the Israelites repeat the word serve 13 times in verses 14–27. Why is this a good word to describe our duty to God?
How does remembering who God is and what He's done help with your decision of whom to serve?
Why might serving the Lord seem undesirable to the Israelites (v. 15)?
In what ways is serving the Lord difficult for you?
What makes serving God worthwhile?
Conclusion:
Serve Hard is one of our five Core Values at Revo Church. Serving makes the list because we aren't anything like Jesus if we aren't serving. The word "hard" follows it because even Jesus knew it was hard to serve, yet he did it to the fullest.
Serving God and others should be a Core Value to all Christians. Meaning, no matter what, serving is something you'll always hold true to and will build your foundation upon. However, this isn't easy to do.
Pray that God will give you the courage to rise to the daily challenge of serving Him. Ask other people to hold you accountable.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Whole 'Nother Level: Don't Stop Now
Read Joshua 17:13–18
Summary of Scripture:
The Israelites complain to Joshua that they don't have enough land. Seriously?! Joshua isn't hearing it, though, and tells them to man up and take some more land by invading the forest. The people complain again (What is up with these people?!) that there are Canaanites on this land, to which Joshua basically responds by repeating his initial response to "stop complaining and making excuses, and move forward!"
How This Scripture Applies to Us:
1. Sometimes we act like the Israelites, complaining about how little God has given us when we have not fully used what we have.
Group Discussion Questions:
What is something that you constantly complain about?
Why do we complain?
What is wrong with complaining?
Why do you think God doesn't want complaining?
Name a few things you are uncertain about in your life right now.
How does complaining and negativity affect people's relationship with Jesus Christ?
How about our relationships with the people around us?
Do you ever feel like you don't have a choice? That your circumstances dictate your current reality?
Do you ever find yourself complaining to those who have no ability to change the situation?
What about God? Do you take your complaints to God? If not, why?
What if you had a "No Complaining" rule? What do you think about that?
What roadblocks might you experience as you being the "No Complaining" rule?
2. We encounter open doors (opportunities provided by God, to act with Him and for Him), but our fears keep us from crossing the threshold with our whole heart.
Think about a time when you felt yourself at a crossroads in the decision making process. What feeling surfaced?
Why do we hold on to our fears and problems so much?
Why is it so difficult to step outside of our comfort zones?
What can we do to make the process of moving forward a better experience?
What is it that holds you back the most? (fear, uncertainty, guilt, not-caring, laziness, etc.)
Do you feel like God is calling you to move towards something great, but you find yourself hesitant to respond? Why?
Discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people and environments.
Why does God still choose to help us when our faith is not strong?
God will take you places that will shock you. True or False? Why?
What door has God opened that you've not yet entered?
What's stopping you? What do you need to do about it?
What reward is there in going through the doors that God has called you to?
Summary of Scripture:
The Israelites complain to Joshua that they don't have enough land. Seriously?! Joshua isn't hearing it, though, and tells them to man up and take some more land by invading the forest. The people complain again (What is up with these people?!) that there are Canaanites on this land, to which Joshua basically responds by repeating his initial response to "stop complaining and making excuses, and move forward!"
How This Scripture Applies to Us:
1. Sometimes we act like the Israelites, complaining about how little God has given us when we have not fully used what we have.
Group Discussion Questions:
What is something that you constantly complain about?
Why do we complain?
What is wrong with complaining?
Why do you think God doesn't want complaining?
Name a few things you are uncertain about in your life right now.
How does complaining and negativity affect people's relationship with Jesus Christ?
How about our relationships with the people around us?
Do you ever feel like you don't have a choice? That your circumstances dictate your current reality?
Do you ever find yourself complaining to those who have no ability to change the situation?
What about God? Do you take your complaints to God? If not, why?
What if you had a "No Complaining" rule? What do you think about that?
What roadblocks might you experience as you being the "No Complaining" rule?
2. We encounter open doors (opportunities provided by God, to act with Him and for Him), but our fears keep us from crossing the threshold with our whole heart.
Think about a time when you felt yourself at a crossroads in the decision making process. What feeling surfaced?
Why do we hold on to our fears and problems so much?
Why is it so difficult to step outside of our comfort zones?
What can we do to make the process of moving forward a better experience?
What is it that holds you back the most? (fear, uncertainty, guilt, not-caring, laziness, etc.)
Do you feel like God is calling you to move towards something great, but you find yourself hesitant to respond? Why?
Discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people and environments.
Why does God still choose to help us when our faith is not strong?
God will take you places that will shock you. True or False? Why?
What door has God opened that you've not yet entered?
What's stopping you? What do you need to do about it?
What reward is there in going through the doors that God has called you to?
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Whole 'Nother Level: Beat Up By an Old Man
Read Joshua 14:6–15
"The Message" (MSG) is good storytelling version
Summary:
Caleb was an 85-year-old man who was ALL IN with God the same as he was when he was 40-years-old. That's lifelong faithfulness right there! Even in his old age, he kept the faith. Even when he faced Giants, he wholeheartedly trusted God. Even at 85, he said he was ready to fight the battle as long as God was on his side. God is looking for more people like Caleb!
Group Discussion Questions:
What do you think is the biggest difference between someone who is ALL IN vs someone who is HALWAY IN? This could apply to anything (work, relationships, spirituality, hobbies, sports, etc.).
Caleb stood out as a hero. He had what the Bible calls "a different spirit" or attitude (14:24). Why did he stand out? What was different about how he followed God?
What does it mean to follow God wholeheartedly?
Who likes to weigh the pros vs cons when making a big decision? How does this help you?
What happens when the cons outweigh the pros on something that you know God wants you to do? What do you do?
When circumstances in life are bad, most people will doubt, complain and make excuses. This is exactly what the Israelites were doing. However, Caleb trusted God despite evidence to the contrary, and he stood out to God. Give an example of when you trusted God when it didn't make sense, and then share what happened next.
What's the difference between faith and feelings?
Faithfulness to God is hard because we tend to make decisions based on emotions. We usually do what feel like doing. How do you overcome your emotions when God wants you to do something that you don't feel like doing?
Following Jesus is not supposed to be a one-time decision, but lifelong faithfulness...a daily habit. How have you had to keep deciding to follow Jesus throughout your life?
What's the latest example of when you had to live by faith and decide to follow Jesus?
What daily habits of faithfulness to God do you have?
We've all struggled with faith in God's timing. His timing is rarely our preference. What advice would you give to someone else about God's timing?
When everyone else was ready to give up and retreat from God's promise, Caleb refused to rebel against God. What kind of things has God called you to or promised to you that you're running away from?
Caleb didn't just talk the talk, but he was ready to walk the walk when God gave Him the green light. If God decided to deliver His promise to you right now, are you ready?
What are some things that God has promised to you? Which things do you doubt?
How does God test someone's faith?
How does someone prove their faith?
What kind of long-lasting rewards or impact can there be because of your faithfulness?
"The Message" (MSG) is good storytelling version
Summary:
Caleb was an 85-year-old man who was ALL IN with God the same as he was when he was 40-years-old. That's lifelong faithfulness right there! Even in his old age, he kept the faith. Even when he faced Giants, he wholeheartedly trusted God. Even at 85, he said he was ready to fight the battle as long as God was on his side. God is looking for more people like Caleb!
Group Discussion Questions:
What do you think is the biggest difference between someone who is ALL IN vs someone who is HALWAY IN? This could apply to anything (work, relationships, spirituality, hobbies, sports, etc.).
Caleb stood out as a hero. He had what the Bible calls "a different spirit" or attitude (14:24). Why did he stand out? What was different about how he followed God?
What does it mean to follow God wholeheartedly?
Who likes to weigh the pros vs cons when making a big decision? How does this help you?
What happens when the cons outweigh the pros on something that you know God wants you to do? What do you do?
When circumstances in life are bad, most people will doubt, complain and make excuses. This is exactly what the Israelites were doing. However, Caleb trusted God despite evidence to the contrary, and he stood out to God. Give an example of when you trusted God when it didn't make sense, and then share what happened next.
What's the difference between faith and feelings?
Faithfulness to God is hard because we tend to make decisions based on emotions. We usually do what feel like doing. How do you overcome your emotions when God wants you to do something that you don't feel like doing?
Following Jesus is not supposed to be a one-time decision, but lifelong faithfulness...a daily habit. How have you had to keep deciding to follow Jesus throughout your life?
What's the latest example of when you had to live by faith and decide to follow Jesus?
What daily habits of faithfulness to God do you have?
We've all struggled with faith in God's timing. His timing is rarely our preference. What advice would you give to someone else about God's timing?
When everyone else was ready to give up and retreat from God's promise, Caleb refused to rebel against God. What kind of things has God called you to or promised to you that you're running away from?
Caleb didn't just talk the talk, but he was ready to walk the walk when God gave Him the green light. If God decided to deliver His promise to you right now, are you ready?
What are some things that God has promised to you? Which things do you doubt?
How does God test someone's faith?
How does someone prove their faith?
What kind of long-lasting rewards or impact can there be because of your faithfulness?
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