The Rhino The Bison and The Lamb – A Fortified Faith

Rhino – a Forward Faith
Lamb – a Dependent Faith
Bison – a Fortified Faith

Fortified:

• Protected or strengthened against attack
• Furnished with a means of resisting force and standing strain
• Given strength or vigor, as by food or drink
• Strengthened mentally or morally

“protected or strengthened against attack”…

• sleep – facing different directions/shifts/highest viewpoint

Truth to hold on to:
1. You were never meant to do life alone

“furnished with a means of resisting force and standing strain”

• Size – up to 2,200 pounds/12.5 feet long
• Speed – run up to 40 mph (a force of 3,500 pounds)
• Smell – up to 3 km (1.86 miles)
• Strength – front-facing horns/hooves/neck and head
• Sounds – grunts/roars/bellows
• Skin – extremely thick/long beards

Truth to hold on to:
2. God has already equipped you for every moment in your life

“given strength or vigor, as by food or drink”

• Stomach – 4 compartments (ruminants)
• Substance – nutritious foods/up to 30 gallons of water

Truth to hold on to:
3. Only God can truly satisfy you

“strengthened mentally or morally”

• Skull – 1.5 inches thick
• Smart – extremely intelligent
• Steadfast – face storms head-on

Truth to hold on to:
4. The quickest way to the other side of your storm is not to run from it

What Now?

1. Get in a small group
2. Put on the armor of God
3. Prioritize quality time with Jesus
4. Stand firm in your faith and be bold
5. Choose Jesus

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Key Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 107:9 (NLT)

Daniel 3:13-18 (NLT)

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• Which of these 3 animals (Rhino, Bison & Lamb) would you most like to see in the wild? And, why that choice? (There are wild sheep!)

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.  Why is the author trying to promote the advantages of companionship and solidarity?  
• Read Ephesians 6:10-18.  Discuss the various pieces of the whole armor of God, and why they are each chosen to represent that aspect of God (for example, the belt of truth).
• Read Joshua 1:8.  These are God’s words to Joshua. How does this message apply today under the New Covenant through Christ?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• Are you putting on all of God’s armor, or are there pieces you aren’t  putting on regularly?
• Each of the 3 animals in this series is purpose built, exemplifying an aspect of faith; going forward, dependent, and fortified.  How does your current faith compare to these, and where would you like it to be?
• Do you feel purpose built for any particular aspect of faith?
• In Daniel 3:13-18, the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exemplifies a fortified faith.  How do you relate to this level of faith in God’s protection?
• Read Psalm 107:9.  Give an example of where you have felt this type of gratitude and recognition of God’s provision.

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

• Take the step of reading the Word every day this week, and to put on the whole armor of God.  

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

• Encourage each other to ask God to fortify you, so that you can stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.

Start digging. For further study.

• Read this Got Questions article, “What does the Bible say about fortitude?”

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