Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Nov. 1, 2009
Sermon Title: Reason to Doubt
Sermon Text: Habakkuk 1 -2
Small Group Text: Psalm 22
Introduction
In our walk with God, all of us have experienced a time where we feel distanced from Him. Sometimes it may feels like He’s asleep, absent, or silent; and then we begin to have doubts about His love and intentions toward us. The Prophet Habakuk, was experiencing a similar crisis of faith and this is where we join him in our study. You might recall others in the Bible who had periods of doubt: Abraham and Job come to mind (Gen. 15:8 and Job 30:20). Can you tell of a time when you doubted God’s presence or activity? King David faced such times in his life too; and we have a record of his response to God’s perceived absence. Lets look at Psalm 22.
Discussion
1. Psalm 22:1-18 is a lenghty discourse in which David tells God his concern. The section is long, but verse 22:1 seems to summarize his thoughts. For some of us, it’s probably a common experience to express our doubts and concerns to God. But for others, it may be difficult to do so. Why might it be hard for some people to talk to God so openly like David did in Psalm 22:1? (We might fear offending God. We could feel it is disrespectful. We may think our thoughs and feelings are insignificant.)
2. David’s first step in dealing with his concerns was to TELL GOD about those doubts. But then in Psalm 22:19-21, David moves to the next step, which is to ASK GOD for help (read Psalm 22:19-21.) But how do we know what to ask? Of course, our instinctive prayer is to ask God to solve our problem by removing the pain or challenge were facing. But what if our first prayer was to ask God to guide us in how to pray so that we could pray in accordance with His will. (Read James 4:3 John 15:7 and I John 5:14)
3. When faced with a crisis or dilemma most of us (if not all…) pray the first two parts of David’s prayer intuitively: We TELL GOD and ASK GOD. But it seems counter intuitive to pray the third part of David’s prayer. In verses 22-29, David begins to PRAISE GOD. Read Psalm 22:22-29. Why would prayers of praise and worship make sense in times of crisis or dilemma? (Read Philippians 4:6. To end a prayer of petition with thanksgiving expresses whole hearted trust in God and protects the heart from despair. You will become like your emotional focus: what you focus on increases.)
4. How can we praise God even when we “don’t feel like it?” (Let others pray for you when you don’t know what to say. Praise God for who He is: His love. His grace. His salvation. This may change your focus from crisis and dilemma to the celebration of God’s faithfulnes.)
5. In Psalm 22:30-31, David’s prayer moves his doubts and concerns into an attitude of great expectation. Now David begins to WATCH GOD work! Read verses 30-31. Sometimes, when our doubts and concerns are resolved, we tend to take the credit. But David’s response is different. How does he respond as he watches God at work in the world? (He prophesies that the story of God’s faithfulness will never be forgotten; that people will serve God and proclaim his righteousness. From David’s perspective of praise, God gets the glory.)
Application
When in doubt about God’s faithfulness: TELL HIM, ASK HIM, PRAISE HIM, WATCH HIM! 1. Which of these step is most difficult for you during a crisis of faith? What can you do that would increase your confidence in taking this step the next time you face a difficult situation? 2. Do you know of someone experiencing a crisis of faith right now? How can you come alongside that person and give support during this difficult journey?
Sermon-Based Curriculum