Half-Hearted Discipleship
In these chapters we see two different kinds of people: one type of person takes God at his word and aims to fully possess all that God has promised. The other type sees all the reasons it won’t work, all the reasons to be afraid, all the reasons to feel sorry for themselves. As we compare these examples, we are to hold a mirror up in front of ourselves and ask which type of person we most resemble.
Sermon Outline:
I. We Must Take Hold of God’s Promises by Faith
II. We Must Not Forfeit God’s Promises Through Fear or Compromise
Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways might we, as Christians, fail to “claim” the spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ? What keeps us from living in the fullness of God’s promises?
2. Caleb, Othniel, Achsah, and the daughters of Zelophehad demonstrated faithful boldness. How do their stories challenge the way you approach prayer, obedience, or decision-making today?
3. What forms of fear, compromise, or self-pity do you see most commonly hindering Christians from whole-hearted discipleship today?
4. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past strengthen our faith for present challenges? What are some practical ways we can cultivate this kind of biblical memory in our daily walk with God?
5. If you were to take inventory of your own walk with Christ, where do you see faithful boldness at work, and where do you see tendencies toward half-heartedness? What steps could you take this week to walk more fully in God’s promises?