Bonus Lesson
Bonus Lesson
Summary and Review
Notes for Small Groups: This session is a summary and review of this book. Because of that, it is shorter than the previous lessons. If you are using this in a small-group setting, consider combining this lesson with a time of fellowship or a shared meal.
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Briefly review the notes you made in the previous sessions. You will refer back to previous sections throughout this bonus lesson.
Looking Back
1. Over the past eight lessons, you’ve examined the book of Joshua. What expectations did you bring to this study? In what ways were those expectations met?
2. What is the most significant personal discovery you’ve made from this study?
3. What surprised you most about Joshua’s leadership style? About the Israelites’ response to his leadership? What, if anything, troubled you?
Progress Report
4. Take a few moments to review the Going Forward sections of the previous lessons. How would you rate your progress for each of the things you chose to work on? What adjustments, if any, do you need to make to continue on the path toward spiritual maturity?
5. In what ways have you grown closer to Christ during this study? Take a moment to celebrate those things. Then think of areas where you feel you still need to grow and note those here. Make plans to revisit this study in a few weeks to review your growing faith.
Things to Pray About
6. Joshua is a story of victory and faith. As you reflect on the way the Israelites’ faith was tested, ask God to reveal to you those truths that you most need to hear. Revisit the book often and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to gain a better understanding of what it means to be strong.
7. The messages in Joshua cover a wide variety of topics, including faith, seeking God, patience, accepting God’s promises, and sharing faith with future generations. Spend time praying about each of these topics.
8. Whether you’ve been studying this in a small group or on your own, there are many other Christians working through the very same issues you discovered when examining the book of Joshua. Take time to pray for each of them, that God would reveal truth, that the Holy Spirit would guide you, and that each person might grow in spiritual maturity according to God’s will.
A Blessing of Encouragement
Studying the Bible is one of the best ways to learn how to be more like Christ. Thanks for taking this step. In closing, let this blessing precede you and follow you into the next week while you continue to marinate in God’s Word:
May God light your path to greater understanding as you review the truths found in the book of Joshua and consider how they can help you grow closer to Christ.