Psalms 95:1-7; Col. 2:6-7
OPEN IT:
What are the two things you are most grateful for and why?
DIG INTO IT:
1. Read Psalms 95:1-7 and answer the following questions:
1. Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7. for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice
a) What two specific expressions of praise does the Psalmist encourage? (v. 1)
b) What five titles are given to God? v.
1a _________________________ v.
1b _________________________ v.
3a _________________________ v.
3b _________________________ v.
6b _________________________
c) In what specific ways do these titles themselves (above) express thanksgiving to God?
2. Read Col. 2:6-7 and answer the following questions:
6. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7. rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
a) Pay close attention to the phrases “just as” and “continue” (v. 6). What is the connection here?
b) How does living for Christ demonstrate an attitude of thanksgiving to God? (v. 6)
c) Who strengthens us? Is it God, ourselves, or perhaps a combination? (v. 7) Explain your answer:
d) What practical steps can be taken to be “rooted and built up” in Christ? (v. 7)
e) In what way can practicing these steps lead to an overflow of thankfulness to God? (v. 7) Is it automatic?
REFLECT ON IT:
1. Do you ever literally sing and shout Thanksgiving to the Lord? Why or why not?
2. Is it easy or difficult for you to remember to thank God on a regular basis? What do you thank Him for most often?
3. What do you do to keep your expressions of thanksgiving from becoming just a dry, boring routine?
4. If you could see yourself through God’s eyes, do you believe He would feel that your life and your words were an adequate expression of thanksgiving to Him?
5. What do you need to do differently in your life to demonstrate that you are truly grateful to God?
6. As a group, take the time to pray for each other’s needs, but also take time to express your thanksgiving and praises to God:
PRAY ABOUT IT: “I have lived to thank God that not all my prayers have been answered.” ~ Jean Ingelow
Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (p. 16). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.