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Date: September 13, 2020
Honor God
The Point: Our relationship with God is seen in how we honor Him.
Get Into the Study
Use the following idea as an alternate introduction to today’s session.
In his book The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman discusses the concept of love languages. He explains that each person has a primary “language” he or she uses to communicate love to friends and family. Use the following points to give a brief description of the five languages to your group.
- Words of affirmation involve identifying qualities in another, naming them, and praising the person for them, either in person or in front of a group.
- Gifts involve buying or making something that might reflect the recipient’s interests or the relationship they have with the giver.
- Quality time involves paying attention, spending time engaged meaningfully with the person, doing something they love, or focusing on knowing them better.
- Acts of service involve doing something for the other person that provides for a need in small or large ways.
- Physical touch involves welcome affection that demonstrates care, safety, and comfort.
Invite group members to identify their own primary love language. Then, ask them to brainstorm some ways they could speak that same language to God. For example, if they resonate with words of affirmation, how could they identify, name, and praise a quality they see in God? Explain how God is fluent in every love language—He speaks all of them—so we can speak our own language back to God and He will receive it from us as worship. Encourage group members to be as creative as possible!
Invite volunteers to share what they came up with. Encourage group members to actually try it, and report back about their experiences at your next meetup! Note: For the person who resonates with the love language of physical touch, this brainstorming may seem more difficult. Invite them to consider the possibility of immersing themselves in God’s creation or connecting with someone in need of God’s love (Matt 25:40).
Adam Graber is a director at FaithTech and a co-host of the podcast Device & Virtue. He lives near Chicago.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a funny video clip about being a fair weather or bandwagon fan. Then ask Question #1.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Advanced Teacher Guide]
Use this image of an eagle as you discuss the Carson-Newman coach in the Optional Idea (.p.14).
https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=170713&picture=bald-eagle-in-flight
Study the Bible
Use the following activity in your study of Psalm 145:4-7.
Divide into groups of 3-4 and supply each group with paper and pens.
As believers, we are charged with the gift of declaring God’s goodness in our lives to the next generation of believers. Discuss your answers to the following questions, and write them down in your groups.
- What would you say is God’s “great goodness” in your life at this time?
- What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation about life with God?
- Name three things about God you have learned from a previous generation.
Take some time to pray this week about how you can encourage the next generation of believers.
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and two busy little boys.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When was the last time you saw someone especially honored?
- What do you enjoy that makes you lose track of time?
- What are some things that you are willing to spend a lot of time and effort on?
Exodus 20:7-11
- How does our culture misuse the name of the Lord?
- What are some ways that you can spend time with God?
- How should we understand what constitutes “work” today?
Psalm 145:1-3
- What comes to mind when you read the end of verse three, “his greatness is unsearchable”?
- How is Sabbath rest an act of worship?
- When has a worship experience felt especially meaningful to you? Why?
Psalm 145:4-7
- What are some ways that you can set apart some time to honor the Lord?
- How do the terms exalt, bless, and praise describe different ways we honor God in worship?
- What are some of your favorite ways to praise God?
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:
Put Down that Energy Drink … and Rest
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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