Courage For Our Calling Discussion Guide

Courage For Our Calling Discussion Guide

SERIES TITLE

Dave Dummitt

Joshua 1

SERIES OVERVIEW

In his first sermon at Eastside, Dave drew from Joshua 1:1–9 to challenge the church — and each of us personally — to have courage for our calling. With a leadership transition underway, God’s word to Joshua speaks directly into our moment: the mission hasn’t changed, and neither has the God who leads it. Three invitations anchored the message — Remember who’s in charge, Recommit to the mission, and Read the Book. Courage doesn’t ultimately come from strategy or certainty about the future; it comes from trusting the God who was faithful then and is faithful now.

WARM UP

Icebreaker: Think of a time you stepped into something new or uncertain — a job, a move, a relationship. What gave you the courage to take that first step? Or, what held you back?

Discussion Questions
  1. Dave opened by reminding us that while leadership changes, “God’s not changing. The promise hasn’t changed. The mission hasn’t changed.” Where in your own life do you tend to confuse a changing season with a changing God, promise or mission? Scripture: Hebrews 13:8 — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

  2. The message used the image of a police car in the rearview mirror — when you’re driving, pull over. When it’s your mother-in-law driving, it’s “not your car, not your problem.” What area of your life could you more genuinely live like the future belongs to God and not to you? Scripture: Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.

  3. God gave Joshua a clear, specific mission: lead the people to inherit the land. Dave pointed to Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19–20 as Eastside’s mission. How clearly can you name the mission God has given you — in your family, your workplace, or your community? Try and articulate it to each other. Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission — go, make disciples, baptize, teach.

  4. Dave’s message drew a sharp contrast between studying a cake recipe and actually baking the cake. God ties Joshua’s success not to courage alone, but to doing what the Book says (Joshua 1:7–8). What’s one area where you’ve been studying or singing about Small Group Discussion Guide | Week 4 Courage for Your Calling Joshua 1:1–9 | NLT Eastside Christian Church | eastside.cc Page 1 the Bible but haven’t yet done what it says? Inwardly survey your relationships, your impact on those who do not know Jesus, and your personal habits before answering. Scripture: James 1:22 — Be doers of the word, not just hearers.

  5. Dave closed with Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Where do you most need to hear that promise right now — and what is one step of courage you sense God is calling you to take this week that you can receive prayer from the group for? Scripture: Joshua 1:9
This week's three challenges

� Remember who’s in charge: Make a list of moments God has shown up for you. Pull it out when the future feels heavy.
🤝 Recommit to the mission: Name one person God is placing on your heart. Take the next step — pray for them and invite them to church.
📖 Read the Book: One chapter. One thing. Every day. Read it, find one thing God is asking you to do — and do it.

Application
  • How much credit can we take for our restored relationship with God?  See Ephesians 2:6-8.
  • What can we do to express our gratitude for God’s mercy, kindness, and grace?  See Ephesians 2:10.
  • Who prepared this life of purpose for us, and when did He have our life’s purpose planned out for us?  See Ephesians 2:10 in the Amplified Version.
  • When your physical realm realities are full of aching and hardship, what are 3 spiritual realm realities that you can identify from our study in Ephesians 1 & 2 to help you have a more heavenly perspective of your situation and aching circumstances?  
wrap up | prayer

Close your time together by praying through these areas as a group:

  • Thank God that He is in charge — of your church, your family, and your future — and that the same God who led Joshua leads you today.
  • Ask for fresh courage to recommit to the mission: to be a witness, to make disciples, to invite the person on your heart.
  • Pray for a hunger to not just read but do what God’s Word says — and for specific obedience this week.
  • Ask God to fill every member of your group with the promise of Joshua 1:9 — that He will be with you wherever you go.
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discussion guide