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Sermon Discussion Guide - 01/11/2026
Published January 10, 2026
Fearless:
Fearless Connection
Sermon Recap
This week’s message focused on how biblical courage isn’t solo bravery, it’s obedient movement together. From Joshua 1:10–18, we see God forming Israel into a people who don’t just believe together; they prepare together, fight together, and commit to one another in covenant community.
Ice Breakers
- If your friendships came with a “customize” menu like Chipotle, what would you always add, and what would you always skip? Why?
- What’s one thing you’re weirdly “dependable” about (like always being early, always bringing snacks, etc.)? Why?
- Do you text or call your friends more? Why?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time you knew the right next step… but you kept waiting to “feel ready”?
- Context: In Joshua 1:10–11, Joshua doesn’t stall, he tells the people to prepare provisions because they’re moving in three days. Fear makes us vague, but faith gets practical and takes the next right step.
- Application: What’s one concrete “provision” you could prepare this week (a text, a plan, a conversation, a schedule change) to move in obedience instead of waiting on a feeling?
2. Have you ever caught yourself treating relationships like something you can customize for convenience?
- Context: The sermon contrasted “Chipotle-style community” (take what I like, skip what I don’t) with covenant connection. Following Jesus means accepting what’s uncomfortable and being formed into a people, not just independent believers.
- Application: Where are you most tempted to keep faith or church at “convenient distance,” and what would it look like to lean into covenant instead?
3. What happens in your heart when you’re in a “good season” and someone else is struggling?
- Context: In Joshua 1:12–15, three tribes could have settled down early, but Joshua calls them to fight alongside their brothers until everyone receives rest. Healthy seasons can tempt us to make the mission feel optional.
- Application: Who might be “on the other side of the river” right now that you could support, and what’s one specific way you can show up (prayer, presence, practical help)?
4. Think of a moment when someone’s presence gave you courage. What did they do that helped?
- Context: The sermon repeated this idea: courage grows when God’s people move together. The people respond to Joshua with unity: “All that you have commanded we will do… wherever you send we will go” (Joshua 1:16–17).
- Application: Where do you need courage right now, and who could you invite into it (not to fix it, but to walk with you)?
5. Who is someone you could encourage this week that would genuinely be surprised to hear it?
- Context: The sermon challenged the church to be an “echo” of God’s courage, encouraging group leaders, ministry leaders, and faithful volunteers who carry burdens others don’t see.
- Application: What encouragement will you offer in the next 48 hours (text, coffee, note, dessert invite), and what will you say specifically?
Prayer
- Make sure to spend time in prayer as a group when you meet.
- Have group members share prayer requests, and pray for them.
- You could have one person pray for all the requests, or each member pray for one person.
- Keep a record of those requests and ask about them on a weekly basis.
Leader Tip
Follow up outside the group. Text someone who missed. Share a quote from the study. Mention something they said last week. These little touches show love and build trust.