We can downplay our sin and trick ourselves into thinking we’ve got it all under control. But the truth is, sin ends in destruction, which is why when it comes to sin, we need to have “A Very Healthy Fear.”
But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.
Numbers 32:23
Brief Overview of Numbers 32
God was preparing His people to enter the promised land. However, the tribes of Reuben and Gad did not want to go. Reuben and Gad were especially blessed with large herds and flocks and desired to remain in the Transjordan because of the suitable pasturage, especially in Jazer and Gilead. Jazer was a settlement about seven miles west of Rabbath Ammon, in the great southern plateau of Gilead. Gilead refers to the northern part. The leaders of these two tribes requested they be allowed to settle there because of their needs and because the land had now been subdued and was ready for occupation.
Small Group Discussion
Feel free to add to the question below, skip those that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional relevant questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is a time to work through the application of Scripture and figure things out together.
Settle In…
- Have you ever experienced a time when you thought you got away with something, but you were found out later? Share.
Read 1 John 3:4; Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18
- How do these verses describe sin?
- As a group, come up with a practical definition of sin.
Read Galatians 6:7-8; John 8:34; 1 Timothy 4:2
- These verses describe some of the consequences of sin. Can you think of others?
- How does sin have a personal impact on us?
- How does our sin affect our relationships with others?
- How does it impact our relationship and fellowship with the Lord?
Read Numbers 32:23
- Discuss the following statement, “Sin will take you farther than you ever expected to go; it will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay.”
- Have you experienced the reality of this statement? Share.
Read Numbers 32:1–23
- Grasp the context of all that is taking place in these verses. While it is true that any sin may find us out, the sin specifically spoken of here is the sin of doing nothing! If the tribes of Reuben and Gad did nothing—if they stayed at home while their brothers were battling for life and death to take possession of the Promised Land—then their sin of doing nothing would indeed find them out.
- Sometimes, doing nothing is a great sin—and it is a sin that will undoubtedly become evident and will find us out. Discuss how James 4:17 describes this and its impact on our daily lives.
Read James 1:13–15.
- What truth do these verses reveal about sin?
- Discuss the “process” of sins as described in these verses.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
- What truth does God promise regarding temptation that leads to sin?
- Share how you have experienced the truth of this Scripture in your life.
Read 1 John 1:9–2:2
- What truth does God’s Word reveal to us when we do sin?
Read Philippians 3:13-14, Hebrews 8:12, Psalm 103:12, and Romans 8:1
- When we confess our sins, what do these verses reveal about God’s forgiveness of sin?
- How should having an accurate view of sin evoke even more gratitude for what Jesus has done for us on the cross?
Read Psalms 10:13; Romans 14:12; Philippians 2:12–13.
- Have you ever considered that we have a set of “spiritual fingerprints” capturing everything we’ve done that we will have to present before God on Judgement Day?
- What feeling or thought does this realization prompt in you?
- Moving forward, what does it look like to have a healthy fear of both the Lord and of our sin?
- How can your life group help you take steps to surrender, repent, and turn away from this sin?