Week 14 - The Psalms and Proverbs
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Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
How do you want to be remembered after you die?
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 40 ~ Psalm 41 ~ Psalm 42 ~ Proverbs 10:1-16
1. Why is waiting so difficult? What does it mean to wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 40:1)?
2. Who is someone you know that is a good listener? Do you consider yourself a good listener? How does it affect you to know that God listens to our prayers (Psalm 40:1)?
3. What is your favorite “new song”? What is it like when you hear a new song that connects to you? How does it make you feel? What is your favorite song of “praise” to God? Why? (Psalm 40:3). How can our joy, praise, & obedience be a witness to others?
4. Look at Psalm 41:4. Why is our confession of sin so important? Even while David is admitting his sinfulness, he is also declaring himself a man of “integrity” (Psalm 41:12). Can both be true simultaneously?
5. David repeatedly writes Psalms about people attacking him, accusing him, mocking him, and plotting against him yet he stays faithful to God. How does this example encourage your faith?
6. Although David does not yet know how his life will end, he remains confident that the Lord delights in him, will uphold him, and will “set me in your presence forever” (Psalm 41:11-12). Why is this perspective so important for endurance in suffering?
7. Why do you think Psalm 42:1 is so popularly known (and sung)?
8. In what ways do we see Satan and the world appeal to our spiritual “thirst” with sinful desires and temptations? Why is it particularly important to remember the danger of sin when we are going through a tough time?
9. When was a season that your soul was “cast down” and “in turmoil” (Psalm 42:5)? What does Psalm 42:5 show as the solution we can find in such seasons of sadness or depression?
10. Why does it feel like God has forgotten us when we are suffering? Why are we tempted to doubt and question God when we are hurting? (Psalm 42:9) Look at the final verses that end Psalm 40, 41, & 42. Why is the ending so important? How can we practically apply this example in our own lives and seasons of difficulty?
11. Read 2 Chronicles 1:6-13. How did Solomon become so wise? How is this helpful to understanding the “Proverbs of Solomon” (Proverbs 10:1-22:16)? How might we imitate Solomon to gain wisdom for ourselves and our families?
12. The sayings of Proverbs 10:1-16 cover a wide area of subjects. Which one is your favorite? Why?
13. Why does a parent want to pass down wisdom to their children and grandchildren? Do you have a favorite “wise saying” that was passed to you? What is a particular piece of wisdom that you are passing down to your family now?