Topic: Wisdom

Title: When I am Complacent
Text: Psalms 90

The Psalms are a collection of songs that address the full range of human experience. What can we learn from Psalm 90 not living in a complacent manner?

General Questions:

  1. Psalm 90 is written by Moses who saw how the Israelites’ complacency got them into trouble. Share an occasion in your own life when complacency led to trouble or regret. What did you learn from that incident?

Perspective Questions:

  1. Moses prayed that the God who protects His people (v1) would “establish the work of our hands.” How does knowing that our eternal God (v2) has a purpose for believers motivate us not to be complacent? What do you sense is God’s purpose for you in this current season?
  2. Psalm 90 highlights God’s power over all people (v3–6) and His steadfast love (v13–16). In response, we are called to “number our days” and “gain a heart of wisdom” (v12). Why is numbering our days important in overcoming complacency? How can remembering God’s power and love enable us not to live in complacency?

Application Questions:

  1. Are there relationships—especially with pre-believing family members or friends—that you may have grown complacent about? With Christmas about 40 days away, how can you partner with the Holy Spirit and your LG to reach out to them intentionally?
  2. “Complacency is a deadly foe of spiritual growth.” In what area of your spiritual life have you been complacent in? How can you immediately begin investing time and effort to grow in that area?

Series: Songs For All Seasons
Sermon: When We Walk In Wisdom
Passage: Psalm 1

Psalm 1 is the gateway into the entire book of Psalms. It paints a vivid contrast between two paths: one that leads to wisdom and life, and one that leads to foolishness and destruction. The sermon reminds us that we need wisdom not only for life’s big crossroads like choosing a spouse, job, or calling, but also for the small daily decisions that shape our lives over time.

General Discussion:

  1. What stood out to you most about the picture of the blessed person (the tree planted by streams of water). Why do you think that image is so powerful for you personally?

Perspective Question:

  1. The Psalm warns how we can slowly slide into ungodly influence, from walking, to standing, to sitting. In what ways might worldly voices or company be shaping your values or choices today? How can you re-centre your counsel around God’s Word and His people?

Application Question:

  1. The wise person delights in and meditates on God’s Word “day and night.” What is one practical way you can internalise Scripture this week? How might that help you stay rooted and fruitful in this season?

Adulting is a long journey where every life station comes with its own complexities. Learn how you can live in God’s wisdom and purposes in your current season.

Title: The Impact – How to Influence Effectively
Series: Transformed to Influence
Text: Titus 2:1-15

When it comes to influencing, we do not just want to work hard. We also want to work wise so that we can be effective influencers.

General Questions:

  1. We sometimes think we are only effective in influencing others if we are capable or hold a certain high status or position in society. How does this understanding arise and in what ways does it affect your efforts at influencing others? How does knowing that our authority to influence comes from God impact our motivations and efforts in influencing others?

Perspective Questions:

  1. There is no one-size-fits-all method to influence. We need to discern what is appropriate for each group of people. How would understanding the unique needs of each group faces help us to influence them effectively?  

  2. In v10, Paul states the purpose of his instructions to the slaves: “…to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive”. Paul seems to suggest that the slaves’ willing submission to their masters will draw onlookers closer to God. In what ways does Paul’s teaching match up with / differ from our understanding of what it means to influence? While we may not be slaves, all of us have authorities in our lives that God has placed us under (e.g. bosses, teachers, parents). How would our willing submission to these authorities reflect Christlikeness and draw onlookers closer to God? What are the boundaries of submission?

  3. According to Paul, the grace of God that brings salvation and teaches the people on godly living (v11-12) provided them with a basis, motivation and enablement for the exhortations listed previously (v2-10). How does the grace of God enable the different groups of believers to say “no” to all that is not of God and “yes” to a life of living in line with God’s will?

  4. We do our best to plan, to strategise, and to influence, but only God’s grace can transform lives. How does this understanding affect the way we handle the outcomes of our efforts, either those that seem to fall short or those that seem to be productive? 

Application Questions:

  1. Think about your peers and/or the people in your sphere of influence. What are some of the challenges they face? With these in mind, in what ways can we influence them appropriately with sound doctrine?