Sunday, June 15th - Psalm 23

Prepare To Receive the Word:

Pray: For the Lord to speak through his word. For your pastor as he prepares to preach. For your heart to receive the word with gladness. For the Holy Spirit to guide you in the truth. For your church family as they prepare to worship together. For God to magnify his glory in the gospel of Jesus Christ. For God to bring non-believers to faith and believers to maturity.

Read: Read the passage. Take note of any repeated words or phrases. Mark any questions you have. What immediately stands out? What encourages you? What seems hard to understand?

Process The Word:

Pray: For the Lord to help you understand, love, and apply the truth from his word

Read: Read Psalm 23 and related passages (John 10)

Listen: Listen to the sermon (preferably in person at church, or on the podcast if you are unable to join us).

Discuss:

1) What difference does it make that the Lord is David’s shepherd personally and presently? Why is knowledge that God is A shepherd not enough?

2) How does the Lord meet both physical and spiritual needs?

3) Where do you turn for spiritual refreshment? How does a regular diet of God’s word restore your soul?

4) Has the Lord ever led you into a “valley of the shadow of death?” How does the image of a sheep walking (not running) in confidence teach us how we ought to walk through trials?

5) We discussed three uses of the shepherd’s staff (defense, discipline, direction). Have you seen the Lord work in these ways in your life? Which do you feel that you need the most right now?

6) Reflect on the good news that the Lord cares for his people “for his name’s sake.” How does this comfort you? How does this challenge a “man-centered” view of God?

7) Describe how the Lord has served and pursued you personally. How does this move you to worship?

8) What is Jesus claiming when he says “I AM the good shepherd?” How does he perfectly match David’s description of the Lord’s care for his people?