Talking Points:
- The first option- sin captures your attention and cultural values influence your priorities.
- The second option- you pledge your allegiance to God’s way leading to a life of obedience to biblical principles.
Discussion:
- Share a time you got lost on a roadtrip. Where did you end up?
- Read Psalm 1. What jumps out to you as you read it?
- Read Psalm 1:1. Why do you think the psalmist describes sin in an incremental way? How have you seen your past sinful choices lead you far away from God?
- Read Psalm 1:4-5. What picture is painted for a sinful life style? How have you seen people pursue worldly pleasures and end up in a miserable place?
- Read Psalm 1:2-3. What does it look like to delight in God’s Word? What is a realistic picture for a woman who meditates on God’s word regularly?
- How has your life changed since you’ve chosen to go God’s way?
- Read Psalm 1:6 and Psalm 119:105. Why should we trust what the Bible says over our own thoughts and feelings?
Talking Points:
- Sheep aren’t smart or resourceful. They are easily led astray failing to realize the danger ahead.
- A shepherd’s role is to protect their flock from danger and provide for the sheep’s every need.
Discussion:
- What are some of the things you do to feel safe at home or when you’re out and about?
- Read Psalm 23. What jumps out to you as you read it?
- Read Psalm 23:1-3. How are we like sheep ourselves? How has God provided for you in the past, especially in times when you’ve wandered into danger?
- Read Psalm 23:4. Why does God sometimes have to use the rod with us? How has God nudged you back into safer pastures in the past?
- Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Why is God worthy of our trust? What does it look like to seek His will, not our own?
Talking Points:
- Start with seeking mercy – withholding the just punishment that’s deserved.
- Acknowledge the sin, repent and go the opposite direction.
- Walk in newness of life and restore your loyalty to God’s way.
Discussion:
- Why do you think David made such bad decisions after all God had done for him? How do you relate to David’s journey?
- Read Psalm 51. What jumps out to you as you read it?
- Read Psalm 51:1-2 and 1 John 1:9. What does David appeal to when praying to God? What does it mean to be purified from our sin?
- Read Psalm 51:3-4. Why is there power in naming our sins? Describe David’s attitude in these verses? How does David’s attitude towards God and his sin challenge you?
- Read Psalm 51:10,16-17. What does a broken and contrite heart look like? Why are actions a part of true repentance?
- Read Ephesians 4:22-23. What are some things you need to throw off? What do you need to do to live according to your new heart?
Talking Points:
- Worship is surrendering your whole heart to the God who is worthy of your praise.
- Praise His character – compassionate, merciful, and forgiving.
- Praise His purposes – forgives, heals, renews.
- Praise His plan for all of humanity and for you specifically!
Discussion:
- How would you define what it means to worship something? Based on those definitions, what are some things our culture worships?
- Read Psalm 103. What jumps out to you as you read it?
- Read Psalm 103:8. How has God shown mercy and compassion to you? How have you experienced God’s unfailing love? How can you show a heart of thankfulness to Him for those things?
- Read Psalm 103:3-6,9-10. Identify all that God does for us from this passage. Which ones stand out most to you and why?
- Read Psalm 103:19. God rules over everything. What do you need to surrender to Him today?
- Read Matthew 22:37. God wants your whole heart. What will you do moving forward to grow in whole-life worship?
Talking Points:
- You have value. God created you – every part of you.
- You have purpose. God has written your story.
- You have security. God knows everything about you and still loves you.
Discussion:
- Who or what has had the greatest influence on how you view your self-worth? How have you been sucked into caring too much about how culture wants you to be defined?
- Read Psalm 139. What jumps out to you as you read it?
- Read Psalm 139:13-15. Identify one or two of your unique traits. What has kept you from feeling like God’s special creation?
- Read Psalm 139:16 and Jeremiah 29:11. Do you believe that God has a plan for your life? Explain. How have you seen God open up and close doors in your life revealing His plan?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. How do you need to stop hiding from God? How has God pointed out offenses to you in the past? In what areas do you still need to grow?