Date: December 10, 2023
The Majesty of God’s Name
The Point: God is majestic and exalted by everything He does.
Get Into the Study
Invite group members to name some worship postures that are sometimes seen in our church services. Share the following:
Let’s think about what God’s desire is for our worship. The Psalms have given us nine different postures of worship which come from David’s desire to worship the Lord wholeheartedly and without reservation.
Nine Postures of Worship
- Speaking – Psalm 34:1
- Shouting – Psalm 27:6
- Singing – Psalm 47:6
- Bowing – Psalm 95:6
- Standing – Psalm 119:120
- Dancing – Psalm 149:3
- Playing Instruments – Psalm 33:2, 3
- Clapping – Psalm 47:1
- Lifting Hands – Psalm 63:4
These postures may not be common in your church. But they are certainly found in our culture, such as shouting or clapping at a football game. Raising our hands when a goal is scored. Or standing in honor of someone. Or dancing with the radio. Or singing in the shower.
David used these expressions because he wanted to worship God with his entire being, with everything he had. He held nothing back in his worship, wanting to please the Lord with all his body and soul.
Ask God what He would have you do in your times of worship, both corporate and private. Remember worship is not about you, and it’s not about imitating your neighbor. It’s about letting the Lord lead you to worship Him in a manner that He desires and that we need.
Continue “Get into the Study” in the Leader Guide by calling attention to “The Point” and praying.
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a video clip with some songs that get stuck in your head. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
After getting responses from discussion question #4, suggest that a humble person would probably not be consumed with selfies! Continue:
Aided by our cell phones and social media, many of us spend time trying to get the perfect picture of moi! More concerned with our images than at any other time in history, we are a selfie society, encouraged to view and post about ourselves often.
Why do we do it? In hopes of attracting more likes and boosting our “brand.” However, to see ourselves and to spend life captivated by our own dim radiance is in effect to die just like Narcissus did in the Greek myth. He stared at his own reflection in a pool, ignoring all physical needs, until he died.
When we humbly look to God, we gain freedom from vain self-reflection to focus on our one Source of true delight. No need to behold our own beauty because we are cherished by the One who matters most. Instead of looking at ourselves, we are called to look to the glory of God. Seeing that glory can help us find our place as a meaningful part of God’s beautiful creation.
Take a winter walk this week and see the work of His hands: icy coverings on bare tree branches, reflections in a small pond, or holly berries glistening in the sun. Look into the heavens for a sense of God’s greatness and goodness. Put self aside. Know God’s glory and praise Him for it!
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/november/dying-our-selfies-narcissus-music-worship.html
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-spiritual-discipline-of-sky
EXTRA was written by Carole Segars Waina, a Lifeway contributor for over 30 years. She became a Christian when she was 7 in a little country church under her daddy’s preaching. Carole and her husband love to travel from their Texas home to just about anywhere! They often take the whole family along, except for Oliver the cat.
Study the Bible [Option from Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a song of praise exalting God’s majesty. Then close in prayer.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What or who do you see people worshipping in our culture today?
- As a kid, who was a celebrity you worshiped?
- Why do you think Americans are so fascinated by royalty?
- What song often gets stuck playing over and over in your head?
Psalm 138:1-3
- How can we sing praise to God today?
- What is your initial reaction to the fact that God’s love is constant?
- What does it look like to praise God with all your heart?
- What are some obstacles that often hinder us from singing God’s praise?
- What are some different ways we can express worship toward God?
Psalm 138:4-5
- What promise(s) from God is most meaningful to you and why?
- What are some of the promises God has made to those who love him?
- What promises has God fulfilled in your life?
- How have you become convinced God’s promises are true?
- Have you ever seen God’s promises fulfilled in your own life? Give an example.
Psalm 138:6-8
- What are the implications for us in that God takes note of the humble?
- How will Psalm 138 impact the way you worship God this week?
- How is God’s name exalted by humble people?
- Why does God value humility?
- In what ways do these attributes of God offer us hope to persevere when we are in the middle of a rough patch of life?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
The Right Emphasis at Christmas
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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