Week 20 - The Psalms and Proverbs
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Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
When did God take a difficult season or situation and use it as a blessing?
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 58 ~ Psalm 59 ~ Psalm 60 ~ Proverbs 13
1. Why can politics be such a touchy issue to discuss? Why is it such an important topic?
2. What are some of the characteristics of bad leaders described in Psalm 58:2-5? What are forms of injustice that we can see in our government and other governments today?
3. Would you struggle with praying Psalm 58? Why or why not?
4. How can Psalm 58 guide us in praying for our government leaders today? What are some specific ways we could apply such prayers? How is a prayer ultimately trusting in the Lord’s justice and vengeance in such situations?
5. If you were in the midst of a military battlefield, how would you pray for yourself? How would you pray for your enemies? How does the military battle perspective help us to better understand the vivid descriptions of Psalm 58:6-9?
6. How does life often feel like a military battle? In what ways do you feel Satan attacks you most often? If you were in a military battle and found victory, could you see yourself celebrating a victory similar to what is described in Psalm 58:10-11? Why or why not?
7. In what ways have you asked God to “deliver” you in your life? In what ways have you found yourself pursued and attacked? How has God answered you in your times of need? (Psalm 59:1-2)
8. Read Psalm 59:3-4. How does this remind you of Job being attacked by Satan in Job 1-2? Have you ever been harassed and attacked by someone who is just seeking to “stir up strife”? What did that feel like? What did it feel like when you found relief from the harassment?
9. When we suffer in ways we don’t deserve, how do we want to respond? How should we respond?
a. Skim over the resource at: www.trustworthyword.com/enemies What is a truth, strategy, or solution that stands out to you about our enemies and how to respond to them? What is your favorite verse about enemies?
b. Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
c. Luke 6:27–28 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
d. How is it possible to simultaneously love our enemies and pray against them?
10. What does it mean that the Lord laughs at His enemies and holds them in “derision”? (Psalm 59:8) How does this reality give us greater confidence as children of God? How does Psalm 59:9-10 encourage your faith? What do you think of the finish of Psalm 59?
11. Read Psalm 60:1-3,10 and 1 Samuel 12:14–15. When a nation is suffering, why is it important to self-evaluate and see if your nation is under God’s judgment? Is your nation suffering? If so, how? Why?
12. When can you remember a time of war? What feelings and thoughts did you experience? What would it be like to live in the midst of an actual military battlefield? What did/would it feel like when the war was over? When there was victory and peace? What is helpful in the finish of Psalm 60 (verses 11-12)?
13. What is your favorite verse from Proverbs 13? Why?
14. Read Proverbs 13:24. Why is parenting so tough? Why is parental discipline so important? What are some parenting lessons or tips that you’d share to other parents?