November 11, 2008

Disciple I Group Meeting

Lesson 8 – The People without a King

November 11, 2008

Gathering and Prayer (5 minutes)

Theme: The People without a King

Theme Word: Leadership

Scripture: “The Lord raised up judges, who delivered them [Israel] out of the power of those who plundered them” -- Judges 2:16

Video Segment (20 minutes)

Listen for why God’s chosen people lost the land God promised them. Discussion Questions: “In those days, there was no king in Israel; people did what was right in their own eyes.” How does this statement describe how God’s chosen people came to lose their promised land? What role did Joshua and the judges play in Israel’s experience?

Scripture and Study Manual (25 minutes)

Group 1: Days 1 and 2 focusing on the fall of Jericho

Group 2: Day 3 focusing on Deborah and Barak

Group 3: Day 4 focusing on Gideon

Group 4: Day 5 focusing on Samson

For your assigned group, discuss the scriptures you read and your daily notes in relation to the following four questions:

a. How as this event viewed from the perspective of the covenant between God and the people at this point?

b. How would the people themselves have described who God was and how they related to God?

c. What kind of person does God choose to carry out God’s purposes?

d. Why do you think God chose your person (or persons) for leadership?

Group 5: Running throughout Joshua and Judges is an alternating pattern of obedience and disobedience. Identify some accounts that fit this pattern.

Encounter the Word (25 minutes)

Our Human Condition/Marks of Discipleship (20 minutes)

“Disciples provide a sense of direction and purpose through godly, obedient leadership.” In considering “Our Human Condition” in relation to the “Marks of Discipleship,” discuss this question: How do the political disorder and confusion and the obedience and disobedience in our day compare with that of the time of the judges?

Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)