CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Deuteronomy 31:1-23.

2. This passage occurs during a major change/transition for Israel (losing Moses, entering the promised land). Share a major transition (personal, professional, or spiritual) you have recently experienced, are currently facing, or are anticipating. What are some feelings that characterize how you feel about this change?

3. The command, "Be strong and courageous," is given to Joshua and all of Israel, immediately followed by the assurance, "for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Reflect on the difference between finding courage in your own resolve versus finding courage in God's presence: Where do you habitually turn for strength when you need courage? What could it look like for you to find courage in God’s presence if that is not your default?

4. Moses' commissioning reminds us that even great leaders need support, and transitions often reveal our vulnerability amidst change. Who do you know that is in the midst of transition? What are some practical ways you can support and/or encourage them in this season?

5. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How has the unchanging character of God been a source of encouragement to you in times of transition?

6. God commanded the public reading of the Law every seven years to remind the people of that which never changes (vv. 9–13). If your family/group memorized the Shema together, what was that process like? What are some techniques you used? Did you notice any changes in your heart or mind as you worked through memorizing the Shema?How can you incorporate this practice into the normal routine of your life?

Title: Moses to Joshua
Reference: Deuteronomy 31:6–8, 12–23
Speaker: Nathan Miller, NathanM@cckc.church

– A right fear leads to a right life.

As our love for God is a trembling and wonder-filled love, so our joy in God is, at its purest, a trembling and wonder-filled–yes, fearful–joy. For the object of our joy is so overwhelmingly and fearfully wonderful. We are made to rejoice and tremble before God, to love and enjoy him with an intensity that is fitting for him. And what more benefits his infinite magnificence than an enjoyment of him that is more than our frail selves can bear, which overwhelms us and causes us to tremble? - Michael Reeves, Rejoice and Tremble : The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord

– A right fear protects us from disaster.

– A right fear frees us from fear.

I want you to rejoice in this strange paradox that the gospel both frees us from fear and gives us fear. It frees us from our crippling fears, giving us instead a most delightful, happy, and wonderful fear. In the God who made you and loves you. It…is not a groveling, shrinking fear. He is no tyrant. It is an ecstasy of love and joy that senses how overwhelmingly kind and magnificent, good and true God is, and that therefore leans on him in staggered praise and faith. -Michael Reeves, Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord