"Surprised by God"

Going deeper questions (Life Group)

• What stood out to you about this message and why?
• What is the difference between being successful and being faithful? How did the 12 spies of Moses model fear while the 2 spies of Joshua modeled faith? (Point I)
• Describe Rahab’s journey out of Jericho. How does this describe our own journey out of sin? (Point II)
• Describe Rahab’s journey of faith toward God. How does each point relate to our own journey in the Gospel today? (Point II)
• Surprised to find God already in Jericho through Rahab, the entire experience was incredible for these two spies. Are you residing in a place of Shittim?  Is it time to trust and move on in Faithfulness? (Point III)

              Message outline

Title: “Surprised by God”    

Series: Joshua: Salvation Through Judgment

Text: Key Passage-> Joshua 2:1-24  

Main Idea: God is present and at work all around us!

1. Learning from the Past (Joshua 2:1a)

• The Difference between Success and Faithfulness
  • Moses / 12 Spies -> Numbers 13:25-14:20
    • Overwhelmed, the spies felt they could not be successful.
    • Shittim – Living in a place of Defeat
      • See -> Numbers 25:1-9 / 31:13-20
    • Joshua / 2 Spies -> Joshua 2:22-24
      • Focused, the spies are convinced that God is faithful to them; they can be to Him.

1. Surprised by God in Jericho (Joshua 2:1b-14)

• Rahab: The journey away from Jericho
  • Innkeeper (v.1b)
  • Servant (Vv.2-3)
  • Liar (Vv.4-7)
    • See -> Hebrews 11:30-31
    • See -> James 2:24-26
  • Rahab: The journey of Faith toward God
    • Hearing of God with Israel (Vv.8-10)
      • See -> Romans 10:17-21
    • Confessing that God is God (v.11)
      • See -> Deuteronomy 4:32-40
    • Believing the Promises (Vv.12-14)
    • Obeying her new King (Vv.15-21)

III. Faith in God is True Success (Vv.22-3:1)

• The fire of Faith is lit and burns bright- it is time to rise up and move

It is time to leave Shittim; it is time to leave our places of defeat!