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 Coal Project

Week 30: Discovering the Character of God through John

30.1 Invite the group to discuss what they think nicknames tell us about people.

If Jesus were to give them a nickname, what do they think it would be? Spend just a few minutes in pairs, discussing, before feeding back.

30.2 Think back to Simon and his nickname and the reasons Christ gave him it.

Read Mark 3:13-19 and pick out the other individual to whom Jesus 'nicknamed'. What might have been the foundations for this name? Read Luke 9:51-55 to learn one possible reason.

This is our introduction to the apostle, John: stubborn, argumentative (Mark 10:35-17), fiery, impulsive and generally difficult to live with. Would you choose him to be a disciple? What does this tell us about Jesus?

30.3 Take this thought a step further and read John 13:23, 19:25-27 and 21:20.

• How has Jesus' 'view' of John changed?
• Did Jesus change, or did John?
• What was it that caused this change?
• What can this teach us about Jesus?

In the classic Superman movies, there is a scene where Superman changes a lump of coal; filthy, unattractive and unwanted, into a beautiful diamond. It is not so unlike how Jesus changes John. Jesus' love transforms this fiery, rough man into a soft-hearted disciple who rejoices in the love of his Lord. John is the coal; as are you and I. John allowed Jesus to change him. Will we?


Week 30: Summary

This week may seem shorter; it is perhaps the briefest of glimpses we've taken into anyone's life so far - yet it is here that we see some of the most profoundly intimate of truths about God's character...

• He knows us
• He accepts us as we are
• He doesn't reject us because of our past
• His love transforms us

The Vilest Offender...

Week 29: Discovering the Character of God through Paul




Coming Soon!

I Would Die For You...

Week 28: Discovering the Character of God through Stephen

28.1 Recap on the attributes of God that we have discovered so far in the New Testament. What His ultimate question to us? What are His promises for us? Have they had personal experiences of any of these aspects of God's nature yet - or is it still 'book knowledge'?

28.2 There is a point when this knowledge moves form the head to the heart and it shapes who you are as you recognise who Christ is - and who He created you to be. Stephen had a solid knowledge of both - and he was unafraid to stand up for them. Before we get to that, let's read about how he 'started out'.

Read Acts 6:1-8 and establish the setting: the apostles were so busy teaching that practical needs were (understandably) failing to be met, so they appointed these 7 men. Note and discuss the description of Stephen (5) and of this new group's role (2). Note how God used him in that situation (8). Sometimes we need to allow God to use us in the situation and place we are in; waiting on Him to use our giftings the way he chooses, not the way we expect. We must remember that He doesn't 'operate' the way we want him to.

28.3 Unfortunately, when we operating in our giftings for God, being blessed by Him and doing great things for Him, those who are 'religious' will always have things to say about us (cf. John 15:18) - and this was as true for Stephen as it was for Jesus.

Read Acts 6:9-14. Have any of the group ever experienced false accusations because of their faith? How do they usually respond?

28.4 Stephen's response is recorded in Acts 7 - if time, read through. It is more than simply refuting the Jews' accusations; he goes into great detail of everything he believes - he is giving a sermon. He preaches to the Jews on their history and how they miss the point entirely. Stephen is - as Luke pointed out - 'full of the Holy Spirit' yet we see here that he is also full of truth (John 4, anyone?). Neither outweighs the others. If God is to use us, we need to be ready in the same way: we need to be equally full of the Holy Spirit and knowledge of His Word.

28.5 The last we hear of Stephen is the leader's response to his sermon and the consequences. Read Acts 7:54-8:4 and, as a group, discuss reactions, thoughts and revelations of God's character.

Week 28: Summary
This week's study has taught us a lot about Stephen and what it means to truly follow Jesus yet, amidst this, we see God's character unveiled:

• God does not work as we expect
• He can use our giftings regardless of our situations/circumstances
• He gives us the strength and wisdom to respond in difficult circumstances