In Pursuit: Seeking God's Wisdom--Dangers of Going It Alone

In Pursuit: Seeking God's Wisdom: Dangers of Going It Alone
Small Group Discussion Guide from June 29, 2025

To transform this sermon into a small group discussion guide, we can create a structure that allows participants to explore the themes and lessons more deeply through group conversation and reflection. Here's an outline to guide you:

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Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer that asks for guidance and wisdom as you explore the scriptures together, inviting the Holy Spirit to be present during your discussion.

Example:
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together today to study your Word. We ask for your wisdom and understanding as we explore the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites. Help us to apply the lessons we learn to our own lives. May our discussion glorify you and deepen our faith. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

Scripture Readings
Ask a few members of the group to read the following passages aloud:

1. **Joshua 9:1-16** - The story of the Gibeonites' deception.
2. **Proverbs 3:5** - Trusting in the Lord.
3. **James 1:5** - Asking for wisdom.
4. **1 Peter 5:8** - Being alert to deception.

Discussion Topics and Related Questions

Topic 1: Leadership and Decision-Making
- Question 1: What does this story teach us about the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making?
- Question 2: How can leaders be both good followers and listeners according to the sermon?

Topic 2: Deception and Discernment
- Question 3: In what ways can we be more discerning to avoid deception like that encountered by Joshua?
- Question 4: How does the Bible describe Satan's tactics, and how can we prepare ourselves against them?

Topic 3: Wisdom and Counsel
- Question 5: Discuss some examples of blind spots you might have in your own decision-making processes.
- Question 6: Why is asking for wise counsel considered a sign of wisdom rather than weakness?

Follow-Up Exercise
Encourage participants to engage in these activities over the coming week:

- Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day asking God for wisdom in a specific area of your life, using James 1:5 as a guiding scripture.
- **Community Engagement:** Identify an area where you can seek advice or give counsel to someone else, enhancing your community relationships.
- **Journal Entry:** Write about a time when you leaned on your own understanding and the outcome of that decision.

Closing Prayer
End the session with a prayer that reinforces the themes discussed and asks for continued guidance and wisdom throughout the week.

Example:
"Lord, we thank you for the insights you have given us today. As we go about our week, help us to remember to seek your guidance in all our decisions. Let us be discerning and wise, leaning not on our own understanding. We trust that you will direct our paths. Watch over us and help us to support one another in love and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen."