Date: October 20, 2024
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:7-8, Psalm 68

Facilitator Questions:
Themes:  The city of refuge: Golan, capture, rejoicing
Background information: Golan was east of the Jordan River, about 12 miles northeast of the
Sea of Galilee. After Joshua 20:8, there is no further mention of it in Scripture. It became the
head of the province of Gaulanitis, one of the four provinces into which Bashan was divided
after the Babylonian captivity.
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Two definitions of the word “Golan” are “their captivity” and “their rejoicing”. How might these definitions apply to Jesus as the One who captures people and causes them to rejoice?
• Read Ephesians 4:7-8. Discuss how by grace Jesus took into His captivity people who had been previously in a different form of captivity. What are the implications of this?
• Read Psalm 68. What does it say about God defeating kings and armies? What reasons for rejoicing do you see in the psalm?
• Reread verses 17:23. What images of God are presented here?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• Listen to the song “I Am Not My Own.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxCb6l3jkis What is your response to knowing you belong to Jesus?
• How do you reconcile knowing your Redeemer has purchased you with the idea that you are a free agent?
• What are some reasons why Jesus makes you rejoice?
• How does knowing that Jesus has captured your heart provide refuge for you?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Thank God for setting His people free from sin and death, giving them new life and bringing them into His heavenly kingdom.
• Thank Him for the ways He has personally freed you and others close to you. Be specific.
• Praise Him for His awesome power, love, grace and mercy.
• Tell Him you surrender to His will and ask Him to help you accept His workings.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Memorize Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice.”
• Daily spend uninterrupted time rejoicing in God. Tell Him the ways He gives you joy, and ask for more joy if you need it.