Sermon Discussion Guide: 6/2/24
Sermon Recap:
Text: Psalm 1
Big Idea: Psalm 1 is a guide to the happy life.
Summary: Psalm 1 is sometimes referred to as the preface to the rest of the psalms. It is sometimes considered the "gateway" to receiving all the other psalms. It stands unique because of its design as wisdom literature. It invites us to find the blessing and happiness that flows from the life that finds its delight in God and His Word.
This psalm juxtaposes two ways of living—one that finds its delight in God and one that stands in rebellion to Him and His ways. The first is like a tree planted by streams and bears fruit. This is an image of life, sustenance, abundance, and flourishing. The latter is like chaff, which is an image of dead, dried up, and useless waste. This psalm, in a very winsome yet blunt way, shows how the way we order our lives in accordance with God's design and instruction brings ultimate joy and blessing.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about when you hear the word "happiness" associated with the Christian life?
2. In what ways does the Christian life look happy compared to the world around? In what ways does the Christian life still carry sadness? Why or why isn't this a contradiction?
3. How have you practically practiced the spiritual discipline of meditation? What works best for you?
4. What hinders you from meditating on God's Word regularly (day and night)?
5. Do you find meditating on God's Word to be more of a duty/obligation or a genuine delight and high point in your day? Why do you think that is? (Be honest here!)
6. How does the way in which we pattern and discipline our lives produce the thriving of "a tree planted by streams of water"? What does this look like tangibly?
7. How have you seen God "bear fruit" in your life as you connect yourself to Him through His Word? (The more recent the better.)
Text: Psalm 1
Big Idea: Psalm 1 is a guide to the happy life.
Summary: Psalm 1 is sometimes referred to as the preface to the rest of the psalms. It is sometimes considered the "gateway" to receiving all the other psalms. It stands unique because of its design as wisdom literature. It invites us to find the blessing and happiness that flows from the life that finds its delight in God and His Word.
This psalm juxtaposes two ways of living—one that finds its delight in God and one that stands in rebellion to Him and His ways. The first is like a tree planted by streams and bears fruit. This is an image of life, sustenance, abundance, and flourishing. The latter is like chaff, which is an image of dead, dried up, and useless waste. This psalm, in a very winsome yet blunt way, shows how the way we order our lives in accordance with God's design and instruction brings ultimate joy and blessing.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about when you hear the word "happiness" associated with the Christian life?
2. In what ways does the Christian life look happy compared to the world around? In what ways does the Christian life still carry sadness? Why or why isn't this a contradiction?
3. How have you practically practiced the spiritual discipline of meditation? What works best for you?
4. What hinders you from meditating on God's Word regularly (day and night)?
5. Do you find meditating on God's Word to be more of a duty/obligation or a genuine delight and high point in your day? Why do you think that is? (Be honest here!)
6. How does the way in which we pattern and discipline our lives produce the thriving of "a tree planted by streams of water"? What does this look like tangibly?
7. How have you seen God "bear fruit" in your life as you connect yourself to Him through His Word? (The more recent the better.)
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