Sermon Notes

This week Pastor Dan Gavaza brought us the Word through Psalm 73. This psalm illustrated the results of allowing one’s faith in God to be buried under self-pity. The psalmist became depressed when he compared what looked like the prosperity of the wicked over the difficulties of those living a righteous life. In Verse 15, his thoughts shift completely with the perspective of being under the control of sovereign, holy God.

Discussion Guide

Take the first few minutes and discuss your thoughts on Sunday’s message. What stood out to you as an individual or group?

This week Pastor Dan Gavaza brought us the Word through Psalm 73. This psalm illustrated the results of allowing one’s faith in God to be buried under self-pity. The psalmist became depressed when he compared what looked like the prosperity of the wicked over the difficulties of those living a righteous life. In Verse 15, his thoughts shift completely with the perspective of being under the control of sovereign, holy God.

Read Psalm 73.

“It’s not fair” (Psalm 73:1-14).

Pastor Dan spoke of how easy it is to “horriblize” things. Have you found yourself with this type of attitude–where you can’t see the good in anything because of a bad situation going on in your life? How do you escape this mindset?

In verses 6-9, the psalmist speaks of the outward pride and the running of the wicked’s mouth. How do you guard your heart and mind against people, even within the church, who display these attributes, especially when directed at you?

Verse 10 “…and waters of abundance are drunk by them”. The psalmist is speaking of how those who associate with the wicked person “drink in” everything he declares. Have you ever been caught up in “drinking” what non-righteous people are pouring out?

Where do you find your Wholeness (Psalm 73:15-28)?

Where are you tempted to find your wholeness? Have you attempted to find it in what appears good on the outside—things like your spouse or family?

Pastor Dan offered this word of warning: It is easy to drift and find “wholeness” in the blessings of God such as family, wealth, or influence. Can you name a time where you have experienced or witnessed this drift?

Pastor Dan asked this question, ”If God were to ask you what you did with my son Jesus, how would you respond?” For an unbeliever we would want them to answer this by the acceptance of God’s grace and forgiveness. As a believer who knows Jesus as your personal Savior how would you answer the same question?