Joshua 23
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
Is it fair of God to ask something from us? And if so, what? Living in the 21st century, we’ve moved on to more sophisticated questions like why do bad things happen to good people and who determines what is right and wrong? But long before any of that mattered to anyone, there was something more fundamental everyone was trying to understand. What does God offer…and what does God want?
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
25 years of peace have existed since some of the most intense battles the world will ever see. There are more Canaanites in the land, but God’s followers are starting to settle in.
Read Joshua 23: 1-5
Notice that God is promising to help Israel drive out the remaining nations in Canaan until it’s done.
Looking back at all the stories in Joshua, what did God’s followers get for following God? (Try to answer in as simplistic terms as possible.)
Read Joshua 23: 6-7
What does God want from his followers? (Again, simplistic terms.)
Read Joshua 23: 8-10
The word cling in ancient Hebrew describes inseparable bonds. The root of the word refers to the process of soldering or welding two pieces of metal together.
Lots of people believe in God. But do you think God cares about that?
Read Joshua 23: 11-13
The word associate in Hebrew means to go into, or to enter into a relationship with. It doesn’t simply mean knowing about or talking to.
Have you ever asked someone you were in a relationship with to avoid certain things or people because it would be bad for your relationship?
Read Joshua 23: 14-16
Some people say other gods can include things like money or power. Do you believe those are other gods…or just things people get carried away with? Is there a difference?
In summary, if someone were to ask you, what does God offer and what does God want, what’s the simple answer?