2026 Sunday School Discussion Guide

Together we will read through the Psalms and Proverbs in 2026!

Here are some helpful discussion questions for your Sunday School class or small group!

DECEMBER

WEEK 51 (12/28)

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was a special Christmas gift you received?

New Testament

Revelation 13 ~ Revelation 14 ~ Revelation 15 ~ Revelation 16 ~ Revelation 17

1.     How does the truth of Ephesians 6:12 that “we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood” come to be clearly seen in our readings from Revelation?  Do these descriptions intimidate you?  Should they?  How can these descriptions help us today?  Where do we find victory? (Revelation 12:11)

2.     In your lifetime, what “end times” references have you heard people imply connected with global events, natural occurrences, or natural disasters?  Why do you think people try to make such connections?  How can this be helpful?  How can this be harmful?

3.     Skim Daniel 7-12 as a comparison with Revelation 13.  What similarities and differences do we see?  What are the connections and cautions we have with our understanding of governments and government leaders?  How can nations (like Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome in biblical days) function like these “beasts”?

4.     What does “endurance and faith of the saints” look like in the midst of government persecution and evil? (Revelation 13:10)  What other truths and commands can you think of in regard to our relationship with government as Christians? (see www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-voting-and-politics )

5.     Why do we see so much modern news about the mark of the Beast?  How is this ultimately a sign of opposing devotion to God (i.e. the opposite of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-8)?

6.     When we read about our King of Kings in Revelation 14, how should we feel?  In what ways should the world around us see the name of God already written on us, His followers?  Why do you think believers (“the saints”) are described as those “who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus”? (Revelation 14:12). What does it mean for us to “rest from our labors”? What does it mean that, for believers, “their deeds follow them”?  (Revelation 14:13)?  Since we are not saved by works, but by faith, what is the relationship between our faith and our works/obedience?

7.     Why do you think God includes such detailed descriptions of His wrath? With the harvest of the lost in Revelation 14:17-20 and the bowls of God’s judgment in Revelation 15 & 16?  How do you feel when you read these passages?  How does it make you more grateful for God’s grace and mercy?  How does it make you more passionate about sharing God’s love and truth with the lost? 

8.     Why does God’s wrath sometimes feel “unjust”? Should it?  Why do you think the angel says, in the midst of God’s wrath: “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments.  For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” And I heard the altar saying, ‘Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” (Revelation 16:5–7)

9.     We usually judge the seriousness of an offense to the seriousness of the harm to another.  Why is sin so serious?

10.  We usually assign punishment and discipline according to the seriousness of the offense. Why is sin punished so severely?

11.  How should this understanding make us more grateful for God’s mercy in not giving us the punishment we deserve?  How should this overwhelm us more in regard to God’s grace in providing a way for us to be with Him eternally in Heaven?

12.  How does reading a summary of this great battle in Revelation 17:14 encourage you? “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14). How does such a description change your perspective on your day-to-day difficulties?

General Discussion Questions

•   What was something new you noticed this week?  What impacted you the most? Why?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

JANUARY

WEEK 52 (1/4)

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite Christmas activity or childhood memory?

New Testament

Revelation 18 ~ Revelation 19 ~ Revelation 20 ~ Revelation 21 ~ Revelation 22

1.     What modern day wars have caught your attention in your lifetime?  What does it feel like to see enemy victories?  What does it feel like to see allied/friendly victories?  As you have read Revelation, how might you see this future battle playing out?  What are the best ways we can prepare ourselves and the next generations for any such battles happening in their lifetimes?

2.     What do you think life was like for Christians under Roman (“Babylon”) persecution?  How do you think Romans treated their government and rulers as “gods”?  Do we see people looking to modern day governments and political leaders as “gods” today? If so, how? 

3.     What does a balanced Christian perspective on governments look like?  Why do you think the Lord allows evil governments to exist?  Why do you think he allows evil governments to be overturned?

4.     Fallen “Babylon” is described as a “dwelling place for demons” (Revelation 18:2).  What do you think that means?  Biblically speaking, what do demons do?  How do think demons are actively working in our cultures and governments today?

5.     As you read about the final battles in Revelation 19 & 20, what stood out to you?  How did you feel in seeing the vindication of the martyr’s deaths? (Revelation 20:1-7). If you were in a situation where your life was threatened unless you disowned Jesus & Christianity, what struggles would you face?  How hard would it be to see your loved ones (parents, spouse, kids, etc.) threatened or tortured for your faithfulness to Christ?  How can we prepare now for the ongoing and increasing reality of Christians being persecuted?  How do we stay faithful to God to the end?

6.     What do you love about the description of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16?

7.     What is Jesus’ weapon in this final battle (Revelation 19:15)? How does that connect with Isaiah 11:4 “he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” and 49:2 “He made my mouth like a sharp sword”?  How is that our weapon already today?  What does it look like practically to wield the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:12)?

8.     What is the coolest invitation you have ever received?  What would be an amazing invitation you wish you received? Consider that Christians are “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9). What does this feel like?

9.     What connections do you see between Revelation 20 and Daniel 7?

10.  How important is it to you to understanding whether Jesus comes before the millennium (1,000 year kingdom, premillenial), after the millennium (postmillennial), or whether the millennium is symbolic and has already begun (amillenial)? Do you have any views about the future rapture of believers in relation to the tribulation (pre-tribulation, post-tribulation rapture)?  Should these differing views impact and change how we live our lives now?

11.  How would you summarize the main point of Revelation in your own words?

12.  Why is this such an important an encouraging reminder: “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just” (Revelation 19:1–2)?

13.  What gets you excited about New Jerusalem (Heaven) described in Revelation 21-22?  What descriptions stood out to you? How is it similar to the Garden of Eden?  How is it better?

14.  If you were watching a movie, would you fast forward to the end to see how it finishes?  If you might do this, in what cases would you do this? Why?  Why do you think God gives us all of these details about how His story finishes?  How did this give hope to the first century churches?  How does this help us now?

15.  Consider Isaiah 65:17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” and Revelation 21:5 “Behold, I am making all things new.”  Why do you think God does this?  How does this get you excited? Make you marvel at the greatness of God?

16.  Sometimes people think of heaven more as a reunion with deceased loved ones than they do of being in the presence of God. Why is this so? How does Revelation 21:3 summarize the purpose and reality of Heaven?   “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Why is this so much more incredible than being with deceased loved ones? How amazing is it to you that God always keeps His promises?

General Discussion Questions

•   Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this?  How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 1 (1/11)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is a way you hope to grow spiritually in the year ahead?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 1 ~ Psalm 2 ~ Psalm 3 ~ Proverbs 1:1-16

1.     Why do you think the book of Psalms starts a warning about avoiding the “wicked”, “sinners”, and scoffers”?  What would it look like today to not “walk”, “stand”, and “sit” in their “counsel”, “way”, and “seat”? Why is it “blessed” to avoid their influence?

2.     How has God blessed you by delighting in and spending time in God’s Word?  What does “meditate” on God’s Word mean?

3.     What descriptive comparison does God make in Psalm 1 between the wicked/sinners and the righteous/blessed man?  How is this both an encouraging reminder and a warning?

4.     When you see the craziness in world, national, and local news, how does it affect you?  What kind of questions does it make you ask?  In Psalm 2:4, how does God describe His response to the evil plots of mankind?

5.     Why do you think God offers so many descriptions of His wrath across the Bible, like in Psalm 2:5?

6.     Who is the “Anointed,” the “King,” and the “Son” referenced in Psalm 2:2,6,7?

7.     What does it mean to “serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling”? (Psalm 2:11) How can we do that better each day?

8.     Can you relate to Psalm 3?  How does it help you considering past attacks you faced?  How does it help you prepare for what might be ahead?

9.     King David sees every day as a gift (Psalm 3:5), why do we need this reminder?

10.  How does David’s courage in not being afraid of “many thousands” (Psalm 3:6) give you courage?  What is the source of His confidence?

11.  What is significant about the start to Proverbs?  How has God used the Proverbs in your life before?  Do you have a favorite Proverbs?  How have you struggled in studying Proverbs before?

General Discussion Questions

•   What was something new you noticed this week?  What impacted you the most? Why?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 2 (1/18)

Christian Life – Small Group Warm Up Question:

When and how did God save you?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 4 ~ Psalm 5 ~ Psalm 6 ~ Proverbs 1:17-33

1.     Does it ever feel like God isn’t listening to your prayers?  Why or why not? Do we sometimes presume that God has to listen to us?  Who does God listen to?  Why doesn’t He always answer the way we pray? At the time of our prayers? (Psalm 4:1-3, Psalm 5:1-3)

2.     Think about when God has delivered you, provided for you, or comforted you in the past.  Why is it important to remember His past faithfulness? (Psalm 4:1)

3.     What should you do while you wait for God’s answer to your prayers?  How does Psalm 4:4-5 help us think through some aspects of waiting?  What is trust based upon?  How is it grown?

4.     How can a Christian’s joy be greater than an earthly “high”? (Psalm 4:6)

5.     How might Psalm 4:8 connect with Psalm 3, especially in verse 5?

6.     Why is Psalm 5:4-6 so important? Tough? Comforting? Motivating?

7.     How does Psalm 5:7-8 give us confidence? How might we pray in a similar manner?

8.     When you see or experience evil, what goes through your mind?  How is Psalm 5:9-10 a warning to them? A way for believers to pray?  Does this contradict or compliment the command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)?

9.     How might you pray Psalm 5:11-12 over your brothers and sisters in Christ?

10.  How does God grow us to see the seriousness of our past sins?  What should we do when we are convicted anew over a past failure?  What is the difference between the Holy Spirit’s conviction and Satan’s condemnation?

11.  How is Psalm 6 a helpful prayer when you are convicted about a past or present sin?  Why are enemies referenced within it?

12.  How do you feel when someone ignores you? Does not listen to you?  What about a child or employee thinking they know more than you?

13.  What is knowledge?  Understanding?  Wisdom?  How do the descriptions of Proverbs 1:17-32 explain why unbelief is so serious? How does Proverbs 1:33 shift us into Proverbs 2?

General Discussion Questions

•   Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this?  How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 3 (1/25)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is one of your favorite parts of your church family?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 7 ~ Psalm 8 ~ Psalm 9 ~ Proverbs 2

1.     When someone encounters an enemy’s attack what are the two typical responses we resort to?  How does David respond the slander he is encountering (Psalm 7:1-2)?

2.     Is David’s prayer of Psalm 7:3-5 dangerous? Why or why not?

3.     When we suffer unjust accusations, how does the prayer of Psalm 7:6-9 encourage you?  Does living a righteous life guarantee that you will not be slandered or attacked?  How does living a righteous life give you confidence whenever you might be attacked?

4.     If you were sued and taken to court, but were innocent, would you be concerned? Why or why not?  How does the Lord’s perfect knowledge, understanding, wisdom, justice, and judgment encourage you?

5.     Why would God feel “indignation every day”? (Psalm 7:11)

6.     Have you ever seen Psalm 7:15-16 play out?

7.     David’s request for relief and justice has not yet been answered, but yet he finishes his prayer with verse 17.  How can he finish this way?

8.     Out of all of God’s names (www.trustworthyword.com/names-of-god), which is your favorite?  Why? What is associated with a name?

9.     Out of all of God’s miracles and works (www.trustworthyword.com/miracles) which is your favorite? Why? What do works show?

10.  Why is humble gratitude and praise such a key evidence of salvation (Romans 1:21 “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”)

11.  Based on what you see in Psalms 8 & 9, how might you change up your prayer life?  The songs you sing?  The way you think & process life?

12.  How does Psalm 8:3-4 impact you?

13.  In the midst of so much negative global news, how does Psalm 9:15-20 remind you of God’s sovereign hand?

14.  How might someone define “success” today?  What approach might they suggest to achieve “success” today?  How is that similar or different to Proverbs 2?

15.  How do we seek the wisdom of the Lord?  What does Proverbs 2 say are the advantages to diligently seeking God’s wisdom?

16.  What ways have you seen people wreck their lives?  Why do you think Proverbs has such serious warnings so early in the book?

General Discussion Questions

•   What do these passages teach us about our enemies’ attacks (deceptions, distractions, discouragement, and temptations)? How can we better resist these attacks?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

FEBRUARY

WEEK 4 (2/1)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is a spiritual milestone in your life?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 10 ~ Psalm 11 ~ Psalm 12 ~ Proverbs 3:1-18

1.     When do you feel like God is far away? Why?  How does it feel to know that the writer of Psalm 10 felt the same way?  When have you felt like Psalm 10:10-11?

2.     How would you describe the characteristics, behaviors, actions, attitudes, and words of modern day “enemies” of Christians?  How is this similar or different to the description of Psalm 10:2-9?

3.     Where does the Psalmist find comfort in his distress? (Psalm 10:12-18). How do we similarly need to think and pray in our rough seasons?

4.     What does it practically mean to “take refuge in the Lord”? (Psalm 11:1). How might that show up in our prayers, actions, and thoughts more specifically?

5.     What do you think it means that “the Lord tests the righteous” (Psalm 11:5)?

6.     Have you ever heard, “hate the sin, but love the sinner”?  What Scripture supports that?  What do you make of Psalm 11:5b-6?

7.     Who is “righteous” in the Bible? How do they become “righteous”? (See Romans 5:15-21) How is Psalm 11:7 an encouragement to live closely to Jesus?

8.     Do you think Christianity is growing stronger or weakening? In numbers? In faith?  Why?  What does it feel like when someone you once saw walking faithfully with Jesus no longer seems as passionate or involved?  How do you try to make sense of it?  How is this similar to Psalm 12?

9.     How does David pray in such a discouraging situation?  How does the lord ultimately “place” us in “safety” and “keep” us? (Psalm 12:5-8). How does this Psalm end differently than most of the others?  How is that like our lives/days?

10.  What is easy to remember in life?  What things are more memorable?  What sorts of things do you want your kids and grandkids to never forget? Why?  Why does Proverbs 3:1-2 start off this way?

11.  Why do we have “trust issues”?  How do we grow to trust in someone?  When is trust good?  When is trust dangerous?  How can we tell if we truly trust the Lord “with all your heart”? (Proverbs 3:5-8)

12.  When do you spend money on people?  How can money be a measure of what we love or hate?  Why is money and giving hard to talk about?  What does Solomon say about it in Proverbs 3:9-10?

13.  Why would Solomon say “do not despise the Lord’s discipline”? (Proverbs 3:11-12)  What does discipline feel like when it is happening?  What does discipline feel like years later?  What struggles do parents have when giving out discipline?

14.  How is “wisdom” described? Why? (Proverbs 3:13-18)

General Discussion Questions

•   What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 5 (2/8)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is one of the biggest challenges facing Christians today?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 13 ~ Psalm 14 ~ Psalm 15 ~ Proverbs 3:19-35

1.     Do you struggle with patience?  Why is patience so hard?  What sorts of things are the hardest to wait for?  Who are you the most patient with?  Who are you the least patient with?

2.     Have you ever heard someone say “not to pray for patience”? What do they mean by that?  How does God grow our patience through His Spirit?

3.     How many times does the Psalmist say “how long” in Psalm 13?  Read 2 Peter 3:8.  What does that mean?  How is it helpful to you in being more patient for God’s answers to your requests (Psalm 13:1)?

4.     What do you think the Psalmist means by “I take counsel in my soul”? (Psalm 13:2)

5.     What is the key to being patient with God’s timing? (Psalm 13:5-6)

6.     Do you know any atheists or agnostics?  How have they interacted with you? What sort of claims have they made?

7.     What does God say about atheists and agnostics in Psalm 14:1?  How is Romans 1:18-23 helpful to consider?

8.     How would you summarize Psalm 14 in your own words?

9.     Why is Romans 3:10-12 and Romans 3:23 important?  Why do you think the Psalmist goes to salvation for the ending of Psalm 14?

10.  How do you think the average church, pastor, or Christian would describe those who are “saved”?  Why is that such an important question?

11.  What is helpful to you in Psalm 15 in answering the question of who is truly saved? What do we learn about the Lord through it?  How does this connect

12.  If you could ask anything of God, what would you ask for? Why?  What guides our requests and priorities in our prayers?

13.  Read Psalm 27:4.  What does the Psalmist want? Why do you think the Psalmist prioritizes this request in both prayer and pursuit?

14.  Read Proverbs 3:19-35.  Was Earth “intelligently designed”? How can we see this in the world around us?  What might be an easy way to explain to an atheist that God created the earth?  How does atheism ultimately rest on “faith”?  Read Hebrews 11:3. How does Christianity ultimately rest on “faith”?  Is there more evidence for atheism or Christianity?  Does it take more “faith” to be an atheist or a Christian?

15.  Which piece of wisdom stands out to you in the second half of Proverbs 3? Why?  Why does God provide so much advice to us as His children?

General Discussion Questions

•   What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character?  How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 6 (2/15)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 16 ~ Psalm 17 ~ Psalm 18 ~ Proverbs 4

1.     When you were scared as a child, who or where would you run to? Why? How do adults handle scary or intimidating situations?  How does God want us to respond when we are overwhelmed?

2.     What do you think David meant by “You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2)?  How this connect with James 1:17?  How does James 1:17 describe God?  Why is it important to remember God’s blessing and character when you are in the midst of a difficult season?

3.     When you think of God’s deliverance of you from Hell (Sheol), how is that the ultimate deliverance?  Death is the #1 fear of mankind.  How should Christians think and feel about their own future death?

4.     What does Psalm 16:11 mean?  How does God do that?

5.     Why do we often try to take care of situations on our own and only seek God in prayer later on or when we’re more desperate for help?

6.     In what was do Christians suffer today?  What sort of enemies do we face in life?  How might Psalm 17 teach us to pray about our enemies?  Does that conflict or compliment what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”?

7.     How does focusing on our future in Heaven (Psalm 17:15) help us endure and persevere in the midst of suffering or persecution?

8.     What is your favorite verse of Psalm 18? Why?

9.     Why should verse 6 amaze us?

10.  What natural phenomenon does Psalm 18:7-8 seem to describe?  Why does that feel like an appropriate description of God’s wrath?

11.  What does it mean that the Lord “dealt with me according to my righteousness” (Ps 18:20,24) when we know we are saved by faith and not by works? (Galatians 2:16) How might this all connect with Revelation 20:12 when God tells us “the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done”?

12.  Who poured godly wisdom into your life?  What sayings or advice still stick with you today?

13.  How have you sought to pass wisdom on to others? To whom? Why is the passing on of wisdom such an act of love?

14.  Do you have a favorite verse from Proverbs 4? What makes it stand out to you?

15.  In general, how would wisdom lengthen “the years of your life” (Proverbs 4:10)?  Conversely, how would folly shorten your lifespan?

16.  What does it look like practically to “not enter the path of the wicked” nor “walk in the way of the evil” (Proverbs 4:14)?  In regard to technology and entertainment what steps should we take to protect ourselves?  To protect our children?

17.  What does “keep your heart with all vigilance” (Proverbs 4:23) mean?  Why is the “heart” so important to protect?

18.  Have you ever struggled with the words that come out of your mouth? (Proverbs 4:24) How have you found success in cleaning up your language?

19.  Have you ever struggled with controlling what your eyes are looking at? (Proverbs 4:25-26) How have you found success in guarding your eyes?

20.  How does Proverbs 4 summarize many of the daily battles we face?

General Discussion Questions

•   What was something new you noticed this week?  What impacted you the most? Why?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 7 (2/22)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is a memorable time that God answered your prayers?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 19 ~ Psalm 20 ~ Psalm 21 ~ Proverbs 5

1.     What amazes you about the sky?  Have you ever enjoyed “star gazing”? Why?  Why is Psalm 19:1 such a great reminder for us all?

2.     Why do you think God starts out Psalm 19 with descriptions of His “general revelation” in Creation before explaining His “specific revelation” through the Bible?

3.     When have you received a special letter that touched your heart? Why was it so significant? How has the Bible been like a personal letter from God to you?

4.     Which of the descriptions of the Bible in Psalm 19:7-11 particularly impacts you? Why?

5.     How might we avoid “hidden faults”? “Presumptuous sins”?  Can we sin in our “heart” even if we don’t say anything or do anything wrong? (Psalm 19:12-14)

6.     Do you always grant every “desire” of your child?  When do you tend to grant the requests of your child?  How is that helpful for our prayer life with God? (Psalm 20:4)

7.     How might you rephrase Psalm 20:7 in modern military terms?  What does it look like to fully “trust in the name of the Lord our God”? (Psalm 20:7)

8.     Why is it so important to pray for the leaders of your local area, state/region, and nation?  What are some of the descriptions by David in Psalm 21 that show the characteristics of godly leaders?  What are some practical ways we can encourage and exhort our leaders?

9.     Psalm 21 is a prayer of gratitude to God for His answers to the prayers of Psalm 20.  Why is it so important to thank God for answered prayer?

10.  Why do you think God uses the father/son language/analogy through the Proverbs?  Were your parents a good source of godly wisdom?  What do you learn to do, or not to do, from their example? (Proverbs 5:1)

11.  Why do you think there are so many warnings about the “forbidden woman” in Proverbs? (Proverbs 5:3).  What are ways Satan attacks people today with lust?  What are some wise steps we can take and safeguards we can implement to protect ourselves and our families?

12.  Why do kids often ignore and rebel against authorities like their parents and teachers?  Do you have any regrets in how you paid attention to the teaching of your parents and teachers? (Proverbs 5:12-14)

13.  What does God mean by “drink water from your own cistern”? In what ways can we be more proactive in strengthening our marriage? (Proverbs 5:15)

14.  In reading Proverbs 5:15-22, how might this connect to modesty in what we wear?  How does it connect to images we share online? Why do marriages often go through seasons of struggle with sexual intimacy? What are some biblical solutions to rekindling romance in one’s marriage? How can we better meet the needs of our spouse? 

15.  Why does God say “a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord” (Proverbs 5:21)?  Do we act different if someone else is watching us?

General Discussion Questions

•   Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this?  How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

MARCH

WEEK 8 (3/1)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

How are you seeing God grow you this year?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 22 ~ Psalm 23 ~ Psalm 24 ~ Proverbs 6:1-19

1.     When was a particularly difficult season in your life?  Did you ever find yourself doubting God or questioning why He wasn’t answering your prayers the way you hoped?  What did that feel like?  Does it sound similar to the way David starts Psalm 22?

2.     Despite David’s struggles, he says “yet you are holy, enthroned” (Psalm 22:3)?  Why is that an important reminder in the midst of our own suffering?

3.     Have you ever experienced people mocking you for your beliefs?  What did that feel like?  How did God grow you through those trials?

4.     Why is so helpful to know with confidence that God has cared for you from the moment of your conception in your “mother’s womb”? (Psalm 22:9-10)

5.     What prophecies of Jesus’ death do you find in Psalm 22?  How does Jesus’ loving sacrifice on the cross encourage your soul and strengthen your spirit?

6.     Do you struggle with being in church or find it to be a comfort each week? (Psalm 22:22, 25)

7.     What does it look like to “seek” the Lord? (Psalm 22:26)

8.     In what ways are you seeking to show the Gospel into the “coming generation” through your church, workplace, and family? (Psalm. 22:30-31)

9.     Why do you think Psalm 23 is one of the best-known Psalms? Why do you think people often use it with their funeral services? What is your favorite verse from Psalm 23? Why?

10.  How does the imagery of God as shepherd help you to better understand His love?  When is a time that you experienced His “shepherding” of your soul?

11.  Why is it so important to remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go?  Why is focusing into our future “in the house of the Lord forever” so helpful for endurance?  How is that similar to a runner focusing on the finish line of a race?

12.  If it takes “clean hands” and a “pure heart” to be in God’s “holy place”, how is it possible for sinful humans to be in Heaven? (Psalm 24:3-4) How does this make you more grateful for Jesus’ death on the cross?

13.  How does focusing on the “King of glory” help encourage your faith? (Psalm 24:7-10) Do you have a particular Christian song or hymn that helps you refocus in times of trouble?

14.  Why should we be careful before we make promises or commitments?  Why is our reputation integrally connected to our Gospel witness? (Proverbs 6:1-5)

15.  Read Proverbs 6:6-11. How is an ant a good example for our work ethic?  What does the warning about laziness mean?  Do you feel like you have a good balance in your work ethic? In what ways might you be able to improve your work ethic or heed the warnings from this passage?

16.  Look at the list of things God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19.  How does this connect to your own experiences in life?  What are some modern-day examples of these things the Lord hates?

General Discussion Questions

•   What do these passages teach us about our enemies’ attacks (deceptions, distractions, discouragement, and temptations)? How can we better resist these attacks?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 9 (3/8)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

Who has been a spiritual mentor to you?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 25 ~ Psalm 26 ~ Psalm 27 ~ Proverbs 6:1:20-35

1.     How would you define or describe “trust”? Do you find it hard to trust others? Why or why not?

2.     What does it look like to say, like David, “O my God, in you I trust” (Psalm 25:1)? In what areas or seasons of life can it be harder to fully trust God and His plan?

3.     What does “distrust” of God look like? Why is “distrust” of God so serious?

4.     David says “remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions” (Psalm 25:7).  Have you ever prayed that way, asking God specifically for His forgiveness over long-past sins in your youth?  How does it feel when you think about your past sins of your youth?  How does it feel knowing that God forgives us even for those long-past sins?

5.     David writes that “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him” (Psalm 25:14).  How is our relationship with God like a friendship?  In what ways is our relationship with God different than a friendship?  What does it look like to “fear” or respect God?

6.     Why is walking/living in “integrity” so important? So freeing? (Psalm 26:1,11).

7.     What do you think of David’s request to have his heart and mind tested by God (Psalm 26:2)?  Would you make the same request? Why or why not?

8.     Read Psalm 26:4-5.  Why is caution needed for our decisions of who we surround ourselves with?  How does the music, media, and entertainment we choose affect us for better or worse? 

9.     What does Jesus mean when He prays for us like this: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)?  How do we remain in the world, but not “not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15)?  How does 1 John 2:16 help us to understand how the world comes against us?

10.  Read Psalm 27:1. What stands out to you in this verse? Why?

11.  When people talk about Heaven, what do you think they look forward to the most?  How does this compare

12.  Why would David’s most important prayer request be: “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4). Why is this such an important way for us to pray as well?  How do we practically “seek after” this sort of goal?

13.  Why do you think Psalm 27 finishes the way that it does?

14.  Proverbs 6:20 says “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” What were some of the most valuable teachings from your parents?  What teaching or command do you wish you had obeyed sooner?

15.  Why do you think Proverbs has so many warnings about adultery? (Proverbs 6:24-29, 32-33) What do you think about the descriptive warnings used?  How do you see the youth of today tempted similarly or differently with lust?

General Discussion Questions

•   What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 10 (3/15)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite mission or ministry experience?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 28 ~ Psalm 29 ~ Psalm 30 ~ Proverbs 7

1.     If you need help, how do you decide who to call?  Why do you think David starts Psalm 28 the way he does?  What is your favorite verse in Psalm 28?

2.     Have you ever known someone like this: “who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts” (Psalm 28:3)?  Why do people act this way? How can you recognize them? Set up protective boundaries in your life against them? Pray for them?  Show them God’s love?  When do you think it might be ok to pray like David for God’s vengeance upon your enemies?

3.     What do you think of this description of non-believers? Psalm 28:5 “they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands”.  How did you live this way before you were saved by God?

4.     How has God grown your trust in Him through hard seasons of life? (Proverbs 28:7)

5.     What did you think of the descriptions of the voice of the Lord in Proverbs 29? Why do you think we need these teachings and reminders of God’s greatness?

6.     How have you experienced God’s rescue and healing in your life? (Psalm 30:1-2)

7.     What is the importance of a King sitting on a throne?  Why do you think we are told in Psalm 29:10 that “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.”?  How does this reality impact you?

8.     Psalm 29 finishes by saying: “May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11).  How do you want the Lord to strengthen you?  In what area of your life do you need His peace?

9.     When was a time you “cried to the Lord for help” (Psalm 30:2) and he granted your request? How did you feel in that moment?  How does such experiences make us want to shout like David, “I will give thanks to you forever” (Psalm 30:12) ?

10.  Look at Psalm 30:5. How have you seen this true in your life?  When have you experienced God’s loving discipline?  How has God shown us favor and given us joy?

11.  Psalm 30 is ultimately a song and prayer of gratitude to God for His many blessings. What are some of His blessings that you are most thankful for?

12.  Why do you think Proverbs 7 encourages (metaphorically) keeping God’s commandments on your eye, heart, and fingers?

13.  Biblically, who is a “forbidden woman”? In what ways do we see men tempted to pass “near” the “corner” of the house of the “forbidden woman” today? (Proverbs 7:5ff).

14.  How much pain would be spared if we avoided sexual immorality our entire lives?  How are the appeals of the “forbidden woman” in Proverbs 7 similar to the appeals of pornography and sexual immorality today?  How is the warning of the final verse of Proverbs 7 perhaps one of the most important warnings against sexual immorality?

General Discussion Questions

•   What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character?  How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 11 (3/22)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

Which Bible character or story is your favorite?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 31 ~ Psalm 32 ~ Psalm 33 ~ Proverbs 8:1-21

1.     Have you ever been inside a castle, military bunker, or armored vehicle? What do you think it would feel like to be inside such a strong defense when the enemy attacks?  How would that compare with being on open ground, undefended, when you enemy was advancing towards you?  How might you apply a prayer of “Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” (Psalm 31:2) to your life right now?

2.     Read Psalm 31:5. Where does this verse get repeated in the New Testament?  What did He mean when He said this (Luke 23:46)?  How is this such a great prayer of trust and gratitude for us as well?

3.     Is it Biblically possible to both hate and love evil-doers? (Psalm 31:6). How has God grown your trust in Him over your life?

4.     What have been some of the most challenging seasons in your life? (Psalm 31:9-13). How did God grow you in those seasons? Rescue you?

5.     How do we know if our sins are forgiven? (1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9). What does it mean to be “blessed”? (Psalm 32:1-2)

6.     How does the world seem to be like an unbridled “horse or mule, without understanding”? What are some of the many “sorrows of the wicked” that you see today? (Psalm 32:9-10) When we see the chaos and calamity of the world around us, how should we feel? Pray?

7.     Psalm 33:3 says to “sing to Him a new song” and Revelation 5:9 & 14:3 describes the singing of news songs in Heaven.  At some point, every song we know was a “new song” to us.  What is your favorite Christian song or hymn? Why? When was it “new” to you?  What is a more recent song that you enjoy? Why?

8.     What are some amazing parts of God’s creation that you have enjoyed? How does the reminder of God as Creator (Psalm 33:6-9) encourage our faith? Deepen our trust in Him? Overwhelm us with awe at who He is?

9.     Read Psalm 33:12. When Israel prioritized God, how did it go for them? When Israel prioritized false worship, how did it go for them? What does our nation prioritize? How is it going for us as a nation?  How should we be praying for our nation?

10.  When we hear that God “sees all the children of man” and “observes all their deeds” (Psalm 33:13-15) should that make us nervous?  Why or why not?

11.  Why is waiting so hard?  What does it mean to “wait for the Lord”? (Psalm 33:20-22)

12.  What is wisdom? Understanding?  Why are they so valuable, or “better than gold”? What does wisdom and understanding look like? (Proverbs 8:1-21)

13.  Who taught you the most wisdom growing up?  In what ways do you want to be like them? Why do you want to be like them?

14.  In what situations or settings do you have the hardest time controlling your tongue? Why? How has God changed your words over the years?

15.  What is one area of or relationship in your life that you want to grow in wisdom or words?

General Discussion Questions

•   What was something new you noticed this week?  What impacted you the most? Why?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

WEEK 12 (3/29)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

If you could change something in your past, what would it be?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 34 ~ Psalm 35 ~ Psalm 36 ~ Proverbs 8:22-36

1.     When is it easy to praise God? When is it hard to bless God? How can we learn to “bless the Lord at all times” so that “his praise shall continually be in my mouth”? (Psalm 34:1). Why is such a God-ward focus so transforming in our day-to-day lives?

2.     What is your habit of “seeking” the Lord? What distractions get in your way? What methods or techniques have helped you to be more consistent or focused in your time with Him? (Psalm 34:4). Why is time with the Lord the key to being “delivered…from all my fears”?

3.     Can you think of a Bible story when someone’s face glows or radiates from an encounter with God? (Exodus 34, Matthew 17:2). In what ways are our faces “radiant” and will “never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:5) when we look to Jesus in saving faith?  Who is someone you know who radiates the love of Jesus?  How do you want to better radiate the love of Jesus?

4.     Read Psalm 34:6. How does the Lord save the “poor man” from “all his troubles”? How are we all ultimately “poor”?

5.     In Psalm 35 we read a lot of military language.  Even if we never physically fight against a military enemy, how is this imagery helpful for us spiritually?

6.     What do you think it feels like to have someone constantly pursuing you with malicious intent?  What would it feel like to experience God’s salvation from such an enemy?  How do you feel when you think about what Jesus has done to deliver you from Satan and his demons? (Psalm 35:4-10)

7.     When people repay us “evil for good”, what does that feel like? (Psalm 35:12) Why is loving our enemies such a powerful witness? Why is it so tempting to take vengeance instead of trusting the Lord’s justice?

8.     What are some practical ways we can intentionally honor God “all the day long”? (Psalm 35:28)

9.     Read Psalm 36:1-4. Did you experience this when you were lost?  How did the Lord change you when He saved you?

10.  Read Psalm 36:5-6. Why are these comparisons of God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments being made?  Why are they compared specifically to the heavens, clouds, mountains, and great deep?  How do these verses encourage your faith?

11.  How have you experienced the “steadfast love” of God? (Psalm 36:7-10) Who is someone who has been an example of “steadfast love” to you? How do you seek to be a source of “steadfast love” to others?

12.  Why do you think God describes the personified wisdom as existing “before the beginning of the earth”? (Proverbs 8:23).

13.  In what ways does this description of personified wisdom sound a whole lot like Jesus? Read Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:1-3, & Hebrews 1:3.

14.  How have you experienced God’s blessing by listening to His commands (Probers 8:32-34)?

15.  How have you injured yourself when you didn’t seek the Lord (Proverbs 8:36)?

16.  Why is unbelief ultimately a hatred of God? Why is it so serious as to result in Hell? (Proverbs 8:36)

17.  What do you like about the Proverbs so far? Are you struggling with the Proverbs any? If so, how?

General Discussion Questions

•   Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this?  How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

•   Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)