Week 16 - The Psalms and Proverbs

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Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What Bible book do you want to study and understand better?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 46 ~ Psalm 47 ~ Psalm 48 ~ Proverbs 11:1-15

1.     What are some scary storms you’ve been caught in before? Where do you go when you expect danger from a storm? Why? What is it like to be caught in “the open” in a storm?

2.     What are some “spiritual storms” we can get caught in during life? In what ways is God “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) during those times?

3.     What sort of situations are described in Psalm 46:2-3?  Why would these scenarios naturally provoke fear?  What situations in life tempt you towards fear? How can a follower of God have confidence even in such frightening situations?

4.     How is sitting by a river so refreshing, peaceful, and comforting?  In what ways does God’s grace bring us gladness and rest? (Psalm 46:4-7)

5.     When does world news trouble and concern you?  How does Psalm 46:6-7 instruct us when we think about the world situations around us?

6.     What does it look like to “be still” and “know that I am God”?  In what ways do you think God is teaching you to be more “still” before Him? What needs to change in your life to experience His fortress-like peace? (Psalm 46:10-11)

7.     When was the last time you clapped your hands? Why?  When was the last time you shouted out loud with joy? Why? Who does Psalm 47 call to clap and shout with joy? Why?

8.     What is your favorite praise song? Psalm? Why?  How is God growing you through your time in the Psalms this year? (Psalm 47:6-7)

9.     Why is Psalm 47:8-9 an important reminder when life feels so out-of-control?

10.  What do you think it would have been like to walk up into the fortress of Jerusalem (Zion)?  What do you think it would have been like to enter into the mighty temple of Solomon’s day? In what ways does Psalm 48 help us look forward to Heaven?

11.  Why is it so important to “tell the next generation” about the one, true God? (Psalm 48:13). What are some effective ways to communicate faith to the next generation?

12.  Looking over Proverbs 11:1-15, what verse is most helpful to you, why? What are some of your favorite contrasts between the “righteous” and the “wicked”?

13.  How would you define “pride”? Why is pride so dangerous? (Proverbs 11:2). When was a time that God gave you the gift of humility?

14.  What does it mean that “when the wicked dies, his hope will perish”? (Proverbs 11:7) How is that different for the believer (the “righteous”)?

15.  How would you define “gossip”? In what ways does it put down others?  Why is gossip so hard to stop? How is Proverbs 11:12-13 helpful in confronting the temptation to gossip?