More Than a Feeling...

Week 31: Discovering the Character of God through the Psalms

31.1 This week's session begins by introducing the group to the concept of an 'establishing shot.' Over the next few weeks, we will 'viewing' some of these 'establishing shots' as we look at a handful of Books of the Bible. We're still going to be checking out God's character, but more from a 'birds' eye view' than in the tiniest details.

The first in this mini-sub-series is the book of Psalms. It is book rich with characteristics of God and, therefore, a great place to start.

Share and discuss the handout.

31.2 Before rushing into the Psalms, discuss - as a group - the types of songs we generally sing: their lyrics, where the focus is, the type of language/imagery is and the intention behind them.

We're going to compare these with some of the psalms.

Read Psalm 19: read this with the same set of questions in mind (ie: lyrics/focus/imagery/motive)
Now have a look at Psalm 121 and work through the same questions.

What do these Psalms have in common? How are they different to the songs of the world - and even some in the church?

The answer may not be immediately obvious as it's quote 'deep'. The Psalms, unlike most secular (and some 'churchy') songs, are based on truth, not emotion. Being led by emotion and feeling can be deceptive. Compare this with Jeremiah 17:9.

31.3 The Psalms are written from experience, so we can trust them to give a true account of God's character. If they were based on feeling, they would be unreliable. For example, if the Psalmist was in a bad mood with God and let that lead him when writing his songs, he would probably say stuff that wasn't true.

Invite the group to share experience where our feelings have led us to say things we don't mean so that they understand the point.

31.4 To see this at work more fully, have a look at some more Psalms. Read Psalm 51 and discuss its purpose (context), the imagery - and even the structure (compare with Ps 54:1). Notice how confident David is in approaching God in verse 1. This is the very advantage of knowing God's character... and we can share in it.

31.5 Split up and, in groups, study some other Psalms (suggested reading: Ps 25, 62, 91, 103, 139). Encourage each group to look for God's character in their Psalm. Maybe try to summarise the Psalm in one line and/or pick a few verses that highlight the key points/attributes. Finally, get the groups to think about how they can apply their findings to their daily living.


Week 31: Summary

The Psalms have lots to teach us about God's character and about how we can approach God with the same confidence that the Psalmists had. We can learn that God:

• is merciful
• is our help
• never rests from watching over us
• is Creator
• ...and so much more!

‘The Unlikely Lad’

Week 11: Discovering the Character of God through David
11.1. David is perhaps one of the most famous of the Old Testament characters. Almost everyone, at some stage, will have heard of the ‘story’ of David and the Goliath. But what else do we know? Invite the group to share their thoughts.

11.2. To understand David’s story fully, we need to go back to the beginning. Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23 and give the group a brief overview of Saul’s behaviour as king: his adding to the law and his disobedience. God’s rejection of Saul shouldn’t have come as a surprise; God foresaw Saul’s disobedience and warned him of the outcome. We can read about this in 1 Samuel 13:13-14. Consequently, Saul’s behaviour was more than just disobedience; it was an ‘ostrich’ response – ignoring the warnings and determining to cling onto his kingdom. As we have already read, his efforts were in vain. God already had a particular person in mind to take over Saul’s throne; one who is ‘after God’s own heart’.

11.3. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Much of what we have learnt about God’s character is re-established in/through David (ie: how he carries out his threats, that He chooses unlikely people, etc). here, we learn something new: God says to Samuel that he ‘doesn’t see the same way people see.’ In a way, that’s a comfort: God is not worried about how posh or made-up we are, or even if we’re filthy and in rags. However, it should also be a challenge that leaves us slightly uncomfortable and keen to put ourselves right with God. He ‘looks at the heart’. He looked at David’s heart and was pleased with what he found. What if He were to look at our hearts?

11.4. All sin has consequences; sometimes we’re quick to blame Satan for our predicament in a desperate attempt to avoid taking responsibility for our actions but we could learn a valuable lesson from David. Read 2 Samuel 12:11-19. Here, Nathan – David’s advisor – comes to him with a word from the Lord; passing judgment on David’s actions and setting out the punishment he must suffer as a consequence. David sets an example for us in the way that he responds. He does not blame Satan. Instead, he fasts and prays.

11.5. Verse 20 then tells us that David worships after the child dies. That ‘worship’ is not what we 21st Century Christians might imagine. There was no big band or choir, no jumping up and down, clapping to lively songs or raised arms. David’s worship is quite different and we can see what it looked and sounded like by reading Psalm 51. The word ‘worshipped’ in 2 Samuel 12:20 in Hebrew is shâchâh, and means ‘to bow down/to fall in reverence.' So, essentially, David’s ‘worship’ is a prayerful response where he falls to his knees in reverence and repentance.

Week 11: Summary

Some of God’s characteristics are clearly evident in David’s life:

* He sees our hearts and actions
* He convicts us of our sin
* His conviction brings repentance