Begin by thanking God for His wholehearted love toward us — a love that held nothing back. Thank Him for the example of Caleb, a man who followed Him with a different spirit. Ask God to reveal any “unbaptized areas” of your life — places where you may be holding back from full obedience. Pray for a wholehearted spirit, wholehearted obedience, and wholehearted courage.

ICEBREAKER (10 minutes)
Question: Have you ever tried to please everyone at once and realized it was impossible? What happened? How did it make you feel?

(Optional follow-up if needed: Why do you think criticism or fear of disapproval affects us so deeply?)

SERMON RECAP (5 minutes)
This week we continued our Wholehearted series by looking at three additional lessons from Caleb’s life: wholehearted spirit, wholehearted obedience, and wholehearted courage.

The message began with the illustration of the “unbaptized arm” — a picture of people who appear committed but still hold something back from God. Many of us follow Christ, yet keep certain areas — our will, finances, relationships, thought life, comfort, or reputation — partially surrendered.

Caleb was different. Scripture repeatedly says he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.

We explored three characteristics that set him apart:

1. Wholehearted Spirit – Caleb had a different attitude. While others complained, criticized, and said “it’s not good enough,” Caleb trusted that if God said it was good, it was good. He cultivated an appreciative, thankful spirit instead of a critical one.
2. Wholehearted Obedience – Caleb didn’t just believe God; he obeyed Him. Scripture reminds us that obedience matters more than religious activity. It’s one thing to say we follow Jesus; it’s another thing to do what He says — even when it’s difficult.
3. Wholehearted Courage – At 85 years old, Caleb asked for the hill country filled with giants. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing to move forward with God despite fear. Courage can be developed by identifying our fears, replacing lies with truth, starting small, reframing failure, and taking the first step.

The question for us: Are we all in — or are we holding something back?

Key Passage: Numbers 14:1–4; 14:20–24; Numbers 32:11–12; Joshua 14:6–15

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Part 1: Wholehearted Spirit (15 minutes)

Read Numbers 14:1–4 and 14:20–24.

• The Israelites described the Promised Land as good, yet it was “not good enough.” Why do you think people so quickly shift from gratitude to criticism?
• The sermon described a “not good enough” spirit. What does that look like in everyday life — in church, work, family, or friendships?
• Why do you think criticism and fear can become more natural than trust and gratitude?
• Caleb had a “different attitude.” What practical habits help cultivate an appreciative, thankful spirit instead of a critical one?
• Is there an area of your life right now where you may be resisting what God has provided because it doesn’t match your expectations?

Part 2: Wholehearted Obedience (15 minutes)

Read Numbers 32:11–12.

• The generation that left Egypt believed in God, yet they did not obey Him wholeheartedly. Why is obedience often harder than belief?
• The sermon reminded us that God desires obedience more than religious performance. Why is it easier to attend church, sing, or learn more Bible knowledge than to obey something specific God has already shown us?
• Is there something you already know God wants you to do — forgive someone, reconcile, give generously, speak truth, stop a habit, take a step — but you’ve delayed?
• The message challenged us that sometimes the best next step is not learning something new, but practicing what we already know. What is one area where you need to move from knowledge to action?

Part 3: Wholehearted Courage (15 minutes)

Read Joshua 14:6–15.

• At 85 years old, Caleb asked for the land with giants. Why do you think he chose the hardest territory instead of the safest option?
• What fears tend to hold people back from wholehearted living — fear of failure, rejection, inadequacy, conflict, loss of control?
• The sermon outlined four ways to develop courage:
  • Identify the root of your fear.
  • Replace lies with God’s truth.
  • Start small to build courage.
  • Take the first step.
• Which of those steps resonates most with you right now? Why?
• If courage grows through action, what might “getting out of the boat” look like for you this week?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Write these down or share them on a group chat:

• Wholehearted people cultivate a grateful, trusting spirit instead of a critical one.
• God desires obedience, not just religious activity.
• Delayed obedience is still disobedience.
• Courage is developed when we confront fear with truth.
• Wholehearted living means holding nothing back from God.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION (15 minutes)

Individual Reflection
Take 3–5 minutes of silence for each person to consider:

Three Questions from the Sermon:

• Where in my life might there be an “unbaptized arm” — something I have not fully surrendered to God?
• Where is God asking for obedience that I have been postponing?
• What fear is keeping me from taking my next step of courage?

Sharing
Invite group members to share one insight from their reflection (without pressure — allow people to pass if they prefer).

Action Steps
Choose ONE practical step to take this week:

• If you struggle with a critical or “not good enough” spirit: Begin each day by thanking God for three specific things He has already provided.
• If obedience has been delayed: Take one clear action step this week toward what God has already shown you to do.
• If fear has been holding you back: Identify the root of that fear, write down a truth from Scripture that counters it, and act on one small step of courage.
• If you know God is calling you to something specific (reconciliation, generosity, serving, forgiveness, commitment, etc.): Take the first step this week. Get out of the boat.