Welcome to the Gospel One Psalm At a Time, our small group study for the Winter and Spring. This is week 2 of our study utilizing Paul David Tripp's "Book at Time" material for our study. Here's the plan:
After the first 2 week introductory sessions, we will begin studying 3 psalms a week for 15 weeks. Throughout the week prior to your group's meeting, take some time to:
1) Prayerfully read and study the week's Psalms;
2) Watch the short videos that will be posted here on our website - they are also available on PDT's Youtube channel; and
3) Answer the questions in preparation for a conversation in your small group.
It's a simply ryhthm...
First Psalm: Pray - Read - Watch - Answer - Pray.
Second Psalm: Pray - Read - Watch - Answer - Pray.
Third Psalm: Pray - Read - Watch - Answer - Pray.
My prayer this is a great season of spiritual growth for you and our church as we invest in this together!
All for Jesus!
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1. Write your own “personal Psalm” that traces the history of your life. What are the five to ten key moments that you would highlight and remember? How is each an example of the steadfast love of God enduring forever in your life? Are you tempted to take credit for any of these life highlights, even partially, for what only God could produce and achieve? Imagine how arrogant and foolish Israel would have sounded if they boasted in these achievements in the Psalm 136.
2. Now consider the 10,000 mundane moments of your everyday life of faith. Why do you need the steadfast and forever-enduring love of God just as much in these moments as the ones you highlighted above? Be specific. What are the “little challenges” you faced this week that you needed the presence and power of God for? What are the “little victories” of faith that you experienced that were only possible because of the presence and power of God in your life? In what ways are you taking credit for what only grace could accomplish and achieve in these little moments?ur “song” would reveal about your heart and what is most important to you.
1. In what ways have the kings and rulers of this world set themselves against the Lord? How are those who have been granted temporary power by God defying God and using that God-given power to scorn his law, holiness, and created order? When those with authority do this and it impacts your daily life or threatens your comfort, how do you react? Are you lashing out in fear and defensiveness, or are you resting in the ultimate authority and eternal reign of God? What does Psalm 2 teach us about how God reacts when worldly leaders deride his rule?
2. What power or domain of authority, however small, have you been entrusted with by God? How can you grow in wisdom and serve the Lord with fear and trembling in this area? Be specific. How can you better represent Jesus in your role of authority? How have you abused or misused the influence that you have been entrusted with? Share your shortcomings and ask others for accountability and wisdom and help.
1. Why is a more formalized and academic study of theology important? How can you become a better student of your Christian faith? Have you benefited from, or considered taking, seminary courses or certificates to increase your knowledge and understanding of key components such as biblical interpretation, church history, or systematic theology. Why is this beneficial? But in what ways is isolated academic theological study potentially dangerous, if it does not transform your heart and life and increase your love for and service of Christ?
2. What difficulties, struggles, or suffering are you going through right now? What are you afraid of? How are you afraid of? How has God been your light, salvation, and stronghold in the past? How can you preach those gospel truths to yourself again today? Be specific. What does it practically mean that God is your light, salvation, and stronghold?