The document discusses committing to pursuing God by renewing one's covenant with Him, as the people of Israel did in Joshua 24:14-15. It challenges readers to examine how faithfully they pursued God in 2011, identify any "gods" that competed for their devotion, and make practical decisions to pursue God with sincerity and faithfulness in 2012 as individuals and as a church community.

1. Commit To Pursuing God.
Joshua 24:14-15
Before God really began a great new venture among his people—before entering the Promised Land or
building a new temple, or anointing a new leader—God would call his people to take a long, prayerful look at
their lives and see where they have gotten off track. It was a time to renew their covenant with God and with
God’s people. That is what we want to do as a church over the next 5 weeks. Let’s unpack the renewal
experience that was happening among God’s people in Joshua 24.
1. What is it about the New Year that challenges us to make New Year’s resolutions? How do they
challengeus? How do they motivate us?
1. Read Joshua 24:14-15. Joshua challenges the people of God to examine their commitment to “serve
the LORD with faithfulness and sincerity.” What does Joshua mean by this challenge? Is this something
that we struggle with in our own day?
2. Evaluate how you pursued God in 2011. How can you renew your faithfulness and sincerity in your
relationship with God?
3. Joshua also talks of the “gods of your fathers” and the “gods your fathers served”. What does that
mean in our context of 2012? What are some of the gods that our families and culture serve?
4. Evaluate the ‘gods’ you pursued in 2011. Which ‘gods’ in your life compete most often with pursuing
Jesus with faithfulness and sincerity? (E.g. work, prestige, approval, leisure, pleasure, etc.)
5. Most of our lives are the result of the choices we have made. Looking back on 2011, what were some
of the outcomes/destinations/end results that we never intentionally planned for?
In other words, did where we actually end up this year (relationally, emotionally, spiritually,
etc.) always match up with were we wanted to end up?
If not, what decisions led us to the destinations we did not desire?
6. Look forward to 2012, what are some ways we can renew our commitment to pursue God? What are
some practical decisions we can make that will lead us to our desired destination?
7. Read Joshua 24:24-27. The people of God renewed their commitment to God in a very public way
together as a community of faith. Why is it important for us as a church to renew our commitment to
each other and God openly together as a community of faith?
Accountability
2. Worship Checkup. Take a moment to evaluate your personal devotional time (prayer, bible reading,
and meditation). What can you do this year to make your devotional life fresh? Ask your Life Group to
give you input if you need a new perspective.
3. What is the biggest ‘god’ in your life that keeps you from pursuign Christ with faithfulness and
sincerity?
4. What practical step can you take to put away that ‘god’ and choose Christ for that need in your life?
5. How can we help encourage you in your walk this week?