"The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?...One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
::David in Psalm 27:1,4::
During last term, I wrote 3 teaching outlines for my Old Testament class. I posted the first outline I wrote which was on Josiah previously in a blog post. I really enjoyed doing this, and since I have previously taught a ladies' small group during my senior year at Harding, it came fairly easy to me. The last one had to be on a psalm, so I automatically picked my absolutely favorite psalm, favorite passage of Scripture actually, Psalm 27. One of the verses is at the top of this blog. It is the chapter I go to most during good and difficult times. It challenges me and uplifts me. My favorite verse changes often because life is constantly changing, but I love the entire psalm.
I got 100 on this outline, and decided to use it for a small group lesson I gave this past week. We have a ladies' small group on Tuesday nights, and it was finally my turn to give the lesson. I thought about many different topics, but I knew that all of us are feeling some fear of forming teams and looking ahead to field times and the unknown. Psalm 27 has many applications, and one of them is definitely to address fear.
Ultimately, my lesson was about the best way to get rid of fear is to seek after God wholeheartedly. When we are looking into the face of God, there is nothing to fear.
We had a lot of really good discussion, so I jumped off of that and didn't follow this outline strictly but more as a reference. I thought it went well, and I know the lesson was what I needed to hear right now. Here is my teaching outline:
Purpose of Lesson: To understand that seeking after God and trusting in Him takes away fear. There is nothing and no one to fear when we strive to be in the presence of God for He will never leave us.
Principles of the Text: When the Lord is the light and salvation of your life, as well as the defense, there is no reason to fear even an army at war against you (27:1-3). If God is the most important thing in your life, He will protect you; as He exalts you, your reply ought to be of praise and sacrifice (27:4-6). With so much to fear in life, God is the constant. He is near to those who seek Him (27:7-10). Despite what people say about you, follow God’s path and seek His understanding. His way is not our way, but it is good (27:11-14).
Opening Question: What do you fear? What would you consider the worst thing that could happen to you? Why do you fear this?
Discussion Questions:
1. How does fear gain power over our lives?
2. Why is fear such a bad thing? Why do we need to trust in God instead?
3. What does it mean that God is “my light”?
4. How has God protected you already in your life?
5. Why is it so difficult to trust God in your own life when bad things happen?
6. Why is waiting, especially for God, so difficult for us?
7. What is your “one thing” that you seek after? What makes it your number one priority?
8. What should be our reaction to our salvation? How should it change our priorities?
9. How do we seek the face of God?
Application: Think about your “one thing” that you seek after in your own life and evaluate it. Is your life filled with fear? Are you afraid of what could happen? You need to look at what your heart desires. Throughout this week, try to be aware of your motives and the desires that drive your actions and try to focus your life on God; the only One who can take away fear. Simplify your life and seek after your "one thing." If God is at the center of your life, there is nothing to fear. Trust Him and wait on His timing. He won’t abandon you. “Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
***Again, if you'd like to use this outline or some of the ideas, please ask and give credit! Thanks.
-ej
::David in Psalm 27:1,4::
During last term, I wrote 3 teaching outlines for my Old Testament class. I posted the first outline I wrote which was on Josiah previously in a blog post. I really enjoyed doing this, and since I have previously taught a ladies' small group during my senior year at Harding, it came fairly easy to me. The last one had to be on a psalm, so I automatically picked my absolutely favorite psalm, favorite passage of Scripture actually, Psalm 27. One of the verses is at the top of this blog. It is the chapter I go to most during good and difficult times. It challenges me and uplifts me. My favorite verse changes often because life is constantly changing, but I love the entire psalm.
I got 100 on this outline, and decided to use it for a small group lesson I gave this past week. We have a ladies' small group on Tuesday nights, and it was finally my turn to give the lesson. I thought about many different topics, but I knew that all of us are feeling some fear of forming teams and looking ahead to field times and the unknown. Psalm 27 has many applications, and one of them is definitely to address fear.
Ultimately, my lesson was about the best way to get rid of fear is to seek after God wholeheartedly. When we are looking into the face of God, there is nothing to fear.
We had a lot of really good discussion, so I jumped off of that and didn't follow this outline strictly but more as a reference. I thought it went well, and I know the lesson was what I needed to hear right now. Here is my teaching outline:
“WHOM SHALL I FEAR?”
Text: Psalm 27Purpose of Lesson: To understand that seeking after God and trusting in Him takes away fear. There is nothing and no one to fear when we strive to be in the presence of God for He will never leave us.
Principles of the Text: When the Lord is the light and salvation of your life, as well as the defense, there is no reason to fear even an army at war against you (27:1-3). If God is the most important thing in your life, He will protect you; as He exalts you, your reply ought to be of praise and sacrifice (27:4-6). With so much to fear in life, God is the constant. He is near to those who seek Him (27:7-10). Despite what people say about you, follow God’s path and seek His understanding. His way is not our way, but it is good (27:11-14).
Opening Question: What do you fear? What would you consider the worst thing that could happen to you? Why do you fear this?
Discussion Questions:
1. How does fear gain power over our lives?
2. Why is fear such a bad thing? Why do we need to trust in God instead?
3. What does it mean that God is “my light”?
4. How has God protected you already in your life?
5. Why is it so difficult to trust God in your own life when bad things happen?
6. Why is waiting, especially for God, so difficult for us?
7. What is your “one thing” that you seek after? What makes it your number one priority?
8. What should be our reaction to our salvation? How should it change our priorities?
9. How do we seek the face of God?
Application: Think about your “one thing” that you seek after in your own life and evaluate it. Is your life filled with fear? Are you afraid of what could happen? You need to look at what your heart desires. Throughout this week, try to be aware of your motives and the desires that drive your actions and try to focus your life on God; the only One who can take away fear. Simplify your life and seek after your "one thing." If God is at the center of your life, there is nothing to fear. Trust Him and wait on His timing. He won’t abandon you. “Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
***Again, if you'd like to use this outline or some of the ideas, please ask and give credit! Thanks.
-ej
Great lesson--I can see how the discussion would quickly take over with the thought-provoking questions! Love you! Mom
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I mentioned this before, but Psalm 27 is also a favorite of mine. I believe your teaching outline is stellar; it deserved that 100%.
ReplyDelete