SCRIPTURE (PART 2)

READ PSALM 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.


DISCUSS

  1. What stands out to you from the passage?

  2. What aspects of Gods character can be known through creation? (See also Romans 1:19)

  3. It is clear from this Psalm that the universe and creation exists to bring Glory to God. How is this different from other views on the ‘purpose’ of the universe?

  4. What can’t be known about God simply from creation alone?

  5. What benefits do verses 7-9 say there are for those who read God’s Word?

  6. God’s Word is described in 10 as being precious and sweet. What about The Bible would make these descriptions appropriate?

  7. In what way is this description of The Bible countercultural?

  8. Has your experience of reading The Bible been one of discovering treasure and tasting sweetness? Why do you think that it has or hasn’t been?

APPLY

  1. What pressures/ habits/ ways of thinking do you think makes it harder to behold God’s Glory regularly, both in creation and in the Word?

  2. How can you try reading the Bible this week in such a way that it puts your focus on God rather than on yourself?

    PRAY