討論問題

TAFPC Adult Sunday School Bible Study

台美團契長老教會成人主日學三年讀經運動 04/24/2005 討論問題

Question 1:     Psalm 107

This poem illustrates several scenarios in which people in emergency ask for God’s help. By dividing this poem into groups of shorter sections, how many scenarios can you find? Which verse/stanza repeats and what did the author try to emphasize with the repetition? Which scenario touches you the most because of your personal experiences? In your daily walk with our Lord, if you are slandered or insulted, are you able to continue to trust in God and accept the slanders and insults as allowed by God for your spiritual growth?

Question 2:     Psalm 109

In this poem the psalmist who is oppressed and holds a grudge against his oppressor(s) offers a prayer.  The psalmist is so resentful and full of hatred to the degree that the prayer seems like a curse to his oppressor(s). (Read verses 8-9 & 12 for examples.)

(a)         As Christians, we’ve been taught to value tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and peace. How can we reconcile these drastic different emotions when we read Psalm 109?

(b)         Oftentimes, when the oppressed finally seizes the ground to overturn the oppressor(s), the oppressed would resorts to revenge without pity. Is revenge a just act? Please discuss how just can be achieved between the once oppressed and the oppressors.

Question 3:       Psalm 111, 112, 113 and 117

These 4 poems all start with "Praise the LORD." In fact, praise in addition to prayer is a main theme that runs throughout the Book of Psalm. There's no question that it is intended to be a part of every Christian's life.  But we know that God is almighty and self-sufficient. He is complete and does not need to be reminded nor does He needs our affirmation. Therefore, why would God want us to praise him? Do you praise the Lord often? Does praise help us develop good character traits, mature spiritually, bring us healing - emotional, mental and physical? Please share your thoughts.

Question 4:       Psalm 115

This is a song of triumph and victory that belongs only to God in heaven. It also declares that God is our help and shield. If we trust in Him we will be blessed, but those who trust in idols and false gods are under his curse. By your own experience, what are the idolatry religion, faith in this world?

Question 5:       Psalm 118

Opening and ending with thanksgiving to YHWH for His steadfast love, this psalm described how the author went through difficult times: anguish (V5), surrounded in danger by all the nations (V10-12), almost fell (V13) and severely chastened to death (V18). However the author also attributed all the victory and salvation to the help and blessings from YHWH.  Thus, Jesus used Verse 22 (The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone) for his teaching in foretelling the rejection by the Jewish temple authorities and the glory of the Cross (Matthew 21:42). We can see the strong faith in this author and his/her ability to see hope through difficult and dangerous time. Have you similar experiences that taught you to totally surrender to God's will and rely on God and God only? Trusting in man or princes is nothing compared with trusting in God (V8-9). What lessons can we learn from this psalm to prepare ourselves for future tribulation?