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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
In this passage of God’s Word, we see Joshua at the end of his life, addressing Israel. In this last address, Joshua pleads with the Israelites to keep Israel faithful to God. By taking a look at the portion of God’s Word, we too can learn how we can remain faithful.
Joshua 24:14
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
- 1. Recognize the false gods around
Joshua 24:14
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
- 2. Recognize that God asks for our sincerity and faithfulness
Joshua 24:15
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- 3. Recognize we all have a choice whom we will serve
Joshua 24:22
Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.”
- 4. Recognize your natural propensity
Discussion Time:
- Read Joshua 24:1-14. Joshua recounts all of the false gods that their ancestors and the people that used to occupy the land served. By doing so, Joshua calls out the false gods, and calls them to worship the one, true God. What are the false gods around you? What false God are you most tempted to worship? Why?
- Looking at your answers from question #1, which false god are you most likely to serve? In Joshua 24:16-28, Joshua really pushes the Israelites. Joshua recognizes their propensity to worship false gods. Do the same thing for your life. Which false god to you have the biggest propensity towards?
- Read Joshua 24:14. Keeping in mind your answer from question #2, what practical way(s) can you serve God is sincerity and faithfulness?
- What is your biggest take away from this sermon series through the book of Joshua? What has God done in and through you through this portion of His Word? Take some time to reflect, then write it down, so as not to forget the good work that God has done in and through you. If you feel comfortable doing so, share these things with a Christian friend or your accountability partner.
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?