Small Group & Deeper Dive || SECOND CHAIR CHAMPIONS
January 20, 2025

Small Group Guide: Second Chair Champions

Opening Question:
What does being a “champion” mean to you in the context of your faith and church involvement?

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Brandon emphasizes the importance of “going together” as a church body. How can we practically support and encourage one another in our faith journeys? Read Acts 2:14.

  2. The sermon highlights the “bystander effect” as a negative example. Can you think of a time when you were tempted to be a bystander in your faith? How did you overcome that?

  3. Discuss the statement: “Champions are in it, heart and soul.” What can we learn from Jonathan’s armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:7? What does this look like in everyday life?

  4. How does the example of Caleb inspire you to have a “different spirit” in facing challenges? Refer to Numbers 13:25-31+.

  5. What does it look like for us to become “prophetic encouragers”? What changes does it require of you and me? Why does it not mean ignoring reality?

  6. The sermon mentions that God uses both the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to give us courage. Share an experience where another believer encouraged you in your faith.

Practical Applications:

  1. Identify one area in your life or church involvement where you can step up as a “second chair champion” this week.

  2. Practice giving an encouraging word or confirmation to another believer this week, as mentioned in the sermon.

  3. Reflect on any negative reports or attitudes you might be harboring about your circumstances. How can you reframe these with a more faith-filled perspective?

  4. Consider ways you can support and build courage in the leaders above you in your areas of service or ministry.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to be champions in Your kingdom, fully committed heart and soul. Give us the courage to step up, to support one another, and to have a different spirit like Caleb. May we be people who bring good reports and inspire faith in others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptural References:

  1. Acts 2:1-4 (Day of Pentecost)
  2. Acts 2:14 (Peter standing up with the eleven)
  3. Joel 2:28 (quoted in Acts 2:17 - “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh”)
  4. 1 Samuel 14:1-7 (Jonathan and his armor-bearer)
  5. Numbers 13:17-25 (Moses sending spies to Canaan)
  6. Numbers 13:30 (Caleb’s response)
  7. Numbers 14 (God’s anger and Moses’ intercession)
  8. Acts 5:12-13 (Apostles’ signs and wonders, people’s admiration but hesitation to join)
  9. Numbers 14:24 (God’s words about Caleb)
  10. Joshua 14:10-12 (Caleb’s speech at 85 years old)

5 Day Devotional

Day 1: Champions Go Together
Reading: Acts 2:1-14

Devotional: The Day of Pentecost marks a pivotal moment in Christian history - the birth of the Church. As we read about Peter standing up “backed by the other 11,” we’re reminded of the power of unity in God’s kingdom. Just as the disciples stood together, we too are called to support and encourage one another in our faith journey. Reflect on how you can be a “second chair champion” in your church or community. Are there ways you can build courage in others or stand with them in their mission? Remember, we’re not called to be lone rangers in our faith, but to go together, strengthening and supporting one another as we advance God’s kingdom.

Day 2: Heart and Soul Commitment
Reading: 1 Samuel 14:1-15

Devotional: Jonathan’s armor-bearer demonstrates an admirable level of commitment: “Do all that is in your heart… Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” This wholehearted dedication is what God desires from each of us. It’s easy to be partially committed or to hold back out of fear or self-preservation. But God calls us to be all in, heart and soul. Today, examine your own level of commitment to God and His mission. Are there areas where you’re holding back? Ask God to give you the courage to say, like the armor-bearer, “I am with you heart and soul” in every aspect of your life and faith.

Day 3: Courage to Step In
Reading: Numbers 13:25-33, 14:6-9

Devotional: The story of the twelve spies illustrates two very different responses to challenges: fear or faith. While ten spies saw only obstacles, Caleb and Joshua saw opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. In our lives, we often face situations that seem overwhelming. It’s tempting to stay on the sidelines, admiring God’s work from a distance without fully engaging. But God calls us to be like Caleb and Joshua - to have the courage to step in, even when the odds seem against us. What “giants” are you facing today? How can you choose faith over fear and step into what God is calling you to do?

Day 4: A Different Spirit
Reading: Numbers 14:20-24

Devotional: God commends Caleb for having “a different spirit” - one that fully followed Him. In a world that often pushes us to conform, God calls us to stand out. This different spirit is characterized by unwavering faith, courage, and obedience to God’s leading. It’s about maintaining a positive, faith-filled attitude even when circumstances seem dire. Today, consider how you can cultivate this “different spirit” in your own life. How can you stand firm in your faith and follow God fully, even when it goes against the crowd?

Day 5: Faithful to the Promise
Reading: Joshua 14:6-14

Devotional: Caleb’s faithfulness to God’s promise spans decades. At 85, he’s still ready to claim what God promised, demonstrating that faith isn’t just for the young or for a season - it’s a lifelong journey. Caleb’s testimony reminds us that God’s promises don’t have an expiration date. No matter your age or circumstances, God is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. What promises are you holding onto today? How can you remain faithful and expectant, even if the fulfillment seems delayed? Let Caleb’s example inspire you to keep believing, keep pursuing, and keep claiming God’s promises for your life.