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Bible Study Methods 2

Week 1 | Survey 4

Week 2 | Psalm 1 12

Week 3 | Psalm 13 18

Week 4 | Psalm 16 24

Week 5 | Psalm 46 30

Week 6 | Psalm 63 36

Week 7 | Psalm 76 44

Week 8 | Psalm 84 50

Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 56

Week 10 | Psalm 101 62

Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 68

Week 12 | Synthesis 74

BIBLE STUDY METHODS

This packet is designed to help us learn methods that will aid in our study of the Bible. These methods fit under three fundamental skills: observe, interpret, and apply. Hopefully as you practice these methods, your time studying the Bible will become more worshipful and meaningful. Listed below are the methods and purpose of each box to guide you in your weekly study.

Pray (How will I understand?): Before each Bible study our process should always start in prayer. We are utterly dependent upon God to reveal His will to us. Without God working in our hearts and minds as we study, the Bible becomes mere knowledge. The Holy Spirit is needed in order to turn knowledge into wisdom.

Observe (What does it say?): Before we can interpret the meaning of a passage, it’s important that we first make observations in the verses we’re reading. Take note of the grammatical, literary, and cultural elements of the passage. This involves considering key words, verbs, and connecting words, as well as the who, what, when, why, and how’s of the passage. Ask yourself questions such as: Who…Who is the psalmist talking about? Who is being addressed? Who is doing the actions in the poetry? Why…Why did the psalmist choose this word? Why did David use this metaphor? Why did the author present these ideas as parallel? Why did the Sons of Korah not say ______? What… What is the meaning of this word? What is the significance of this phrase? What is the implication of this statement? What is the relationship between these phrases? How… How was this action accomplished? How will this situation occur?

Interpret (What does it mean?) After careful observation, we can start trying to interpret what a certain verse or passage means. Our goal should be to determine what the author was saying to the original audience. In order to do this, we must understand the context. This entails reading the whole section, chapter, or book of whatever you’re studying in order to understand the overall idea and the author’s flow of thought.

BIBLE STUDY METHODS

Interpret (continued): We can also define key words, study cross-references, and compare multiple translations. Commentaries such as The New Illustrated Bible Commentary or many others can be helpful. Websites like biblestudytools.com or blueletterbible.org are helpful in studying key words in the original languages for a deeper understanding. Ask yourself questions such as:

What happened right before or right after the verses I am studying? What is the main idea of the chapter? What seems to be the author’s flow of thought? What cross references help clarify? What key words need to be defined? What do other translations say? How does it relate to the main idea of the chapter?

Apply (How does it apply to me?): Application is the last and most important step in Bible study. After we’ve established what the author was trying to communicate to the original audience, we can apply these truths to our own lives. Through prayer and reflection, think through key principles learned in the passage you’ve studied. Ask yourself questions such as: Is there something to worship or thank God for? Is there a promise for me to claim or a truth for me to believe? Is there something I am convicted about that I need to change or begin doing? Is there something I need to pray for specifically this week? Is there any relationship I need to work on? What exactly will I do differently this week to apply this principle to my life? Whom, other than the Lord, will I ask to help me follow through with this application?

3 Survey

WEEK1 Week 1 | Survey SURVEY: WHAT IS THE BIG IDEA?

Introduction

The English word “psalms” is a transliteration of the Greek title of the book psalmoi. This term originally pertained to the striking or plucking motion of the fingers in playing a stringed instrument. Later, this term’s semantic range expanded to mean song.

The book of the Psalms is a collection of 150 individual poetic pieces of literature originally intended to be sung to music. In fact, many of the Psalms maintain directions to musicians and choir directions about the performance of each piece.

As we examine the Psalms, we find a vast variety of topics, tones, themes expertly and lovingly crafted to communicate the deepest passions in the hearts of their authors. Yet, despite the uniqueness and individuality of each psalm, one common element unites them: praise of Yahweh.

So, the book in the middle of our Bibles that we call “Psalms” is like the prayerbook or the songbook of God’s people as they await the coming Messiah and his Kingdom. These songs were designed to be sung as prayers to Yahweh everywhere from the temple to the dinner table as a means of applying the theology of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) to the situations and circumstances of life through the medium of song.

Throughout the book, we learn the power of prayer, the honest expression of pain, and the prominence of praise in the life of the believer as we trust God’s provision and leading.

4 Week 1 | Survey SURVEY: WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

Design

Though many of the individual psalms contained in the book were designed to be sung in the temple by a choir, we shouldn’t think of Psalms merely as a “hymnal.” Throughout the history of God’s people, these songs, prayers, and poems were collected and woven together into the book of Psalms which reached its final form sometime after the Babylonian Exile. The Hebrew text is divided into five books which, when read from beginning to end, retell the beautiful and complex story of God’s people while also calling them to trust and remain faithful to God as they await the promised Messiah. As Tim Mackie of Bible Project says, the book of Psalms invites readers into God’s presence as a “literary temple” filled with images and reminders that God is the ruler of the universe.

Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the book as a whole where Psalm 1 extolls the virtues of obeying God’s instruction in the Torah and Psalm 2 is a reflection on the promise of God’s coming Messiah. Each book also closes with a similar ending or “doxology” which says something like “May the LORD God of Israel be Blessed Forever, amen and amen.”

Book 1 | Psalms 1-41: Reminds readers of the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant with Yahweh as they wait the coming of the Messiah.

Book 2 | Psalms 42-72: Encourages the people to look towards the future Davidic king who will rule over a new and restored Jerusalem

Book 3 | Psalms 73-89: Recalling the Babylonian exile, the people are warned of the consequences of rebelling against God’s rule and encouraged to repent because of God’s mercy.

Book 4 | Psalms 90-106: Recalling Moses and the salvation from slavery in Egypt by the hand of God, Yahweh is worshipped as king over all creation.

Book 5 | Psalms 107-150: Resounds with praise as the people are called to obey and eagerly expect the coming of the Messiah.

5 Week 1 | Survey CASE STUDY: HOW DOES HEBREW POETRY WORK ANYWAY?

“Introduction to Poetry”

I ask them to take a poem and hold it up to the light like a color slide or press an ear against its hive.

I say drop a mouse into a poem and watch him probe his way out, or walk inside the poem’s room and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to waterski across the surface of a poem waving at the author’s name on the shore.

But all they want to do is tie the poem to a chair with rope and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose to find out what it really means.

-Billy Collins

The movie Dead Poet Society begins with a scene where Dr. Keating, the unorthodox and inspiring new English teacher at an all-boys boarding school, opens class by directing a student to read their textbook’s introduction to “Understanding Poetry.” After listening to the definition, Dr. Keating directs the students to tear that page out of their textbooks calling its dry, uninspiring method of studying poetry “excrement.” Throughout the movie, Dr. Keating, shows the young men that poetry shouldn’t be studied like a lab specimen but enjoyed and experienced.

Similarly, if we pin poetry in the Psalms to a wall and try to diagram it rather than experience it, we risk missing the point. Poetry is a unique literary form and must be treated differently than prose discourse or narrative. It’s beautiful, tragic, funny, galvanizing, powerful, and mesmerizing—sometimes all at once! 6 Week 1 | Survey CASE STUDY: HOW DOES HEBREW POETRY WORK ANYWAY?

Yet, we must recognize that learning to read poetry (especially Hebrew poetry) is akin to learning to read computer code. It’s made of letters and symbols that we might recognize, but we can never hope to understand the meaning of a line of computer code unless we learn to recognize what the different words and symbols mean and how they relate to one another.

Understanding Hebrew poetry is no different. We may understand the words of a poem, but without an understanding of the rules that govern poetry and how it differs from other forms of literature, we might miss the author’s meaning. So, as we begin our journey studying the Psalms, we will engage in an exercise designed to help us recognize the unique literary methods employed by Hebrew authors. We will read a unique section in Scripture where the same event is told using both narrative: prose and poetry.

Read Exodus 14 (narrative/prose) and Exodus 15 (poetry) and answer the questions below.

1. Compare and contrast the narrative account of this event with its poetic retelling. How does the poetry illustrate the event? What literary tools (image, metaphor, personification, etc.) does he employ?

2. How does the poetic account differ from the narrative? Why do you think the chapter 15 explains the event using different details? Does that make the account unreliable? Why give two different accounts of the same event?

3. How does chapter 15 engage your senses? How does it make you feel? What techniques is the author using to activate your imagination?

7 Week 1 | Survey BACKGROUND Now that you’ve completed the case study exercise, read the following background information. Be sure to refer back this information throughout your study.

Authorship The book of Psalms was written and composed over a period of nearly 1,000 years (15th century BC during the time of Moses to the post-exilic period around the 5th century BC). Based on the superscriptions in the book of Psalms itself, David is the primary author having written 73 psalms (the New Testament suggests he also wrote Psalm 2 [Acts 4:25] and 95 [Heb. 4:7]). Other authors include the Sons of Korah (11), Asaph (12), Solomon and Moses. Though, many psalms are anonymous.

Several characteristics of the book suggest that the form we have today is the result of centuries of collecting and editing. Many psalms were written as songs to be included in the collection, though others likely began as deeply personal prayers that were adapted for congregational use.

Types of Psalms Though the primary thrust of the book of Psalms is the praise and worship of Yahweh, there are several identifiable forms and types of psalms. Scholars and theologians differ in their grouping of the Psalms, though the following list serves as an outline of the basic categories.

Songs of Lament bring a troubling and distressing situation before the Lord, asking him to intervene (Psalm 12, 13).

Songs of Praise call God’s people, the nations, and even creation to worship Yahweh for his acts and attributes (Psalm 8, 93, 145).

Songs of Thanksgiving worship God with gratitude for his help and answer of prayer (Psalm 9, 30).

Songs Celebrating God’s Law call the people to marvel at the wisdom and righteousness God as they strive to obey it as an act of faith in God (Psalm 119).

Royal Songs celebrate the Davidic line as God’s means for blessing God’s people and in bringing the world under his rule (Psalm 20). Often these also concern the Messiah, the ultimate heir to David’s throne (Psalm 2, 72, 110).

Prophetic Songs echo the voice of the Prophets in calling the people of God to covenant faithfulness and obedience (Psalm 81).

Wisdom Songs apply the themes found in the Wisdom Literature (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) through song (Psalm 1, 37). 8 Week 1 | Survey BACKGROUND

Literary Features of the Psalms As we study the Psalms we must remember that they are poems/songs designed to be read or sung in the context of worship or praise. Therefore, we do not relate them as we would literary forms like narrative or prose discourse. The authors of the Psalms employ a number of literary techniques as they activate our imagination and invite us into an emotional, embodied experience of life with God.

TERM EXPLANATION EXAMPLE Image A word or phrase that names a concrete The way (or path); the action or thing; by extension, a character, congregation (or assembly);

setting, or event in a story is an image—a nature (or harvest) (Psalm 1) concrete embodiment of human experience or an idea. Metaphor An implied comparison that does not use the “The LORD is my

formula like or as. shepherd.” (Ps. 1:3)

Simile A figure of speech in which a writer compares “He is a tree planted by tow things using the formula like or as. streams of water” (Ps. 1:3)

Personification A figure of speech in which human attributes Light and truth are

are given to something nonhuman, such as personified as guides in animals, objects, or abstract qualities. Psalm 43:3

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which a writer “My tears have been my food consciously exaggerates for the sake of effect; day and night” (Ps. 42:3) usually that effect is emotional, and thus, loosely put, hyperbole usually expresses

emotional truth rather than literal truth.

Apostrophe A figure of speech in which the writer The poet in Psalm 148:3 addresses someone absent as though present might well be looking up at and capable of responding. By slight the sun, moon, or stars as he extension, an apostrophe might be an address commands them to praise to something nonhuman as though it were God. human and capable of responding, even if the speaker is in the presence of the object.

Chart copied from: Crossway Bibles. ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles, 2007.

9 Week 1 | Survey BACKGROUND

Major Theological Themes and Ideas in the Psalms The worship of Yahweh: Yahweh (the personal, covenant name for God written in English translations as LORD) alone is worthy of worship and praise above all other beings. He is the creator, maker of heaven and earth, and ruler of all things. He is just and righteous in all of his deeds and wise in his governance. He is a keeper of his covenant promises and will act with love and faithfulness towards his people. He is holy and perfect in all his ways.

Creation and the Fall: Human beings were made with magnificent dignity and purpose as God’s representatives chosen to rule on his behalf over creation. Though, through sin, human beings fell into moral corruption and weakness.

Covenant Faithfulness: In his grace, God extended blessing and purpose to his chosen people as he called them into relationship and purpose as his representatives in the world. In response to his grace, each must trust and obey him as a sign of their faith and trust as they also call others to faithful commitment to the LORD. Those who do will experience the blessing of intimacy and delight in the LORD as they live their lives according to his extraordinary wisdom.

Suffering: God’s blessing does not equal escape from suffering. Even God’s chosen will experience hardship and difficulty as a part of life in a fallen world. The proper response to cry out to God trusting that he will deliver his people according to his covenant promises.

Eschatology: One day, God will bring all things to a magnificent completion for his glory and for the good of his people as the Messiah appears to lead the people into glory as he also brings light to the Gentiles.

Additional Resources: Bible Project Videos (“Overview: Psalms”, “How to Read the Bible: Poetry”, “How to Read the Bible: Psalms”); ESV Study Bible; Psalms: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible), by Douglas Sean O’Donnel; And I Will Praise Him: A Guide to Worship in the Psalms, by Ronald B. Allen.

10 Week 1 | Survey

MY OUTREACH GOALS

Write out Matthew 28:19-20

Write out 2 Timothy 2:2

The biblical mandate for Christians is clear. One of the primary ways we worship God in this life is through making disciples. According to 2 Timothy 2:2, discipleship occurs when we disciple others who are discipling others. Therefore, biblical discipleship happens when we share the gospel with someone, teach them how to love Jesus, and train them how to share Jesus with others. We know discipleship is taking place once the people we are discipling are doing the same thing with other people.

1) So, the question is, are you making disciples who are making disciples? Yes or No?

2) What keeps people from making disciples? What personally keeps you from making disciples?

3) Whether you are or you are not, let’s make that a goal this year, and start praying for that to happen. Pray right now, perhaps even write out your prayer below, and ask God to give you courage and boldness to make disciples.

11 Psalm 1

WEEK2 Week 2 | Psalm 1

Pause, Reflect, Consider: Before studying the passage for this week, spend a few moments taking inventory of your thoughts, feelings, and mindset. Remember, God graciously meets us where we’re at. But, we’re often so distracted and task-driven that we don’t pause to consider what emotions are driving us. Write them out here.

12 Week 2 | Psalm 1 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 1 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the why, & how of the passage)

wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so,

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the wicked will perish.

13 Week 2 | Psalm 1 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 14 Week 2 | Psalm 1 My notes

15 Week 2 | Psalm 1 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

16 Week 2 | Psalm 1 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

In order to effectively make disciples, we need to understand and feel confident sharing the gospel. The gospel is simply good news about Jesus Christ. There are a variety of great gospel presentations, but over the next few weeks we are going to rehearse and practice sharing two specific methods, namely, ‘Romans Road & 3 Circles.’ Let’s start by practicing the Romans Road. Write out the following verses in Romans that explain the gospel. Think through how you will introduce, transition, and close out your presentation.

 Intro:

 Romans 3:23:

 Transition:

 Romans 6:23:

 Transition:

 Romans 5:8:

 Transition:

 Romans 10:9:

 Closing:

17 Psalm 13

WEEK3 Week 3 | Psalm 13

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

18 Week 3 | Psalm 13 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 13 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? why, & how of the passage)

How long will You hide Your face from me?

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,

Having sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;

Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,

4 And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,

Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

19 Week 3 | Psalm 13 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 20 Week 3 | Psalm 13 My notes

21 Week 3 | Psalm 13 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

22 Week 3 | Psalm 13 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Let’s continue practicing sharing the gospel using the Romans Road. This time push yourself to memorize these verses. Write it out again this week, and rehearse it out loud 5 times. Do so while looking in the mirror, or maybe even record yourself! The more you practice, the more confident and ready you will be to share.

 Intro:

 Romans 3:23:

 Transition:

 Romans 6:23:

 Transition:

 Romans 5:8:

 Transition:

 Romans 10:9:

 Closing:

23 Psalm 16

WEEK4 Week 4 | Psalm 16

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

24 Week 4 | Psalm 16 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 16 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You. why, & how of the passage) 2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

I have no good besides You.”

3 As for the saints who are in the earth,

They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be

multiplied;

I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,

Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;

You support my lot.

6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;

Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;

Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

8 I have set the Lord continually before me;

Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;

My flesh also will dwell securely.

10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;

Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

11 You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

25 Week 4 | Psalm 16 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 26 Week 4 | Psalm 16 My Notes

27 Week 4 | Psalm 16 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

28 Week 4 | Psalm 16 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Continue rehearsing and practicing the Romans Road until you have mastered it. But now, let’s practice an additional method, the 3 Circles. Start out by watching the following 2-minute video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7mURm-8cOI (3 Circles: Sharing the Gospel)

Visual presentations can be helpful for people to understand the Gospel. The neat thing about the 3 circles presentation is it showcases the gospel as well as our mission once we believe the gospel. Think through how you would go about sharing the gospel via the 3 Circles and practice!

*Source: https://therismosgospelproject.org

29 Psalm 46

WEEK5 Week 5 | Psalm 46

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

30 Week 5 | Psalm 46 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 46 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and 1 God is our refuge and strength, connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, why, & how of the passage) A very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;

He raised His voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,

Who has wrought desolations in the earth.

9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;

He burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Cease striving and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the

earth.”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. 31 Week 5 | Psalm 46 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 32

Week 5 | Psalm 46 My Notes

33 Week 5 | Psalm 46 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

34 Week 5 | Psalm 46 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Let’s continue rehearsing and practicing the Romans Road & the 3 Circles until you have mastered it. This time push yourself to memorize 3 circles. Draw it out yourself, and rehearse it out loud 5 times. Do so while looking in the mirror, or maybe even record yourself! The more you practice, the more confident and ready you will be to share.

35 Psalm 63

WEEK6 Week 6 | Psalm 63

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

36 Week 6 | Psalm 63 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 63 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; why, & how of the passage)

My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,

In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,

To see Your power and Your glory.

3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips will praise You.

4 So I will bless You as long as I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,

And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

6 When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches,

7 For You have been my help,

And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

8 My soul clings to You;

Your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek my life to destroy it,

Will go into the depths of the earth.

10 They will be delivered over to the power of the sword;

They will be a prey for foxes.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;

Everyone who swears by Him will glory,

For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped. 37 Week 6 | Psalm 63 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 38 Week 6 | Psalm 63 My Notes

39 Week 6 | Psalm 63 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

40 Week 6 | Psalm 63 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Continue practicing Romans Road & 3 Circles until you have mastered it. But let’s now practice sharing your testimony. Shar- ing your testimony is probably one of the more effective ways to share the gospel because it’s personal and relatable. But don’t forget that the gospel should be the pinnacle of your testimony! Think through how you can concisely and effectively share the gospel in your testimony.

Let’s work on sharing a 2-5 minute personal testimony. Take a few minutes to think through some helpful suggestions written by CRU. Write out your answer to these questions on the next page.

My Life Before Christ  What about my life before Christ will relate most to the non-Christians I know?  What did my life revolve around? Where did I get my security, identity or happiness from?  How did those things begin to let me down?

How I Came to Christ  When was the first time I heard the gospel? What were my initial reactions?  When and why did my perspective of Christ begin to change?  What were the final struggles that went through my mind just before I accepted Him? Why did I finally decide to accept Christ (or give Him complete control of my life)?

My Life After Coming to Christ  How is my life different now? List some specific changes in your character, attitude and perspective on life.  What motivates me now? What do I live for?  Even though my life still isn’t perfect, how does knowing Christ help me deal with that fact?

Once you’ve thought through these questions, practice, practice, practice! Rehearse it 5 times and record it so that you can grow and push yourself to be confident in sharing the gospel.

41 Week 6 | Psalm 63 My Outreach Goals

42 Week 6 | Psalm 63 My Outreach Goals

43 Psalm 76

WEEK7 Week 7 | Psalm 76

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

44 Week 7 | Psalm 76 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 76 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and 1 God is known in Judah; connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, why, & how of the passage) His name is great in Israel.

2 His tabernacle is in Salem;

His dwelling place also is in Zion.

3 There He broke the flaming arrows,

The shield and the sword and the weapons of war. Selah.

4 You are resplendent,

More majestic than the mountains of prey.

5 The stouthearted were plundered,

They sank into sleep;

And none of the warriors could use his hands.

6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,

Both rider and horse were cast into a dead sleep.

7 You, even You, are to be feared;

And who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?

8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;

The earth feared and was still

9 When God arose to judgment,

To save all the humble of the earth. Selah.

10 For the wrath of man shall praise You;

With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself.

11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;

Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be

feared.

12 He will cut off the spirit of princes;

He is feared by the kings of the earth. 45 Week 7 | Psalm 76 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 46

Week 7 | Psalm 76 My Notes

47 Week 7 | Psalm 76 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

48 Week 7 | Psalm 76 My Outreach Goals

Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Practice sharing your testimony again. Before you begin to share your story to someone, you might say, “Can I tell you a lit- tle bit about my spiritual experience?”

Find some helpful tips when sharing the gospel at www.cru.org. One of them is these, “Sharing your story is not meant to be a one-way conversation. It’s a chance to show you care by listening and taking an interest in the other person’s story.”

Asking questions is one great way to do this. Try these:  What is your religious background?  What have you tried on your spiritual journey since then?  Where are you now on your spiritual journey?  Where do you want to be on your spiritual journey?

Continue rehearsing Romans Road, 3 Circles, and your Personal Testimony until you have mastered it.

*Source: www.cru.org 49 Psalm 84

WEEK8 Week 8 | Psalm 84

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

50 Week 8 | Psalm 84 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 84 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, why, & how of the passage) O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;

My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 The bird also has found a house,

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,

Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,

My King and my God.

4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!

They are ever praising You. Selah.

5 How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,

In whose heart are the highways to Zion!

6 Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;

The early rain also covers it with blessings.

7 They go from strength to strength,

Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.

9 Behold our shield, O God,

And look upon the face of Your anointed.

10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God

Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts,

How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

51 Week 8 | Psalm 84 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 52

Week 8 | Psalm 84 My Notes

53 Week 8 | Psalm 84 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

54 Week 8 | Psalm 84 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Now that you have practiced sharing the gospel and sharing your testimony, let’s start actively thinking through who we can share the gospel with in order to make disciples who make disciples.

Let’s start by name-storming. Think of people in your spheres of life (work, gym, friends, family, etc.) who either do not know Jesus, or people who know Jesus but are clearly not making disciples. Write out those names and try to think of as many as you can. Work Friends Family Other

Once you have a good list, prayerfully consider 3-4 people on your list who you can start reaching out to. Commit to praying for those people by name, and then actively seek out opportunities to share Christ with them. Circle them above.

As you go about sharing Christ with others, it is paramount that you surround yourself with loving accountability from faithful believers who are doing the same. Consider who can hold you accountable. The book T4T recommends asking the following questions:

 How did it go sharing with the names you circled?

 How did they respond?

 If they believed, are you now training them to share the gospel with others?

 What happened when you trained them in sharing the gospel? What questions did they have? What questions or resources do you need in order to train them more effectively?

 Look at your name list, who are 3-4 more people you can reach out to? Are there any new names you can add to the list?

*Source: T4T: A Discipleship ReRevolution 55 Psalm 93+98

WEEK9 Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

56 Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 93 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and 1 The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, why, & how of the passage) The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

2 Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, The floods have lifted up their voice, The floods lift up their pounding waves. 4 More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The Lord on high is mighty. 5 Your testimonies are fully confirmed; Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, forevermore.

Psalm 98 (NASB) 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. 2 The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the Lord.

7 Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy 9 Before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness 57 And the peoples with equity. Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 58

Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 My Notes

59 Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

60 Week 9 | Psalm 93 & 98 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Continue practicing and rehearsing sharing the gospel and sharing your testimony. Continue name-storming and prayerfully considering who God wants you to share with right now.

Continue engaging in loving accountability by asking the following questions:

 How did it go sharing with the names you circled?

 How did they respond?

 If they believed, are you now training them to share the gospel with others?

 What happened when you trained them in sharing the gospel? What questions did they have? What questions or resources do you need in order to train them more effectively?

 Look at your name list, who are 3-4 more people you can reach out to? Are there any new names you can add to the list?

As people begin to believe, or as unfaithful believers now want to get on board with making disciples, the focus needs to be to equip these believers to make disciples and grow in their faith. Ask yourself the following questions:

 Are the people I’m training plugged into a church body? How can I help them find a biblical church to be a part of?

 Am I training them in sharing the gospel and sharing their testimony?

 How are they doing in witnessing to others and winning others to Christ?

 Are they training others to share the gospel and share their testimony?

 Are they helping others get plugged into a church body where they can find loving accountability?

*Source: T4T: A Discipleship ReRevolution 61 Psalm 101

WEEK10 Week 10 | Psalm 101

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

62 Week 10 | Psalm 101 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 101 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, 1 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice, why, & how of the passage) To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.

2 I will give heed to the blameless way.

When will You come to me?

I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.

3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;

I hate the work of those who fall away;

It shall not fasten its grip on me.

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me;

I will know no evil.

5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy;

No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I

endure.

6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may

dwell with me;

He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to

me.

7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;

He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before

me.

8 Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land,

So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do

iniquity.

63 Week 10 | Psalm 101 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 64 Week 10 | Psalm 101 My Notes

65 Week 10 | Psalm 101 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

66 My Outreach Goals Week 10 | Psalm 101 Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Continue practicing and rehearsing sharing the gospel and sharing your testimony. Continue name-storming and prayerfully considering who God wants you to share with right now.

Continue engaging in loving accountability by asking the following questions:

 How did it go sharing with the names you circled?

 How did they respond?

 If they believed, are you now training them to share the gospel with others?

 What happened when you trained them in sharing the gospel? What questions did they have? What questions or resources do you need in order to train them more effectively?

 Look at your name list, who are 3-4 more people you can reach out to? Are there any new names you can add to the list?

 Are the people I’m training plugged into a church body? How can I help them find a biblical church to be a part of?

 Am I training them in sharing the gospel and sharing their testimony?

 How are they doing in witnessing to others and winning others to Christ?

 Are they training others to share the gospel and share their testimony?

67 Psalm 123+124

WEEK11 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124

GETTING STARTED Memory Verse: Write out your memory verse from last week.

68 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 Observe: What does it say? Psalm 123 (NASB) (Ask interpretive questions. Look for key words, verbs, and 1 To You I lift up my eyes, connecting words. Also, look for the who, what, when, where, why, & how of the passage) O You who are enthroned in the heavens!

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,

As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,

So our eyes look to the Lord our God,

Until He is gracious to us.

3 Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us,

For we are greatly filled with contempt.

4 Our soul is greatly filled

With the scoffing of those who are at ease,

And with the contempt of the proud.

Psalm 124 (NASB)

1 “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,”

Let Israel now say,

2 “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side

When men rose up against us,

3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,

When their anger was kindled against us;

4 Then the waters would have engulfed us,

The stream would have swept over our soul;

5 Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”

6 Blessed be the Lord,

Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.

7 Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;

The snare is broken and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

69 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 interpret: what does it mean? Attributes of god: what does this passage say (Answer interpretive questions. What kind of psalm is this? What about god? literary techniques is the author using to communicate? How do they inform our understanding or meaning of the psalm?)

Characteristics of man: what does this passage say about man?

apply: how does it apply to me?

Summary statement:

Verse to Memorize: 70 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 My Notes

71 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 Group Praise & Prayer Requests

72 Week 11 | Psalm 123 & 124 My Outreach Goals Vision: Write out Matthew 28:19-20 & 2 Timothy 2:2

Spend time reflecting on your outreach methods and goals these past few months.  How did you learn and grow this semester in regards to making disciples?

 What was discouraging about the process? What was encouraging?

 How can you take the next step in becoming a faithful believer who makes disciples who make disciples?

 Going forward, what would help you to be more confident at doing so?

 What goals do have in the future when it comes to making disciples?

End your time by praying to God, thanking Him for the privilege it is to co-labor with Him in the Great Commission. Ask Him to embolden you to be a faithful witness going forward!

74 Synthesis

WEEK12 Week 12 | Synthesis Synthesis: HOW DOES IT ALL FIT TOGETHER?

Our final goal after these past few months digging into the Hebrew poetry in the Psalms is to reflect on what we’ve learned. Go back and review each lesson paying attention to key truths learned and application principles.

Theological Truths Learned:

Life Lessons Learned:

Record Applications to Continue Practicing Lastly, prayerfully choose key application principles learned from the Psalms that you feel led to continue practicing. Think about areas of your life where growth is needed, and think of 2 or 3 specific, measurable, and achievable goals. Record the chapter and verse in the Psalms that represented this principle. Compose a specific plan of action in order to apply these principles in your life.

Application Principle 1

Application Principle 2

Application Principle 3

75 Week 12 | Synthesis Synthesis: HOW DOES IT ALL FIT TOGETHER?

Putting it all Together This semester, we have learned to worship and cry out to God from the beautiful poetry contained in the book of Psalms. Our final exercise is to apply what we’ve learned to compose two original Psalms. Take some time to compose two original Psalms (one psalm of lament and one psalm of praise). Try incorporating some of the same literary technique’s we’ve observed together this semester.

The goal is not to write a brilliant piece of poetry, but to engage God creatively and honestly regarding the events and circumstances of your life. We also encourage you to share them with your group!