Group Guide
Ice-Breaker
Ever sing in a choir in church or school? What about band? If so, what instrument did you play?
This Week's City 7
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
Discussion Questions
Have someone read Psalm 4:1-8 aloud.
- David was in a desperate situation, and so he desperately cried out to his Heavenly Father. He threw away all the niceties and formalities and cried out, "ANSWER ME!" Just imagine a child who is trying to get the attention of their parent because they need something. They might tap them over and over. They might even grab the parent's face and turn it towards theirs. This is the state of David's desperation. Have you ever found yourself so desperate for God to move in your life that you cried out to him in this way? What about a time when you probably SHOULD have cried out? As parents we might get frustrated and finally shout, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" What do you think is God's reaction to this kind of request might be?
- The reason David is upset with the people has nothing to do with his own reputation, as many people assume from most translations. Rather, he is upset at these influential people for misleading the people of God, encouraging them to turn towards the worship of false gods. They were in a severe drought or famine, and they were suffering agriculturally. This happened quite a bit in those days, and when it did, some people would start to question the God of Israel and instead turn to foreign false gods of fertility. You might think to yourself, "I'd certainly never worship a false God!" And you would be wrong. Have you ever tried to solve your problems in your own power? Or turned to alcohol, sex, food or an addiction to ease your suffering? Ever turned to everything else under the sun besides God to come to your aid? Because if you have (and we all have) you are just as guilty. What is the thing you normally turn to when you face difficulties? Why do you think we can be so slow to run to our Heavenly Father for help?
- David, in his scolding of these influencers, tells them, "You can be sure of this..." The Hebrew word used here means "to know", although it's more than just a head-knowledge. Brandon used the example of how well he knows his wife NOW, after 23 years of marriage, compared to when they were dating. David is pointing the people to an experiential knowledge that they SHOULD have based on what they've heard and experienced with God. He is basically saying, "You should know better!" They had read the stories of Moses, Pharaoh and the Israelites. They know what happens when people turn their backs on the One True God. And yet, here they are, running in the wrong direction. When it comes to YOUR relationship with God, are you mostly an intellectual head-knowledge? Or do you know God intimately because you speak with him and are in his presence and Word every day? Maybe somewhere in between? Can you truly say you have a rich, vibrant and intimate relationship with God?
- Finally, David prays and asks God to let his face shine upon them. To see God’s face is to be in his presence. When he hides his face, he removes his presence. Then we’re left to our own pitiful devices in the midst of our difficulties. The result is, hopefully, we come to realize how much we need him and turn back to him. When his face shines on us, his presence is with us, and his presence brings with it everything we need in life... love, joy, peace, fulfillment, wisdom, etc. Have you ever had a moment where your suddenly VERY aware of God's presence all around you? Maybe it was in a worship service or when you were praying or even just an ordinary day at home. And in his presence you sense overwhelming love and grace and warmth and even humility and conviction... you're suddenly aware of your sin and how it offends the holy God, but you know he’s paid for it because he loves you so much... all this rolled into one breath-taking experience. Describe a time you experienced these things. How do we get in his presence more often?
- Brandon concluded on Sunday by asking two questions. First, he asked, "Do you belong to him?" Belonging to God changes everything. It changes your values, priorities, lifestyle, choices... it changes your heart. It means you are experiencing the presence of God in your normal, everyday life. And the second question was, "Are you satisfied?" Are you happy with this cursory, head-knowledge of God and what tiny minuscule things of him you’ve witnessed or experienced? Or do you want more? Are you one that thinks the universe revolves around you? Do you feel like God owes you some kind of "blessing" when you behave the right way? Or are you just after HIM and his presence in your life? Take some time and discuss these things. What is God speaking to you? What is he convicting you of? How are you going to change it?
Prayer Topics
- That we would cry out to God FIRST when we face trials.
- That we wouldn't be satisfied with a shallow relationship with God.
- That we would experience his presence in our everyday lives.
- That we would actively seek more of him and not be satisfied with a little.
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