Chase the Lion | Run Towards the Roar | Pastor Jamie Kemp

The Chase the Lion series begins with the inspiring story of Benaiah from 2 Samuel 23:20–23. Benaiah didn't run from danger—he chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day and killed it. This bold move changed the trajectory of his life, leading to promotion and purpose.

2 Samuel 23:20-23 NLT

There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel.  He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab.  Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.  (21) Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear.  Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.  Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors.  (23) He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three.  And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

Your destiny is not a mystery.  It’s the result of your daily decisions and defining decisions.  

What fears do you need to confront?  What daily decisions and habits do you need to start doing or stop doing to pursue your God given purpose in God’s global plan?

There are three key parts of every lion chaser’s journey:

1. The Pursuit – Courage to step toward challenges rather than away.
2. The Pit – Trusting God even in the dark, hard, and confusing moments.
3. The Promotion – God honors and elevates those who are faithful in private and difficult seasons.

Benaiah’s life reminds us that when we consecrate ourselves to God and step out in faith, God will do amazing things.  If we do our job, God’s going to do His job.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What’s your lion?
   What fear or challenge or dream do you feel God is calling you to face or chase in this season?
2. Have you ever experienced a “pit” moment?
   Share a time when your faith was tested, and what helped you get through it.  Or maybe you feel like you’re “in a pit” right now and what to share it.
3. “Destiny is the result of daily decisions and defining decisions.”
   What are some small, consistent choices you can start making to grow in your faith?
4. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”
   Is there a “defining decision” that you need to make, but it seems too scary or too big to make?
5. Consecration means to be set apart for God.
   Are there areas of your life that need to be changed so you can pursue your God-given purpose in God’s global plan?