What is the best thing that has happened to you this week?
Read Psalm 9:1–2. Make a list of 3–5 things God has done for you this week.
How often do you spend time “recounting all of God’s wonderful deeds”? How do you think your life would be different if you kept in a prominent place a list of God’s wonderful deeds?
What is the most remarkable thing you’ve ever witnessed God do in your life or in someone else’s life?
Read Mark 5:1–20. What parts of this story stand out to you? Why?
How grateful do you think the healed man was? How do you think he felt about God? Have you ever felt this way about God?
Read Mark 5:18–20. Why did Jesus not let the man follow Him?
How would you describe the mission Jesus had for this man to accomplish?
If you were sent to “proclaim how much Jesus had done” for you, who would you go to? What would you tell them?
Rather than pulling us away from the world and into a “holy huddle” Jesus sends us to our family and friends to tell the story of how He has changed our lives.
Jesus didn’t let this man “follow him”, he sent him on a mission instead. How might our time spent at church get in the way of our ability to accomplish our mission? Can we truly “follow Jesus” and ignore our mission? Why or why not?
What will you do this week to participate in the mission to which Jesus has called you?
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2011
Passing the Torch...Avoiding the Stubbornness of Old Age (Psalm 78)
OPENING THOUGHTS:
This is not a concept completely foreign to the experience of God's people. We should understand that our responsibility is to constantly be passing the torch to the next generation of God's people. In doing so, we not only ensure the ongoing completion of Jesus' mission, but we guard against becoming inwardly focused ourselves.
Psalm 78 served as a reminder to Israel that they were to pass the knowledge of God's great works on to their children. It was accompanied with a warning, that to neglect this responsibility would cause them to emulate previous generations who had become "stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful."
DISCUSSION GUIDE:
What is something you love that your family has passed on to you? What are some of the darker sides of your family history?
What is one thing you want to pass on to your children? Why? What are you doing right now to make sure that happens?
Read Psalm 78:1-8.
Have several people summarize this passage in their own words.
What are some of the things God did for Israel throughout their history? (think about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, etc.) How could you use these stories to teach children about the nature of God?
If you had to make a list of the praiseworthy things God has done in your life, what would you include? How have you seen the power of God in your life?
What do you think are the most important things children need to learn about God? How can we teach them these things?
Along with teaching, how can God's people invest in the next generation? What gifts do you have that you could use to invest in the next generation of God's people?
How can you avoid becoming like the people in verse 8?
An assumption in this passage is that those who do not invest in the next generation eventually become inwardly focused and turn away from God.
How are you sometimes tempted to become inwardly focused? How can you avoid this temptation?
What can you do today to invest in someone else? What can this group do to make an impact on the next generation of God's people?
Monday, August 15, 2011
The LORD is On Our Side! (Psalm 124)
Psalm 124: Passage Summary
Internal Truth: Our hope is in the LORD.
External Truth: We cannot trust in others to sustain us. We cannot trust in ourselves to sustain us. We can generously love those around us, because we are trusting in God to provide us with all we need.
Questions for discussion:
Who do you know that is currently trusting in you for something? Are you worthy of their trust?
When have you trusted someone or something only to be disappointed?
How trustworthy is God? Why?
As a group, read Psalm 124:1-8.
When have you experienced someone "rising up against you" or "having their wrath kindled against you"? What did you do?
How do you feel when you know that someone is out to get you? If Jesus were to speak directly to you in those times, what do you think He would say?
Does it bring any comfort to know that the LORD is on our side? Why or why not? Can we know that He is on our side? Why or why not?
What does it mean that our HOPE is in the LORD? What are some other things or people in which we sometimes place our hope?
What is one thing in your life that you can hand over to God today? How can this group support you in that effort?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Rash Decision With Terrible Results (Judges 11)
What is the worse promise you have ever made? Why did you make it? How did it turn out?
Talk about a promise you have made that you ended up breaking? Did you feel like you NEEDED to break it, or just that you WANTED to break it?
Judges 11 tells another story of Israel falling away from God and coming under captivity from a foreign king. This time, the deliverer raised up by God is Jephthah. He has an interesting back-story which is worth reading in Judges 11:1- 28. The enemy Israel is battling in this story is the Ammonites.
Read Judges 11:29-40. How do you feel about this story?
(These kind of vows and sacrifices weren't uncommon in the ancient world. According to the Canaanites, their god, Molech, demanded that children be occasionally sacrificed to him)
Was Jephthah right to make this vow to God? Was he right to keep the vow? Why do you think this story is in the Bible?
Is the story of Jephthah given to us as an example? Why or why not?
Sometimes we make promises (or vows) too quickly. What causes people to make rash decisions? When have you made a decision too quickly and later regretted it?
Read Proverbs 20:25. What do you think this verse means? How does it apply to Jephthah? How does it apply to you?
Read Psalm 119:9-16. These verses give a recipe for making wise decisions. Using your own words, make a list of the pieces of advice given here. How can following this advice help you to avoid foolish promises and decisions?
What difficult decision do you need to make in the coming days? What bad decision do you know you need to avoid? How will you approach this decision from a biblical perspective? How can this group help you?
Talk about a promise you have made that you ended up breaking? Did you feel like you NEEDED to break it, or just that you WANTED to break it?
Judges 11 tells another story of Israel falling away from God and coming under captivity from a foreign king. This time, the deliverer raised up by God is Jephthah. He has an interesting back-story which is worth reading in Judges 11:1- 28. The enemy Israel is battling in this story is the Ammonites.
Read Judges 11:29-40. How do you feel about this story?
(These kind of vows and sacrifices weren't uncommon in the ancient world. According to the Canaanites, their god, Molech, demanded that children be occasionally sacrificed to him)
Was Jephthah right to make this vow to God? Was he right to keep the vow? Why do you think this story is in the Bible?
Is the story of Jephthah given to us as an example? Why or why not?
Sometimes we make promises (or vows) too quickly. What causes people to make rash decisions? When have you made a decision too quickly and later regretted it?
Read Proverbs 20:25. What do you think this verse means? How does it apply to Jephthah? How does it apply to you?
Read Psalm 119:9-16. These verses give a recipe for making wise decisions. Using your own words, make a list of the pieces of advice given here. How can following this advice help you to avoid foolish promises and decisions?
What difficult decision do you need to make in the coming days? What bad decision do you know you need to avoid? How will you approach this decision from a biblical perspective? How can this group help you?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Refiner's Fire (Psalm 66)
Read Psalm 66:8-15. Which is your favorite verse? Why?
Verse 9 says "He preserved our lives." What do you think this means? Is the author talking about a one-time act of God or an on-going preservation of life? Is it both?
Has there ever been a moment in your life when you felt that God preserved your life? What happened? How is God preserving your life right now?
How is it comforting to know that your life is in God's hands? How is it challenging to know that he controls when you will live and when you will die?
Verse 10 says that God tested Israel, so that they could be refined. How do difficult times help to make us into better people?
Read James 1:2-4. If we handle it well, what opportunity for growth comes with suffering? How have you experienced this to be true?
In the New Living Translation, verse 11 reads like this: "You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs." How do you think God used Israel's slavery to make them into a better nation?
Verses 13-15 describe the proper response when God has brought us through a difficult time. Which part of these verses do you most appreciate? Why? How can our generosity demonstrate thanksgiving toward God?
For what can you be thankful to God today? What is something He has brought you through recently? How has he helped you grow?
Who in the group is in the middle of a difficult time right now? Does anyone feel that God is refining them right now? How can the group walk through this time with you?
Spend time praying with and for one another.
Verse 9 says "He preserved our lives." What do you think this means? Is the author talking about a one-time act of God or an on-going preservation of life? Is it both?
Has there ever been a moment in your life when you felt that God preserved your life? What happened? How is God preserving your life right now?
How is it comforting to know that your life is in God's hands? How is it challenging to know that he controls when you will live and when you will die?
Verse 10 says that God tested Israel, so that they could be refined. How do difficult times help to make us into better people?
Read James 1:2-4. If we handle it well, what opportunity for growth comes with suffering? How have you experienced this to be true?
In the New Living Translation, verse 11 reads like this: "You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs." How do you think God used Israel's slavery to make them into a better nation?
Verses 13-15 describe the proper response when God has brought us through a difficult time. Which part of these verses do you most appreciate? Why? How can our generosity demonstrate thanksgiving toward God?
For what can you be thankful to God today? What is something He has brought you through recently? How has he helped you grow?
Who in the group is in the middle of a difficult time right now? Does anyone feel that God is refining them right now? How can the group walk through this time with you?
Spend time praying with and for one another.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Thief, the Shepherd, and the Gate (John 10)
Have you ever had someone steal something from you? What did they take? How did you feel about them?
Have you ever stolen something from someone else? What was it? Why did you take it? How did it get resolved?
Why is stealing wrong?
Read John 10:1-5.
Who do you think is the thief to whom Jesus was referring?
Who do you think are the sheep?
Who do you think is the shepherd?
(hint: not every character or element in a parable has a second meaning. it is possible that some characters are simply a part of the story to help move it along. don't assume that there has to be a deeper meaning behind every element of a parable.)
Read Psalm 23 together. How does this Psalm correspond to John 10:1-5? What does it mean to you to be "led by the good shepherd" through your life?
Read John 10:6-10. Why do you think Jesus described himself as "the gate"? What does it mean to go "through him" for salvation?
How does the enemy try to destroy the sheep of God? What temptations does He use to distract us from following the shepherd?
How can we know where the shepherd is leading us? Where is the shepherd leading you today?
How can this group help you as you seek to follow the good shepherd?
Have you ever stolen something from someone else? What was it? Why did you take it? How did it get resolved?
Why is stealing wrong?
Read John 10:1-5.
Who do you think is the thief to whom Jesus was referring?
Who do you think are the sheep?
Who do you think is the shepherd?
(hint: not every character or element in a parable has a second meaning. it is possible that some characters are simply a part of the story to help move it along. don't assume that there has to be a deeper meaning behind every element of a parable.)
Read Psalm 23 together. How does this Psalm correspond to John 10:1-5? What does it mean to you to be "led by the good shepherd" through your life?
Read John 10:6-10. Why do you think Jesus described himself as "the gate"? What does it mean to go "through him" for salvation?
How does the enemy try to destroy the sheep of God? What temptations does He use to distract us from following the shepherd?
How can we know where the shepherd is leading us? Where is the shepherd leading you today?
How can this group help you as you seek to follow the good shepherd?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How to Handle People Who Lie About You (Psalm 116)
What was the best year you ever had? What made it so great?
What was the worst year you ever had? Why was it so difficult?
When you are going through a hard time, do you pray more or less? Why? How do you pray in difficult times?
Read Psalm 116:1-3. What kind of situation might make someone feel they were entangled by death, or overcome by sorrow?
Do we deserve to have God listen to us? Why or why not? What do you think it means that he "turns his ear to us?" (the NLT says "he bends down to listen")
Read Psalm 116:10-11. How can the lies (or other mistreatment) of others cause us to feel greatly afflicted?
What is our natural response when people lie about us, or otherwise mistreat us?
Read Psalm 116:12-13. On whom is the writer's focus? What do you think it means to focus on God even when people are mistreating you?
THOUGHT: I cannot control what others do or say about me. I can only control whether or not I take it to God in prayer.
Read the rest of Psalm 116. It doesn't appear that the people who are lying and causing trouble are ever dealt with. Why do you think the writer decided it didn't matter whether or not they were brought to justice in his sight?
How can focusing on the salvation God has given help you look past the abuse others are giving you? How can you focus on God's salvation?
As a group, talk about the benefits we have because of God's salvation.
Spend a few minutes praying silently about the troubles in life you are facing. Then spend time praying prayers of thanksgiving aloud as a group.
What was the worst year you ever had? Why was it so difficult?
When you are going through a hard time, do you pray more or less? Why? How do you pray in difficult times?
Read Psalm 116:1-3. What kind of situation might make someone feel they were entangled by death, or overcome by sorrow?
Do we deserve to have God listen to us? Why or why not? What do you think it means that he "turns his ear to us?" (the NLT says "he bends down to listen")
Read Psalm 116:10-11. How can the lies (or other mistreatment) of others cause us to feel greatly afflicted?
What is our natural response when people lie about us, or otherwise mistreat us?
Read Psalm 116:12-13. On whom is the writer's focus? What do you think it means to focus on God even when people are mistreating you?
THOUGHT: I cannot control what others do or say about me. I can only control whether or not I take it to God in prayer.
Read the rest of Psalm 116. It doesn't appear that the people who are lying and causing trouble are ever dealt with. Why do you think the writer decided it didn't matter whether or not they were brought to justice in his sight?
How can focusing on the salvation God has given help you look past the abuse others are giving you? How can you focus on God's salvation?
As a group, talk about the benefits we have because of God's salvation.
Spend a few minutes praying silently about the troubles in life you are facing. Then spend time praying prayers of thanksgiving aloud as a group.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Focusing on the Good Things in Life Helps You Get Through the Bad (Psalm 105)
When was the last time someone said thank you to you? Did you deserve it? Had you done something amazing or was it just a small thing?
When was the last time someone didn't thank you for something you did for them? How did you feel about that?
Read Psalm 105:1-8.
Which verse in this passage is your favorite? Why?
Are there any verses in this passage that are confusing? Can the group help?
How would you summarize this passage using only one sentence?
Verse one says to "Give thanks to the LORD" and to "make known among the nations what he has done." How are these two activities different? Give specific examples of how you might obey each of these instructions?
As a group, make a list of 50 things God has accomplished for you.
Verse 8 says God remembers his covenant (or promise) forever. Which of God's promises are most meaningful to you? Why?
How is your perspective on life's situations changed when you spend extra time focusing on the good things God has done for you?
What can you do to make this kind of reflection a daily habit in your life?
When was the last time someone didn't thank you for something you did for them? How did you feel about that?
Read Psalm 105:1-8.
Which verse in this passage is your favorite? Why?
Are there any verses in this passage that are confusing? Can the group help?
How would you summarize this passage using only one sentence?
Verse one says to "Give thanks to the LORD" and to "make known among the nations what he has done." How are these two activities different? Give specific examples of how you might obey each of these instructions?
As a group, make a list of 50 things God has accomplished for you.
Verse 8 says God remembers his covenant (or promise) forever. Which of God's promises are most meaningful to you? Why?
How is your perspective on life's situations changed when you spend extra time focusing on the good things God has done for you?
What can you do to make this kind of reflection a daily habit in your life?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
God is ALWAYS Watching You! (Psalm 121)
If you could go back in history and watch one event, what would it be? Why? What part of that event would you most want to see?
If you could be a "fly on the wall" in one place tomorrow, where would it be? Why?
How do you feel knowing that God can always see everything and He is always watching you?
Read Psalm 121:1-8. According to this psalm, what are some of the things the LORD does for us?
Which verse in this psalm is your favorite? Which one speaks most clearly to you? Why?
How has God helped you in the past? How do you need His help this week? How do you think God can use you to help someone else?
Verse seven says the LORD will keep you from all harm. What do you think the author means by that? How do reconcile that statement with your experiences?
How do you think your definition of "harm" might be different from God's definition of "harm"? When have you gone through a hard time only to discover later that God was doing something good in your life?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Explain why:
The Christian life makes more sense when we're reflecting on where we've been, than when we're focused on what we're experiencing.
What situation are you going through can be made more bearable by knowing God is watching you? How would you like the group to be praying for you in this situation?
If you could be a "fly on the wall" in one place tomorrow, where would it be? Why?
How do you feel knowing that God can always see everything and He is always watching you?
Read Psalm 121:1-8. According to this psalm, what are some of the things the LORD does for us?
Which verse in this psalm is your favorite? Which one speaks most clearly to you? Why?
How has God helped you in the past? How do you need His help this week? How do you think God can use you to help someone else?
Verse seven says the LORD will keep you from all harm. What do you think the author means by that? How do reconcile that statement with your experiences?
How do you think your definition of "harm" might be different from God's definition of "harm"? When have you gone through a hard time only to discover later that God was doing something good in your life?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Explain why:
The Christian life makes more sense when we're reflecting on where we've been, than when we're focused on what we're experiencing.
What situation are you going through can be made more bearable by knowing God is watching you? How would you like the group to be praying for you in this situation?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Better Perspective on Life (Psalm 103)
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? How much time do you spend being thankful during the Thanksgiving holiday?
How much time do you spend being thankful on a normal day? What is one thing for which you are thankful today?
Read Psalm 103:1-2.
What do you think it means to praise God with your "whole heart?" Is half-hearted praise acceptable to God? Why or why not?
Verse 2 challenges us to not forget all that God has done for us. What is something God has done for you in the past week?
Quickly scan Psalm 103:3-9. Have each person choose something from this list that describes what God has done for them.
More on Thankfulness:
Take a few minutes and as a group brainstorm a list of things you for which you should be thankful to God.
How do you think your perspective on life would change if you spent five minutes being thankful at the beginning and end of each day?
Verse 10 talks about what we actually deserve in life. According to verses 11-13, what are some of the things God has given us that we don't deserve?
Are you ever tempted to think that God isn't giving you as much as you deserve? How should you handle that temptation?
What can you do this week to praise God with a whole heart? What can you do to help others praise God with a whole heart?
How much time do you spend being thankful on a normal day? What is one thing for which you are thankful today?
Read Psalm 103:1-2.
What do you think it means to praise God with your "whole heart?" Is half-hearted praise acceptable to God? Why or why not?
Verse 2 challenges us to not forget all that God has done for us. What is something God has done for you in the past week?
Quickly scan Psalm 103:3-9. Have each person choose something from this list that describes what God has done for them.
More on Thankfulness:
Take a few minutes and as a group brainstorm a list of things you for which you should be thankful to God.
How do you think your perspective on life would change if you spent five minutes being thankful at the beginning and end of each day?
Verse 10 talks about what we actually deserve in life. According to verses 11-13, what are some of the things God has given us that we don't deserve?
Are you ever tempted to think that God isn't giving you as much as you deserve? How should you handle that temptation?
What can you do this week to praise God with a whole heart? What can you do to help others praise God with a whole heart?
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Worship Manifesto: Psalm 150
If you could boast about one thing right now, what would you choose? Why?
If someone asked you to boast about God right now, what would you say? Why?
As a group read Psalm 150 and answer the following four questions:
"Praise" is a word that appears regularly in this Psalm. In the Hebrew, it is the word from which we get "Hallelujah". Basically it means to give highest praise to or about someone, to celebrate them, or to boast about them.
As a group, list 7-10 "boasts" you can make about God right now.
The author of this Psalm undoubtedly thought of the Temple as God's tabernacle. Where is God's tabernacle presently? How does this change where we worship him?
What do you think it means to worship God in the "heavens?"
What are some of the great deeds that God did for Israel in their past? From what sorts of things did He deliver them?
What are some of the great deeds that God has done for you? From what sorts of things has He delivered you?
What is God's greatest act in human history? How did that great deed deliver us?
Read through the list of instruments in this Psalm. What kind of worship do you think they describe?
Why do you think the author finished this list by saying, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD."?
Have each person in the group give at least one thing they will do this week to praise the LORD with their life.
If someone asked you to boast about God right now, what would you say? Why?
As a group read Psalm 150 and answer the following four questions:
- Who are we to praise?
- Where are we to praise him?
- Why are we to praise him?
- How are we to praise him?
"Praise" is a word that appears regularly in this Psalm. In the Hebrew, it is the word from which we get "Hallelujah". Basically it means to give highest praise to or about someone, to celebrate them, or to boast about them.
As a group, list 7-10 "boasts" you can make about God right now.
The author of this Psalm undoubtedly thought of the Temple as God's tabernacle. Where is God's tabernacle presently? How does this change where we worship him?
What do you think it means to worship God in the "heavens?"
What are some of the great deeds that God did for Israel in their past? From what sorts of things did He deliver them?
What are some of the great deeds that God has done for you? From what sorts of things has He delivered you?
What is God's greatest act in human history? How did that great deed deliver us?
Read through the list of instruments in this Psalm. What kind of worship do you think they describe?
Why do you think the author finished this list by saying, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD."?
Have each person in the group give at least one thing they will do this week to praise the LORD with their life.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Repentance and Restoration (Psalm 51)
Do you have any good "restoration stories"? (cars, houses, relationships, etc.)
What types of emotions result when a broken relationship is restored? Why is it often so difficult to restore a broken relationship?
What kinds of things cause our relationship with God to be broken? How do we restore our relationship with God?
Read Psalm 51:1-6. Which of these verses make the biggest impression on you? Why?
What character traits does David use to describe God in these verses? How does David speak of himself in these verses? Do your feelings about yourself ever seem similar to David's?
Read Psalm 51:7-12. What does David want God to do for him?
In verse 12, David talks about the "joy of salvation". Have you ever experienced the joy of salvation? How would you describe it?
Have you ever had a time when you felt that God "restored" your relationship with Him? How did you respond?
Read Psalm 51:13-19. Verses 13-15 talk about how we respond after God forgives us. Do you think most Christians spend enough time telling others what God has done for them? Why or why not?
When God forgives our sins, what should we tell others about that experience? In your own words, how would you describe God's forgiveness?
What is one key thought you have as a result of looking over this Psalm?
What types of emotions result when a broken relationship is restored? Why is it often so difficult to restore a broken relationship?
What kinds of things cause our relationship with God to be broken? How do we restore our relationship with God?
Read Psalm 51:1-6. Which of these verses make the biggest impression on you? Why?
What character traits does David use to describe God in these verses? How does David speak of himself in these verses? Do your feelings about yourself ever seem similar to David's?
Read Psalm 51:7-12. What does David want God to do for him?
In verse 12, David talks about the "joy of salvation". Have you ever experienced the joy of salvation? How would you describe it?
Have you ever had a time when you felt that God "restored" your relationship with Him? How did you respond?
Read Psalm 51:13-19. Verses 13-15 talk about how we respond after God forgives us. Do you think most Christians spend enough time telling others what God has done for them? Why or why not?
When God forgives our sins, what should we tell others about that experience? In your own words, how would you describe God's forgiveness?
What is one key thought you have as a result of looking over this Psalm?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Basking in the Majesty of God (Psalm 8)
Think of someone you admire, and tell the group three reasons why that person is so great.
Go around the group and have everyone share one attribute of God that they admire.
As a group, read Psalm 8.
Verse 3 talks about the work of God's hands. Talk about a recent time when your observation of nature has caused you to be awed by God.
Have a few people rewrite and quote verse 4 in their own words.
What types of words and phrases would you use to draw a comparison between God and man?
When compared to God, how do you feel about yourself? Why?
Read verses 5-6. Why do you think God gave these responsibilities to humanity?
Read Genesis 1:28. Give examples of how people can go about carrying out these responsibilities.
God has chosen to work through humans to accomplish his will on earth. What are some things we can do to be better "employees" of God?
What can you do to ensure that your everyday activities properly reflect the majesty of God?
Spend some time in prayer as a group. Specifically, give thanks to God for His majesty, and for the great privilege of partnering with Him in His work.
Go around the group and have everyone share one attribute of God that they admire.
As a group, read Psalm 8.
Verse 3 talks about the work of God's hands. Talk about a recent time when your observation of nature has caused you to be awed by God.
Have a few people rewrite and quote verse 4 in their own words.
What types of words and phrases would you use to draw a comparison between God and man?
When compared to God, how do you feel about yourself? Why?
Read verses 5-6. Why do you think God gave these responsibilities to humanity?
Read Genesis 1:28. Give examples of how people can go about carrying out these responsibilities.
God has chosen to work through humans to accomplish his will on earth. What are some things we can do to be better "employees" of God?
What can you do to ensure that your everyday activities properly reflect the majesty of God?
Spend some time in prayer as a group. Specifically, give thanks to God for His majesty, and for the great privilege of partnering with Him in His work.
Monday, September 21, 2009
How to Be Angry (Psalm 4:4-5)
Talk about the last time you were angry. What was the situation? Were you right or wrong in your anger? How did it resolve?
If you had a conversation with Jesus, what do you think he would say to you about being angry?
Is it ever okay to be angry? Why or why not?
As a group read Psalm 4:4-5. Have a few people summarize these verse in five words or less.
Take a few minutes and go through each phrase of this passage (listed below). Have people give specific examples of how they could obey these teachings:
- Be angry, and do not sin.
- Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent
- Offer right sacrifices
- Put your trust in the LORD
Which is easier, trusting in the LORD or getting angry? Why?
When you find yourself getting angry, how long should you wait before you act on your anger? What can be the results of acting too quickly when you're angry?
If you follow these steps whenever you are angry, how would it change your life? How would it improve your relationships?
Spend some time praying for one another as you each deal with anger in your own ways.
If you had a conversation with Jesus, what do you think he would say to you about being angry?
Is it ever okay to be angry? Why or why not?
As a group read Psalm 4:4-5. Have a few people summarize these verse in five words or less.
Take a few minutes and go through each phrase of this passage (listed below). Have people give specific examples of how they could obey these teachings:
- Be angry, and do not sin.
- Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent
- Offer right sacrifices
- Put your trust in the LORD
Which is easier, trusting in the LORD or getting angry? Why?
When you find yourself getting angry, how long should you wait before you act on your anger? What can be the results of acting too quickly when you're angry?
If you follow these steps whenever you are angry, how would it change your life? How would it improve your relationships?
Spend some time praying for one another as you each deal with anger in your own ways.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Delight of Your Life (Psalm 1)
What is your favorite dessert? What is it about this dessert that makes it so great?
As a group, read Psalm 1. Make a list of things that a "blessed" person will do, and a list of the things a "wicked" person will do.
Verse one encourages us to avoid the "counsel" of the wicked. How would you describe the counsel we receive from the media (movies, television, music, internet, etc.)?
How can someone avoid "walking in the counsel of the wicked?"
How do you think a Christian can avoid standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of mockers, but still be a witness for Jesus in the world? Read Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:11-12. How do these passages relate to this question?
What do you think about when you hear the word "delight"? What are the delights in your life?
Describe what it would look like if the Word of God was the delight of your life.
Give an example of how someone might meditate on the Word of God "day and night".
What is the fruit that results from meditating on God's Word?
How should your relationship with the Word of God impact your relationships with other people (particularly the wicked, sinners, and mockers)?
After looking at this Psalm, what is one specific action you need to take regarding your relationship to the Word of God?
As a group, read Psalm 1. Make a list of things that a "blessed" person will do, and a list of the things a "wicked" person will do.
Verse one encourages us to avoid the "counsel" of the wicked. How would you describe the counsel we receive from the media (movies, television, music, internet, etc.)?
How can someone avoid "walking in the counsel of the wicked?"
How do you think a Christian can avoid standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of mockers, but still be a witness for Jesus in the world? Read Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:11-12. How do these passages relate to this question?
What do you think about when you hear the word "delight"? What are the delights in your life?
Describe what it would look like if the Word of God was the delight of your life.
Give an example of how someone might meditate on the Word of God "day and night".
What is the fruit that results from meditating on God's Word?
How should your relationship with the Word of God impact your relationships with other people (particularly the wicked, sinners, and mockers)?
After looking at this Psalm, what is one specific action you need to take regarding your relationship to the Word of God?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Comfort and Peace from the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Describe the most comfortable place in your house?
Talk about a time in your life when you have felt a "deep" peace.
How do you think comfort and peace are related?
What are the situations in life which steal people's peace?
Read Psalm 23.
Have a few people talk about their experiences walking (or watching someone walk) through the "valley of the shadow of death."
Verse four refers to fearing evil. What evil things do people often fear?
How do death, evil, and fear steal our peace?
What other life experiences make us uncomfortable? How does being uncomfortable often steal our peace?
What phrases in Psalm 23 are comforting phrases?
The last phrase of the Psalm is "I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
How should knowledge of future comfort help us deal with the current discomforts of life?
Verse one of the psalm says, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want." How does contentment bring peace?
What aspects of your life currently are stealing your peace? How would the good shepherd tell you to deal with these?
Talk about a time in your life when you have felt a "deep" peace.
How do you think comfort and peace are related?
What are the situations in life which steal people's peace?
Read Psalm 23.
Have a few people talk about their experiences walking (or watching someone walk) through the "valley of the shadow of death."
Verse four refers to fearing evil. What evil things do people often fear?
How do death, evil, and fear steal our peace?
What other life experiences make us uncomfortable? How does being uncomfortable often steal our peace?
What phrases in Psalm 23 are comforting phrases?
The last phrase of the Psalm is "I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
How should knowledge of future comfort help us deal with the current discomforts of life?
Verse one of the psalm says, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want." How does contentment bring peace?
What aspects of your life currently are stealing your peace? How would the good shepherd tell you to deal with these?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Growth Through Suffering (James 1)
Have each person list five things in life that bring them joy.
Have each person talk about suffering they've recently endured.
As a group, read James 1:2-4.
What parts of this passage seem to go against common sense? What parts of this passage make sense?
According to James, what is the purpose of suffering?
What is perseverance? Make a list of synonyms for perseverance.
Have a few people share how their past suffering helped them develop "perseverance".
How can perseverance enable someone to grow in their relationship with God?
List some ways perseverance is a character trait which enables us to better love the people around us.
How would you describe a "mature Christian"? What are the character traits and personal habits of a mature Christian?
Can someone be a mature Christian without suffering? Why or why not?
Think about the ways you have most recently suffered. How can you demonstrate joy in those situations? (if you have time, discuss how "joy" might be different than "happiness". Use Psalm 51:7-12 to guide this discussion if necessary.)
Take a moment for the group members to consider how God might be "completing them" spiritually through their suffering.
Extra Passages for Further Study:
Hebrews 12:7-11
Romans 5:1-5
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 4:12-19
Have each person talk about suffering they've recently endured.
As a group, read James 1:2-4.
What parts of this passage seem to go against common sense? What parts of this passage make sense?
According to James, what is the purpose of suffering?
What is perseverance? Make a list of synonyms for perseverance.
Have a few people share how their past suffering helped them develop "perseverance".
How can perseverance enable someone to grow in their relationship with God?
List some ways perseverance is a character trait which enables us to better love the people around us.
How would you describe a "mature Christian"? What are the character traits and personal habits of a mature Christian?
Can someone be a mature Christian without suffering? Why or why not?
Think about the ways you have most recently suffered. How can you demonstrate joy in those situations? (if you have time, discuss how "joy" might be different than "happiness". Use Psalm 51:7-12 to guide this discussion if necessary.)
Take a moment for the group members to consider how God might be "completing them" spiritually through their suffering.
Extra Passages for Further Study:
Hebrews 12:7-11
Romans 5:1-5
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 4:12-19
Thursday, May 7, 2009
What Makes Something Right or Wrong
Ultimately, our opinion of "right and wrong" will have the most significant impact on our decision making. It is actually our decision making that is the practical application of our belief. This discussion is designed to be a biblical survey of decision making principles.Read Exodus 20:2-17 and/or make a list of the 10 Commandments.
How might the 10 commandments serve as a guideline for living rightly today? Create a list of issues which don't seem to be covered by the 10 commandments.
Read Mark 12:28-24.
How might these 2 commands serve as a guideline for living rightly today? Create a list of issues which don't really fit under these two commands.
Have someone in your group read each of the following passages. After each reading, have the group discuss how this passage can serve as a guideline in decision making:
- Psalm 119:105
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Proverbs 15:22
- Romans 14:13-16
- 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
- 1 John 2:15-17
As a group, read Galatians 5:18-25.
Have group members discuss which of the items from the first list (vs.19-21) most often represent their decision making.
Have group members discuss which of the items from the second list (vs. 22-23) most often represent their decision making.
Have each group member share something they would like to do differently in their decision making this week. Pray for one another and look for opportunities during the week to encourage one another.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Exploring Prayer as An Act of Worship
This is a group activity designed to explore prayer as an act of worship.
STEP ONE: Prepare Yourself.
Read Proverbs 15:8. Who does God love to hear prayer from? Does this usually describe you? Why or why not?
Read Psalm 68:18. When does God not hear our prayers? Why do you think this is?
Take some time as a group to pray silently. Have everyone think of sins they may be "keeping" in their heart. Encourage them to make those right with God and to commit to break the chains of those sins for good.
STEP TWO: Posture Yourself.
Read Psalm 95:6. What posture is suggested for worship?
You can tell a lot about someone by their posture. Someone who has their arms crossed, is probably not happy with you. Someone leaning forward to listen, probably wants to hear what you have to say. What does the posture of bowing down communicate?
Even if you cannot bow down while praying, how can your attitude reflect an attitude of bowing down?
STEP THREE: Praise God.
Read Psalm 71:8 and Psalm 34:1. What might it look like to praise God all day?
As a group, list 25 things you can praise God for.
STEP FOUR: Pursue God.
Read Psalm 46:10. What do you think it means to "be still"? How can being still help you in your relationship with God.
As a group, spend some time "being still" and pursuing God.
Close your time with group prayer. Have as many as want to pray a prayer of praise or thanksgiving.
STEP ONE: Prepare Yourself.
Read Proverbs 15:8. Who does God love to hear prayer from? Does this usually describe you? Why or why not?
Read Psalm 68:18. When does God not hear our prayers? Why do you think this is?
Take some time as a group to pray silently. Have everyone think of sins they may be "keeping" in their heart. Encourage them to make those right with God and to commit to break the chains of those sins for good.
STEP TWO: Posture Yourself.
Read Psalm 95:6. What posture is suggested for worship?
You can tell a lot about someone by their posture. Someone who has their arms crossed, is probably not happy with you. Someone leaning forward to listen, probably wants to hear what you have to say. What does the posture of bowing down communicate?
Even if you cannot bow down while praying, how can your attitude reflect an attitude of bowing down?
STEP THREE: Praise God.
Read Psalm 71:8 and Psalm 34:1. What might it look like to praise God all day?
As a group, list 25 things you can praise God for.
STEP FOUR: Pursue God.
Read Psalm 46:10. What do you think it means to "be still"? How can being still help you in your relationship with God.
As a group, spend some time "being still" and pursuing God.
Close your time with group prayer. Have as many as want to pray a prayer of praise or thanksgiving.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
How to Approach God (Psalm 86)
Click the picture to download the pdf version of this small group study.
Incidentally, the six thoughts are:
1) Recognize your spiritual poverty.
2) Rely on God, no matter what.
3) Be sorrowful.
4) Give God rule over your inmost parts.
5) Plea for grace.
6) Go to God for help.
Incidentally, the six thoughts are:
1) Recognize your spiritual poverty.
2) Rely on God, no matter what.
3) Be sorrowful.
4) Give God rule over your inmost parts.
5) Plea for grace.
6) Go to God for help.
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