From now on, I’ll be posting each Sunday’s sermon audio, brief notes, and discussion guide. This way, if you missed Sunday, you can still catch up before House to House, which begins the first week of August. I’m posting them now so you’ll know what to expect once the groups get going.
Notes
Yesterday, we studied Psalm 3. David wrote this Psalm while running from his own son who was trying to kill him. His family, dignity, kingdom, and life were at jeopardy. Since this is included in the Psalms, it has a broader application to how all should Christians approach fear and anxiety.
1. Address the danger. (Psalm 3:1-2)
David sees his danger for what it is: a real threat that everyone agrees should take him out. Note: The Bible teaches that even Christians will have serious trouble in this world. Don’t deny it; address it.
2. Remember God. (Psalm 3:3-6)
David remembers that God is his shield, his glory, and the lifter of his head. He thinks back to how God has answered his prayers in the past and resolves not to be afraid. Note: The Bible doesn’t teach that our problems aren’t that big; it teaches that God is bigger than our problems. Hence the Bible is all about God – not about us and our problems. We need to lock our eyes on God more than our problems.
3. Pray. (Psalm 3:7-8)
David doesn’t resolve to pray. He simply prays. And he prays simply, saying basically, “Save me!” Note: David’s simple prayer is based on his conviction that “salvation belongs to the LORD”. If you don’t believe this, you won’t be inclined to pray to the Lord for salvation. If you believe salvation belongs to people, plans, or pills – you’ll turn to them first, rather than God.
So, a Christian approach to fear and anxiety is to address the danger directly in light of who God is and pray, pray, pray.
House to House Discussion Guide
1. What dangers are you currently facing?
2. Describe a time when God took care of you in a difficult or dangerous situation.
3. What steals your sleep at night?
4. What keeps many people from praying often and with great faith?
5. What are some popular things that people turn to for deliverance from pain and danger? Why do you think people turn to these things rather than God?
6. What would turning to God for deliverance in your particular situation look like?
7. How can you help each other as a group in light of this passage?
8. What dangers do you need to turn over to God in prayer? Pray together as a group.*
*Praying as a group is easy. Those who feel so inclined can pray aloud for specific needs discussed prior to the prayer time. Others can pray silently along with those who take turns praying aloud. Just designate a person to begin and end the prayer time.
