Date: July 6-7, 2013
Series: The Bible
Passage: Joshua 5:13-15, 6:1-20
INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES
Do you have a story of a time when you overcame a fear? How did you feel after?
OBESERVATION–20 MINUTES
Read Joshua 5:13, 6:1-20
What do you learn about courage from the passage?
Leader Note: As a reminder, do not read these comments to your group. These comments and notes are for you, as a leader, to help facilitate through the questions. You are to help your group observe the passages and discuss their findings in God’s Word. The sample answers are for you if your group gets stuck, read one and then tell them to look further into the passage.
Commentary
- The Israelites were a wandering people. They had no great tools or strategies for war. Jericho was a “fortified city” built specifically to ward off intruders. They had all the tools, ability and knowledge to do just that.
- Courage here took faith to trust in God’s promise. (In 6:2 God told Joshua that He would deliver Jericho into his hands. Joshua still needed to take action)
- Courage takes obedience
- It required dependence on God’s strength versus dependence on human wisdom and strength
What does Joshua’s obedience ultimately reveal about God?
Commentary
- He is faithful to His promise
- He uses things that appear weak or foolish to carry out His will
- God doesn’t “take sides.” He invites Joshua to join Him. Joshua doesn’t invite God to “his” side to accomplish “his” will (5:13-15)
- God wasn’t looking for Joshua’s skill or strength to accomplish His will
- He is looking for obedience and dependence
UNDERSTANDING-20 MINUTES
What’s the most courageous act you’ve ever witnessed?
Sample answers may include:
- Someone rescuing a person from drowning
- A firefighter charging into a burning building
- Watching a friend complete a triathlon
- A single mother working 3 jobs to provide for her children
What would you say are some of the key components that made those acts so courageous?
Sample answers may include:
- Boldness
- A clear and sizeable obstacle was present
- Disregard for personal safety
- Strong sense of personal strength and self confidence
- Ability to put a set of knowledge and training into action
- A belief in your ability to “get it done”
Leader Note: The aim of these questions is to highlight the fact that courage is almost always associated with strength. Be it moral, mental or physical, strength and courage typically go hand in hand.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a courageous act?
Sample answers may include:
- Being pulled from car accident
- Having someone pay off your financial debt, no strings attached
What words would you use describe your state before being “rescued” through that courageous act?
Sample answers may include:
- Helpless
- Stuck
- Trapped
- Powerless
Leader Note: Lead your group to see that there are moments in life where our strength and ability become obsolete. There are times when we are truly helpless and need someone else to pull us out.
APPLICATION-20 MINUTES
What are obstacles you are currently facing?
How are you responding to those obstacles?
Leader Note: When faced with an obstacle most of us tend to respond out of our own resource and abilities. We often think the most courageous thing is to show off our resolve and press through with our strength.
How might God be calling you to a different courageous response?
Leader Note: Like Joshua the most courageous thing we can do is to trust in God’s strength and allow Him to do the “heavy lifting” as we obey, follow and trust in His promise.
What do you need to surrender in order to trust in God’s strength?
Sample answers may include:
- Control
- Dependence on my ability
- My desire to be my own rescuer
- A belief that my strength is what makes the difference
LIVE IT OUT – 5 MINUTES
What might change in our lives and communities if we began to embrace and partner with God’s strength?
Prayer: Father I thank you that you are faithful. I ask that you help us to embrace your strength in moments where we feel the need to act in our own power. I pray that you would give us courage to obey your word and faith to know that it is you who accomplishes your will in our lives. Please continue to show us what it means to partner with you in that process as we surrender to all of who you are.