My childhood was filled with songs. I can remember riding in my parent’s wood-paneled station wagon with my three brothers, listening to music my Dad loved at the time, artists like Steely Dan and Michael McDonald, to name a few. At that time, I had no idea who these artists were, much less the names of any of their songs. They served as background noise as we were on our way to Myrtle Beach for summer vacation.
Almost 25 years later, every time I hear one of those songs, I’m placed right back in the wood-paneled station wagon as a 10-year-old kid with my family. I’m reminded of my three brothers, the fun we had, the sorrows we faced and the ways we walked together through our childhood. The songs that served as background noise then, now illuminate the beauty of moments that very well would have been forgotten
This Sunday I’m thrilled to be preaching from Psalm 96. The Psalm starts with an invitation to “Sing to the Lord a New Song.” As we journey together this Sunday, my hope is that we’d be awakened to a “new song” that declares God’s promises over our future; or perhaps even a “renewed song” that reminds you of God’s faithfulness in your past. Whether it’s our past, present, or future, He is great and greatly to be praised!
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(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)
Title: Psalms: Sing to the Lord a New Song // Psalm 96
ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes
Spend the first 15 minutes or so catching up and socializing with one another.
SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
Book 4 of the Psalms (Psalms 90-106) are called the Enthronement Psalms and deal with the rule and reign of God, and Psalm 96 encourages us to SING IT, SPEAK IT, and SURRENDER IT. Verse 1 tells us to sing a new song. While this new song may not be original, it may be a song that we hear in a new way, a song that brings fresh wind into our soul. Why sing? To remind ourselves of the salvation of the Lord, a salvation that is not simply a one-time experience, but a daily occurrence. Verses 7-10 talk about speaking about the rule and reign of God, giving God credit for who He is, reminding ourselves of what He’s done. Finally, verses 11-13 show how the whole world—the heavens, the sea, the fields, and all they contain, sing for joy. They surrender to Who He is and proclaim His praise. This Psalm also reminds us of 2 Samuel 6 where David sings the praise of God as he brings the Ark into Jerusalem. Walking half-naked like a conquered slave and dancing wildly, David was proclaiming, “I am a conquered king. I am now being ruled by the King of all.” The example of nature and the example of David encourage us to also surrender to God’s rule, reign, righteousness, and faithfulness.
THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
Sing a new song, speak of the glory of God, and surrender to His rule and reign.
SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture (What is the story saying?): What happens to us and others when we sing to the Lord a new song? Why should we ascribe to the Lord glory and strength? What changes for us when we speak it? Is that denying our circumstances? How is the story of David in 2 Samuel 6 an example of surrender?
Mirror (Where am I in the story?): What songs do you sing when you need to be reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of God? What stories do you tell others (friends, children) about how God has worked in your life? What traits of God do you need to remind yourself of today—His goodness, His love, His compassion, His justice, His righteousness? What does the King need to conquer in your life today? (Fear of future, pain of past? Numbness of present?)
Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): Who do you know who is able to sing, speak, and surrender to God well, regardless of their circumstances? Who around you needs to be reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of God through your words?
BE IT – Practice
Change UP // Exercise 5 minutes
Pick a favorite praise song and sing together to the Lord.
Change IN // Group Activity 10 minutes
Get into groups of 2 or 3 and share places in your life where you want to surrender to God. Then take a few minutes to pray for one another.
Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes
This week choose one person to encourage by reminding them of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Send them a text, an email, a card in the mail. Call them or take them for coffee. Share a story of God’s faithfulness from your own life that might encourage them.
CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.