Series: Unshakeable Hope
Sermon: We are Heirs of God

Main Idea: With God we have everything we need to be everything God requires!

Open in prayer, asking God to fill your time together.

Play the song Living Hope.

Purpose: Introduce topic and get the group talking.

1. Share about one thing that you have “inherited” from someone else and how it has benefited you (it could be a family heirloom, a skillset, a habit, a character trait, a way of thinking, etc.).

Purpose: Observe the passage and interact with the text

Today we’re looking at a passage where the Israelites are right on the cusp of heading into the Promised Land. Before they go into it, however, they send in some scouts to see it ahead of time. Our reading picks up right as the scouts come back with their report from the land. READ: Numbers 13:26-33.

2. Compare and contrast the scouts’ reaction to the Promised Land with that of Joshua and Caleb’s response? What is influencing their different experiences and perspectives?

3. Caleb and Joshua had the same experience as the other scouts but came back with a hope-filled report. Take a look at the two phrases below. What do you notice?

– “I know God is faithful… BUT there are giants in the land… SO we can’t do it”
– “There are giants in the land… BUT I know God is faithful… SO let’s get moving”

Purpose: Connect observations in God’s Word with observations in our world today.

Caleb and Joshua believed that it did not matter who currently occupied the Promised Land; this land was their inheritance, and because God was their Father they could trust He would give it to them no matter what. It’s with that in mind that we ask the following questions.

3. In your own words, what is the main message that God the Father wants those who are adopted into his family to hear? What can happen in a person’s life if that message actually takes root?

4. What other messages are we getting from the world right now, particularly in regard to our current pandemic? What can happen in a person’s life if those messages actually take root?

5. Why is it hard to stay rooted in God’s main message and not let it get drowned out by the world’s messages?

Purpose: Internalize God’s Word and apply the truth to your personal life.

6. What does it mean to hear that you are an “adopted heir” of God? How might that impact how you go about your daily life?

7. What promises from the Bible are “ours” that we can take hold of at all times, and especially in this season?

Purpose: Spend time listening for God’s for direction and guidance as you seek to live out the truths of this passage in your everyday life.

8. Spend time worshiping and seeking God together. Here is a recommended song to play: No Longer Slaves.

Reflect on your life and the situation of our world. Then take time to write out your own phrase that ends with the focus on who God is. (See the example below). Share with your life group what you wrote, and pray for each other

I ____________________… BUT I know God ___________________… SO _________________

Before you officially begin, allow time for people to catch up and get comfortable with being online.

Open in prayer, asking God to fill your time together.

Play the song Living Hope.

The idea here is simply to give space to open our hearts to God. It doesn’t matter if people sing or not. Please ask group members to mute their audio. We suggest you invite them to close their eyes as well to help focus. Encourage them to simply reflect on the words and on who God is.

To learn how to share your screen with the audio, click HERE.

Purpose: Introduce topic and get the group talking.

1. Share about one thing that you have “inherited” from someone else and how it has benefited you (it could be a family heirloom, a skillset, a habit, a character trait, a way of thinking, etc.).

Purpose: Observe the passage and interact with the text

Today we’re looking at a passage where the Israelites are right on the cusp of heading into the Promised Land. Before they go into it, however, they send in some scouts to see it ahead of time. Our reading picks up right as the scouts come back with their report from the land. READ: Numbers 13:26-33.

2. Compare and contrast the scouts’ reaction to the Promised Land with that of Joshua and Caleb’s response? What is influencing their different experiences and perspectives?

The difference was their trust that God was their Father, and that God wanted to give them what he promised them. They saw the same challenges but they had faith that God would see them through.

NOTE: It may also be helpful for leaders to look at Numbers 14:5-9 for more background on Joshua and Caleb’s faithfulness in this time of crisis and divided opinion.

3. Caleb and Joshua had the same experience as the other scouts but came back with a hope-filled report. Take a look at the two phrases below. What do you notice?

– “I know God is faithful… BUT there are giants in the land… SO we can’t do it”
– “There are giants in the land… BUT I know God is faithful… SOv

Purpose: Connect observations in God’s Word with observations in our world today.

Caleb and Joshua believed that it did not matter who currently occupied the Promised Land; this land was their inheritance, and because God was their Father they could trust He would give it to them no matter what. It’s with that in mind that we ask the following questions.

3. In your own words, what is the main message that God the Father wants those who are adopted into his family to hear? What can happen in a person’s life if that message actually takes root?

Suggestion:
Try to have your group think of both hypothetical situations and actual examples of people they know responding to God’s message

4. What other messages are we getting from the world right now, particularly in regard to our current pandemic? What can happen in a person’s life if those messages actually take root?

Possible Messages:
– This thing is never going to end and life as we know it is never getting back to normal.
– You can’t trust anyone including people in authority, experts, or your neighbors.
– There is only one obvious and straightforward way we should reopen the country and anyone who doesn’t agree or see it that way should be quiet.
– If you’re experiencing difficulty in this season put the blame on someone else (Family, Republicans/Democrats, China, etc.).

5. Why is it hard to stay rooted in God’s main message and not let it get drowned out by the world’s messages?

Purpose: Internalize God’s Word and apply the truth to your personal life.

6. What does it mean to hear that you are an “adopted heir” of God? How might that impact how you go about your daily life?

– It means I have a parent who wants to be a part of my life and so everyday I can pray knowing they will hear me.
– It means that regardless of my health, financial, or social status that God calls me his own and I can rest in knowing he has good things in store for me in this life and the next.
– It means that I am a part of a family, and that I can lean on others within the church family for support.

7. What promises from the Bible are “ours” that we can take hold of at all times, and especially in this season?

Possible Promises:
– Isaiah 40:29 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
– 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then – I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
– Deut 31:8 – The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Purpose: Spend time listening for God’s direction and guidance as you seek to live out the truths of this passage in your everyday life.

8. Spend time worshiping and seeking God together. Here is a recommended song to play: No Longer Slaves.

I ____________________… BUT I know God ___________________… SO _________________

Example: I am feeling so lonely right now… BUT I know God has adopted into his family…
SO I’m going to reach out to a friend to ask if we could find a time to talk/pray this week.