BE STRONG - SMALL GROUP STUDY

Be Strong – Small Group Study
This small group study is based on the sermon series “Be Strong” that originated in the pulpit of West End Baptist Church.

Week 1: Be Strong in God's Presence
Scripture: Joshua 1–2
Icebreaker
Share about a time in your life when you had to step into something new or unfamiliar. What emotions did you experience? What helped you move forward?

Opening Thoughts
Joshua begins with one of the greatest leadership transitions in Scripture. Moses is gone, Israel has spent forty years wandering in the wilderness, and now Joshua is called to lead God's people into the Promised Land.
God didn't begin by giving Joshua military strategies or leadership advice. Instead, He repeatedly told him:
"Be strong and of a good courage."
God knew Joshua's greatest need wasn't more ability—it was confidence in God's presence.
The same is true for us.

Read Together
Joshua 1:1-9

Discussion 1 – Strength Comes from God's Presence
Key Verse:
"For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)
Discuss

1. Why do you think God repeated "Be strong and courageous" three different times?
2. What fears do you think Joshua may have been facing?
3. Where do people commonly look for strength today?
4. How is God's presence different from simply believing God exists?
5. What helps you personally become more aware of God's presence during difficult seasons?

Life Application
True strength isn't self-confidence.
It is God-confidence.
When we know God is with us, we can face situations we never could on our own.

Read Together
Joshua 1:8

Discussion 2 – Strength Grows Through God's Word
Joshua was instructed to meditate on God's Word continually.
Discuss

1. What does it mean to "meditate" on Scripture?
2. How does regular Bible reading strengthen our faith?
3. Why is it difficult to stay consistent in God's Word?
4. What practical habits help you spend time in Scripture each week?

Life Application
Strength doesn't appear overnight.
It grows as we consistently spend time with God and allow His Word to shape our thinking.

Read Together
Joshua 1:10-18

Discussion 3 – Strength Spreads Through Unity
The people immediately supported Joshua's leadership.
Discuss

1. Why was Israel's unity so important at this moment?
2. How can unity strengthen a family?
3. How can unity strengthen a church?
4. What attitudes usually destroy unity?
5. How can each of us help protect unity within our church?

Life Application
God accomplishes great things through believers who move forward together.
Unity encourages leaders, strengthens faith, and advances God's work.

Read Together
Joshua 2:1-21

Discussion 4 – Faith Produces Action
Rahab had heard about God.
She believed.
Then she acted.
Discuss

1. What impressed you most about Rahab's story?
2. What risks did Rahab take by hiding the spies?
3. Why wasn't belief alone enough?
4. How does Rahab demonstrate genuine faith?
5. What step of obedience might God be asking you to take right now?

Life Application
Faith is more than agreeing with truth.
Real faith moves us to obedience.

Digging Deeper – The Scarlet Cord
Read:

• Exodus 12:1-13
• Joshua 2:18-21
• Hebrews 11:31
• James 2:25

Discuss

1. What similarities do you see between the Passover blood and Rahab's scarlet cord?
2. How do both point us to Jesus Christ?
3. What does Rahab's story teach us about God's grace?
4. Why is it encouraging that Rahab became part of Jesus' family line?

Gospel Connection
The scarlet cord reminds us that salvation has always been by faith in God's provision.
Just as Rahab trusted the scarlet cord, we trust in the blood of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice provides forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who believes.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to think through these questions.

• Where do I need God's strength today?
• Am I relying more on myself or on God's presence?
• Am I spending consistent time in God's Word?
• Is there someone I need to encourage to strengthen unity?
• What act of faith is God calling me to take this week?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Spend time in Joshua 1 every day.
• Memorize Joshua 1:9.
• Pray each morning, asking God to help you rely on His strength rather than your own.
• Look for one opportunity to encourage someone else in your church or family.
• Take one specific step of obedience that you've been delaying.

Memory Verse
Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Closing Prayer

Week 2: Be Strong in God's Direction
Scripture: Joshua 3–4
Key Verse: Joshua 3:5
"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

Icebreaker
Share about a time when you had to trust God without knowing exactly how things would turn out. Looking back now, how did you see His hand at work?

Opening Thoughts
Last week, we learned that our strength comes from God's presence. God told Joshua three times to "be strong and of a good courage" because He promised to be with him wherever he went.
This week, we see another lesson about strength.
Israel has arrived at the Jordan River. The Promised Land is within sight, but there is one more obstacle standing in the way. The river is overflowing its banks, making it impossible to cross on their own.
Before God performs a miracle, Joshua tells the people:
"Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
God was preparing them—not just for a miracle, but for obedience.
Sometimes God's direction requires us to trust Him before we see how He is going to work.

Read Together
Joshua 3:1–5

Discussion 1 – Strength Remembered From Yesterday
Key Verse:
"Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5)
The Jordan River wasn't the first body of water Israel had faced. Forty years earlier, God had parted the Red Sea so their parents could escape Egypt.
Now God was about to do another miracle.
Discuss

1. Why do you think remembering God's past faithfulness gives us courage for today's challenges?
2. What similarities do you see between the Red Sea and the Jordan River?
3. Why do we often forget what God has already done for us?
4. Can you share a time when remembering God's faithfulness helped you trust Him again?
5. How can we intentionally remind ourselves of God's goodness during difficult seasons?

Life Application
Our present obstacles should remind us—not of our weakness—but of God's faithfulness.
The same God who helped us yesterday is still leading us today.

Read Together
Joshua 3:6–17

Discussion 2 – Strength Required for Today
The priests were instructed to carry the Ark of the Covenant into the flooded Jordan River.
God didn't stop the water first.
He told them to step first.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God required the priests to step into the water before performing the miracle?
2. What fears do you think they may have experienced?
3. Why is obedience often harder than it sounds?
4. What are some ways God asks believers today to step out in faith?
5. Is there an area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him before you see the outcome?

Life Application
Faith is not believing after we see.
Faith is obeying before we see.
God often reveals His power after we take the first step of obedience.

Read Together
Joshua 4:1–9

Discussion 3 – Strength Reserved for Tomorrow
After Israel crossed the Jordan River, God instructed Joshua to build a memorial using twelve stones taken from the river.
The memorial wasn't for God.
It was for future generations.
Discuss

1. Why was it important for Israel to build a memorial?
2. What kinds of "memorials" help us remember God's faithfulness today?
3. How can our testimonies encourage younger believers?
4. Why is it important to pass our faith to the next generation?
5. What legacy of faith do you hope to leave for your children, grandchildren, or others who follow you?

Life Application
Our faith is never meant to stop with us.
God wants every generation to hear how faithful He has been.

Digging Deeper – Faith Before the Miracle
Read the following passages:

• Joshua 3:13
• Matthew 14:28–29
• John 5:8–9
• Luke 17:11–19

Discuss

1. What do these stories have in common?
2. Why does God often require obedience before revealing His power?
3. How does stepping out in faith strengthen our relationship with God?
4. What keeps believers from taking that first step?

Gospel Connection
Throughout Scripture, God calls people to trust Him before they fully understand His plan.
Our greatest example is salvation itself.
We trust Christ by faith, believing that His death and resurrection provide forgiveness and eternal life—not because we can see it with our eyes, but because God has promised it in His Word.

Personal Reflection
Take a few moments to quietly consider these questions.

• What "Jordan River" am I facing today?
• Am I remembering God's faithfulness from the past?
• Is there an area where God is asking me to step out in faith?
• What testimony of God's faithfulness can I share with someone this week?
• What kind of spiritual legacy am I leaving for those who come after me?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 3 and 4.
• Memorize Joshua 3:5.
• Write down three times God has been faithful in your life.
• Share one of those testimonies with a family member, friend, or fellow believer.
• Ask God to give you the courage to take one step of obedience, even if you cannot yet see the outcome.

Memory Verse
Joshua 3:5
"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

Week 3: Be Strong in Our Obedience
Scripture: Joshua 6:1–20
Key Verse: Joshua 6:2
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."

Icebreaker
Think of a time when you had to follow instructions that didn't make sense at first. What happened when you trusted the process?

Opening Thoughts
Over the past two weeks, we've learned that our strength comes from God's presence and from following God's direction.
This week, Joshua chapter 6 teaches us another important lesson—strength in obedience.
It's one thing to believe God is with us. It's another to trust His direction. But true strength is revealed when we choose to obey God even when His plan seems unusual, requires patience, or doesn't make sense from a human perspective.
The battle of Jericho reminds us that God doesn't ask us to understand everything before we obey. He simply asks us to trust Him.

Read Together
Joshua 6:1–5

Discussion 1 – Strong Obedience Trusts God's Plan
Key Verse:
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho..." (Joshua 6:2)
Before Israel ever marched around the city, God declared the victory.
His plan wasn't built around military strategy. It was built around faith and obedience.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God's battle plan for Jericho seemed so unusual?
2. Why is it often difficult to trust God's plan when it doesn't make sense?
3. Have you ever experienced a time when God's plan turned out to be better than your own?
4. What are some situations where believers today struggle to trust God's methods?
5. How does knowing God already sees the outcome help us trust Him?

Life Application
God's plans are always trustworthy—even when we don't fully understand them.
Our responsibility is obedience.
God is responsible for the outcome.

Read Together
Joshua 6:6–14

Discussion 2 – Strong Obedience Requires Complete Submission
Joshua instructed the people to march around the city in silence.
They weren't just told what to do.
They were also told what not to do.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God required the people to remain silent?
2. Why is submission sometimes harder than action?
3. What are some areas where believers struggle to surrender their own desires?
4. How can pride keep us from fully obeying God?
5. What does complete submission look like in everyday Christian living?

Life Application
Obedience isn't only doing what God says.
It also means refusing to do what He tells us not to do.
Strong believers submit both their actions and their attitudes to the Lord.

Read Together
Joshua 6:15–20

Discussion 3 – Strong Obedience Waits on God's Timing
For six days, nothing appeared to happen.
Day after day the people simply walked.
Then, on the seventh day, God gave the victory.
Discuss

1. Why is waiting one of the hardest parts of obedience?
2. What do you think the Israelites may have been feeling after several days with no visible results?
3. How has God used waiting seasons to strengthen your faith?
4. What is the danger of giving up too soon?
5. How can we remain faithful while waiting on God's timing?

Life Application
God is always working—even when we cannot yet see the results.
Faithful obedience means trusting God's timing as much as His promises.

Read Together
Joshua 6:17–19
(Optional: Read Joshua 7:1 to see what happened when God's instructions were ignored.)

Discussion 4 – Strong Obedience Honors God's Holiness
God instructed Israel not to take anything from Jericho except what had been dedicated to Him.
Sadly, Achan later disobeyed, and his sin affected the entire nation.
Discuss

1. Why was it important for Israel to obey every part of God's command?
2. What does Achan's story teach us about "small" acts of disobedience?
3. Why do people sometimes want God's blessings without following His commands?
4. How does obedience demonstrate our respect for God's holiness?
5. Are there areas where partial obedience has become acceptable in our culture?

Life Application
God desires more than occasional obedience.
He desires hearts that honor Him in every area of life.

Digging Deeper – Obedience Before Victory
Read the following passages:

• 1 Samuel 15:22
• John 14:15
• James 1:22–25
• Luke 11:28

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about obedience?
2. Why is obedience an expression of love rather than merely following rules?
3. How does obedience strengthen our faith?
4. What blessings come from consistently walking in obedience?

Gospel Connection
No one has obeyed God perfectly except Jesus Christ.
Where we have failed, Christ succeeded.
Through His perfect obedience—even to death on the cross—we receive forgiveness and righteousness by faith.
Because we have been saved by grace, we now seek to obey Him out of love and gratitude, not to earn His favor.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Is there an area where God has clearly spoken, but I have delayed obedience?
• Am I trusting God's plan even when it doesn't make sense?
• Am I willing to submit both my actions and my attitudes to Him?
• Am I patiently waiting on God's timing?
• Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from wholehearted obedience?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 6 and 7.
• Memorize Joshua 6:2.
• Ask God to reveal one area where He is calling you to greater obedience.
• Take one specific step of obedience, even if it requires faith and patience.
• Encourage someone else who may be waiting on God to remain faithful.

Memory Verse
Joshua 6:2
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."

Closing Prayer

Week 4: Be Strong in Your Integrity
Scripture: Joshua 7
Key Verse: Joshua 7:11
"Israel hath sinned..."

Icebreaker
When you hear the word integrity, what comes to mind? Who is someone (past or present) whose integrity has made a lasting impression on you, and why?

Opening Thoughts
Over the past several weeks, we've learned that our strength comes from God's presence, God's direction, and our obedience.
This week, Joshua chapter 7 reminds us that strength also requires integrity.
After Israel experienced an incredible victory at Jericho, they expected the next battle to be easy. Instead, they suffered an unexpected defeat at the small city of Ai. The problem wasn't their military strategy or lack of ability—it was hidden sin within the camp.
One man, Achan, chose to disobey God's clear command, and his private sin affected the entire nation.
Joshua 7 reminds us that integrity isn't simply about what others see. It is about faithfully honoring God when no one else is watching.

Read Together
Joshua 7:1–5

Discussion 1 – Integrity Is Proven in Private Obedience
Key Verse:
"But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing..." (Joshua 7:1)
Achan appeared to be just like every other soldier.
He crossed the Jordan.
He marched around Jericho.
He shouted when the walls fell.
But while everyone saw obedience on the outside, God saw a heart that had wandered.
Discuss

1. Why is it often easier to maintain an outward appearance than an obedient heart?
2. How does temptation usually begin before it becomes outward sin?
3. Why is private integrity so important to God?
4. How can we guard our hearts against hidden sin?
5. What spiritual habits help us stay close to the Lord?

Life Application
Integrity isn't measured by public appearances.
It is measured by faithfulness when only God knows.

Read Together
Joshua 7:6–13

Discussion 2 – Integrity Is Never Just Personal
Israel expected an easy victory over Ai.
Instead, they suffered defeat because of one man's disobedience.
Discuss

1. Why do people often believe their private choices only affect themselves?
2. How did Achan's sin impact the entire nation?
3. In what ways do our choices affect our families, church, and testimony?
4. Why is character so important for Christian leadership and influence?
5. How can we encourage one another to walk faithfully?

Life Application
Our lives are connected.
Faithfulness strengthens those around us, while hidden sin often impacts more people than we realize.

Read Together
Joshua 7:14–21

Discussion 3 – Integrity Brings Sin Into the Light
God already knew who Achan was.
The process of identifying him wasn't for God's benefit—it was for the people and for Achan.
Joshua called him to confess his sin before the Lord.
Discuss

1. What does true confession mean?
2. Why do people often try to hide their sin instead of confessing it?
3. What is the difference between being sorry for consequences and genuinely repenting?
4. How does the Holy Spirit help believers recognize sin today?
5. Why is immediate confession better than delayed confession?

Life Application
God already knows our hearts.
Confession isn't informing God.
It is agreeing with Him and restoring fellowship.

Read Together
Joshua 7:22–26
(Optional: Read Joshua 8:1–2 to see God's promise after Israel dealt with sin.)

Discussion 4 – Integrity Restores Fellowship With God
After sin was dealt with, God immediately encouraged Joshua again.
"Fear not, neither be thou dismayed..." (Joshua 8:1)
God's desire wasn't simply judgment.
His desire was restored fellowship.
Discuss

1. What does Joshua 8:1 reveal about God's grace?
2. Why is restoration one of the greatest blessings of repentance?
3. How does 1 John 1:9 encourage believers today?
4. What is the difference between living under guilt and living in forgiveness?
5. How can we help restore fellow believers who have repented?

Life Application
God is holy, but He is also gracious.
When we honestly confess our sin, He restores our fellowship and invites us to continue walking with Him.

Digging Deeper – Walking in Integrity
Read the following passages:

• Proverbs 28:13
• Psalm 51:1–12
• 1 John 1:5–9
• Galatians 3:13

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about confession and repentance?
2. Why is integrity more than simply avoiding obvious sins?
3. How does Jesus make restoration possible?
4. How can we develop lives marked by honesty, humility, and integrity?

Gospel Connection
Achan bore the judgment for his own sin.
Jesus Christ willingly bore the judgment for ours.
Through His death on the cross, Christ took the punishment we deserved so that everyone who trusts Him can receive forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life.
Because we have been forgiven by grace, we are called to walk in integrity—not to earn God's acceptance, but because we already belong to Him.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Is there an area of my life where my public image is stronger than my private walk with God?
• Is there any hidden sin I need to confess?
• Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to search my heart daily?
• How are my choices affecting my family, church, and testimony?
• What step can I take this week to strengthen my integrity?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 7 and 8.
• Memorize Proverbs 28:13 or Joshua 7:11.
• Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal anything that needs to be confessed.
• Spend time in prayer thanking God for His forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
• Look for an opportunity to encourage someone else to remain faithful in their walk with the Lord.

Memory Verse
Proverbs 28:13
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Closing Prayer

Week 5: Be Strong Until the End
Scripture: Joshua 23–24
Key Verse: Joshua 23:6
"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses..."

Icebreaker
Who is someone whose faithfulness to Christ has inspired you? What is it about their life that has left such a lasting impression?

Opening Thoughts
As we conclude our "Be Strong" study through the book of Joshua, we've discovered that strength comes from God's presence, God's direction, our obedience, and our integrity.
Now we arrive at Joshua's final message.
Joshua is an old man. The battles have largely been fought, the land has been divided, and the people are settled in the Promised Land. Before his death, Joshua gathers the nation one last time—not to celebrate his accomplishments, but to remind them how to continue faithfully after he is gone.
Joshua began his leadership hearing God say, "Be strong and of a good courage." Now, near the end of his life, he passes that same challenge to the next generation.
His message reminds us that the Christian life isn't simply about starting well.
It is about finishing well.

Read Together
Joshua 23:1–6

Discussion 1 – Strong People Remember God's Faithfulness
Key Verse:
"And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done..." (Joshua 23:3)
Before Joshua looked toward Israel's future, he reminded them of God's faithfulness in the past.
They had crossed the Jordan.
They had watched the walls of Jericho fall.
They had seen God fight battles they could never have won on their own.
Discuss

1. Why is remembering God's faithfulness so important?
2. How does looking back strengthen our faith for today?
3. What are some ways we can intentionally remember what God has done?
4. Can you share a time when remembering God's faithfulness helped you during a difficult season?
5. How can we help the next generation remember God's work?

Life Application
God's past faithfulness gives us confidence for today's challenges.
When we remember what He has done, we are encouraged to trust Him for what lies ahead.

Read Together
Joshua 23:7–11

Discussion 2 – Strong People Remain Faithful
Joshua challenged the people:
"But cleave unto the LORD your God..." (Joshua 23:8)
The word cleave means to cling tightly, remain joined, and hold fast.
Joshua wasn't calling Israel to casual religion.
He was calling them to wholehearted devotion.
Discuss

1. What does it mean to "cleave" to the Lord?
2. Why is it easy for believers to gradually drift away from God?
3. What habits help us remain close to the Lord?
4. What are some warning signs that someone is beginning to drift spiritually?
5. How can our church encourage one another to remain faithful?

Life Application
Strong believers don't simply know about God.
They stay close to Him through a daily, growing relationship.

Read Together
Joshua 24:14–15

Discussion 3 – Strong People Make a Personal Decision
Joshua declared:
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." (Joshua 24:15)
Every generation must make its own decision to follow the Lord.
Faith cannot simply be inherited.
It must be personally embraced.
Discuss

1. Why is serving God ultimately a personal decision?
2. What choices helped shape your own spiritual journey?
3. How do our daily decisions reveal who or what we truly serve?
4. What does Joshua's statement, "As for me and my house," teach about spiritual leadership in the home?
5. What decisions can we make today that will strengthen our walk with God tomorrow?

Life Application
Strong faith isn't accidental.
It grows through daily decisions to trust, obey, and follow the Lord.

Read Together
Joshua 24:29–31

Discussion 4 – Strong People Finish Well
Joshua's life came to an end, but his influence continued.
He was remembered as "the servant of the LORD."
Even after his death, the people continued serving God because of the example he had set.
Discuss

1. What stands out most to you about the way Joshua finished his life?
2. Why is finishing well often harder than starting well?
3. What kind of spiritual legacy do you hope to leave?
4. Who has invested spiritually in your life?
5. How can you intentionally invest in someone else's faith?

Life Application
A life devoted to Christ leaves an influence that continues long after we're gone.
Strong believers don't simply grow personally.
They help others grow as well.

Digging Deeper – Finishing the Race
Read the following passages:

• 2 Timothy 4:6–8
• Hebrews 12:1–2
• Philippians 3:13–14
• Matthew 25:21

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about finishing faithfully?
2. Why does endurance matter in the Christian life?
3. How does keeping our eyes on Christ help us remain faithful?
4. What does it mean to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"?

Gospel Connection
Joshua faithfully led God's people into the Promised Land.
Jesus Christ leads His people into an even greater inheritance.
Because of Christ's perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, everyone who places their faith in Him has the promise of eternal life.
Our strength to finish well does not come from ourselves—it comes from the One who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Am I remembering God's faithfulness in my life?
• Am I clinging closely to the Lord, or have I begun to drift?
• What decisions am I making today that will shape my future?
• What kind of legacy am I leaving for my family and those around me?
• If my life ended today, what would I want people to remember most about my walk with Christ?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 23 and 24.
• Memorize Joshua 24:15 (or Joshua 23:6).
• Write down five ways God has been faithful throughout your life.
• Encourage someone younger in the faith by sharing one of those testimonies.
• Ask God to help you remain faithful and finish well, no matter what lies ahead.

Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Closing Prayer