This past Sunday night, we wrapped up our teaching series on the topic of courage and the life of Joshua. Over the last three weeks, we have seen Joshua's courageous decision to follow God's risk-taking call, how in the darkness of life his courageous dependence on God guided him, and finally, how his memories and experiences of God's faithfulness during his life spurred him on, as well as the rest of God's people, to courageous, risk-taking living.
In Joshua 24, through Joshua, God walks his people through their "photo album" of how God had been with them as they took the land God had promised them. These "memories" reminded the people that God had been faithful, and that because they had experienced God's faithfulness, they could live courageous and risky lives centered around who God was.
We were challenged to take what God spoke to His people in Joshua 24, and apply it to our lives. Knowing that "experience leads to action", we recognized, as Joshua did, that it is only when we recognize our experiences and memories of God, that we will begin to live courageous lives dedicated to Him.
During this next week, take some time to look over these questions and these passages to measure where you are on the courage-meter as it pertains to your relationship with God!
1. Re-read Joshua 24:1-13
- Make a list of all the "I" things that God had done for His people
- Next to that list, make your own list of ways that God has shown Himself to you and how you have experienced His faithfulness.
2. Think about the phrase, "Experience leads to action." Do you agree or disagree with this idea?
3. What do you think it means to "experience" God? How does your understanding of these experiences affect the way you live for God?
4. Sometimes as teens, we can think Christianity is boring...If this is you, make a list of all the things you think are "boring."
- Now look at your list, how many of these things could be different if you did something about them- say, lived courageously? (In other words, are you the one making Christianity boring?)
5. Read James 1:2-4
- James talks about the testing of our faith...how is this like courageous, risk-filled living?
- What does James say happens when we are tested?
- How would you define perseverance?
- Why does perseverance have to happen according to James? What will it lead to?
- What do you think James means when he says "mature" and "complete, not lacking anything?"
6. Read Joshua 24:14-15
- What are to the two options that Joshua gives to the people/us?
- What do you choose?
- If you chose living courageously for God, what are going to be your next steps? What does that type of life look like for a teenager?
Plan to join us this Thursday night at Matt and Amanda's house as we study and discuss these questions further. We will be getting together from 7:00pm-8:30pm...hope you can make it!
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