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Small Group Questions “Doxology” Psalm 103

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Small Group Questions “Doxology” Psalm 103 Option 2 - We realize you may not be able to discuss In Psalm 103:10 we are told that God does not give us what all the questions. Pick the ones you prefer. we deserve. On paper or just in your memory, think of some low points in your life where you have rebelled and committed Small Group Questions “Doxology” a sin. Don’t stay there very long. Next, take that list and read Psalm 103 out loud Psalm 103:9-12 and let the word pictures of these This Week’s Announcements: verses be done to your mistakes. Please offer your feedback: If you will complete the survey found at Memory Verse: http://tinyurl.com/olbj8pl you will be placed in a drawing for a gift certificate - Psalm 103:2 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all Dinner for two at one of the following restaurants: Bardeney's, Mongolian BBQ, his benefits. Idaho Pizza, or Dickey's BBQ. ECC Celebrates 20 Years! We will celebrate 20 years as a church in Next Steps: September, and are planning several special events during the month, including I will join all creation in declaring the greatness of God. an open house on September 19, from 4 to 6:45 pm. If you are interested in helping with any of the events, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Also, if you I will seek to imitate the compassion of God as a have any memorabilia or photos of the early days of the church that you’d like to parent or grandparent (Ps 103:13, 17-18). share, please call the office as soon as possible, 286-0879. God gives good things. I will give ____________ to God in return. Previous message summary: I will bless the Lord for his ___________________. King David’s worship leader, Asaph, wrote Psalm 73 confessing his doubts and struggles. What a difficult position. He was in charge of leading people to worship God whom he was having doubts about. God changed Asaph’s perspective and these words come from his heart: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” What we learned: All of us have doubts. Doubts are part of faith. This week the question was posed, “If faith is untested by doubt, is it really faith?” Asaph’s big change from doubt to faith took place when he “went into the sanctuary” (73:17). Strength from God comes from worshipping him personally and even corporately. God changes our attitude, outlook, and perspective when we come to worship him admitting that our doubts are getting the best of us. Introduction Psalms 102 and 103 are closely related. The theme and tenor of 102 is self-pity that turns into a petition before God for relief. Psalm 103 turns the corner of despair by shedding a new light of praise and hope in God’s provision. 1 A common question about the God of the Bible is, “How can 5. How do you think God’s love differs from what our culture the God of the Old Testament be the same God as the God would define as love? of the New Testament?” To the casual observer, God may Please Read Psalm 103:19-22 appear duplicitous−harsh and judgmental in the Old 6. Who is being commanded to “Bless the Lord” in these Testament, and yet forgiving and loving in the New. However, verses? What do you think it means to obey “the voice of a student of the Bible finds that God is not two-faced. Psalm his word” (vs. 20)? If your group was told to declare 103 describes God as forgiving (vs. 3), merciful (vs. 4), God’s greatness tonight before you dismiss, what would helping the oppressed (vs. 6), immeasurable in His love that look like? (vs.11), and the list goes on. This week, we have the 7. After discussing all of this we find ourselves back at the opportunity to explore the greatness of God, and hopefully encouragement to “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” Has your renew our confidence and love for Him. understanding or appreciation of that phrase changed? If Discussion Questions so, how has it changed? Please Read Psalm 103:1-5 Challenge: 1. This Psalm begins and ends with the phrase, “Bless the Sometimes people become annoyed with a person who Lord, O my soul.” For some believers, that language continually says, “Praise the Lord.” Do you? Why do you think seems antiquated or unfamiliar. How does that phrase other believers might find that annoying? What are ways, tonight, affect you? that you can or will “Bless the Lord O your soul?” For Parents – Buried in the middle of this Psalm are two Kind of confused – How does a sinner bless God? references to the Fatherhood of God (vs. 13&17). Some of us You bet – I bless the Lord right out loud! have not known healthy role models of Fatherhood. What are I don’t feel that way today – It would be hypocritical for some ways that you could cast off those old memories of broken me to say that at this moment. parenting and put on new beliefs of God as the compassionate It’s personal – In my prayer time, I bless God. and loving father? Other ________________________________________ What ways can you show God’s character that you saw in Psalm 2. Which of the Lord’s benefits (vs. 2) that are listed in 103 to your children or grandchildren? verses 1-5 impress you the most? Why is that one near and dear to you? Action: Please Read Psalm 103:6-18 Option 1 – Praying the Alphabet 3. Verses 7 & 8 refer to Moses’ encounter with God in This can be fun and challenging in a Small Group, as a person. Refer back to Exodus 33:18-34:1-8. Why do you family, or individually. Pray through the alphabet using each think Moses pleaded with God to allow him to see him? letter to declare God’s greatness. For instance: What did Moses witness on the mountain that is echoed in A is God you are Almighty this psalm? B is God you are Breathtaking 4. What is the measurement of God’s steadfast love towards C is God you are Compassionate those who revere him? How do you experience God’s Take turns around the room praying all the way through the love in your day-to-day life? Who, more than any other alphabet declaring God’s greatness. person, have you received God’s love through the most? In the 21st century, how are others to know and experience God’s limitless love? 2 .
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