The HIStory of Redemption

Small Group Study Guide “Fear or Faith” Week 09 Numbers 13-14

Opening Question: Share about a time when, because of fear, you missed out on a great opportunity? Or a time when you stepped out in faith, took a risk, and received God’s blessing?

Review the Message:

What were some of the key points that you took away from Sunday’s message?

Study Questions: 1. Read Numbers 13:1-3 and 17-33.

a. Was there any disagreement over the goodness of the land?

b. What seems to be the primary fear of the 10 spies? (vv. 32-33)

c. How do you think the 10 spies and Joshua/Caleb came to different conclusions? Was the reality different? Were their experiences different? What was different?

2. Read Numbers 14:1-12

a. What does this passage teach us about fear and faith?

b. How was the people’s reaction rooted in disbelief and rebellion? How were they rejecting God’s goodness and his promises? (See Genesis 15:13-21 and Genesis 13:14-18)

3. Read Numbers 14:35. What was the consequences of the people’s disobedience? 4. Read Numbers 13:30 and 14:6-9 again:

a. Who was the focus of Joshua and Caleb’s trust?

b. Did they deny the difficulties? How did they see the problem before them? Who was going to deal with the problems they faced?

c. Contrast Numbers 14:9 and 14:42. What is the critical difference?

5. Read Numbers 14:24, 30, 38 and Joshua 15:13-14. What blessings did Joshua and Caleb experience?

Application Questions:

1. What are you afraid of? How are your fears grounded in unbelief?

2. Where are you denying God’s goodness or doubting His promises? What can you do to turn it around?

3. What are the consequences of fear and unbelief in your life today? What kind of blessings are you missing out on?

4. How should God’s goodness and promises affect how we view our circumstances?

5. Today, what promises from God’s Word can we put our trust in as we live out our lives?

6. What blessings does God offer those who trust and obey Him?