Simple: Week 5

BREAK THE ICE

What is your favorite book?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

1. How is the Bible different from anything we have ever read? How is it more than just a book?

2. Read Psalm 119:97-104. Why does the writer of this Psalm love the Bible?

Psalm 119:97-104

⁹⁷ Oh, how I love your instructions!

I think about them all day long.

⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

for they are my constant guide.

⁹⁹ Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,

for I am always thinking of your laws.

¹⁰⁰ I am even wiser than my elders,

for I have kept your commandments.

¹⁰¹ I have refused to walk on any evil path,

so that I may remain obedient to your word.

¹⁰² I haven’t turned away from your regulations,

for you have taught me well.

¹⁰³ How sweet your words taste to me;

they are sweeter than honey.

¹⁰⁴ Your commandments give me understanding;

no wonder I hate every false way of life.

3. Why is reading the Bible on a regular basis so important if we want to grow in our relationship with God?

4. Read Psalm 119:105-112. How does the writer of this Psalm benefit reading the Bible? How have you seen this to be true in your life?

Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet

and a light for my path.

¹⁰⁶ I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:

I will obey your righteous regulations.

¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much, O Lord;

restore my life again as you promised.

¹⁰⁸ Lord, accept my offering of praise,

and teach me your regulations.

¹⁰⁹ My life constantly hangs in the balance,

but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

¹¹⁰ The wicked have set their traps for me,

but I will not turn from your commandments.

¹¹¹ Your laws are my treasure;

they are my heart’s delight.

¹¹² I am determined to keep your decrees

to the very end.

5. What things keep you from reading your Bible?

6. What is one thing you can do this week to fight against those obstacles?

7. We were encouraged today to pick a time to make an appointment with God to spend time with God every day? When is a time you can set aside every day to spend time with Him? Is it morning, afternoon, or evening?

MOVING FORWARD

Having a plan for what to read when you spend time with God reading your Bible. To help you have a plan, we have a New Testament reading plan on the Sagebrush App to read through the entire New Testament. As a group, commit to reading through this plan together. Each week you can share with each other something new you learned when you meet as a group!