Week 8 - The Psalms and Proverbs

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Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

How are you seeing God grow you this year?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 22 ~ Psalm 23 ~ Psalm 24 ~ Proverbs 6:1-19

1.     When was a particularly difficult season in your life?  Did you ever find yourself doubting God or questioning why He wasn’t answering your prayers the way you hoped?  What did that feel like?  Does it sound similar to the way David starts Psalm 22?

2.     Despite David’s struggles, he says “yet you are holy, enthroned” (Psalm 22:3)?  Why is that an important reminder in the midst of our own suffering?

3.     Have you ever experienced people mocking you for your beliefs?  What did that feel like?  How did God grow you through those trials?

4.     Why is so helpful to know with confidence that God has cared for you from the moment of your conception in your “mother’s womb”? (Psalm 22:9-10)

5.     What prophecies of Jesus’ death do you find in Psalm 22?  How does Jesus’ loving sacrifice on the cross encourage your soul and strengthen your spirit?

6.     Do you struggle with being in church or find it to be a comfort each week? (Psalm 22:22, 25)

7.     What does it look like to “seek” the Lord? (Psalm 22:26)

8.     In what ways are you seeking to show the Gospel into the “coming generation” through your church, workplace, and family? (Psalm. 22:30-31)

9.     Why do you think Psalm 23 is one of the best-known Psalms? Why do you think people often use it with their funeral services? What is your favorite verse from Psalm 23? Why?

10.  How does the imagery of God as shepherd help you to better understand His love?  When is a time that you experienced His “shepherding” of your soul?

11.  Why is it so important to remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go?  Why is focusing into our future “in the house of the Lord forever” so helpful for endurance?  How is that similar to a runner focusing on the finish line of a race?

12.  If it takes “clean hands” and a “pure heart” to be in God’s “holy place”, how is it possible for sinful humans to be in Heaven? (Psalm 24:3-4) How does this make you more grateful for Jesus’ death on the cross?

13.  How does focusing on the “King of glory” help encourage your faith? (Psalm 24:7-10) Do you have a particular Christian song or hymn that helps you refocus in times of trouble?

14.  Why should we be careful before we make promises or commitments?  Why is our reputation integrally connected to our Gospel witness? (Proverbs 6:1-5)

15.  Read Proverbs 6:6-11. How is an ant a good example for our work ethic?  What does the warning about laziness mean?  Do you feel like you have a good balance in your work ethic? In what ways might you be able to improve your work ethic or heed the warnings from this passage?

16.  Look at the list of things God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19.  How does this connect to your own experiences in life?  What are some modern-day examples of these things the Lord hates?