FBC Diana members,
I want to encourage you to take time for Bible reading and study, prayer, and singing again this Sunday. Regular family and/or personal time devoted to such things is critical to our growth as Christians. You may use any structure that seems appropriate for you and/or your family, but I recommend following the outline below.
Scripture Reading
Read Psalm 146 aloud.
Prayer
Thanks/Praise. What do you see in Psalm 146 as a reason to praise or thank God? What specifically about God’s character or action is praiseworthy from this passage?
Confession. Think of ways you and others might have sinned this previous week. Think of specific ways sin was expressed in your home, in family life together, on your job, in your neighborhood, and in your community.
Supplication. Here are some topics you might consider praying about:
- Pray for God’s provision for fellow church members and those in our community who are earning less because of public and business closures.
- Pray that God will graciously preserve the members of FBC Diana (spiritual health and vitality) while we are all deprived of the accountability and encouragement which the weekly gathering provides.
- Pray that God will draw many sinners to Himself in the midst of the current circumstances, which may cause some to think soberly of death and eternity.
- Pray that all Christians would be faithful witnesses for Christ in the world.
- Pray that US government officials would both protect life and preserve liberty, resisting the temptation to accumulate power during this time of uncertainty.
- Pray for Perryville Baptist Church in Winnsboro, TX (Pastor Toby Goodman), Redeemer Church in Graham, TX (Pastor Ryan Bishop), and New Hope Baptist Church in Ore City, TX (Pastor Tony Pierce).
Discussion Questions
You might spend some time simply thinking and talking through Psalm 19. And you might also use the following questions to help guide your thoughts and discussion.
- What is Psalm 146 all about?
- What do you think it means to “put your trust in princes” (v3)?
- Why does the psalmist say we should not “trust in princes”? In other words, what can earthly rulers, governors, leaders, presidents, or kings not do?
- What do you think it means to put your “hope in the LORD…God” (v5)?
- How does verse 6 speak of God’s power and trustworthiness?
- How does verse 7 speak of God’s impartial justice and His compassion?
- How does verse 8 speak of God’s attentiveness to those who are humble and obedient?
- How does verse 9 speak of God’s care for those who are vulnerable?
- What or who is the psalmist contrasting throughout this psalm and especially in verses 3-4 and 10?
- Looking at this passage through the lenses of the New Testament (and especially the gospel), consider the following:
- Read Luke 4:16-21. How does the Bible present Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to heal, to liberate, and to grant favor?
- Read Ephesians 1:7-10. How did Jesus make a way for sinful people like you to enjoy the benefits of God’s love and favor?
- How should Psalm 146 make those who trust and follow Jesus Christ feel both unworthy and yet comforted?
- How might you or others be putting your trust in earthly helpers right now (government, healthcare workers, finances)?
- Do you do or watch or listen to or read anything that tends to grow your unhealthy (maybe even sinful) trust for earthly helpers? If so, explain.
- How do you know God is trustworthy to keep His promises to love and to ultimately deliver sinners like you from chaos and suffering?
- What are some specific ways you might shift your trust/hope away from earthly helpers toward the everlasting God who is both able and faithful?
Songs to Sing
Click on the links below to view lyrics, download song sheets, and/or listen to song audio.
Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed?
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Scripture Reading
Read Psalm 147 aloud.
Prayer
Thanks/Praise. Offer thanks and praise to God for specific things that come to your mind today… maybe from recent personal experience or maybe from something in the Scripture or the songs or your discussion with others today.
Marc Minter is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Diana, TX. He and his wife, Cassie, have two sons, Micah and Malachi.
Connect with Marc on Twitter or Facebook.
Holding the Line 