Psalm 23:1-3 Discussion Guide
Sermon Date: Dec. 10, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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WHY CITY GROUPS?
The point of a City Group is to help us apply God’s Word to our everyday lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to multiply faithful intimates of Jesus who make more disciples of Jesus. So we gather regularly to give ourselves to three basic Christian practices: sharing stories, reading the Bible, and praying.
PRAY
Ask if anyone would like to open up in prayer and ask God to bless your time together
STORY
Break the ice with a testimony..
Who has prepared their 5-7 minute story?
Who can give testimony of God’s goodness right now? (i.e. answered prayer, provision, transformation, etc.)
VISION FOR THIS DISCUSSION
In this discussion we will take a look at the topic of patience and perseverance. Jesus is coming back, and God wants us to live with trust and endurance as we wait for Him.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PASSAGE
Use the OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) method to read, study, and use Scripture to grow in knowing and following God.
Read Psalm 23:1-3 to provide an overview for this study.
OBSERVATION
Take time to read the passage and make observations. This will help you understand the thought process of the writer. It’s ok if nothing is observed from the specific list below. Feel free to move on to Interpretation.
Take this passage verse-by-verse. What initially stands out?
Who is the intended audience of the writer?
What is the context of this passage:
a) the literary context (passages before and after the passage)
b) the historical context (circumstances of the author’s audience)
c) the cultural context (details relevant to life as it was lived in this place at this time)
Any repeated words, phrases?
Any comparison/contrast between topics, passages, or stories?
Any connecting words/phrases to bridge verses, stories, or ideas?
(“therefore..”, “however..”, “In the same way..”)
INTERPRETATION
-What? (What’s being said in the text?)
What would you say is the main idea of this passage in your own words?
What is a shepherd? What are the primary responsibilities of a shepherd?
What are the things we as humans really “need”?
Physically?
Emotionally?
Spiritually?
Read v. 3. What is the main reason for why God renews our strength and leads us to do what is right?
-Why? (Why is it being said?)
Read John 10:11-18. Why does Jesus, our good Shepherd, meet all of our needs? How does he meet them?
Why do you think God wants us to picture green meadows and still waters when we think of him?
Why does doing what is right bring honor to God’s name?
Why does God want us to rest?
APPLICATION
-So what? (What does God want me to do about it?)
For myself:
So what ways may the Holy Spirit be convicting me of my rest habits, or lack thereof?
So what ways may the Holy Spirit be leading me to the “green pastures” and “still waters”? What does it look like for me to meet with Jesus and be still with him without hurry?
So what is the next right step I can take to find rest in Jesus? What area of my life/heart does Jesus need to renew my strength?
For others:
So what questions would you ask someone who is trying to find what they need outside of Jesus?
So what biblical counsel would you give to a Christian who struggles with finding rest/contentment in Jesus?
So what person in your life is God calling you to talk to in order to help them find rest and strength in Jesus?
PRAYER
Feel free to ask the group for any pressing prayer requests that would be good to pray over together.
Use the TACOS acronym to let the text you studied pray for you:
Thanksgiving - “Father, thank you…”
Adoration - “Father, You are…”
Confession - “Father, I confess…”
Others - “Father, I pray for…”
Self - “Father, please help me…”
*If size or group dynamics seem to hinder prayer, consider dividing into groups of men/women or groups of 3-4 to reduce barriers to praying out loud.