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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
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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
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
LUKE 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I will bring you good news of greta joy that will be for all people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a greta company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I will bring you good news of greta joy that will be for all people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a greta company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
FROM THE LESSON
Signs in the Bible - when something was too good to be true and too great to be real, a sign was given to encourage and to confirm belief.
Parabola of Salvation - the good news of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. The good news of the gospel includes a manger, a cross, an empty tomb, and a crown.
Presence Matters - the good news of the manger is that presence matters to God. When God seems distant to you, let the manger remind you of the distance God came to be with you.
Donkey Dish - the word "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat" or "to chew." The manger was a feeding trough for dirty animals.
The Helper - "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening and He is ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; and if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message)
Signs in the Bible - when something was too good to be true and too great to be real, a sign was given to encourage and to confirm belief.
Parabola of Salvation - the good news of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. The good news of the gospel includes a manger, a cross, an empty tomb, and a crown.
Presence Matters - the good news of the manger is that presence matters to God. When God seems distant to you, let the manger remind you of the distance God came to be with you.
Donkey Dish - the word "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat" or "to chew." The manger was a feeding trough for dirty animals.
The Helper - "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening and He is ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; and if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Icebreaker: What is the closest you have ever been to a United States president? Share the details with your group.
2 Has God ever seemed distant to you? Have you ever been through a season in your life when God felt distant and far away? Share the details with your group.
3 The nearness of the King means He has come to be with us. Talk about the importance of God's presence with your group.
4 The nearness of the King means He has come to know us and to be known by us. Discuss both the humility and the accessibility of the manger.
5 The nearness of the King means He has come to help us. The Greek word for Helper means one who is called alongside to help (to comfort, to encourage, to empower, to sustain). How have you experienced the help of the Lord?
1 Icebreaker: What is the closest you have ever been to a United States president? Share the details with your group.
2 Has God ever seemed distant to you? Have you ever been through a season in your life when God felt distant and far away? Share the details with your group.
3 The nearness of the King means He has come to be with us. Talk about the importance of God's presence with your group.
4 The nearness of the King means He has come to know us and to be known by us. Discuss both the humility and the accessibility of the manger.
5 The nearness of the King means He has come to help us. The Greek word for Helper means one who is called alongside to help (to comfort, to encourage, to empower, to sustain). How have you experienced the help of the Lord?
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
LUKE 1:8-17
8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
FROM THE LESSON
A Christmas Carol - "Good Spirit, assure me that I may yet change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. I will honor Christmas in my heart." Ebenezer Scrooge
Preparation Day - the Israelites had a day designated each week, a day that was part of their weekly routine called the Preparation Day. It was always the day before the Sabbath. In order to keep the Sabbath properly, adequate preparation was necessary.
Make Ready A People Prepared - in ancient times, before a King visited any part of his realm, a messenger was sent before him to prepare the way. And this included everything from repairing the roads to preparing the people. This was the specific role for John the Baptist in the coming of Jesus.
Lamps Without Oil - this is meant to be comical. This is not an accident. It is making a choice to be unprepared. The equivalent today would be showing up for something just holding a light bulb, instead of bringing a flashlight.
KB - he is a Christian hip-hop artist and music executive. He has a podcast called The Southside Rabbi and has written a book titled "Dangerous Jesus." He reminded us that Christianity is not about coming to a building to hear about the King, but about the King coming into our life.
A Christmas Carol - "Good Spirit, assure me that I may yet change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. I will honor Christmas in my heart." Ebenezer Scrooge
Preparation Day - the Israelites had a day designated each week, a day that was part of their weekly routine called the Preparation Day. It was always the day before the Sabbath. In order to keep the Sabbath properly, adequate preparation was necessary.
Make Ready A People Prepared - in ancient times, before a King visited any part of his realm, a messenger was sent before him to prepare the way. And this included everything from repairing the roads to preparing the people. This was the specific role for John the Baptist in the coming of Jesus.
Lamps Without Oil - this is meant to be comical. This is not an accident. It is making a choice to be unprepared. The equivalent today would be showing up for something just holding a light bulb, instead of bringing a flashlight.
KB - he is a Christian hip-hop artist and music executive. He has a podcast called The Southside Rabbi and has written a book titled "Dangerous Jesus." He reminded us that Christianity is not about coming to a building to hear about the King, but about the King coming into our life.
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
ISAIAH 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
FROM THE LESSON
An Anointed Person - in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) the word is meshiach, from which we get the title, Messiah. In Greek (the language of the New Testament) the word is christos, from which we get the title, Christ.
A Promise to David - "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
14 Generations - in Matthew's genealogy, there are fourteen generations from no king to a king (Abraham to David), fourteen generations from a king to no king (David to exile), and fourteen generations from no king to a king (exile to Jesus).
Drum Roll Please - “The average person who thinks maybe I’ll read the New Testament is puzzled to find, on the very first page, a long list of names he or she had never heard of. But it is important not to think that this is a waste of time. For many cultures ancient and modern, and certainly in the Jewish world of Matthew’s day, this genealogy was the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets and a town crier calling for attention.” (NT Wright)
Eager Expectation - it is a word found only in Christian literature. Paul used it twice in the New Testament (Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20). In fact, most scholars think it was a word coined by the early Christians to describe their unique way of living. Literally the word means "to stretch your head away from your body."
An Anointed Person - in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) the word is meshiach, from which we get the title, Messiah. In Greek (the language of the New Testament) the word is christos, from which we get the title, Christ.
A Promise to David - "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
14 Generations - in Matthew's genealogy, there are fourteen generations from no king to a king (Abraham to David), fourteen generations from a king to no king (David to exile), and fourteen generations from no king to a king (exile to Jesus).
Drum Roll Please - “The average person who thinks maybe I’ll read the New Testament is puzzled to find, on the very first page, a long list of names he or she had never heard of. But it is important not to think that this is a waste of time. For many cultures ancient and modern, and certainly in the Jewish world of Matthew’s day, this genealogy was the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets and a town crier calling for attention.” (NT Wright)
Eager Expectation - it is a word found only in Christian literature. Paul used it twice in the New Testament (Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20). In fact, most scholars think it was a word coined by the early Christians to describe their unique way of living. Literally the word means "to stretch your head away from your body."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Do you enjoy learning about your family's genealogy? Do you have any interesting information to share about your family tree? Share with your group.
2 Have you ever thought it strange that the New Testament begins with a genealogy? Does it help you better understand the purpose of the genealogy to think of it as "the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets, and a town crier calling for attention"?
3 Read Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20. The word Paul used in these two verses is translated as "eager expectation." It is a word to describe the unique way that early Christians lived. Can you think of a time when you have lived "eagerly expecting" something or someone? Describe how it affected the way you lived.
4 Would you say as Christians that we live in "eager expectation" of the return of Jesus Christ? Discuss with your group.
5 The season of Advent teaches us to learn from our ancestors to once again be a people who long for the coming of our King. How might we live differently if we lived eagerly expecting the coming of our King?
1 Do you enjoy learning about your family's genealogy? Do you have any interesting information to share about your family tree? Share with your group.
2 Have you ever thought it strange that the New Testament begins with a genealogy? Does it help you better understand the purpose of the genealogy to think of it as "the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets, and a town crier calling for attention"?
3 Read Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20. The word Paul used in these two verses is translated as "eager expectation." It is a word to describe the unique way that early Christians lived. Can you think of a time when you have lived "eagerly expecting" something or someone? Describe how it affected the way you lived.
4 Would you say as Christians that we live in "eager expectation" of the return of Jesus Christ? Discuss with your group.
5 The season of Advent teaches us to learn from our ancestors to once again be a people who long for the coming of our King. How might we live differently if we lived eagerly expecting the coming of our King?