Bible Reading
Psalm 18:25-39 “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”
[07:23]Romans 8:28-39 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
[22:15]2 Corinthians 4:7-9 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
[38:39]Observation questions
- In Psalm 18:28–35, what different kinds of help does God give David, and what do they enable David to do? [08:19]
- What examples of selfishness and dishonesty were given to show why doing right can feel costly? How do those examples contrast with the description of God’s way in Psalm 18:30? [14:01]
- In Romans 8:28–39, what actions of God and Christ give believers confidence when they face accusations, danger, or hardship? [33:53]
- In 2 Corinthians 4:7–9, what contrasts does Paul draw between the troubles believers face and what those troubles cannot ultimately do to them? [43:00]
Interpretation questions
- Psalm 18 credits God with giving strength while also describing David taking action. How does this help explain the difference between trusting God with a battle and doing nothing? [42:30]
- When dishonest people seem to get ahead, why does their success not prove that God’s way has failed? How might Psalm 18:30 steady a believer who feels foolish for remaining honest? [18:11]
- How does the picture of meekness as a sword kept in its sheath show strength rather than weakness? How can a believer refuse retaliation while still taking steps to challenge injustice? [27:11]
- Read alongside 2 Corinthians 4:7–9, how does Romans 8:35–39 help define victory for a believer whose illness, financial pressure, or mistreatment has not ended? [39:33]
Application questions
- Present trouble can make past mercy hard to remember. What is one specific time God carried you through something you could not see your way out of? What could help you remember that mercy during the week ahead? [05:34]
- Where are you feeling pressure to believe that doing right is not worth it—at work, with money, or in a relationship? What might faithfulness look like in one decision you are facing now? [16:41]
- Think of a recent moment when someone’s words made you want to lash out. What was at stake beyond that moment, and what might help you pause and respond differently next time? [25:46]
- Is there an unfair situation where you need both restraint and a wise next step? What could it look like to protect yourself, seek support, or address the wrong without letting anger take control? Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. [27:11]
- Which current trouble makes it hardest for you to feel secure in Christ’s love? How might the promise of his unbroken love shape the way you pray about that trouble, and how could this group support you? [38:59]
- Looking back on a season when you nearly gave up, where can you now recognize God’s keeping power? What is one concrete way you could give him glory this week, even if part of that struggle remains unresolved? [41:08]
