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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
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4 days ago
4 days ago
LUKE 18:1-8
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
FROM THE LESSON
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
The Fatih Question - his question in verse 8 is "not asked for the purpose of speculation but for the purpose of self-examination."
Importance of Faith - "Jesus has more regard for faith than for anything else the earth can yield him." Charles Spurgeon
Misconceptions About Faith:
1 Faith is NOT a leap in the dark
2 Faith is NOT the opposite of works
3 Faith is NOT having a positive mindset
4 Faith is NOT a decision to just believe
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
The Fatih Question - his question in verse 8 is "not asked for the purpose of speculation but for the purpose of self-examination."
Importance of Faith - "Jesus has more regard for faith than for anything else the earth can yield him." Charles Spurgeon
Misconceptions About Faith:
1 Faith is NOT a leap in the dark
2 Faith is NOT the opposite of works
3 Faith is NOT having a positive mindset
4 Faith is NOT a decision to just believe
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Ice Breaker: Do you have a favorite Rocky movie (or a favorite scene) or do you have a Rocky story from your life you could share with your group?
1 Read again Luke 18:1-8. Discuss the widow of this parable as an illustration of the kind of faith that the Son of Man will be looking for upon His return.
2 Would you describe your faith as more of a leap into the unknown or a decision grounded in solid reasoning and substantial proof?
3 Read James 2:26. How has this verse helped you think about the relationship of faith and works?
4 Are you more of a optimist, pessimist, or a realist? What is the difference between having a positive mindset and having faith?
5 Belief has often been reduced to nothing more than mental agreement. Discuss the difference between this kind of belief and the belief of Scripture.
Ice Breaker: Do you have a favorite Rocky movie (or a favorite scene) or do you have a Rocky story from your life you could share with your group?
1 Read again Luke 18:1-8. Discuss the widow of this parable as an illustration of the kind of faith that the Son of Man will be looking for upon His return.
2 Would you describe your faith as more of a leap into the unknown or a decision grounded in solid reasoning and substantial proof?
3 Read James 2:26. How has this verse helped you think about the relationship of faith and works?
4 Are you more of a optimist, pessimist, or a realist? What is the difference between having a positive mindset and having faith?
5 Belief has often been reduced to nothing more than mental agreement. Discuss the difference between this kind of belief and the belief of Scripture.
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
PSALM 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
FROM THE LESSON
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: What is your favorite form of amusement? What do you do for entertainment? Discuss the connection between amusement and not thinking.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
PSALM 38
A psalm of David. A petition.
A psalm of David. A petition.
1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.
9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.
13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
21 LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.
2 Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.
9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.
13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
21 LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.
FROM THE LESSON
The penitential psalms :
These are the psalms of repentance.
There are seven of them in the Psalter: Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
Four characteristics of repentance:
A - Ask for His correction with mercy (verse 1)
B - Bring it all to Him (verse 9)
C - Convicted by your sin (verse 18)
D - Desperate for His help (verses 21-22)
Four areas David brought to the Lord:
1 the iniquity caused by his sin
2 the ill effects caused by his sin
3 the isolation felt because of his sin
4 the injustice experienced because of his sin
A person of repentance:
"I don't want to be known as a person who has made a difference,
I want to be known as a person who has been made different."
The penitential psalms :
These are the psalms of repentance.
There are seven of them in the Psalter: Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
Four characteristics of repentance:
A - Ask for His correction with mercy (verse 1)
B - Bring it all to Him (verse 9)
C - Convicted by your sin (verse 18)
D - Desperate for His help (verses 21-22)
Four areas David brought to the Lord:
1 the iniquity caused by his sin
2 the ill effects caused by his sin
3 the isolation felt because of his sin
4 the injustice experienced because of his sin
A person of repentance:
"I don't want to be known as a person who has made a difference,
I want to be known as a person who has been made different."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: Do you have a testimony or story from your life about repentance that you can share with the group?
1. How do you feel about the prayer, "Correct me, Lord"? Read verse 1 again. David is not asking the Lord to not correct him, he is asking the Lord to correct him with mercy. Discuss the difference with your group.
2 The sermon highlighted all of the different areas that David brought to the Lord (each one begins with "my" - ie. my sin, my guilt, my heart). Read verse 9 again. David is bringing "all" of these areas to the Lord. How does his example encourage you?
3 Read verse 18. We must not only confess our sin with our mouths, we must also be convicted by our sin in our hearts. Discuss the importance of both of these responses to our sin.
4 Read verses 21 and 22. What do you hear in David's voice? Do you sense his desperation and his urgency? When are the times when you need the Lord's help most in your life?
1. How do you feel about the prayer, "Correct me, Lord"? Read verse 1 again. David is not asking the Lord to not correct him, he is asking the Lord to correct him with mercy. Discuss the difference with your group.
2 The sermon highlighted all of the different areas that David brought to the Lord (each one begins with "my" - ie. my sin, my guilt, my heart). Read verse 9 again. David is bringing "all" of these areas to the Lord. How does his example encourage you?
3 Read verse 18. We must not only confess our sin with our mouths, we must also be convicted by our sin in our hearts. Discuss the importance of both of these responses to our sin.
4 Read verses 21 and 22. What do you hear in David's voice? Do you sense his desperation and his urgency? When are the times when you need the Lord's help most in your life?
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
PSALM 36
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord.
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord.
1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—thrown down, not able to rise!
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—thrown down, not able to rise!
FROM THE LESSON
Three sections of Psalm 36
Section 1: Verses 1-4 are in the form of a lament.
Section 2: Verses 5-9 are in the form of a praise or hymn.
Section 3: Verses 10-12 are in the form of a prayer.
No Fear of God
"To have no fear of God is failing to believe not that He exists but that He matters" Timothy Keller
The Four Chambers of God's Heart
1 Your love reaches to the heavens (verse 5)
2 Your faithfulness reaches to the skies (verse 5)
3 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains (verse 6)
4 Your justice is like the great deep (verse 6)
Definition of Hesed
The Hebrew word occurs 245 in the Old Testament but it is really difficult to translate into English. It is a bigger and better word than our English word for love. The ESV translates is as "steadfast love." The NLT translates it as "unfailing love." It is love "with super glue on it." It is love with an "mmph."
Three sections of Psalm 36
Section 1: Verses 1-4 are in the form of a lament.
Section 2: Verses 5-9 are in the form of a praise or hymn.
Section 3: Verses 10-12 are in the form of a prayer.
No Fear of God
"To have no fear of God is failing to believe not that He exists but that He matters" Timothy Keller
The Four Chambers of God's Heart
1 Your love reaches to the heavens (verse 5)
2 Your faithfulness reaches to the skies (verse 5)
3 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains (verse 6)
4 Your justice is like the great deep (verse 6)
Definition of Hesed
The Hebrew word occurs 245 in the Old Testament but it is really difficult to translate into English. It is a bigger and better word than our English word for love. The ESV translates is as "steadfast love." The NLT translates it as "unfailing love." It is love "with super glue on it." It is love with an "mmph."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: Can you think of an example of how you have personally experienced the pervasiveness in our culture of the message to "follow your heart?"
1. In verses 1-4, David laments the condition of the human heart. Read these verses again. What stands out to you about his description?
2. Keller's description of what it means to have no fear of God is helpful. Discuss his description with your group. Can you think of an example from your life when you or someone close to you was indifferent to God?
3. In verses 5-6, David praises the beauty of God's heart. Read these verses again. How does the idea that these four attributes are all part of God's heart help you to think about the heart of God?
4. Hesed is a great Hebrew word that does not translate well into English. What are some ways you have understood or been taught to think about hesed? Read again verses 7-9. How do these descriptions of hesed help you to understand?
5. The takeaway from the lesson today is to not follow your heart, but instead to know God's heart. Discuss this takeaway with your group.
1. In verses 1-4, David laments the condition of the human heart. Read these verses again. What stands out to you about his description?
2. Keller's description of what it means to have no fear of God is helpful. Discuss his description with your group. Can you think of an example from your life when you or someone close to you was indifferent to God?
3. In verses 5-6, David praises the beauty of God's heart. Read these verses again. How does the idea that these four attributes are all part of God's heart help you to think about the heart of God?
4. Hesed is a great Hebrew word that does not translate well into English. What are some ways you have understood or been taught to think about hesed? Read again verses 7-9. How do these descriptions of hesed help you to understand?
5. The takeaway from the lesson today is to not follow your heart, but instead to know God's heart. Discuss this takeaway with your group.
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
PSALM 37
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.
12 The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.
and gnashes his teeth at him,
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose way is upright;
15 their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose way is upright;
15 their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.
16 Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
and their heritage will remain forever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times;
in the days of famine they have abundance.
and their heritage will remain forever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times;
in the days of famine they have abundance.
20 But the wicked will perish;
the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back,
but the righteous is generous and gives;
22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
but the righteous is generous and gives;
22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
27 Turn away from evil and do good;
so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land
and dwell upon it forever.
so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land
and dwell upon it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
32 The wicked watches for the righteous
and seeks to put him to death.
33 The Lord will not abandon him to his power
or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
and seeks to put him to death.
33 The Lord will not abandon him to his power
or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.
spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
FROM THE LESSON
Psalm 37 is an instructional psalm in the Wisdom Literature genre, concerning itself with passing on advice that will help someone live in a way that leads to wisdom, righteousness, and life, rather than foolishness, wickedness, and death.
"Fret not" is a phrase that occurs several times in the psalm. It carries a strong meaning, literally translated as "do not let your anger burn".
Verse 1 - the WHAT
Do not be overwhelmed by your anger over the wicked and prosperous actions of others.
Verse 2 - the WHY
The prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, and evil brings its own terrible consequences.
Verse 3 - the HOW
Trust God, do good, dwell in the land, and befriend faithfulness.
Psalm 37 is an instructional psalm in the Wisdom Literature genre, concerning itself with passing on advice that will help someone live in a way that leads to wisdom, righteousness, and life, rather than foolishness, wickedness, and death.
"Fret not" is a phrase that occurs several times in the psalm. It carries a strong meaning, literally translated as "do not let your anger burn".
Verse 1 - the WHAT
Do not be overwhelmed by your anger over the wicked and prosperous actions of others.
Verse 2 - the WHY
The prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, and evil brings its own terrible consequences.
Verse 3 - the HOW
Trust God, do good, dwell in the land, and befriend faithfulness.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: Jeremy shared some observations about "unfairness" that children make. What are some things you've observed that are "unfair" in a similar way?
- David composes this psalm to address the challenge that followers of God face when they watch people who seem to profit from wickedness. What does "profitable wickedness" look like today?
- David writes about how the tools of the wicked will be turned against them. How does evil bring its own terrible consequences? What might this look like?
- Instead of repaying evil with evil, David encourages us to trust God, do good, dwell in the land, and befriend faithfulness.
- What do you think is intended by the phrase "dwell in the land"?
- Do these seem like adequate responses to egregious injustice and wickedness?
- Jeremy contrasted two responses to perceived injustice - that of the United Healthcare shooter and that of MLK Jr. and the civil rights movement. Which sort of response do you see our culture moving more towards? Which response do you see Christians moving toward? How can we make sure we respond in the way David instructs in Psalm 37?
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
PSALM 35
1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation." 4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. 5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; 6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, 8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. 10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” 11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. 19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. 20 They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They gape at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it." 22 O Lord, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” 28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation." 4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. 5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; 6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, 8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. 10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” 11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. 19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. 20 They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They gape at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it." 22 O Lord, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” 28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
FROM THE LESSON
Schadenfreude - it is a German word that literally means "harm-joy" and has come to mean "the pleasure that is derived from another's misfortune."
Imprecatory Psalms - to imprecate is a word that means to utter a curse against someone or something. The imprecatory psalms are psalms which call for God’s judgment to fall down on the wicked. Of the 150 psalms in our Bible, anywhere between 14-28 of them are put in this category of imprecatory psalms.
Three Things to Know about Imprecatory Psalms:
1 Complaint is a good and necessary thing.
2 Cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience.
3 Cursing becomes blessing at the cross.
Three Responses to Reading Psalm 35:
1 We agree with David that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience.
2 We admit that cursing is God's right response to my sin and disobedience.
3 We allow this reality to motivate us to tell others about the cross of Jesus Christ.
Schadenfreude - it is a German word that literally means "harm-joy" and has come to mean "the pleasure that is derived from another's misfortune."
Imprecatory Psalms - to imprecate is a word that means to utter a curse against someone or something. The imprecatory psalms are psalms which call for God’s judgment to fall down on the wicked. Of the 150 psalms in our Bible, anywhere between 14-28 of them are put in this category of imprecatory psalms.
Three Things to Know about Imprecatory Psalms:
1 Complaint is a good and necessary thing.
2 Cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience.
3 Cursing becomes blessing at the cross.
Three Responses to Reading Psalm 35:
1 We agree with David that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience.
2 We admit that cursing is God's right response to my sin and disobedience.
3 We allow this reality to motivate us to tell others about the cross of Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 One of the primary things David is wrestling with in this psalm is schadenfreude. Read verses 15-16, 19, 24, and 26. People were rejoicing over his misfortune. How have you seen or experienced this in your life?
2 Read verses 17 and 22. Biblical complaint is communicating with God about the tension created between what we know about God's character and how we feel about our circumstances. Talk about Biblical complaint with your group.
3 Read verses 4-6 and 26-27. How do you hear these words of cursing from David? Have you ever felt like this toward anyone else? Does knowing that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience help you to better understand his words?
4 Read Galatians 3:13-14. Cursing becomes blessing at the cross. Discuss this gospel reality with your group.
5 Read over the three responses to reading Psalm 35 that are listed in the section above. Which one of these responses did you connect with the most this morning?
1 One of the primary things David is wrestling with in this psalm is schadenfreude. Read verses 15-16, 19, 24, and 26. People were rejoicing over his misfortune. How have you seen or experienced this in your life?
2 Read verses 17 and 22. Biblical complaint is communicating with God about the tension created between what we know about God's character and how we feel about our circumstances. Talk about Biblical complaint with your group.
3 Read verses 4-6 and 26-27. How do you hear these words of cursing from David? Have you ever felt like this toward anyone else? Does knowing that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience help you to better understand his words?
4 Read Galatians 3:13-14. Cursing becomes blessing at the cross. Discuss this gospel reality with your group.
5 Read over the three responses to reading Psalm 35 that are listed in the section above. Which one of these responses did you connect with the most this morning?
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
PSALM 34
1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
FROM THE LESSON
The Story Behind the Psalm: you can read about the historical context of this psalm in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
Two Kinds of Fear: David deals with two very different kinds of fear in this psalm. First, there is the fear addressed in verse 4 which scholars refer to as "mortal fear." It is a very negative kind of fear. It is synonymous with dread and terror. It is an intense, irrational kind of fear that comes from trouble. Second, there is the fear addresses in verses 7 and 9 which scholars refer to as "saving fear." It is an extremely positive kind of fear. It is a humble, relational kind of fear that comes from trust.
Four Parts of Psalm 34:
Words of Introduction (verses 1-3)
Words of Illustration (verses 4-7)
Words of Invitation (verses 8-10)
Words of Instruction (verses 11-22)
Worship is a Choice: it must be a conscious decision made beforehand that no matter what the circumstances I am going to choose to worship God.
Process of Praying through Unhealthy Fear: Seek the Lord in prayer - Trust that the Lord hears and answers your prayer - Know that the Lord delivers and saves His people
The Story Behind the Psalm: you can read about the historical context of this psalm in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
Two Kinds of Fear: David deals with two very different kinds of fear in this psalm. First, there is the fear addressed in verse 4 which scholars refer to as "mortal fear." It is a very negative kind of fear. It is synonymous with dread and terror. It is an intense, irrational kind of fear that comes from trouble. Second, there is the fear addresses in verses 7 and 9 which scholars refer to as "saving fear." It is an extremely positive kind of fear. It is a humble, relational kind of fear that comes from trust.
Four Parts of Psalm 34:
Words of Introduction (verses 1-3)
Words of Illustration (verses 4-7)
Words of Invitation (verses 8-10)
Words of Instruction (verses 11-22)
Worship is a Choice: it must be a conscious decision made beforehand that no matter what the circumstances I am going to choose to worship God.
Process of Praying through Unhealthy Fear: Seek the Lord in prayer - Trust that the Lord hears and answers your prayer - Know that the Lord delivers and saves His people
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Do you have a go-to worship song when you are struggling with fear, anxiety or worry? How have you made worship a choice in your life?
2 Read verses 4-6 in this psalm. David shares a prayer process twice in these verses for emphasis. How have you seen this process in your own life?
3 One of the most well-known verses in all of Scripture is Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed are all who trust in Him." How has this verse ministered to you in your life? Is the Lord inviting you to something more in your relationship with Him?
4 Was the discussion of the two different kinds of fear helpful for you this morning? In what ways? How have you experienced the mortal fear of verse 4? How have you experienced the saving fear of verses 7 and 9?
1 Do you have a go-to worship song when you are struggling with fear, anxiety or worry? How have you made worship a choice in your life?
2 Read verses 4-6 in this psalm. David shares a prayer process twice in these verses for emphasis. How have you seen this process in your own life?
3 One of the most well-known verses in all of Scripture is Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed are all who trust in Him." How has this verse ministered to you in your life? Is the Lord inviting you to something more in your relationship with Him?
4 Was the discussion of the two different kinds of fear helpful for you this morning? In what ways? How have you experienced the mortal fear of verse 4? How have you experienced the saving fear of verses 7 and 9?
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024