Lesson: In the midst of his trials and tribulations God gave David a song. It was a song about God and his love for David and His deliverance of David from his enemies. God has also given Hope Chapel a song. Can you sing it? Text(s): 2 Samuel 22 Ice-Breakers: (opening questions to ask the members of the group) - Share with the group you favorite hymn or chorus. Why is it so meaningful to you?
- Share with the group your favorite non-religious (non-church) song. Why is it so meaningful to you?
- Maybe you have a favorite Psalm of David. (Careful, only about half of the Psalms are attributed to David.) Which of David’s songs is your favorite, and why?
Background:
In 2 Samuel 22 we are looking at a song sung by an old man who has experienced life with God. It is a song full of obstacles overcome and enemies conquered. It is also about great discouragement and great deliverance. It is about God’s awesome power and David’s awe-struck praise.
Tommy divided this lengthy text into five segments, each with a lesson to recall: Verses 1-7 God Would Hear David We need to be reminded that we can call out to God and He will hear us. (Hebrews 4:16) Verses 8-16 God Responded to David When we are in a tight place (near death, financial crisis) God will meet us and move us to a more spacious place. Verses 17-25 God Walked With David David had learned that he did not have to live in condemnation because, by faith, he accepted that a righteous and loving God would cleanse him and bless him. Verses 26-43 God Equipped David for Living This is not about God making super-heroes. It is about David knowing God in the quietness of the day and then honoring God in the daily stuff of his life. Those who are victorious in life know contentment in God. (see Philippians 4:13) Verses 44-51 God Gave David A Song David led the people of God to praise God in front of others (see verse 50). The Apostle Paul quotes this line in Romans 15:9. David’s was a song of salvation and deliverance. Hope Chapel has also been given the same song.
Digging Deeper:
Take the time to read each section of this Psalm with each verse being read by a different reader in your group. From each section ask at least one question:
Verses 1-7 When have you been in a tough spot and worked on getting out of that spot while forgetting to call on God? How long did it take you to invite God into that situation? Why is it that we live like this?
Verses 8-16 Can anyone share where God has moved him/her from a tight to a spacious place? What about when God doesn’t seem to be answering?
Verses 17-25 Why was it that David was convinced that God would hear and forgive him? Is it hard for you to believe in God’s cleansing and blessing post-sin?
Verses 26-43 Making the connection between our private devotional life and our public work life is often difficult. How can we bridge that experience gap? How did David seem to do it?
Verses 44-51 What are some practical ways we can put this lesson about giving God praise in public (before our enemies!) into effect? Should we be like some athletes or entertainers who point to the sky or wear Christian symbols in bold ways?
Final Question: What is the song that you think God has given to Hope Chapel? Wrap Up:
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- In groups of three tell one another which of these lessons is the most difficult for you to put into practice. Ask your two partners to pray for you.
- In your large group ask the question, ‘What is the song that you think God has given to Hope Chapel?’ Ask folks to write down their answer and then be prepared to share it with the group. When you finish, pray for Hope Chapel.
Reach Out:
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- Consider putting together a ‘Testimony Book’ or a ‘Praise Record’ that gathers the stories of how God has delivered your group members. Use the book as a way of telling of the great things God has done in your group when you have visitors over or conduct a back yard barbecue.
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