Week of January 11, 2026  – To Be Continued: Moses to Joshua

Description:

This week’s message reminded us that while we often resist change, God consistently uses it to accomplish His unchanging purposes.

Through the transition from Moses to Joshua, we saw that:

• God’s promises never depend on one person
  
  

• God leads His people forward through changing seasons
  
  

• God calls His people to respond with obedience and courage
  
  

Joshua 1:8–9 gives us God’s clear instruction in seasons of uncertainty:
study His Word, meditate on it, obey it—and move forward with strength and courage, not fear.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

• Are you someone who prefers familiarity or enjoys change? Why?

• What’s a change in your life that initially felt disruptive but later shaped you for the better?

• When change happens, what’s your first internal response—fear, control, prayer, or avoidance?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passages:

Primary Text

• Deuteronomy 31:1–3 (NLT)
  
  

• Joshua 1:1–9 (NLT)
  
  

As you read, listen for:

• What God promises
  
  

• What God commands
  
  

• What responsibility belongs to the people

Discussion Questions

God’s Promises Are Bigger Than Any One Person

📖 Deuteronomy 31:2–3

Moses doesn’t cross the Jordan—but God does.

Discuss:

• Why is it significant that Moses points the people to God instead of himself?
  
  

• Where do we sometimes attach our sense of security to people rather than to God?
  
  

• How does this passage challenge the way we think about leadership and faith?
  
  

Key Truth:
God’s promises move forward—even when people change.

God Leads Forward by Appointing Leaders

📖 Joshua 1:1–5

God personally commissions Joshua.

Discuss:

• What stands out to you about how God speaks to Joshua?
  
  

• Why is it comforting to know that leadership transitions are God-initiated, not accidental?
  
  

• How does believing God leads leaders help reduce fear during change?
  
  

Key Truth:
God is never absent between seasons—He is always ahead of His people.

God Does His Part — We Are Responsible for Ours

📖 Joshua 1:8–9

God promises His presence.
Joshua is commanded to respond.

Discuss:

• Why do you think God emphasizes obedience before success?
  
  

• Which part is hardest for you right now: studying Scripture, meditating on it, or obeying it?
  
  

• What does it look like to be “strong and courageous” in real, everyday faith?
  
  

Key Truth:
We can’t control God’s role—but we are accountable for our response.

Action Steps

Invite each person to choose one or more of the following, rooted directly in Joshua 1:8–9:

1. STUDY

Set aside intentional time this week to read God’s Word—not rushed, not distracted.
Ask: What does this passage actually say?

2. MEDITATE

Sit with Scripture.
Repeat it. Reflect on it. Let it shape your thinking.
Ask: What is God inviting me to believe or change?

3. OBEY

Identify one clear step of obedience God is calling you to take—and take it.
Obedience doesn’t require full clarity, just faithful response.

4. BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS

Name one fear or discouragement you’ve been carrying.
Pray boldly:
“God, help me move forward—not afraid, not discouraged—because You are with me.”

Closing Prayer

God,
You are faithful in every season.
When things change around us, You remain the same.
Teach us to study Your Word,
meditate on Your truth,
obey Your direction,
and move forward with strength and courage.
Help us not to be afraid or discouraged,
because You are with us wherever we go.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.