discussion           QUESTIONS


  • 1.23.22  Psalm 119.145-160 ~ god's word is external and eternal

    Today’s sermon:  Psalm 119.145-160 ~ God’s Word is External and Eternal

     

    Psalm 119.152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.

     

    Martin Luther:  Thy word is nothing but truth.

     

    Psalm 119.145-160 ~ God’s Word is External and Eternal

    Discussion Questions:

    • Why is it important to have an external & independent standard for many things in life, & not just leave everything open to each individual’s opinion or mood?
    • What would society be like if we abandoned all standards in favor of individual viewpoints?
    • Read Jer. 17.7-10 & discuss why we cannot trust our own thoughts & “hearts”.
    • This passage reminds us we are prone to sin. But does this then mean we are worthless?
    • Read Ps. 119.145-149. What activity is the writer engaged in & what is he asking the Lord to do for him?
    • According to verse 150, why do you think the writer is being so intense here?
    • What does God do in verse 151 & how does this contrast with the actions of the enemy in 150? (hint: look at the theme of far & near)
    • Read verse 152 & discuss how we can trust the word of God for the LONG
    • Share some examples of relying on the principles of God’s word throughout your life experiences.
    • Do you ever feel pressure similar to the writer in 119.153-157?
    • 158 may read a bit unkind. However, the word faithless actually means to be a “traitor”. Knowing this, does this seem less harsh to you now?
    • What does a traitor towards God look & act like?
    • Read 119.159 & discuss what is the writer asking for and why?
    • Read verse 160 & answer: 1) how much of God’s “word” is right? 2) which points might be wrong? 3) how long does truth actually last?
    • What is your #1 takeaway from these two stanzas from Ps. 119?

  • 1.16.22   psalm 119.129-144 ~ God's word is truth

    Today’s sermon:  Psalm 119.129-144 ~ God’s Word is Truth

     

    Psalm 119.137  Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules.

     

    Dr. Jim Denison:  Believing that God’s word is true is the most logical approach to take, even if (it seems) arguments can temporarily be made against it.

     

    Psalm 119.129-144 ~ God’s Word is Truth

    Discussion Questions:

    • Give your personal definition of “truth” in your own words.
    • Have you ever heard someone defend something as true that you knew in fact was NOT true? If so, what was that experience like? How did you feel? Was there anything you could do about it?
    • What are some standards of truth that you find to be irrefutable? (whether moral in nature, practical measurements or dealing with acceptable conduct)
    • Try to give practical examples of the following verses as you discuss them…
    • According to 119.129, why should we keep God’s testimonies?
    • According to 119.130, what are some benefits of God’s word?
    • According to 119.132, what is God’s way, & towards whom?
    • According to 119.133, what promises of God is the writer counting on & why?
    • According to 119.135, what is the writer asking God for?
    • According to 119.136, what is happening to the writer & why?
    • How do we get the idea that God’s word is truth according to 119.137-138?
    • According to 119.139, what reaction is justified when God’s word is not regarded?
    • According to 119.140, discuss how the Bible is well tried.
    • According to 119.142 & 144, does truth have an expiration date?
    • Discuss how truth and reality are inseparably connected.
    • Discuss how lie and deception are inseparably connected.
    • How can we best respond to untruths when we hear or see them today?
    • How can we best promote the truth in our society today?