HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDEAs you lead the discussion, we follow a discipleship framework that helps move us from learning to transformation: Head → Heart → Hands → Share → Check-In
Leader Reminder: There are multiple questions in each section. Leaders should prepare ahead of time and use discernment to choose the questions that best serve their group. The goal of this discussion is not just conversation but transformation. Encourage participation, honesty, and practical obedience.
ICE BREAKER
- What is a small risk you’ve taken that turned out better than you expected?
- Are you naturally more of a risk-taker or a play-it-safe person? What’s an example?
- What is one everyday thing that feels way riskier to you than it probably should?
SERMON RECAP
In Deuteronomy 1, Israel stands at the edge of the land God promised them. The generation before them had allowed comfort, control, and fear to keep them from moving forward in faith. Their deepest fear was that God was not really for them. But Moses calls God’s people to see their circumstances differently: the Lord goes before them and fights for them, He has already proven His faithfulness, and He carries them as a father carries his son.
The same truths can free us to live lives of courageous faith today. We see the King before us—Jesus has already gone ahead of us in sacrificial love. We see the story behind us—again and again, God has proven faithful. And we see the arms that hold us—the cross assures us that God is for us and His love is stronger than our fear. Following Jesus does not call us to foolish or reckless risk, but it does call us beyond a life ruled by safety. Individually and together as His church, we are invited to trust God, release comfort and control, face our fears, and embrace a wise, humble, “dangerous unselfishness” for the sake of His kingdom.
SCRIPTURE
Read: Deuteronomy 1:29–31
HEAD
What does the scripture show?
- What words or images stand out to you in this passage? What surprises you or raises questions?
- What is revealed about God’s character in these verses?
- What do the people’s fear and hesitation reveal about the human heart when we face circumstances that feel bigger than us?
- How do Moses’ words help us understand what it means to trust God when the outcome is uncertain?
HEART
What do we believe?
- Comfort, control, and fear shape the way we see our circumstances and respond to God. Which of these most affects your perspective right now? What does that look like in your life?
- How does seeing Jesus ahead of you and remembering God’s faithfulness behind you help you release control and trust Him with what feels uncertain right now?
- How does knowing that God is for you change the way you face fear and the risks that come with following Him?
HANDS
Practice Together in Community
- What is one thing God is inviting you to believe, do, or change because of this passage?
- How is this kingdom perspective compelling you to go? Where is God inviting you to “risk with Him” and what specific step of faith or obedience will you take?
- How can we help one another take these steps of faith rather than retreating into comfort, control, or fear? What encouragement, prayer, or support do you need from the group?
Complete this sentence: “This week, I will live out this sermon by __________.”
SHARE: MISSION
Living Out the Message This Week
- Who will you share this takeaway with this week?
- Who will you intentionally pray for this week?
NEXT WEEK CHECK-IN
- Encourage the group to return next week ready to share how they practiced the HANDS step and how they lived out the SHARE: MISSION step.
PRAYER
- Ask God to reveal where comfort, control, or fear has been keeping you from trusting and following Him.
- Thank Jesus that He is the King who has gone before us and demonstrated His love through the cross.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for courage and boldness to take the specific step of faith God is putting before you.
- Pray that we would be a people marked by faith, courageous obedience, and “dangerous unselfishness” for the sake of God’s kingdom.
OTHER SCRIPTURE
Numbers 11:4–6, 1 Corinthians 10:1–6, Hebrews 12:1–3, Isaiah 52:10, Romans 8:28